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3 ways 49ers defense contains Ravens QB Lamar Jackson

By Nathan Bannerman

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against the Houston Texans during the first half in the game at M&T Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against the Houston Texans during the first half in the game at M&T Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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Lamar Jackson, Ravens
Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

In what’s tabbed as a potential Super Bowl matchup, the San Francisco 49ers face their toughest test of 2019: the MVP front-runner for the Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson. It’ll be an extremely difficult task, but there are ways to stop the flashy star in this Week 13 contest.

In Week 10, the San Francisco 49ers thought they were facing the NFL’s 2019 most valuable player in Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. The case could still be made for Wilson to be, at the very least, the NFC’s nominee for the year-end award.

However, a new name has dashed its way to the top of the list: quarterback Lamar Jackson of the rising Baltimore Ravens.

In 11 games this season, the Ravens have lost only twice, way back in Weeks 3 and 4. Since then, they’ve rattled off seven straight victories and Jackson has just been a human highlight reel in each of them.

Jackson is only in his second season in the NFL, but the 22 year old out of Louisville could easily be mistaken for a seasoned pro. He’s a dual threat with his pinpoint accuracy and speed which could challenge the likes of a former NFL quarterback, Michael Vick, and an Olympian, Usain Bolt.

If you’re like me, you’re trying to figure out how in the world do you stop this phenom? It seems virtually impossible. But fear not, Niner Faithful. There are ways the Niners defense can stop him.

It’ll take a precise pass rush, a zone look and a defense which can’t afford to spy the quarterback.