Sometimes, it’s the stars who make the difference. Other times, an opponent’s lesser-known players deliver the performances that swing a game. The Baltimore Ravens have plenty to worry about when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night, and overlooking the supporting cast could be a costly mistake.
Jacksonville has several players who might not receive the same attention as Trevor Lawrence or the team’s more recognizable offensive weapons. However, that doesn’t make them any less dangerous. Some have demonstrated an ability to create turnovers, while others have made the most of limited opportunities. Here are five under-the-radar Jaguars the Ravens can’t afford to overlook.
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Being careless with the football could prove costly if Rayuan Lane III is nearby. The Jacksonville safety has recorded 20 tackles and four pass breakups, but his biggest contribution has been his ability to turn an opposing mistake into a game-changing play. Lane has already returned an interception 92 yards for a touchdown, demonstrating the instincts and range to punish an offense for getting sloppy.
That should get Baltimore’s attention, particularly with Joe Fagnano making his first start of the season. An inexperienced passer working against an opportunistic secondary can create opportunities for defenders like Lane.
The Ravens need to be smart with their decisions, especially when throwing into traffic or forcing plays that aren’t there. One careless pass could give Jacksonville points without its offense having to do much work.
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Most die-hard NFL fans will recognize Jourdan Lewis. He spent eight seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before joining Jacksonville, and his experience has helped him become a dependable presence in the secondary. He might not receive the recognition of some of the league’s top cornerbacks, but that doesn’t mean opposing quarterbacks should take him lightly.
Lewis was a standout at Michigan, earning first-team All-American honors in 2015 and 2016. He also earned first-team All-Big Ten recognition in both seasons and was named Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year in 2016.
Through seven games, Lewis has recorded 21 tackles, two pass breakups and two interceptions. Those numbers show a defender who can contribute in coverage and make quarterbacks pay for mistakes. Baltimore’s receivers will need to create separation and finish their routes, while the quarterback must recognize when Lewis is in position to make a play.
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Danny Striggow might not be the first Jacksonville defender Baltimore circles on its scouting report, but his production suggests he deserves attention. He has recorded nine tackles, one sack, and three tackles for loss. He has shown an ability to disrupt plays as both a pass rusher and run defender.
His three tackles for loss demonstrate that his impact isn’t limited to getting after the quarterback. Striggow can create problems in the backfield and force offenses into difficult down-and-distance situations. That matters against a Baltimore offense that may be relying on an inexperienced quarterback and needs to establish some rhythm.
The Ravens cannot overlook Jacksonville’s defensive depth. If Striggow gets opportunities to attack the pocket or disrupt Henry’s runs, he could become another problem for an offensive line already facing plenty of pressure.
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Josh Cameron hasn’t been a major part of Jacksonville’s passing attack, but he has made his opportunities count. Through seven games, he has caught eight of 13 targets for 117 yards and two touchdowns. He also has two explosive plays of at least 20 yards, 71 yards after the catch, and six receptions that have moved the chains for first downs.
The yards-after-catch production is particularly interesting. Cameron has shown that he can do more than catch a pass and go down, giving Lawrence an opportunity to create additional yardage after the completion. For a Baltimore secondary that has surrendered too many passing yards, allowing an overlooked receiver to generate extra production would be another frustrating development.
Cameron doesn’t need a large target share to affect the outcome. If Baltimore’s coverage attention gravitates toward Jacksonville’s primary receiving options, he could find opportunities to make the defense pay.
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Nate Boerkircher doesn’t receive many opportunities in Jacksonville’s passing game, but he has made the most of them. Through seven games, he has seven receptions for 83 yards and two touchdowns. Thirty-six of those yards have come after the catch, and four receptions have resulted in first downs. He also has one explosive play of at least 20 yards.
His touchdown production stands out considering his limited involvement. Boerkircher has given Lawrence another option near the end zone, and his ability to gain yards after the catch makes him more than a player who simply fills a roster spot. He can contribute when Jacksonville needs a timely conversion or scoring opportunity.
Baltimore’s linebackers and safeties must remain aware of him. The Ravens cannot allow a tight end who rarely sees the football to become an easy outlet for Lawrence, especially if Jacksonville finds ways to exploit coverage attention elsewhere.
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The Ravens have plenty of reasons to focus on Lawrence and Jacksonville’s most recognizable offensive weapons, but winning Thursday night will require attention to the entire roster. Lane and Lewis can create turnovers, Striggow can disrupt the backfield, and Cameron and Boerkircher have shown they can contribute with limited opportunities.
Baltimore is dealing with enough adversity that it cannot afford to give Jacksonville additional advantages. These players may not dominate the pregame conversation, but they have the ability to influence what happens once the ball is kicked off.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 5 under-the-radar Jaguars who could surprise Ravens in Week 9
