Lamar Jackson is the toughest quarterback to defend on the Giants' schedule this year.
John Schmeelk: Fiction- Jackson is the most dangerous runner at quarterback that the Giants will face this year, but he will not be the most difficult one to defend. The Ravens are last in the NFL in pass completions of 15+ yards. Their difficulty stretching the field with deep throws takes an element away that was present with Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray. Jackson will be a pain to defend, but not as difficult or challenging as Wilson or Murray, who can run it and throw it at the highest level.
Lance Medow: Fact- Lamar Jackson is 12th in the NFL in rushing with 828 yards and first in yards per carry with 6.1 - that's for all players, not just quarterbacks. Arizona's Kyler Murray, who the Giants just faced, is 18th (741) and second (6.0) in those respective categories. Like Murray, Jackson is a dual-threat, so that means you need to account for his ability to run as much as what he can do with his arm. Lamar has tremendous speed and if you're not used to dealing with his skills, it could be a rude awakening. Jackson is extremely unique and a step up from Murray, based on his speed and frame. The former has run for at least 51 yards in ten of his 14 games this season. This is by far the Giants' biggest challenge when it comes to defending a quarterback.
View rare photos of the all-time history between the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) is brought down by New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) and \Giants defensive tackle Barry Cofield (96) during their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Members of the New York Giants offensive line, Kareem McKenzie (67), Chris Snee (76), Shaun O'Hara (60), Rich Seubert (69) and Kevin Boss, far right, walk to the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away from Baltimore Ravens' Lardarius Webb (21) the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) is cheered on by teammates as he runs in for a touchdown while Baltimore Ravens' Matt Stover (3) attempts to catch him during the third quarter Friday, Aug. 25, 2000, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants line up at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Cornerback Aaron Ross #31 of the New York Giants returns an intercepted pass (his second of the day) for a touchdown during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Giants Stadium on November 16, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Ravens 30-10. AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Gary Brightwell (23) returns a kick off past Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) upends Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) in Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Giants 34 - 7. January 28, 2001. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
A look down the line of scrimmage during a NFL football game with the New York Giants playing against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) runs with the football during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Ravens 24-20. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) returns an interception over Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) catches a pass during an NFL game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Ravens 24-20. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Baltimore Ravens' Geno Stone (26) tackles New York Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson (17) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), right, and Leonard Williams (99), top, chase a ball fumbled by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8), bottom, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley dives into the end zone to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Daniel Bellinger, right, catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Baltimore Ravens' Marcus Peters (24) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) reacts after missing a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) runs for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) passes the ball against New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away from Baltimore Ravens' Eric Weddle (32) on a game winning touchdown as Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, left, reacts during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 27-23. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman, center, is stopped by Baltimore Ravens defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) and defensive tackle Brandon Williams (98) while running the ball during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon, left, is pressured by Baltimore Ravens defensive back Chykie Brown as he tries to make a catch during an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (84) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Breshad Perriman (18) catches a pass between New York Giants' Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) and Landon Collins (21) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away from Baltimore Ravens' Will Davis (31) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Rashad Jennings (23) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens' Timmy Jernigan (99), Zach Orr (54) and Kamalei Correa (51) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Baltimore Ravens' Ryan Jensen (66) blocks New York Giants' Johnathan Hankins (95) as Terrance West (28) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away form Baltimore Ravens' Anthony Levine (41) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, left, looks for a receiver as he is pressured by New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul during an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
New York Giants wide receiver Roger Lewis (82) celebrates after catching a pass from quarterback Eli Manning for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The catch was Lewis' first career touchdown reception and Manning's 300th career touchdown pass. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens' Kyle Arrington (24) near the goal line during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) takes the snap from center Weston Richburg (70) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin looks on as his players warm up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) runs upfield during an NFL Super Bowl XXXV game against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. Manning ended the drive with his 300th career touchdown on a pass to Roger Lewis. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34ââ'¬â€œ7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Roman Oben (72) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) hauls in a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa, FL, Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Luke Petitgout (77) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants defensive lineman Linval Joseph (97) and Osi Umenyiora (72) wrap up Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) during a week 16 football game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 22, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates after they Giants stopped Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West on fourth down near the goal line during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) tackles Baltimore Ravens' Dennis Pitta (88) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) and Eli Manning (10) celebrates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back David Wilson, right, scores a touchdown in front of Baltimore Ravens strong safety James Ihedigbo in the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2001, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) runs for a 97-yard touchdown during the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXV against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa, Fla. Dixon's 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown kept the Ravens from the first shutout in a Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch, File)
The New York Giants offense lines up against the Baltimore Ravens defense during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 24-10. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away from a defender during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco drops back to pass against the New York Giants during an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap (86) is upended by New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips, right, during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. At left is the Giants Michael Boley. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
New York Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka, left, tackles Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap is upended by New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips (21) during an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants lineman Chris Snee (76), Shaun O'Hara (60) and Rich Seubert (69) walk to the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) is hit by New York Giants' Jonathan Casillas (52) near the goal line on fourth down during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
David Diehl of the New York Giants during the Giants 30-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens on November 16, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning signals to the bench the distance for a first down against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Baltimore Ravens running back Musa Smith picks up three yards as he is surounded by New York Giants' Nick Greisen (54), Radell Lockhart (78) and T.J. Hollowell, right, during the fourth quarter Thursday night, Sept. 2, 2004, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. The Ravens beat the Giants 27-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Antonio Pierce of the New York Giants during the Giants 30-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens on November 16, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) directs his team from the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants guard Rich Seubert (69) walks to the line of scrimmage with quarterback Eli Manning (10) during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
David Sills V (13), Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
Leonard Williams (99)
Dante Pettis (13)
Dexter Lawrence (97), David Mayo (55)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Daniel Bellinger David Sills V
Sterling Shepard (87)
Isaac Yiadom (27)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Leonard Williams (99), Xavier McKinney (29), Jaylon Smith (54)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Julian Love (20)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), Leonard Williams (99)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) following a football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)
The Ravens' offense is a bigger challenge than their defense.
