Who is the Guy?
Lamar Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, is a unicorn, a dynamic runner and passer with explosive playmaking ability. Jackson can single-handedly win a game utilizing his arm or legs to tease and torment defenders inside or outside the pocket. With offensive coordinator Todd Monken revamping the Ravens' offensive system to blend traditional passing concepts with a downhill running game featuring some option elements, the Raiders must prepare to deal with an electric playmaker executing complex concepts designed to keep defenders in conflict.
Know His Name…
Roquan Smith is a tackling machine with exceptional speed, quickness and instincts. He is a blur as a sideline-to-sideline defender who can shrink the field with his range and physicality. As the Ravens seek to re-establish their defensive identity under new defensive coordinator Zachary Orr, the veteran linebacker with a nasty disposition will help the unit make their mark in a testy AFC battle.
Don't Sleep On…
Mark Andrews is penciled in as the Ravens' No.1 option in the passing game, but Isaiah Likely might be the team's most impactful pass catcher. The third-year pro is a mismatch weapon on the perimeter with the superior size to overwhelm defensive backs and the explosive speed to blow past linebackers in space. After posting a 100-yard game (nine catches, 111 yards, and a score) in Week 1, the Raiders must pay close attention to No. 80 to minimize his impact on Sunday.
Under Pressure
Derrick Henry was signed to give the Ravens a sledgehammer to wield in the running game. Despite a pair of NFL rushing titles on his resume, Henry barely impacted the game in his Ravens' debut. Given his lack of production and touches in Week 1, the Raiders should prepare for a heavy dose of the ninth-year pro slamming between the tackles as the Ravens look to re-establish their offensive identity.
Matchup to Watch
Cody Whitehair and Dylan Parham vs. Nnamdi Madubuike
Madubuike is an elite interior pass rusher with exceptional skills. The Pro Bowl defensive tackle can win with speed, quickness or explosive power, utilizing an array of moves to slip past blockers at the point of attack. Given Gardner Minshew's diminutive stature, the Ravens' ability to pressure from inside-out could create problems for a team looking to play turnover-free football.
Offensive Strategy
The Ravens have moved away from the option-based attack that enabled Lamar Jackson to create explosive plays as the primary runner. Though the updated offense features some quarterback runs, the reigning MVP spends more time operating from the pocket as a traditional passer. With a collection of "catch-and-run" specialists (Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman) snagging balls on various quick-rhythm throws, the Ravens' diverse offensive attack will test Patrick Graham's tactics and adjustments in a high-stakes contest.
Defensive Strategy
New defensive coordinator Zachary Orr will add his personal touch to a scheme that "Wink" Martindale and Mike MacDonald utilized to befuddle quarterbacks and play-callers around the league. Orr's inexperience makes it hard to plan his tactics, but the Ravens' talent and toughness will keep them in games until the novice play-caller finds his way as a blitz specialist.
As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for their Week 2 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, view past matchups between the two teams.
Oakland Raiders guard Steve Wisniewski (76), wide receiver Tim Brown (81), defensive tackle Russell Maryland (67), quarterback Jeff George (3), linebacker Greg Biekert (54) and punter Leo Araguz (2) walk out to the center of the field for the coin toss before the regular season away game against the the Baltimore Ravens at Ravens Stadium at Camden Yards, Sunday, November 8, 1998, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders guard Steve Wisniewski (76), wide receiver Tim Brown (81), defensive tackle Russell Maryland (67), quarterback Jeff George (3), linebacker Greg Biekert (54) and punter Leo Araguz (2) during the coin toss before the regular season away game against the the Baltimore Ravens at Ravens Stadium at Camden Yards, Sunday, November 8, 1998, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, December 14, 2003, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter (84) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, December 14, 2003, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jerry Rice (80) goes up for a catch during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, December 14, 2003, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Roderick Coleman (57) rushes the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, December 14, 2003, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders center/guard/tackle Adam Treu (62) blocks during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, December 14, 2003, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Chris Carr (23) returns a kick during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, September 17, 2006, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders punter Shane Lechler punts during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, September 17, 2006, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders defense end Tyler Brayton (91) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, September 17, 2006, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders defense end Grant Irons (96) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, September 17, 2006, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Andrew Walter (16) passes during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, September 17, 2006, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Ricky Brown (57) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, October 26, 2008, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Chaz Schilens (81) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, October 26, 2008, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) passes during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, October 26, 2008, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Gibril Wilson (28) forces a fumble during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, October 26, 2008, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (53) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, January 3, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) makes a 12-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, January 3, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) passes during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, January 3, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (85) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, November 11, 2012, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer (3) passes during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, November 11, 2012, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Michael Huff (24) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, November 11, 2012, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 20, 2015, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) celebrates with fans after making a 12-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 20, 2015, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a 29-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 20, 2015, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a 23-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, October 2, 2016, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, October 2, 2016, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Sean Smith (21) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, October 2, 2016, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Denico Autry (96) recovers a fumble during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, October 2, 2016, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Stacy McGee (92) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, October 2, 2016, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a 41-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive back T.J. Carrie (38) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, November 25, 2018, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, November 25, 2018, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) goes for a catch during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, November 25, 2018, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders tackle Brandon Parker (75) blocks for running back Doug Martin (28) during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, November 25, 2018, in Baltimore, Md.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, November 25, 2018, in Baltimore, Md.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Darius Philon (96) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Allegiant Stadium, Monday, September 13, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Allegiant Stadium, Monday, September 13, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) punts during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Allegiant Stadium, Monday, September 13, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Allegiant Stadium, Monday, September 13, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) dives into the end zone on a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Baltimore Ravens at Allegiant Stadium, Monday, September 13, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nev.
