Ahead of tonight’s primetime showdown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey offered his thoughts on how to stop the Baltimore Ravens’ offense. To put it mildly, his strategy wasn’t exactly a game-changing revelation.
“We want to play behind the line of scrimmage. I think that’s something we got to do as a defense. Just kind of stop them before they get going, just stop them in their tracks. Don’t let Derrick Henry get going, don’t let Lamar get going and I think we’ll be ahead of them,” Kancey said.
Calijah Kancey on facing Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson on Monday night. #Bucspic.twitter.com/dKtfXUp15n
— BucsGameday (@BucsGameday) October 18, 2024
At first glance, Kancey’s remarks seem like generic coach-speak – basic, almost painfully obvious. Of course, stopping Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry early is crucial to beating the Ravens. But the reality is this: knowing it and actually doing it are two very different things.
Oversimplify the Baltimore Ravens at your own risk, Calijah Kancey
The Ravens’ offensive formula has been simple but devastating during their current four-game winning streak. Derrick Henry has been a force, rushing for at least 90 yards in each victory. Just look at the numbers:
- Week 3 vs. Cowboys: 24 carries, 199 yards, 1 TD (8.3 YPC)
- Week 4 vs. Bills: 24 carries, 151 yards, 2 TDs (6.3 YPC)
- Week 5 vs. Bengals: 15 carries, 92 yards, 1 TD (6.1 YPC)
- Week 6 vs. Commanders: 24 carries, 132 yards, 2 TDs (5.5 YPC)
When Henry gets going, it opens up everything else for the Ravens, including Lamar’s dynamic playmaking ability. Jackson has thrown for 1,529 yards and 10 TDs while completing 67.0% of his passes this season, adding another 403 yards on the ground. He’s making his MVP case once again…