John Schmeelk: Fact- The Ravens' defense is very aggressive and features a heavy blitz package, but they were also missing several of their best players due to injury last week. Defensive lineman Calais Campbell and cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Jimmy Smith missed their game against the Jaguars in Week 15. They are also lacking a star edge rusher who can consistently win a 1-on-1. While the Ravens do not have an explosive passing attack, they have the best and more diverse rushing attack in football. They lead the NFL in runs of 20+ yards and Lamar Jackson can break a long run on any play if the defense isn't gap-sound.
Lance Medow: Fact- The Ravens showcase the best rushing attack in the NFL and Lamar Jackson accounts for just one-third of that facet. Gus Edwards and rookie J.K. Dobbins complement Jackson as they each have over 560 rushing yards and are averaging five yards per carry. In any given game, one of those three players can do the heavy lifting, which is why you have to anticipate and be prepared for all of them. In addition, Baltimore is averaging 29 points per game (fifth in the NFL), ranks fifth in third-down efficiency (46%) and 12th in red zone offense (64%). Although their passing game is 31st in the league (174 yards), you can't overlook what tight end Mark Andrews and wide receivers Marquise Brown and Dez Bryant bring to the table. The Ravens' defense has a plethora of playmakers at all levels, highlighted by an opportunistic secondary, but given the uniqueness of Greg Roman's offense and the versatile runners out of the backfield, the offense is a bigger headache.
The Giants will be aggressive in their play-calling again in Baltimore.
John Schmeelk: Fact and Fiction- Huh? Yes, because there are two different ways to answer this question. The Giants will have to be aggressive in their decision-making because they are going to have to surpass 20 points if they want to win this game. The Ravens have one of the best third-down offenses in the league, and they will figure out a way to score some points. The Ravens play man-to-man and blitz a lot, but they are not a team that the Giants will be able to take advantage of with big plays. Only two teams have allowed fewer than Baltimore's 36 plays of 20+ yards. The Giants are going to have to be aggressive in situations, but their best bet in terms of play-calling will be to win with their run attack and short-passing game.
Lance Medow: Fact- Following last Sunday's loss to the Browns, Joe Judge made it very clear: "Field goals weren't going to win this game" and I don't see why that philosophy would change against Baltimore. The Ravens are averaging 29 points per game and have scored 40 or more in each of their last two contests. They also went 10-for-10 in the red zone over those two games. If you want to keep up with the Ravens, you have to find the end zone and reach it consistently. So, the Giants will have to stay aggressive on both sides of the ball.
Evan Engram is the Giants' X-factor on Sunday.
John Schmeelk: Fiction- The X-Factor in this game is going to be the Giants' offensive line. The Giants are going to have to run the ball and protect their quarterback against a defense that blitzes a league-high 46% of the time. If the offensive line can't handle a very aggressive, physical, and downhill front, they will not be able to win. On defense, Blake Martinez's ability to handle the misdirection of the Ravens' run game will be critical in slowing down Baltimore's offense.
Lance Medow: Fiction- The X-factor in this game has to come on defense. The Giants are averaging just over 17 points per game and have scored less than 20 points in each of the last four. Could an offensive explosion occur this week? Given the Jets beat the Rams and the Bengals knocked off the Steelers in Week 15, I wouldn't dismiss anything but I also wouldn't expect it. The Giants were very effective in slowing down the Browns' run game and they're certainly capable of doing the same thing against Baltimore - which is why the secondary is the X-factor. Last Sunday, Baker Mayfield was 27-of-32 for 297 yards and two touchdowns. If New York forces Lamar Jackson to primarily be a passer, will the secondary answer the call? The defensive backs will be crucial in determining how the Giants' defense fares against the Ravens.
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