Quarterback: D
For most of the game, Joe Flacco played average football. His fakes were okay, and he made some decent throws. Unfortunately, the big plays he was involved in were bad ones.
He overthrew a wide open Kamar Aiken in the second quarter, and then two plays later, threw an interception into double coverage on a pass intended for Aiken.
The best pass he threw all day was a drop. With 4:19 remaining in the second quarter, Steve Smith, Sr. couldn’t haul in an 18-yard reception in the end zone.
On Baltimore’s first possession of the second half, Flacco threw a lazy pass up in the air, off his back foot, that was of course intercepted. He threw a similar pass to Smith, Sr. that was caught for a touchdown on the next drive, but honestly, you can’t give Flacco credit for that score–it was all Smith, Sr.
Even the touchdown to Aiken late in the fourth quarter wasn’t intended for Aiken–it was intended for Brown. As Brown broke back to the post, that’s when Flacco threw it. Luckily, Aiken caught the ball to give the Ravens a chance at coming back.
Flacco’s norm has become either a gross overthrow or a mind-boggling interception. Today was yet another “bounce back” opportunity wasted by No. 5.
Running backs: B
Justin Forsett, playing injured, showed impressive toughness today. He also showed he has a high level of determination, as he gained big yardage after being stuffed at the line.
While the rest of Baltimore’s backs struggled to gain yards on the ground, they did a nice job receiving, racking up 69 yards on 10 catches.
Their numbers aren’t eye-popping, but if you watch the tape, you’ll see they get max production based on what was available. Well done, Coach Hammock.
Wide receivers/Tight ends: B+
Crockett Gillmore (30 yards) and Jeremy Ross (34 yards) each had a few nice grabs, but they didn’t have a big impact on the outcome of the game.
Aiken made a tough catch for a touchdown, which the Ravens absolutely had to have. Other than one play, however, no one from this group besides Steve Smith, Sr. had a real effect on the game.
Smith, Sr. finished the day with seven receptions for 137 yards and a score–a score that should’ve never happened based on Flacco’s horrible, yet lucky throw.
To say Smith, Sr. carried this group isn’t hyperbole. Here are the numbers:
- Smith, Sr.’s receptions/targets/yards: 7/10/137, 70 percent completion, 19.6 yards per reception
- The rest of Baltimore’s receivers’ receptions targets yards: 26/42/206, 62 percent completion, 7.9 yards per reception.
If he didn’t play in this game, the Ravens wouldn’t have had a chance.
Offensive line: B
For the majority of the game, Baltimore’s offensive line played sound football. They executed well in pass protection, and although they left something to be desired in their run blocking, they never gave up. Baltimore only gained 3.5 yards per carry against the league’s 17th-ranked rush defense, but its offensive line didn’t allow Flacco to be sacked. In fact, Flacco was only hit once all afternoon.
Eugene Monroe, and really the entire line, battled throughout the game, fighting with their hands and sustaining blocks.
That’s no surprise. Since the Steelers game, this unit has only given up one sack in Flacco’s last 96 pass attempts.
It’s unfortunate, in this instance, that football is a team game, because a 1-5 record is in no way indicative of Baltimore’s offensive line’s performance.
Defensive line: B
As has been the case for most of the year, this unit has been anchored by Brandon Williams and Lawrence Guy. All game they were stout, strongly resisting the run and showing good pass rush when called upon to do so. Williams is headed to the Pro Bowl, as maybe the best interior defensive lineman in the league, and Guy now has 3.0 sacks in his last two games.
Timmy Jernigan was poor in his lateral pursuit, and although that’s not his forte, you’d like to see him do better. He did record a half sack, though.
All in all, the defensive line played well enough to win. They held the talented rushing duo of Carlos Hyde and Colin Kaepernick to 65 yards on 24 carries (2.7 yards per attempt).
Linebackers: C+
The Ravens linebackers performance was kind of a mixed bag. They did well to assist the defensive line in holding the 49ers to 65 yards rushing–something no team has been able to do in the last nine games. They also accounted for 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hits.
However, they’re developing a propensity to get lost in pass coverage. When C.J. Mosley, your best linebacker and the future of your defense, gets manhandled by a Bruce Miller stiff-arm, that’s a problem. When Miller, a fullback, runs free for 52 yards past your linebackers, that’s a problem.
These guys need to get on the same page in a hurry. They’re letting average players make them look silly.
Defensive Backs: D-
Shareece Wright won’t want to look at Pro Football Focus’ grade of his performance against the 49ers. It might have been the worst game I’ve ever seen from a defensive back. He was beaten badly on both of San Francisco’s touchdowns.
That said, the entire defensive backfield played poorly. They allowed four 49ers receivers to gain an average of at least 19 yards per reception. Specifically, Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith did the most damage.
Boldin and Smith combined to catch eight passes for 198 yards (24.8 yard average) and one touchdown. What those men do best isn’t easy to defend, but it’s not complicated. Of all 49ers offensive players, how did the Ravens struggle to defend the two that they knew best?
Jimmy Smith nearly had an interception in the first quarter and made a nice diving (and potentially touchdown-saving) tackle on Kaepernick in the second quarter. But other than that, it was a day to forget for Baltimore’s pass defense.
Special Teams: B+
When Justin Tucker misses a field goal, it’s usually not a big deal, as he’s usually so consistent and clutch. However, Tucker is converting field goals at a paltry 60 percent clip over his last two games.
On the flip side, if it weren’t for Smith, Sr.’s outstanding day, Sam Koch would’ve been the player of the game.
Late in the first quarter, after a 4-yard drive, Koch punted 62 yards to the San Francisco 14-yard line, with no return. With less than a minute remaining in the second half, after an 8-yard drive, Koch punted 52 yards to the San Francisco 8-yard line, with no return.
On a day when the Ravens struggled to string effective drives together, Koch steadied the ship (as he always does). The coverage team did their part, too, allowing just four yards all day (no kickoff returns, one punt return).
Team: C+
Homework:
- Find whatever gives you passion and play for that.
Player of the game: Steve Smith, Sr.
Game balls:
- Offense: Steve Smith, Sr.
- Defense: Lawrence Guy
- Special Teams: Sam Koch
Stat of the game: Today marked the 31st time in 214 career games that Smith, Sr. gained at least 100 yards and one touchdown receiving.
Next exam: Monday, October 26, at the Arizona Cardinals
