On Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens escaped Cincinnati with a win that may solely be described as miraculous. Very similar to opposing groups have usually performed to Baltimore, the Ravens overcame a double-digit deficit to ship the sport to time beyond regulation, after which win it after a classic Derrick Henry run. Whereas Lamar Jackson and the offense performed an distinctive sport, the protection appeared utterly misplaced in opposition to Bengals QB Joe Burrow and firm. Let’s dive into the largest movers in inventory after the thrilling win.
Inventory Up
Lamar Jackson, QB
The 2-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson had one other classic efficiency on Sunday. After happening ten-points early within the third quarter, Jackson matched the Bengals blow for blow, engineering three landing drives within the second half and making a number of spotlight performs within the course of. Halfway by way of the fourth quarter, Jackson made arguably the play of the 12 months. After bobbling the snap, Jackson stiff-armed defensive finish Sam Hubbard into the grime after which fired an ideal throw again throughout the sector to tight finish Isaiah Doubtless, all whereas being tackled out of bounds. After 5 weeks, Jackson appears even higher than final season and is as soon as once more within the early MVP dialog.
Zay Flowers, WR
The sophomore Flowers had arguably the most effective sport of his younger profession in Cincinnati. Flowers’ utilization by way of 4 weeks had been largely criticized as a result of his lack of involvement down the sector. Luckily, offensive coordinator Todd Monken was in a position to rapidly determine the susceptibility on the again finish of the Bengals protection and used the proficient Flowers to take advantage of it. Flowers torched the Bengals secondary all-day and was Jackson’s go-to-guy on many essential moments within the sport. Flowers will look to construct on this efficiency and additional solidify his function because the No.1 broad receiver within the Ravens offense.
Tight ends
Baltimore went into season believing that they had the most effective tight finish room within the NFL, and it actually appeared that manner on Sunday. Whereas followers have develop into accustomed to Isaiah Doubtless and Mark Andrews catching passes, third-string tight finish Charlie Kolar additionally balled out with 3 receptions for 64 yards and a landing. Doubtless added two touchdowns on three catches and Mark Andrews had a bounce again sport with 55 yards on 4 catches.
Todd Monken, OC
The sport plan from the Bengals was clear: cease the run. Whereas Baltimore wasn’t utterly shut down on the bottom, it was clear the Bengals had been promoting out in opposition to Baltimore’s high ranked speeding assault. Monken rapidly adjusted and play-actioned the Cincinnati protection to demise within the second half. The Ravens dominant run sport received’t at all times look as nice because it did in opposition to Buffalo however video games like this present they’ve the horses to counter opponents after they sellout in opposition to Henry and Jackson.
Inventory Down
Zach Orr, DC
After a superb defensive efficiency in opposition to Josh Allen and the Payments, the Ravens protection had their worst sport since their 2022 shootout with the Miami Dolphins. Whereas the gamers on the sector are those truly taking part in the sport, there must be some accountability for the particular person main the group. Going in opposition to an offense like Cincinnati’s will at all times be a tricky take a look at. Nonetheless, too many instances it appeared like gamers had been out of place, or unable to acknowledge sure personnel groupings or conditions that may warrant a selected kind of protection. The Ravens had some success blitzing Burrow within the first half however struggled to get residence within the second half. Merely put, there may be an excessive amount of expertise on this protection for them to be placing out any such efficiency. Orr and firm might want to modify quick with QB Jayden Daniels and the red-hot Commanders coming to city on Sunday.
Marcus Williams, S
It’s been fairly the tough begin to the 12 months for Williams who the Ravens signed to a 5-year, $70 million contract earlier than the 2022 season. Within the first few video games of that season, Williams appeared like a premier security, making performs all around the subject. Nonetheless, accidents took their toll on Williams who has struggled to remain wholesome the previous two seasons. Now, lastly wholesome, Williams is in some way wanting worse than he was final 12 months when he was taking part in with one arm on account of a pec harm he suffered earlier within the season. PFF at present has Williams graded because the worst security within the NFL, validating the attention take a look at Ravens followers have seen by way of 5 weeks.
Brandon Stephens, CB
Stephens had a breakout season in 2023, establishing himself as a borderline lockdown cornerback all through the earlier 12 months. This season has been a distinct story. Stephens has been picked on all 12 months and has let up a whole lot of yards. Prior issues about Stephens not with the ability to find the soccer have resurfaced as opposing quarterbacks have been exploiting him on again shoulder throws. Stephens has drawn some robust receiver assignments however must be higher if the Ravens protection is to enhance.
Linebackers
Whereas the Ravens had been torched throughout the sector on Sunday, the protection has notably struggled to shrink the center of the sector for opponents. The Ravens are asking lots from Roquan Smith on protection proper now. Through the Buffalo sport, Zach Orr pivoted to a dime protection that gave QB Josh Allen points. Whereas it was profitable in opposition to Buffalo’s subpar receiving unit, it was rapidly picked aside by Burrow who discovered success throughout the center of the sector and on slant routes, notably within the redzone. The Ravens clearly don’t belief Trenton Simpson in cross protection, and in consequence are shifting S Kyle Hamilton into his spot on passing downs. Orr is placing Hamilton and Smith in a tricky spot, nevertheless it doesn’t change the truth that they’ve allowed too many completions throughout the center of the sector and for opposing quarterbacks to search out straightforward throwing home windows.