Lamar Jackson vs. Tyler Huntley: Ravens Reveal Week 18 Starter vs. Steelers
The Baltimore Ravens are switching things up at quarterback this week.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the team is starting Tyler Huntley under center on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Ravens at 13-3 have already locked up the AFC's No. 1 seed and Saturday's outcome won't affect their seeding, so it makes sense for Baltimore to rest Lamar Jackson for two weeks for the Divisional Round. But Huntley's style of play may not be conducive to Todd Monken's offense.
For starters, Huntley’s run-first style of play is not conducive to the balanced attack for which Monken became known during his time with the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs. In fact, Huntley has only two more passing touchdowns (five) than rushing touchdowns (three) during his three seasons in Charm City. As such, Monken may be more comfortable having a backup option to Jackson, who is a bit more adept at navigating a more pass-centric offense.
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“One thing we know about Monken is that he wants to throw the ball and he wants to spread things out and push the ball down the field,” wrote FanSided during training camp. “That is not the system that Huntley has ever played in, and it does not fit his skill set.”
Huntley has the chance to prove people wrong against the Steelers at home on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET.