Ravens passing game vs. Buccaneers pass defense

The Ravens handled the dangerous Washington Commanders, 30-23. The Buccaneers destroyed the New Orleans Saints, 51-27.

Who will have the advantage when these high-scoring teams meet on “Monday Night Football”?

Ravens passing game vs. Buccaneers pass defense

Lamar Jackson has thrown for 671 yards over the Ravens’ past two games, the second-highest two-game total of his career. He’s shredding defenses schemed to depress his and Derrick Henry’s running totals. The Commanders couldn’t cover Zay Flowers, who caught all nine passes thrown his way for 132 yards in the first half. Tight end Mark Andrews and wide receiver Rashod Bateman took it from there as the Ravens sustained successful drive after successful drive.

Jackson is averaging a career-high 8.7 yards per attempt and has completed 67% of his passes, just off his career-high from his 2023 NFL Most Valuable Player season. He’s throwing to the best set of targets he’s ever had, and his command of coordinator Todd Monken’s offense is apparent. He has also benefited from solid pass protection, led by left tackle Ronnie Stanley and enhanced by the rapid improvement of right guard Daniel Faalele and rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten.

Against Tampa Bay, Jackson will see another defense that likes to load the box. The Buccaneers blitz on 29.5% of dropbacks, so the Ravens will have plenty of chances to attack downfield as they did in wins over Washington and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Buccaneers have held opposing quarterbacks to 5.8 yards per attempt and have intercepted five passes. Their approach is working. Atlanta’s Kirk Cousins was the only quarterback to go off on them (509 yards and four touchdowns in a Falcons overtime win). Third-year cornerback Zyon McCollum (two interceptions, 10 passes defended) has been outstanding, grading as the league’s best, according to Pro Football Focus. Fellow starter Jamel Dean (hamstring) is out, but nickel back Tykee Smith has also played well. The Buccaneers don’t have an elite edge rusher, but nose tackle Vita Vea is a threat to collapse the pocket. Vea, however, is questionable with a hamstring injury. EDGE: Ravens

Buccaneers passing game vs. Ravens pass defense

The Ravens will see a familiar face in former Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, who’s thriving as Tampa Bay’s starter after less successful stops with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams. Mayfield is completing a career-high 70.9% of his passes and averaging 7.9 yards per attempt. He’s doing it without looking downfield much as he’s averaging just 5.6 air yards per attempt, second-lowest in the league, per the NFL’s Next Gen Stats.

He’s getting rid of the ball quicker than anyone but injured Miami starter Tua Tagovailoa. That means the onus will be on the Ravens’ pass coverage, a scary thought considering most of Mayfield’s throws go to a rejuvenated Chris Godwin (43 catches, 511 yards, five touchdowns) and ageless Mike Evans (25 catches, 310 yards, five touchdowns), who is expected to play despite practicing just once this week with a hamstring injury. They’re one one of the league’s best wide receiver duos. Godwin, who often lines up in the slot, leads the league with 324 yards after the catch.

The last time the Ravens faced such a pair, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow found Ja’Marr Chase for a combined 19 catches, 273 yards and four touchdowns. They will need cornerback Brandon Stephens, who often ends up on the opponent’s top target, to have one of his best games. Marlon Humphrey could be their main answer to Godwin. It will be interesting to see how much they use rookie Nate Wiggins on the outside after he struggled against Washington and Cincinnati.

Given Mayfield’s propensity to throw quick and short, safety Kyle Hamilton, back on form after an injury-hampered start to the season, could play an outsized role around the line of scrimmage. Mayfield took five sacks against the Detroit Lions and seven against the Denver Broncos, so he can be reached. He has also thrown five interceptions, so perhaps this will be a chance for the Ravens to up their takeaway rate. They rank 21st after creating the most turnovers in the league last season. EDGE: Buccaneers

Ravens running game vs. Buccaneers run defense

Even with opponents spying on Jackson and loading up to stuff Henry, the Ravens easily lead the league in yards per game (205.3) and yards per attempt (5.9). Jackson and Henry rank first and second, respectively, in yards per carry among those with 50 or more attempts. Henry has turned into a devastating closer, breaking off long final-drive runs to finish off the Bengals and Commanders. He and Jackson have also fueled the Ravens’ league-best efficiency on third down and in the red zone.

The Buccaneers gave up at least 130 yards in their first three games (two of those against Detroit and Washington’s efficient ground games) but have allowed just 154 over their last two. They allow 4.7 yards per carry, ninth-worst in the league, so they might be in for a long evening against Jackson and Henry, even with the aforementioned stacked boxes. Veteran linebacker Lavonte David remains a solid run defender, and the secondary does a good job in support, but the Tampa Bay defense isn’t stout upfront or on the edges. EDGE: Ravens

Buccaneers running game vs. Ravens run defense

The Buccaneers think pass first, but they have run efficiently, especially with rookie back Bucky Irving (5.7 yards per carry). Starting running back Rachaad White missed Tampa Bay’s win over New Orleans with a foot injury, so the Ravens will probably see a lot of Irving. Owings Mills native Sean Tucker (Calvert Hall) had a huge game against the Saints with 136 yards on 14 carries. Mayfield has been a threat to take off with 136 yards on 21 attempts.

The Buccaneers will go against a Baltimore defense that has allowed just 59 yards per game and 3 yards per attempt, both best in the league. Opponents have mostly stopped trying, as the Ravens have outgained them by a remarkable 146 yards per game. Defensive tackles Travis Jones and Michael Pierce dominate upfront. Kyle Van Noy, Tavius Robinson and Odafe Oweh set tough edges. Hamilton and linebacker Roquan Smith clean up in the middle. EDGE: Ravens

Ravens special teams vs. Buccaneers special teams

Against Washington, the Ravens avoided the special teams miscues that had haunted them in previous weeks. Justin Tucker followed up his clutch 56-yard field goal in Cincinnati with a perfect 3-for-3 day. But they still rank 22nd in special teams DVOA because of Tucker’s earlier struggles and lackluster kickoff coverage and returns. Punter Jordan Stout’s development (he’s put 50% of his kicks inside the opponent’s 20-yard line) has been a bright spot. Deonte Harty was placed on injured reserve Saturday with a knee injury, which means Tylan Wallace and Justice Hill could get more action on returns.

The Buccaneers rank 24th in special teams DVOA, largely because of abysmal performance in punt coverage, where they’ve allowed 14.4 yards per return and a touchdown. Kicker Chase McLaughlin has been excellent, making all 11 of his attempts, including five from 50 yards or beyond. Sean Tucker has been dangerous on kickoff returns, averaging 31.7 yards with a long of 53. EDGE: Buccaneers

Ravens intangibles vs. Buccaneers intangibles

The Ravens have won four straight and their confidence, especially on offense, grows by the week. They’re 9-2 on the road over the past two seasons, and Jackson has lost just one career start against an NFC opponent. The Ravens are used to playing on the road in prime time. They’ve traveled to 16 of their 20 “Monday Night Football” games under coach John Harbaugh and have gone 10-6.

Todd Bowles has gone 21-19 in three years as Tampa Bay’s coach and has his team off to a surprising start, with Mayfield leading the league’s second-highest-scoring offense. The Buccaneers will be confident coming off their demolition of the Saints. They’re 7-5 at home over the past two seasons, including a playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Tampa Bay needs to win to keep pace with the Falcons in the NFC South. EDGE: Ravens

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