Ravens rookie head coach Jesse Minter continues to speak in guarded and cryptic tones about the status of two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson ahead of a critical game at Buffalo in Week 8. The team is nearing the midpoint of the season in a downward spiral and Jackson, recovering from what he called a "high-ankle sprain," has arguably a greater impact on regular-season wins and losses than any NFL player.

Minter’s defense is getting overrun in the second half of games – allowing 114 points in the second half, most in the NFL – with some in rival NFL front offices believing the young coach needs help from a former head coach/defensive coordinator to fix systemic issues in their game-day process.…