The Baltimore Ravens enter their matchup with the Atlanta Falcons at 3–1 without Lamar Jackson, who has been ruled out with an ankle injury. Tyler “Snoop” Huntley will start in his place, while Baltimore’s defensive inconsistencies remain a concern.
Double Take Sports’ Carita Parks joined Wole on Urban Sports Scene to discuss Huntley, Derrick Henry’s matchup with Bijan Robinson and the keys to a Ravens victory.
Huntley steps in
Huntley brings starting experience and the trust of his teammates. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle expressed confidence in his ability to lead Baltimore’s offense.
“I have a lot of confidence in him to be able to operate the system,” Doyle said.
Huntley will need reliable protection, manageable third downs and quick completions to keep Baltimore’s offense on schedule. Avoiding penalties that create long-yardage situations will be especially important with Jackson unavailable.
Henry should play a major role, but the Ravens also need enough passing production to prevent Atlanta from focusing solely on the run. Baltimore must give Huntley opportunities to move the offense rather than ask Henry to carry the entire workload.
Defense faces a test
Baltimore’s defense must become more consistent. Missed tackles, explosive plays and missed opportunities to finish stops have remained concerns. The Ravens have found ways to win, but those results do not erase the weaknesses that have surfaced.
Atlanta presents a difficult matchup. Robinson threatens defenses as a runner and receiver, while Michael Penix Jr. and Drake London can capitalize if Baltimore commits too heavily to stopping the run.
“Eleven is needed, because he can make 10 miss,” safety Kyle Hamilton said of Robinson.
Hamilton’s assessment underscores the need for disciplined assignments and multiple defenders getting to the ball. Missed tackles against Robinson could quickly turn routine gains into explosive plays.
Keys to victory
The Ravens must contain Robinson, limit explosive plays and force Atlanta to sustain long drives. Finishing pressure with sacks and negative plays would help Baltimore get off the field.
Offensively, they need to protect Huntley, create room for Henry and avoid penalties that erase productive plays. Finishing scoring opportunities with touchdowns would also ease the burden on the defense.
With Jackson unavailable, Baltimore has less room for mistakes. The defense’s ability to deliver consistent stops could determine whether the Ravens leave Atlanta with another victory.
Watch the full preview above for the complete discussion, score predictions and Henry’s chances of reaching 100 rushing yards.