Oh for sure. I think the Chargers found the blueprint two years ago for how you stop the Ravens. I don't think there's any real secret. I think it's just whether or not you have the personnel and the disciplined, savvy mindset in the players to pull it off. We definitely did not have either last year.
I hope I don't eat these words, but I also think that is why the Ravens have a very slim chance to the AFC Championship or win a Super Bowl. Unless they get lucky, they're going to come across a team who is capable of effectively pulling off that scheme in the playoffs.
What will be interesting to me is how the Ravens will ultimately deal with having to pay LJ. They will have to sacrifice some pieces on that defense. I suppose it will turn into how well they hit on their draft picks that follow. In fairness to them, they are historically pretty good at doing that.
People always harp about Baker's "surrounding talent" last year but never mention the impact of having a terrible defense. LJ has benefited his entire career having an elite/borderline elite defense. What happens to his game when they find themselves down more often and playing from behind?
I love LJ and think he has a great personality, but I'm not completely sold on his long-term success. He's amazing now, but his complete reliance on his legs will probably end up hurting him in the long run.
