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5 Players to Watch in Ravens-Jets, Week 1 Opener
Lamar Jackson is back on the field. Safety Marcus Williams and Tyler Linderbaum make their debuts. Two key second-year Ravens are looking to start hot.
QB Lamar Jackson
Jackson will play in a game for the first time since his ankle injury last season. Jackson didn't see any preseason action, so he's itching to get on the field. It will be interesting to see how his added passing velocity and weight impact his game. Jackson was lights out in training camp. Now he gets to show the country, which has been more concerned with talking about his contract, that Jackson is ready for a big Year 5 on the field.
S Marcus Williams
The Ravens' new free safety will make his debut. Williams was brought in to make plays and he'll have his opportunity against Joe Flacco and the Jets. New York has a dangerous wide receiver trio with Elijah Moore, Corey Davis and Garrett Wilson and Flacco has the arm to challenge the Ravens' deep coverage. Williams will be looking for opportunities to get his hands on the ball.
C Tyler Linderbaum
Linderbaum will be the Ravens' starting center from the jump and will get a stiff first test. The first-round rookie will go against defensive tackle Quinnen Williams – a 6-foot-3, 303-pound former No. 3-overall pick. Linderbaum can quiet concerns about his ability to hold up against big-bodied NFL defensive linemen. MetLife Stadium will also be raucous, especially for Week 1, so Linderbaum's communication and snapping will be key.
WR Rashod Bateman
Bateman said he was never at full strength last season as a rookie. Now he's a critical player for the Ravens in his second year as the leader of the wide receiver corps. Bateman has been a consistent practice player this summer and sharpened his game. He'll go against first-round rookie Sauce Gardner out of the gate, which should be a good measuring stick for the Ravens wideout.
OLB Odafe Oweh
There's a lot of hype around Oweh heading into the 2022 season after a dominant training camp. He came flying out of the gates last year, notching his first sack in his first NFL game. Oweh could get off to a fast start against the Jets, who are thin at offensive tackle following injuries and have 37-year-old pocket passer Flacco under center.
