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Ravens vs. Jaguars: Three key matchups that could decide Week 9
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- Ravens vs. Jaguars: Three key matchups that could decide Week 9
The Baltimore Ravens are heading into Thursday night's matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars at a particularly difficult point in their season. Three consecutive losses have dropped them to 4-4, and the latest defeat came with another devastating injury to Lamar Jackson.
With Jackson headed to injured reserve and Tyler Huntley dealing with a toe injury , Baltimore must find a way to compete with Joe Fagnano at quarterback. Jacksonville arrives with considerably more momentum after dismantling the Indianapolis Colts , 42-7.
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The Jaguars , however, aren't entirely healthy themselves. Defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton is out for the season, while several other starters left Sunday's game with injuries.
The short turnaround creates a challenge for both teams, though Jacksonville's comfortable victory gave some key players extra rest late in the game. The matchup presents an interesting contrast. Jacksonville is trying to build on its recent success, while Baltimore is searching for a way to stop its season from slipping further away. Here's a look at some early matchups that could help tell the tale in this one.
Jesse Minter vs. Liam Coen
The contrast between these two coaches is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Minter is trying to keep Baltimore from sliding further after three consecutive defeats, while Coen has Jacksonville playing some of its best football in recent years. The Jaguars' most recent win showed how quickly they can take control of a game.
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Coen enters his third season as an NFL playcaller. He served as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ' offensive coordinator in 2024 before becoming Jacksonville's head coach in 2025. He has already produced an 18-6 record and an AFC South division title in his first season with the Jaguars.
Minter, meanwhile, calls Baltimore's defense and needs to find answers against an offense that has been productive. The Ravens cannot afford another defensive performance in which they lose control as the game progresses. With their own offense facing major uncertainty, Minter's ability to keep Jacksonville from establishing an early rhythm could be especially important.
Derrick Henry vs. Jaguars' top-ranked rushing defense
Jacksonville enters Week 9 allowing just 77.4 rushing yards per game, the best mark in the NFL. That's a difficult matchup for a Baltimore offense that may have to lean heavily on Derrick Henry with their top two quarterbacks available.
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Henry can still change a game with his physical running style, but Jacksonville has been particularly effective at limiting opposing ground attacks. The Jaguars will likely make Baltimore prove it can move the football through the air before committing additional resources to stopping Henry.
That creates a difficult assignment for the Ravens. If Henry can't find room between the tackles, the offense could struggle to sustain drives, particularly with uncertainty at quarterback. Baltimore needs its offensive line to create movement and give Henry opportunities to reach the second level. Otherwise, Jacksonville could make the Ravens one-dimensional and dictate the terms of the matchup.
Trevor Lawrence vs. the Ravens secondary
Lawrence enters Thursday with one of the strongest statistical profiles among NFL quarterbacks. He has thrown 17 touchdown passes against four interceptions, and his 112.6 passer rating leads the league among starting quarterbacks with seven games played entering Week 9.
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Baltimore has surrendered 1,826 passing yards this season, an average of 228.3 per game. Those numbers don't necessarily indicate a disastrous pass defense, but Lawrence presents a different challenge because of his efficiency and ability to distribute the football.
The Ravens need their secondary to limit explosive plays and prevent Lawrence from finding comfortable throwing windows. That responsibility becomes even more important if Baltimore's offense struggles to sustain possession. Long Jacksonville drives would put additional pressure on a defense already facing a demanding assignment.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Jaguars: Three key matchups that could decide Week 9
