The Baltimore Ravens shook up their roster with two major moves before Week 13’s game against AFC North rivals the Cincinnati Bengals, sending a “high-caliber” veteran to injured reserve, before activating a $45 million edge-rusher.
Utility running back Justice Hill landed on IR on Thanksgiving due to a neck problem, with the team also confirming defensive end Carl Lawson was activated from the practice squad.
Those are pretty significant transactions, especially considering the high regard Hill is held in by the coaching staff. Head coach John Harbaugh once described him as “a high-caliber running back,” apt praise for a dependable playmaker who can contribute in multiple ways for a struggling offense, particularly on third down.
Speaking of football’s money down, that’s just where former Bengals, New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys edge Lawson can still impact games. He’s yet to make a dent since signing for the Ravens mid-season, but Lawson remains a skilled and savvy pass-rusher who once commanded top dollar in free agency.
He surely has a part to play for a defense short of sacks this season.
Justice Hill Absence Hurts Ravens at Key Time
Being without Hill for at least four games at the business end of the season is cruel timing for the Ravens. A once high-powered offense is struggling to click into gear, so a change-of-pace back who can manufacture big plays in unlikely moments would be an obvious asset.
Hill would also provide a boost to out of sorts quarterback Lamar Jackson. The two-time NFL MVP has looked like a shell of himself since returning from a hamstring problem and dealing with other nagging injuries.
A big part of the problem has been Jackson appearing more reluctant to run and slower once he does break the pocket. Having Hill in the backfield would’ve given Jackson a reliable pass-protector if No. 8 decides to spend more time in the pocket.
Adapting to life without Hill won’t be easy, even though third-year back Keaton Mitchell offers greater breakaway speed. The Ravens need sure things on offense at the moment, so other veterans, including an All-Pro safety valve for Jackson, will need to step up in Hill’s absence.
It will also help to have a rapidly improving defense further accelerate its recent revival with a stronger pass rush.
Ravens Need Pass Rush Boost
They’ve already gotten a timely boost from a versatile trade acquisition, but the Ravens could still use more oomph in the pass rush. Especially when a rookie leads the team with a modest 2.5 quarterback takedowns.
Enter Lawson, who has tallied a respectable five or more sacks in four of his last five seasons. The 30-year-old knows how to get around the corner and collapse the pocket.
Lawson is also the exact kind of hybrid pass-rusher the Ravens tend to favor for their multiple front schemes. He can act as a standup outside linebacker or put his hand on the ground as a traditional defensive end.
Moving Lawson across the front, in combination with Kyle Van Noy, Mike Green and Dre’Mont Jones, should help the Ravens boost their sack numbers.
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