This is the best version of Lamar Jackson that the Patriots have ever seen.
It's early in the season, so the injuries he accumulates as a dual athlete have not taken hold. He has even more experience with offensive coordinator Greg Roman so the two understand each other better. The Ravens now have legitimate weapons on the outside with Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay, so a defense can no longer just limit Jackson and take TE Mark Andrews away and have a really good shot at winning. And outside of all that, Jackson just gets better at the craft of quarterbacking every single season.
Jackson, through two outstanding games, looks like the complete weapon everyone feared he would become. Can't catch him in the open field. With a flick of a wrist, he can spin it accurately 50 yards. And now he looks off safeties with regularity.
Good luck, Patriots.
But there is a way to beat the Ravens — outside a complete fourth-quarter defensive collapse like they had last week when they forgot cover Tyreek Hill — who are 3-point favorites at Gillette on Sunday.
A look at the Ravens through video analysis, and then we'll get into gameplan points, and our game pick:
RAVENS OFFENSE
Quarterback
Nothing else needs to be said other than Jackson looks completely in control of what he's doing. His vision and patience is outstanding. His one big weakness: force him to roll out and throw to his left. That should be a huge coaching point this week.
PFF
Running backs
27-JK Dobbins: Their most talented back has been out since last season. Was a full participant this week but has not played a game yet. Will likely be on a pitch count.
17-Kenyan Drake: Not very elusive. Won't get much more than what's there.
28-Mike Davis: Veteran big back will likely be pushed down if Dobbins has a roll.
43-Justice Hill: Smaller back is very quick and explosive. Should be used more and Harbaugh said he could get more touches.
Receivers/TEs
7-Rashod Bateman: Has all the tools to be a No. 1 receiver, including breakaway speed with ball in his hand. Has mental lapses, will run wrong routes.
13-Devin Duvernay: Smaller but has great speed and body control. Dangerous down the field.
10-Demarus Robinson: Former Chief is tall and thin. Solid No. 3 option but won't get a lot of attention.
89-Mark Andrews: Very good 2-way TE that will own the middle of the field. Expect the Patriots to double him after the snap to screw up Jackson's processing.
86-Nick Boyle: Likely to get first game action of 2022. Good, solid No. 2 TE has been missed.
80-Isaiah Likely: The Everett native is a good athlete and promising, but looks very green on the field. Mostly a screen/flat player at this point.
Offensive line
LT: Patrick Mekari. Really a guard, he's been pushed into service due to injuries to Ja'Wuan James and Ronnie Stanley, who is doubtful and has yet to play.
LG: Ben Powers. Big at 6-4 and 340 pounds. Not very athletic but stout. Can get him with speed.
C: Tyler Linderbaum. Iowa rookie is off to a solid start but he is a weakness at this point that should be exploited. Not very big (6-2, 305).
RG: Kevin Zeitler. Long-time Bengal is a solid veteran but not very spectactular.
RT: Morgan Moses: Their best lineman who missed Week 1. 6-6 and long. Definitely beatable with speed.
RAVENS DEFENSE
Defensive line
93-Calais Campbell: The old pro can still get it done due to his immense length. Just a pain to block, especially on FGs.
58-Michael Pierce: Excellent run-stuffing nose guard.
92-Justin Madubuike: Really good DT against the run.
97-Brent Urban: Reserve/sub DE who is long and effective inside.
98-Travis Jones: The rookie out of UConn could make his debut. Cole Strange had all sorts of issues with him at the Senior Bowl.
99-Odah Oweh: The 2021 first-round pick has 8 pressures in two games. Quick but not explosive yet. Still figuring it out.
50-Justin Houston: The veteran is still hanging around and leads the team with two sacks and 11 pressures.
Linebacker
6-Patrick Queen: The small 2020 first-round pick is still struggling to find a comfort level in this scheme. ILB is a big weakness. Will blitz.
56-Josh Bynes: Having a terrible time against the run and is missing tackles.
40-Malik Harrison: Coverage linebacker is starting to get more a role. They need him to play well and more.
Secondary
24-Marcus Peters: Struggled in the 4th quarter meltdown just getting blown by. Always hit and miss. Focus wanes.
44-Marlon Humphrey: Was on a pitch count last week so he didn't play much in the 4th quarter. One of the best slot corners when he's right.
21-Brandon Stephens: Was out last week with a quad and is questionable.
5-Jalyn Armour-Davis: Rookie was pressed into duty with all the injuries (Kyle Fuller was lost in Week 1. Little early for him, but good player.
22-Damarion Williams: Had to play a lot in the second half. Very geen rookie as a fourth-round pick.
32-Marcus Williams: Former Saint is a one of the better free safeties in the league. Will ballhawk.
36-Chuck Clark: Good strong safety but can blow assignments.
14-Kyle Hamilton: The first-round pick is a long matchup safety used in the pass game. Blew a coverage on a big Dolphins TD last week.
GAMEPLAN POINTS
1. Rush lane integrity is Job 1: Can't leave big gaps in the line. Rush should be controlled and you should close down on Jackson as a unit. Bring pressure off his right side and make him throw rolling left.
2. Take Andrews away: Yes, Bateman is a very real weapon but this offense still runs through the TE.
3. Air it out on offense: The combination of young and injured players leaves the secondary inexperienced. Time to let Mac Jones air it out. Tough front to run against. Pass to run in this one.
INJURY REPORT
The possibility of not having Dugger and Meyers in this game are huge for the Patriots. Dugger is the best athlete to deal with Jackson. Meyers moves the chains. But maybe Kendrick Bourne stepping up will make the Patriots tougher to defend.
Ravens need Humphrey and Peters at full strength.
BEDARD'S PICK
Ravens favored by 2.5
I have confidence the Patriots' defense can keep the Ravens below their 31-point average (4th in the league) ... but how much? I don't have much faith the Patriots will far exceed their offensive scoring output (12.0).
Ravens 24, Patriots 17.