Statistical preview to the Jaguars Sunday Night clash vs, the Ravens in Week 15
After hosting their first Monday Night Football game since 2011 two weeks ago, the Jacksonville Jaguars will next host their first Sunday Night Football game since 2008.
After reeling off two consecutive losses to AFC North teams, the Jags have their chance to right the ship against the Baltimore Ravens and cut the gap on the No. 1 seed in the AFC while, hopefully, extending their lead in the division.
Jaguars Offensive Matchup on Sunday Night Football
The Jaguars, after facing the top defense in the NFL last week, line up against what is arguably the second-best defense in the NFL on Sunday night.
The Ravens' defense starts with their pass rush, with Justin Madubuike leading the way. While Madubuike’s 11 sacks still fall 2.5 behind Josh Allen, the Ravens have an NFL-leading 49 sacks (six more than the Chargers at No. 2).
The deadly pass rush has helped the Ravens become one of the most effective teams at defending deep passes. While safety Kyle Hamilton’s injury status is one to keep an eye on, the Jaguars may struggle to push the ball down the field.
Defensive Matchup vs. the Ravens
The Ravens offense runs (pun intended) through Lamar Jackson. Despite losing starting tight end Mark Andrews a few weeks ago, second-year tight end Isaiah Likely has stepped up.
Lamar Jackson has run the most run-ass option (RPO) plays in the NFL this season (90). Jackson chooses the “run” option on 26.7 percent of those plays (third in the NFL), while they are particularly effective when throwing on RPOs (9.8 yards per play).
Lamar Jackson (unsurprisingly) has run the most RPO plays in the NFL this season (90) and the Ravens run on RPOs at the 3rd highest rate (26.7%). They are particularly effective when they throw (9.8 yards per play)
— Andrew Kessler (@DuvalAndrew904) December 13, 2023
(Shoutout Derek Carr passing on 100% of RPO plays) pic.twitter.com/hCxMFJ9oZm
Of all the Ravens’ weapons, rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers represents the biggest explosive threat. So far, no pass catchers with at least 75 targets are given as much cushion at the snap as Flowers. With a beat-up Jaguars secondary, it will be interesting to see if Mike Caldwell chooses to press Flowers at the line.
Evan Engram has the 3rd highest avg separation amongst pass catchers with 75+ targets while Calvin Ridley has the 4th lowest. Ridley is also given the 4th lowest average cushion at the snap.
— Andrew Kessler (@DuvalAndrew904) December 13, 2023
Will be interesting to see if the Jags press Zay Flowers on Sunday Night #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/vHMquw6MFu
Keep an eye out for the statistical recap next week and Go Jags!
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