Will Lamar Jackson’s blind side be blocked by Ravens linebacker Ronnie Stanley again?

The Importance of Ronnie Stanley on Lamar Jackson’s Blind Side

In the NFL, the blind side of a quarterback is the most vital area of protection for a right-handed passer. For Lamar Jackson, this responsibility falls on the left tackle, and for the Baltimore Ravens, that has been Ronnie Stanley for much of Jackson’s career. Stanley is one of the best left tackles in the league, and his job is crucial to ensuring that Jackson can perform at the high level he’s become known for.

Jackson’s mobility and ability to extend plays with his legs are some of his greatest assets. However, even the most mobile quarterbacks need a reliable offensive line to keep them safe, especially on passing plays where the quarterback might be more stationary in the pocket. A solid offensive line helps a quarterback stay upright, avoid unnecessary hits, and deliver accurate passes, all of which are important for long-term success.

Stanley’s primary responsibility is to block the opposing edge rushers, who often come at the quarterback from the left side. If Stanley is doing his job effectively, Jackson can focus on reading the defense, making quick decisions, and executing the offense without worrying about blind-side pressure. In other words, Ronnie Stanley’s performance directly impacts Jackson’s comfort and effectiveness in the pocket, and ultimately, the success of the Ravens’ offense.

The Rise of Ronnie Stanley: A Vital Piece for the Ravens

When Ronnie Stanley was drafted by the Ravens in 2016 with the sixth overall pick, the team expected him to be a cornerstone of their offensive line for years to come. Stanley, who played college football at Notre Dame, had all the tools to be a top-tier left tackle in the NFL—athleticism, strength, and an understanding of pass protection principles.

In his first few seasons with the Ravens, Stanley developed into one of the best young left tackles in the league. His combination of size and agility made him a perfect fit for the Ravens’ offense, particularly as they leaned more into a run-heavy attack with the emergence of Lamar Jackson as their starting quarterback. However, Stanley’s role became even more pivotal once Jackson took over, as Jackson’s style of play placed even greater importance on having solid protection.

Stanley’s ability to effectively block defenders on the edge was key for Jackson’s success, particularly in the Ravens’ high-powered running game. Jackson’s ability to escape the pocket and make plays on the move is heavily dependent on the left tackle’s ability to seal off defenders and give Jackson that extra second to make his move.

In his first four seasons, Stanley made three Pro Bowls, which cemented his place as one of the elite left tackles in the NFL. His reputation as a stalwart on the Ravens’ offensive line only grew stronger as he continued to perform at a high level, and he became a player that Lamar Jackson could rely on for blind-side protection.

Setback: The 2020 Injury That Changed Everything

Unfortunately, Stanley’s trajectory took a major hit in 2020 when he suffered a significant ankle injury that required surgery. This injury kept Stanley sidelined for the remainder of the 2020 season and prevented him from contributing during the Ravens’ playoff run. The absence of Stanley was a blow to the team, as they struggled with their offensive line play in his absence.

In 2021, Stanley made his return to the field, but his recovery from the injury proved to be more difficult than anticipated. Despite returning to the lineup, he was never quite the same player, and his performance took a noticeable dip. His injury problems lingered throughout the season, and he was once again forced to miss significant time. The Ravens’ offensive line play, which had been one of their strengths in previous seasons, took a hit as they had to shuffle their offensive line to account for Stanley’s injuries.

Lamar Jackson, who had been accustomed to having Stanley’s protection on his blind side, now found himself facing additional pressure from opposing defenses. Jackson’s mobility and playmaking ability were still there, but the absence of Stanley made it more difficult for him to stay comfortable in the pocket, leading to struggles in both the passing and running game. Without Stanley’s steady presence, the Ravens’ offensive line was inconsistent, and it became clear just how important his role was to the team’s success.

2022: Can Stanley Return to Form?

As the 2022 NFL season looms, the Ravens are hoping that Ronnie Stanley can return to the form that made him one of the top left tackles in the league. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Stanley can regain his old form and continue to be the protector of Lamar Jackson’s blind side.

The good news is that Stanley’s injury is not one that is typically career-threatening for an NFL player. However, recovering from an ankle injury as significant as the one he sustained in 2020 is no small feat. Stanley will need to show that he can be the same player he was prior to the injury—dominant in pass protection, effective as a run blocker, and reliable over the course of a full season.

The Ravens’ front office has been cautious with Stanley’s recovery, and they’ve made sure not to rush him back before he’s fully ready. As training camp gets underway, all eyes will be on Stanley to see how he looks after a full offseason of rehabilitation. If he’s able to return to his previous form, the Ravens will be in an excellent position to contend for a championship, with Jackson having the necessary protection to take full advantage of his unique skill set.

The Future of the Ravens’ Offensive Line Without Stanley

While the hope is that Stanley can return to the lineup and become the key player he once was, the reality is that the Ravens need to plan for all contingencies. In case Stanley struggles to fully recover, or if his injury issues persist, the team must have a backup plan in place.

The Ravens have done a good job of addressing their offensive line depth in recent years, bringing in young talent and providing some competition at the tackle spots. However, replacing Stanley’s elite-level play would be a daunting task for any team. The Ravens could look to the draft or free agency to add additional depth at the left tackle position, but finding a player capable of filling Stanley’s shoes is not easy.

For Lamar Jackson, the stakes are high. If Stanley is not able to return to form, Jackson will have to deal with increased pressure and potentially more hits in the pocket. With Jackson’s ability to create big plays on the move, his blind-side protection becomes even more crucial, and the loss of Stanley would force the Ravens to reconsider their offensive scheme and how they want to utilize Jackson.

The Big Picture: Stanley’s Impact on the Ravens’ Success

Lamar Jackson’s success as a quarterback is tied directly to the play of his offensive line. Stanley has long been the anchor of that line, and without his steady protection, the Ravens’ offense is forced to adapt. If Stanley can return to full strength, it will not only benefit Jackson’s ability to make plays in the pocket, but it will also help balance the Ravens’ offense, giving them a reliable pass protection unit that can handle the league’s toughest edge rushers.

The Ravens are a team built around a strong defense and a potent running game, but they need a functional and effective passing attack to reach the next level. Having Ronnie Stanley back at his best would give Jackson the opportunity to take that next step, making the offense more dangerous and dynamic in the process.

As the 2022 season approaches, the Ravens are hoping that Ronnie Stanley’s return to the lineup will signal a new chapter for the team’s offense, one where Lamar Jackson’s blind side is protected, and the Ravens can make a legitimate push for a Super Bowl. For now, all eyes are on Stanley as the Ravens’ future—and Jackson’s ability to thrive—rests on his shoulders.