LA Rams will play 17th game in Baltimore against the Ravens

Great running vs great rush defense

The Ravens’ strong rushing attack was where they buttered their bread last season. Their passing game was an NFL worst in 2020, and so far they have only added WR Sammy Watkins. That is not to say that the Rams cannot be dangerous through the air. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson threw 26 passing touchdowns in 2020 to only nine interceptions.

The Ravens defense was very stingy and balanced in 2020 as well. With a great running attack, they were often well-rested and just as often played with a lead, allowing them to come in second in the NFL in terms of scoring defense. Only the Rams offense was better.

As far as the Rams offense, the team could move the ball either through the air or the ground. But the Rams struggled mightily to put up points. Of course, the Rams have since taken steps to correct that, bringing in veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford to help the offense create points against any defensive scheme.

On paper, both the Rams and Ravens will be tested to field comparable defenses in 2021. The Ravens lost star OLB Matt Judon to the New England Patriots, and Yannick Ngakoue to the Las Vegas Raiders. Judon added six quarterback sacks to the defense and Ngakoue added three.  The Ravens will likely be shopping for defensive linemen and edge rushers in the draft.

While the Rams may do so as well, the expectation is that they will replace the loss of Michael Brockers and Morgan Fox internally. The same can be said over the loss of safety John Johnson III. But the Rams’ free agency losses of CB Troy Hill, OLB Samson Ebukam, and center Austin Blythe will likely mean drafting a player in those positions. The Rams will also be shopping for depth and an opportunity to elevate existing talent.