Will the Ravens use a double-team to block Raiders’ DE Maxx Crosby?

If the Baltimore Ravens want to avoid a Week 2 upset, they will need to limit the disruption of Raiders DE Maxx Crosby.

Indeed, the Baltimore Ravens have the personnel needed to have offensive success versus the Las Vegas Raiders in week 2. However, with apparent offensive line struggles, the Ravens cannot allow defensive end Maxx Crosby to be disruptive this afternoon.

The Los Angeles Chargers used a heavy ground attack to defeat the Raiders last week, and it makes sense for offensive coordinator Todd Monken to follow suit. Nevertheless, knowing Monken, the Ravens will attempt to sequence intermediate and deep passing plays at a higher frequency than the Chargers. 

Monken better have a plan to keep the pocket from collapsing on quarterback Lamar Jackson, and that might require him to use a double-team to block Maxx Crosby. The Ravens were near the top of the league in sacks allowed last season, and Jackson’s frustration with his revamped offensive line was very evident in week 1.

Ultimately,  the Ravens want to avoid a Week 2 upset. In that case, they’d be wise to double-team Crosby and give running back Derrick Henry as many rushing attempts as possible to weary the Raiders’ defense.