Road Warriors: Ravens beat Browns on last second kick
Overall: B+
After another week that saw the Ravens under media scrutiny for off the field issues instead of the focus being on the Ravens dominating win over the Steelers last Thursday the team hung together on the field for a hard fought divisional road win. Justin Tucker hit a game winning 32 yard FG with no time left on the clock to give the Ravens a 23 – 21 win. The Ravens are now 2 – 1 and remain 1 game behind the Cincinnati Bengals.
Some bullet points:
• Lorenzo Taliaferro had 91 yards and a score and looked decisive in his running.
• Ugly looking injury to Dennis Pitta.
• Special teams comes up big!
• Kyle Juszczyk scores first TD…looks like a weapon.
Offense: B+
The offensive line did a nice job in protecting Joe Flacco, as he was not sacked and only hit 3 times, although the one hit did cause an INT. The run blocking was excellent as both Justin Forsett and Rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro averaged over 5 yards a carry. Team must find a reliable 3rd WR, Jacoby Jones is not that guy (another big drop today). Will always have a special place in Ravens lore for last year, but you are starting to see why the Texans parted company. Steve Smith was quiet in the first half but made some big plays in the second half. Flacco was solid, used his feet well.
Defense: B –
The secondary needs help. Webb is not in game shape and as I said when drafted, Matt Elam is a better strong safety then a free safety. I almost think they have the safeties backwards as 3rd round pick Terrance Brooks (who was inactive) is a better free safety. The Cleveland WR’s gave the secondary fits all day long. The D did a nice job in bottling up Terrance West (Towson) but continue to struggle with the quicker backs as Isaiah Crowell averaged 5.0 yards per carry. Give the D credit though in the 4th quarter when they needed stops and 3 and outs they got them. They still need to generate a more consistent pass rush as Hoyer has too much time especially on 3rd and long plays. Suggs held the edge well and was disruptive, Ngata moved the pocket and Jimmy Smith is growing into a very physical corner.
Special Teams: A-
What can you say; they saved the game in the 4th with a blocked field goal! Tucker was Tucker and perfect on the day and Koch averaged over 50 yards a kick. The Browns’ punt returner did the Ravens a solid by failing to catch a punt with 2:34 to go in the game. Kick coverages were good. So why the minus, well Jacoby Jones needs to stop giving up field position and catch short punts.
Coaches/Game Plan: B
I still shake my head at some of the decisions but at the end of the day a road divisional win is tough to come by, so how much can you knock the coaching staff. Well here are the head scratchers:
1. Is there a worse team in the league at challenges? The challenge of Joe Flacco’s sneak attempt for a potential TD was poorly timed, especially when you have been running the ball effectively. It’s a close game, save your timeouts and score on the next play (which they did). To me it’s a feel for the game issue and something that this staff still lacks.
2. It didn’t work before, then why do it again? 3rd and 1 in Browns territory and again a QB sneak, the one play the Browns can stuff it seemed. You are creating huge holes averaging 5 yards a carry, just run the ball.
3. Not kicking the FG with 10 minutes left. Yes you should be able to get 1 yard on 2 downs, but make it a one point game there. It all worked out in the end yes but at the time…come on.
Only 5 penalties for 32 yards the discipline this year seems very solid.
