With the 2019 NFL season entering its final stretch, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has seemingly established himself as the clear-cut frontrunner for MVP heading into a primetime Monday Night showdown with the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12.
There is a certain sense of familiarity surrounding the Rams matchup with the Ravens after the two teams held a few joint practice sessions prior to the 2018 campaign. Meanwhile, the Rams also made a welcome addition with the signing of safety Eric Weddle this offseason after parting ways with his former team.
Of course, plenty has changed since Jackson came into the league finding his footing as a rookie. He is now perhaps the most dangerous offensive weapon in the NFL.
Rams head coach Sean McVay admittedly noticed Jackson’s talent right away and feels it has gone a long way in helping the resurgence in Baltimore, via Gary Klein of the L.A. Times:
“You saw a dynamic athlete,” Rams coach Sean McVay said Monday. “The guys around him have a confidence because of his swagger and confidence.”
Weddle says he is looking forward to squaring off against his former teammate as a formidable test for this Rams defense:
“That will be a great test for us,” Weddle said. “We’re excited for the challenge. We know we’ve got a great defense and we present challenges ourselves.”
Rams outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. added that the defense must do it what it can to make him feel uncomfortable:
“Once he gets started, it’s a wrap,” Fowler said. “He’s a great dynamic player and kind of changing the game a little bit.
“We can’t let him have a really good game against us.”
There is no question that both players will be among those responsible for not allowing Jackson to find his rhythm in Week 12.
Fowler will be tasked with providing ample pressure off the edge following a down week against the Chicago Bears. If there was ever a time that Los Angeles needed one of his patented multi-sack performances, it is this week as they look to make a statement at home.
Meanwhile, Weddle continues to serve as a stabilizing factor in the secondary amidst all the changes that have been made over the top in recent weeks. The Rams are hoping that his familiarity with the Ravens offense will potentially help pay huge dividends when it comes to trying to contain their high-powered attack.
Regardless, it is safe to assume that this will be much easier said than done.
