Where the Ravens Defense Can Stall the Chargers on Monday Night
The Ravens defense can find a useful scouting sequence in a game that looks like a blowout on paper. Houston beat the Chargers 44–22 last Sunday, but the teams were only a point apart with just over five minutes left in the second quarter. Los Angeles then went six possessions without scoring. Houston scored 28 points over that span.
According to the Chargers’ Week 9 review, three of those possessions ended in punts. The others ended with an interception, a fumble and a failed fourth down. For Baltimore, the punts deserve as much attention as the giveaways. Holding Justin Herbert short of a first down can get the Ravens the ball back even on a night when no defender comes up with a takeaway.
Start With First-and-Goal
An earlier Chargers possession shows how quickly the down and distance can change. Los Angeles had first-and-goal from the Houston 9. The Texans stopped two runs, then held a completion to a loss. Cameron Dicker came on for a 33-yard field goal. By winning on the ground twice, Houston made a short throw on third down a tackle it could afford to give up.
The Chargers soon got the ball at the Houston 38 after linebacker Daiyan Henley intercepted a pass. That was another chance to score without having to drive the length of the field. Los Angeles managed one first down before sending Dicker out for a 43-yard attempt. Watch where Baltimore makes its first tackle after a change of possession. A loss on first down would make it harder for Los Angeles to turn a short field into seven points.
The Test in Baltimore
The 4–5 Ravens enter on a four-game losing streak. The 0–8 Chargers have yet to win. For Baltimore’s secondary, the question is whether a completed pass on third down ends with the receiver still short of the marker. That is one place Monday’s defense can earn a stop without needing Herbert to make a mistake. The Monday night game guide lists kickoff at M&T Bank Stadium for 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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