Can Ravens’ Pass Rush Slow Down Dak Prescott?

Prescott was extremely efficient against Washington because of his ability to quickly process the field and find the open man. With 3:55 remaining in the first quarter, Dallas faced third-and-five. Prescott took the snap from shotgun and had to deal with K’Lavon Chaisson coming completely free as a pass rusher. Rather than trying to escape the pocket, Prescott stood firm and found CeeDee Lamb on a wheel route for a 10-yard gain and a first down.

If Prescott holds the ball even a half-second longer, Chaisson likely gets home. Instead, the pressure barely matters. This quick decision-making and processing will be the challenge Baltimore will face next Sunday.

The next play shows his ability to maneuver in the pocket and put himself in a better position. In the third quarter with 11:26 remaining, Prescott takes the snap from shotgun and drops back. Linebacker Sonny Styles is able to beat guard Tyler Booker on an inside bull rush due to having a slight leverage advantage from Booker being occupied with another blitzer before him. Prescott sees the pressure coming and simply steps up in the pocket and delivers a pass to an open Jake Ferguson for a 14-yard gain and first down.

Prescott’s quick release, combined with his ability to maneuver inside the pocket, will make pressure difficult to convert into negative plays. However, Baltimore may not need to rely heavily on blitz packages to affect him.

Jesse Minter has leaned heavily on zone coverage, often putting five or six defensive backs on the field and asking them to close throwing windows while the pass rush works its magic. Against Prescott, that relationship will be especially important. Baltimore cannot allow him enough time to comfortably work through his progressions, but pressure will mean little if receivers are immediately open when it arrives.

Prescott is too experienced to consistently beat with pressure alone. If the Ravens want to slow him down, their coverage will need to force him to hold the football just long enough for the rush to get home. Doing so could give Baltimore’s explosive offense the opportunities it needs on the other side.