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Bucky Brooks' Scouting Report: Week 2 at Ravens

Who is the Guy?

Lamar Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, is a unicorn, a dynamic runner and passer with explosive playmaking ability. Jackson can single-handedly win a game utilizing his arm or legs to tease and torment defenders inside or outside the pocket. With offensive coordinator Todd Monken revamping the Ravens' offensive system to blend traditional passing concepts with a downhill running game featuring some option elements, the Raiders must prepare to deal with an electric playmaker executing complex concepts designed to keep defenders in conflict.

Know His Name…

Roquan Smith is a tackling machine with exceptional speed, quickness and instincts. He is a blur as a sideline-to-sideline defender who can shrink the field with his range and physicality. As the Ravens seek to re-establish their defensive identity under new defensive coordinator Zachary Orr, the veteran linebacker with a nasty disposition will help the unit make their mark in a testy AFC battle.

Don't Sleep On…

Mark Andrews is penciled in as the Ravens' No.1 option in the passing game, but Isaiah Likely might be the team's most impactful pass catcher. The third-year pro is a mismatch weapon on the perimeter with the superior size to overwhelm defensive backs and the explosive speed to blow past linebackers in space. After posting a 100-yard game (nine catches, 111 yards, and a score) in Week 1, the Raiders must pay close attention to No. 80 to minimize his impact on Sunday.

Under Pressure

Derrick Henry was signed to give the Ravens a sledgehammer to wield in the running game. Despite a pair of NFL rushing titles on his resume, Henry barely impacted the game in his Ravens' debut. Given his lack of production and touches in Week 1, the Raiders should prepare for a heavy dose of the ninth-year pro slamming between the tackles as the Ravens look to re-establish their offensive identity.

Matchup to Watch

Cody Whitehair and Dylan Parham vs. Nnamdi Madubuike

Madubuike is an elite interior pass rusher with exceptional skills. The Pro Bowl defensive tackle can win with speed, quickness or explosive power, utilizing an array of moves to slip past blockers at the point of attack. Given Gardner Minshew's diminutive stature, the Ravens' ability to pressure from inside-out could create problems for a team looking to play turnover-free football.

Offensive Strategy

The Ravens have moved away from the option-based attack that enabled Lamar Jackson to create explosive plays as the primary runner. Though the updated offense features some quarterback runs, the reigning MVP spends more time operating from the pocket as a traditional passer. With a collection of "catch-and-run" specialists (Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman) snagging balls on various quick-rhythm throws, the Ravens' diverse offensive attack will test Patrick Graham's tactics and adjustments in a high-stakes contest.

Defensive Strategy

New defensive coordinator Zachary Orr will add his personal touch to a scheme that "Wink" Martindale and Mike MacDonald utilized to befuddle quarterbacks and play-callers around the league. Orr's inexperience makes it hard to plan his tactics, but the Ravens' talent and toughness will keep them in games until the novice play-caller finds his way as a blitz specialist.

As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for their Week 2 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, view past matchups between the two teams.

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