Ravens’ Vega Ioane holds up against Jeffery Simmons in win over Titans

The Ravens' reshuffled offensive line faced a difficult test against Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. The numbers show Baltimore largely kept the three-time All-Pro from disrupting the pocket.

Simmons recorded just one pressure on 32 pass-rush snaps, a 3.1% pressure rate that was his lowest since Week 7 of last season, according to Next Gen Stats, as reported by Ryan Mink. Simmons' only pressure came against starting right guard Andrew Vorhees. He faced rookie center Vega Ioane nine times. That result stands out given the circumstances. Baltimore moved Ioane from right guard to center after losing its top two centers, Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic, to injuries. Vorhees stepped into the starting lineup at right guard, leaving the Ravens with a makeshift interior combination against one of the league's most disruptive defensive tackles.

The matchup was a central concern entering the game. Ioane was making his first start at center, while Simmons brought a record of consistent production and the strength to challenge the middle of the pocket. Baltimore's ability to keep him to one pressure helped the offense protect its quarterback and find room to operate.

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The line still faced adversity. Vorhees left with a foot injury and was ruled out, adding another concern to a unit already short on experienced center depth. Baltimore will have to assess the injury and determine how it affects the line moving forward.

For Ioane, the nine matchups against Simmons offer an early measure of how he handled the transition. The pressure numbers suggest the rookie held his own in a high-profile assignment. The Ravens will need that performance to carry over as they continue adjusting their offensive line after a run of injuries.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens' Vega Ioane holds up against Jeffery Simmons in win over Titans