The Ravens played their most complete game on of the year on Sunday. The offense was clicking, the defense was sound, and special teams held their own.
Still, it wasn’t perfect.
One aspect that warrants criticism: the costly penalties that the Ravens are still committing with alarming frequency.
Against Miami, they were flagged seven times for 68 yards. While they have won four of their last five games, they’ve registered 36 penalties for 337 yards since their bye week.
While some penalties are always going to happen, there have been far too many instances of players losing their cool and drawing flags that are 100% avoidable. Two such instances that come immediately to mind are personal fouls by Steve Smith Sr. (against Cincinnati) and Timmy Jernigan (against Miami). Both players headbutted opponents long after the whistle had blown and – embellishment on the violated players aside – cost the Ravens yards.
When faced with the question of how he handles vets like Smith committing costly infractions, John Harbaugh’s response was coach speak at its finest.
“I have my ways of expressing it to those guys,” stated Harbaugh at the podium on Monday. “They understand where we’re coming from on it. It’s communication, it’s relationship, and that’s what it is.”
I understand the fine line Harbaugh has to walk on a daily basis when it comes to his players…but seriously, John. Are some players are considered untouchable?
“I have conversations between me and them,” said Harbaugh about Timmy Jernigan’s and Smith Sr.’s penalties. “You framed the question in a personal way, and I would probably say that that’s a personal conversation I have with those guys.
“Those two names that you mentioned [Smith Sr. and Jernigan] are two guys in different places in their careers, but I still have great respect for both of those guys. No way are they intending to hurt the team in any way. Just the opposite, they want to help the team in any way they can, and I respect that about them.
“That’s where that stands. We communicate about that. They don’t want to hurt the team. They want to help theteam. That’s how it works.”
Tensions run high out there – we get it. But if they really want to help the team, they need to keep their heads on straight.
As the Ravens sit shakily atop the AFC North with a clash in New England staring them in the face, the players must do just that. With every game that lies ahead potentially being the difference between making the postseason or landing on the outside looking in, the team can not afford stupid infractions.
Keep it between the whistles, fellas.
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