Two Ravens players who can be X-factors
We talked extensively about Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ weapons, but who can act as X-factors?
Every year we see players not expected by Super Bowl teams.
According to experts, the Ravens could be Justin Tucker and Yannick Ngakoue this year.
“The Ravens’ kicker will forever be their secret weapon, or perhaps their most unique weapon,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote. ‘It’s an incredible advantage for the Ravens to know that if they can only get him within 60 yards of the upright, they have a real chance of winning. The most recent example comes in Week 14 when he hit a 55-yard field goal to beat the Browns with 2 seconds left. “
Tucker does not fly under the radar because he is widely regarded as the best kicker in the NFL, but he certainly gives the Ravens an advantage that most teams do not have. And most people do not think of a kicker when they talk about the greatest weapons.
Tucker was almost automatic in the post-season and connected with 11 of 12 field goal attempts and 25-of-25 on extra-point attempts.
And yes, he made the big kicks when it mattered. During his rookie season, Tucker’s 47-goal field goal in double overtime against the Denver Broncos sent the Ravens to the AFC Championship game. They win the Super Bowl, where Tucker scores two more field goals in the fourth quarter.
Kicking can definitely be a match, especially if opponents become more even in the post-season.
Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report also believes Ngakoue, a passion for whom Ravens traded early in the season, could be a difference in the playoffs.
““While Tennessee’s rushing (or lack thereof) is a major issue, the Ravens turned it on with 11 bags in their previous two games before having a Week 17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals,” Gagnon wrote. ” Yannick Ngakoue was a big factor during that run and was quiet to eight bags, four forced fumbles and 10 quarterbacks hits in a season that made him bounce from two other teams to Baltimore.
‘He, Calais Campbell and Matt Judon have the task of setting the tone with big plays against an offensive line in Tennessee, which had none of the entrees when these teams met in January last year (Jack Conklin is in Cleveland and Taylor. Lewan is on an injured reserve). ‘
General manager Eric DeCosta sent a third round to Ngakoue in Minnesota Vikings in hopes of boosting the Ravens’ pass-rush. Baltimore fired Ryan Tannehill just once last year during the division loss against Tennessee and twice in their game in the regular season this year.
Ngakoue only has three bags since coming to Baltimore, but he has the opportunity to make use of the Titans’ tackles. David Quessenberry and Dennis Kelly scored Pro Football Focus grades 61.7 and 65.9 this season.