Chargers/Baltimore Part Deux

What Baker Mayfield can do that Phillip Rivers can't do is move in the pocket and rollout. Mayfield passed for 376 yards and his biggest completions were 48,42,40,38, and 28 yards and 3 of those were for TDs but 3 of his other passes were intercepted. 

Rivers longest completion in their recent game versus the Ravens in LA was for 17 yards. Why do you think that is? Because the Baltimore D was putting extreme pressure on him. Though Rivers used the short passing offense out of necessity, he still threw 2 interceptions. 

Also, Baltimore ran for 296 yards against Cleveland and passed for 167 yards totaling 463 yards of offense and their TOP was 38:30...

Neither the Chargers (16 carries for 51 yards) nor the Browns (14 carries for 50) could run on that Baltimore D. 

The front seven for Baltimore is lightning fast and they got to Mahomes and knocked him around all game (in a losing OT effort) and he is highly elusive, Rivers would be at home in Madame Tussaud's wax museum. 

Baltimore beat the Chargers on the road and they will beat them again in their stadium IMO. Baltimore - is my pick. 

Forgot to mention that Rivers in their prior game was sacked 4 x...my question is, what will change in the upcoming game? Any thoughts? 

Thanks pal... 

Problem for the Chargers is their defense isn’t built to stop a power running game. They have pass rushers and solid dbs. I think they’re also missing a solid LB who got hurt against Denver. It will be interesting to see if they can slow Jackson down.

Rivers needs speed against the Ravens. That’s how you beat their D. Gordon out of the back field and possibly Benjamin going deep. Not sure if he still gets many snaps with Mike Williams and Keenan Allen on the field. That’s why Cleveland had so much success against the Baltimore D. Baker’s mobility and speed at Wr/Te/Rb. Rivers is one of the least mobile QBs in the league so I’d expect the Chargers to adjust with a quick passing game. Seems like Cleveland’s o-line was very solid as well. They kept Baker clean the entire game.

Chargers line was a sieve in the 1st matchup with Baltimore.

Great read Polar Bear...no doubt the Chargers D will sell out to stopping the run but can they win those match-ups? A spy on Jackson might help...thinking that Charger superstar in the making safety Derwin James...he is fast enough and big enough. 

That short passing offense wasn't the answer for Rivers...even fast receivers need time to run their routes...I don't see him having much time back there so another option might be screens to burn an overly aggressive defense...or misdirection...but that Raven's D is fast. 

No doubt adjustments will be made and a different approach will be tried. Yeah, I look forward to watching that game the most. Wonder which side the refs will favor? One worry about Lamar is if as a rookie he can handle being on the bigger stage. 

"Rivers would be at home in Madame Tussaud's wax museum. "

I think it'll be the ravens as I see them as the only team that can beat the patriots in a playoff game. If chargers beat the ravens then the patriots will win the AFC.

I think Chargers are going to be playing golf next week.

Both teams get sacked a lot, last 3 games:

9.21% sack percentage BAL

9.17% sack percentage LAC

However, opponent Average Team Passer Rating last 3 games:

#1 BAL 63.5

#20 LAC 94.2

LJackson's Passer Rating last 3 games:

91

101.3 (vs. Chargers)

81.8

PRivers Passer Rating last 3 games:

89

51.7 (vs. Ravens)

60.4

You can tell by line action that early money on Chargers was dumb money. Sharps in Vegas are clearly on Baltimore... maybe that will change before Sunday but that's where things stand right now.

^^ referring to ML, not spread

Rivers is 3-5 career vs. Ravens...1-2 @ BAL

 [/Quote]You from Baltimore? Just messing with ya brotha.[/Quote]

I am from Pittsburgh but I have been a fan for many years of any team that wins me money. I moved away from there over 45 years ago...I no longer feel any real closeness aside from childhood memories. I do pay attention to what they do and if I am not betting against them, I cannot help but to pull for them (sick bastardo, I know). 

I have a weakness for teams that have really good defenses...which is why I have a liking for the Ravens.