BALTIMORE — The careers of Indianapolis Colts great Peyton Manning and current Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson have a lot of similarities, but there is one glaring difference. Both Manning and Jackson are known for their incredible skills on the field, with Manning being a five-time NFL MVP and Jackson being a dynamic quarterback who has taken the league by storm with his unique blend of speed, agility, and arm strength.
However, despite their similarities, there is one key factor that set Manning apart from Jackson: a strong pass rush. During his time with the Colts, Manning had the benefit of playing with some of the best pass rushers in the league, including Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. These players were instrumental in helping the Colts win Super Bowl XLI and were a key factor in Manning's success.
In contrast, Jackson has not had the same level of pass rushing talent surrounding him during his time with the Ravens. While the team has had some solid players on the defensive line, they have not been able to consistently generate the kind of pressure that Manning had during his prime. This has put a lot of pressure on Jackson to perform, and while he has risen to the challenge, it is clear that having a strong pass rush would make his job a lot easier.
The importance of a strong pass rush cannot be overstated. Not only does it make it difficult for opposing quarterbacks to complete passes, but it also frees up the rest of the defense to make plays. When a team has a dominant pass rush, it can completely change the complexion of a game, allowing the defense to dictate the flow of the game and making it difficult for the opposing team to move the ball.
For the Ravens, finding a way to generate a strong pass rush is crucial to their success. While they have made some moves to address the issue, including signing veteran pass rusher Justin Houston, they still need to find a way to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This could involve drafting more pass rushers, signing free agents, or finding ways to scheme up pressure through creative blitz packages.
One potential solution for the Ravens is to look to the draft for help. The upcoming draft class is deep with talented pass rushers, and the team could look to select one of these players to help bolster their defensive line. Alternatively, they could look to sign free agents or make trades to bring in established pass rushers who can make an immediate impact.
Ultimately, the key to the Ravens' success will be finding a way to generate a strong pass rush. If they can do this, they will be able to take their defense to the next level and give Jackson the support he needs to succeed. With a strong pass rush, the Ravens could become one of the top teams in the league, and Jackson could cement his status as one of the best quarterbacks in the game.