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The Ravens are on the opposite end of what the Rams are going
through, losing their grasp on the AFC North lead while on a
four-game losing streak and suddenly in a scramble to make the
playoffs.
The Rams (11-4) were in an offensive funk behind suddenly
inconsistent quarterback Matthew Stafford when they lost
consecutive games in November to the Tennessee Titans, San
Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers.
However, they went 4-0 in December and are coming off a 30-23
victory at Minnesota last week that moved them into sole
possession of first place in the NFC West over the Arizona
Cardinals.
The offense still isn't as sharp as it was early in the season
under Stafford, who threw three interceptions against the
Vikings, but the running game has been better behind Sony
Michel, who has averaged 105.8 yards per game over the past four
contests.
"It's not lost on me. The better I play, the better our offense
is going to play and the better chance we have to win football
games," Stafford said. "I put a lot of pressure on myself and
expect a lot out of myself."
While Rams running back Darrell Henderson (knee) is out this
week, Cam Akers is expected to make his 2021 debut after an
offseason Achilles injury that was originally expected to cost
him his season.
The Rams are getting high-level production from a pair of Pro
Bowlers, wide receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive tackle Aaron
Donald.
Kupp leads the NFL in receptions (132), yards (1,734) and
receiving touchdowns (14). Donald has 12 sacks and has been the
key for a defense that has allowed an average of 15.8 points
over the past four games.
The Ravens (8-7) are hoping to get quarterback Lamar Jackson
back from an ankle injury that occurred during a Dec. 12 loss to
the Cleveland Browns. He was limited in practice Wednesday.
"Obviously, getting No. 8 back is special, because he's a
special player, and I think we're all excited about that," tight
end Mark Andrews said.
Even if Jackson does return, it remains to be seen if he can
lean on rushing ability. His 767 rushing yards lead all
quarterbacks.
Perhaps of chief concern, though, is a Baltimore defense that
was torched last week for 525 passing yards by the Cincinnati
Bengals' Joe Burrow, the fourth-highest single-game total in NFL
history.
The Ravens' defense has not only been hit hard by injuries, but
it has been diminished by COVID-19 issues as well. Defensive
backs Chris Westry and Jimmy Smith did return from the COVID-19
list this week.
Eleven Ravens did not practice Wednesday, including cornerback
Anthony Averett (ribs/chest) and safety/linebacker Anthony
Levine Sr. (knee). Also out was Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard
(knee), who has missed the past three games.
The Rams, who had a walk-through Wednesday, listed only safety
Taylor Rapp (shoulder) and defensive lineman Greg Gaines (hand)
as non-participants.
--Field Level Media
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