After starting the season 0-2, the Baltimore Ravens have won four straight.
The Super Bowl contenders have taken down the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, and surprise package Washington Commanders in that run.
Lamar Jackson is in MVP mode this seasonGetty Images – Getty
Lamar Jackson is up to second favorite in the MVP race with 12 total touchdowns through six weeks.
Baker Mayfield‘s Tampa Bay Buccaneers are up next in a Monday Night Football showdown.
And Ravens icon Ray Lewis thinks 27-year-old Jackson is an even more daunting prospect than ever as he chases a third MVP award.
“I think Lamar is really starting to mature into what makes him really special,” he told talkSPORT End Zone.
“Athleticism, that’s easy, he’s the most athletic thing we’ve ever seen ever play this game.
“But when you talk about just maturity, I think he’s starting to mature into it, which is it’s becoming poetic to watch, so I’m looking forward to it.”
The Ravens added Derrick Henry over the offseason and defenses are having nightmares trying to contain the wrecking ball running back as well as evasive QB Lamar.
King Henry leads all active players with 98 rushing touchdowns in 125 career games thanks to another record-destroying season.
The man mountain has 25 games with at least two rushing touchdowns and can leapfrog Marcus Allen, Shaun Alexander, and Priest Holmes (25) to go fifth on the all-time list with a double against the Bucs.
But pass defense has been an issue for the Ravens, who gave up 392 yards and five touchdowns to Joe Burrow in their overtime win over the Bengals in Week 5.
Lewis discussed the Ravens’ hopes with talkSPORTYouTube/talkSPORT End Zone
The linebacker smashed his way into the Hall of Fame with a distinguished careerGetty Images – Getty
Davis was one of the most feared linebackers of all time and thinks it is time for the big men to stand up and be counted.
“Yeah if it doesn’t it’s going to be a bad day,” he said when asked if changes were needed on the defense.
“A few pieces left, a few pieces changed, so communication on that back end is everything.
“It’s never a back-end problem, we always look that as a front-end problem.
“If you give quarterbacks time enough to throw the ball, then that’s my fault ‘cuz we have to be disruptive up front to get that changed.
“I think that’s what we’re going to have to go into. We’re going to have to make sure that the front seven takes pride in not selling our boys out on the back end.”
Ravens coach Jim Harbaugh is well aware of the threat the 4-2 Bucs possess with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
“[Mike Evans and Chris Godwin pose] tremendous matchup problems,” Harbaugh said.
“They have two of the best, and they put those guys in spots – usually 14 [Godwin]’s in the slot, usually 13 [Evans is] out there at X.
“You single [Evans] up, he’s a problem, and then you have 14 in the slot – if you single him up, he’s a problem.
“They’re both catch-and-run players, they’re both contested-catch players.”
talkSPORT is your home of the NFL on UK radio, catch up with the latest from around the league on our dedicated YouTube channel – including our weekly ‘Run Down’ review show, every Tuesday
