Week 2 preview: What does Derrick Henry add to Baltimore’s offense?

5 questions with Baltimore Beatdown

Both the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens will be looking to avenge losses in the season opener, heightening the stakes for this Week 2 matchup. To preview the game for Raider Nation, Silver and Black Pride asked Baltimore Beatdown’s Kyle Phoenix about the Ravens.

1) Lamar Jackson’s ability to operate and throw out the pocket has always been a hot topic of discussion, especially since playoffs last year. How would you evaluate that part of his game? Did he show any signs of improvement in this area during the season opener?

Jackson did not show many signs of improvement in such areas on account of sprinting around and evading rushers for much of Thursday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Frequently, Jackson had rapidly collapsing pockets and had to make magic happen.

That said, Jackson in a clean pocket has been an efficient passer, capable of moving the ball downfield to many of his pass-catchers.

2) Running back Derrick Henry was the biggest addition in Baltimore this offseason and is expected to improve an already strong rushing attack. How much does the addition of Henry change the team’s dynamic on offense, and where has he or do you expect him to have the biggest impact?

Henry gives balance to Jackson’s speed with power. The QB-option can now either go upfield with a Henry battering ram or cut sideways around the edge with Jackson’s speed. I think this is where there can be the greatest impact.

Also, Henry has that knock-out touchdown ability. He’s managed at least five touchdowns of 70-plus yards. The Ravens need a running back who can break a tackle or get upfield and score on explosive plays more and more. Even if they’re not 70-plus, those gashing, big runs are important for the Ravens’ offense.

3) The right side of the Ravens’ offensive line suffered some losses in free agency with guard Kevin Zeitler and tackle Morgan Moses moving to Detroit and New York, respectively. Who replaces those two and is that a potential trouble spot for the team this season?

Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

The Ravens replaced three offensive linemen, as they also lost left guard John Simpson to the New York Jets. The replacements have been middling. Left guard is Andrew Vorhees, who red-shirted last season after tearing his ACL during the NFL Scouting Combine. At right guard is Daniel Faalele, who moved from right tackle to guard during OTAs this offseason. Right tackle is super-sub Patrick Mekari and rookie Roger Rosengarten, as the Ravens are rotating them in and out.

Against the Chiefs, the offensive line struggled. Chris Jones was pointing out who he wanted to go after. In all, the Ravens allowed 14 pressures to the Chiefs (13 hurries, one sack). If not for Jackson being the greatest mobile quarterback in the NFL, it would’ve been an ugly affair.

In short, yes, this is a troublesome area and the Raiders’ pass rushers could get after Jackson on Sunday.

4) Nnamdi (formerly Justin) Madubuike had a breakout season last year and finished as one of the most productive interior pass-rushers in the league. Especially after losing edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney and linebacker Patrick Queen, who had 13.5 sacks as an off-ball linebacker in four years with the Ravens, how confident are you that Madubuike can replicate his success this year? What’s the expectation for him this season?

Madubuike looks primed and ready for a similar repeat season. It’s unlikely he can deliver 13 sacks again, seeing as teams will key in on him more heavily, but that frees up others like defensive tackles Travis Jones and Michael Pierce, or edge rushers Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo to make some plays.

I don’t think the loss of Queen has any significant impact on Madubuike. But, the loss of Clowney will be noticed as he was just shy of a double-digit sack season and caused mayhem off the edge all season.

5) While the quarterback situation is certainly a big question mark, the Raiders do have a good stable of pass catchers headlined by Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers and rookie Brock Bowers. How do you think they match up with the Ravens’ secondary?

The Ravens have a strong secondary, arguably their strongest unit on defense. Their safeties include Marcus Williams, Kyle Hamilton and Eddie Jackson. Cornerbacks include Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens, first-round rookie Nate Wiggins, Ar’Darius Washington and others. Their secondary is well-suited to contend with most teams’ aerial assault.

A generic strategy would be to bracket Adams and key in on getting after Gardner Minshew. He’s capable of making the throws to win. He did so against the Ravens last year as a member of the Indianapolis Colts. The Ravens are not underestimating him — at least not this time.