The Los Angeles Rams host the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football at 5:15 pacific time in the second of back to back home games for L.A.
In advance of the matchup, here's an early look at the Ravens, including notable additions, their top statistical performers in their most recent game, where they rank in certain statistical categories and key storylines.
Notable additions
- Signed RB Mark Ingram II as an unrestricted free agent in March. Though Gus Edwards filled in capably after taking the starting job from Alex Collins last season as a rookie, Baltimore chose to add Ingram on a three-year deal this spring. Ingram reportedly was open to returning to the Saints, where he shared carries with Alvin Kamara, but opted to join the Ravens instead. He's enjoyed a bigger role in his first season in Baltimore as its top back, currently two carries shy of matching his total carries last season and already surpassing his 645 rushing yards last year.
- Traded for CB Marcus Peters in October. A familiar name to Rams fans, Peters has a team-high four interceptions in as many games for the Ravens. Two of them have been returned for touchdowns.
Top performers in Week 11
QB Lamar Jackson completed 17 of 24 pass attempts for 222 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-7 win over the Texans. Jackson also added nine carries for 86 yards.
Edwards led the backfield in rushing yards with 112 on eight carries, plus one touchdown. Ingram had a team-high 13 carries, but for 48 yards.
However, Ingram was on the receiving end of two of Jackson's four touchdowns, finishing with three receptions for 37 yards. TE Mark Andrews led all Ravens receivers with four receptions for 75 yards, adding one touchdown.
Defensively, LB Matthew Judon contributed a team-high seven tackles and two sacks in the blowout victory.
On special teams, kicker Justin Tucker made 2 of 3 field goal attempts but converted all five extra point attempts.
Rankings
Offense
- Points Per Game: First (34.1)
- Yards Per Game: Second (428.6)
- Passing Yards Per Game: 20th (224.8)
- Rushing Yards Per Game: First (203.8)
Defense
- Points Allowed Per Game: Sixth (19.6)
- Yards Allowed Per Game: 14th (332.9)
- Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 18th (238.6)
- Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: Seventh (94.3)
Early storylines to watch, and what they mean for the Rams
A breakout second NFL season by Jackson has gotten the Ravens off to a fast and given opposing defensive coordinators one of the most challenging offenses to prepare for in 2019.
According to sharpfootballstats.com, Baltimore has generated a league-high 52 explosive run plays – defined as rush attempts of 10 or more yards. The same website says it averages explosive passes – defined as completions of 15 or more yards – on 10 percent of their passing plays, ninth-most in the NFL.
For the Rams' defense, limiting those game-changing plays and getting off the field quickly will be key to keeping this one competitive. Offensively, Los Angeles shouldn't hesitate to establish the run game, especially through Todd Gurley. Chicago also entered last Sunday's game with a top 10 run defense, but Gurley was still highly effective. Doing this will help with time of possession and keeping the ball out of Jackson's hands.
