The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 23-16, in Week 2 of the 2019 NFL season. RSR staff react to the win here.
Derek Arnold
After the opening 96-yard TD drive that looked all too easy, we thought this might be a second straight relaxing victory. However, the Cardinals did a great job shutting down the Ravens’ running game (other than Lamar Jackson), which helped them hold the Ravens to 16 points the rest of the way.
Jackson might be a bit too in love with Marquise Brown, but after that connection they made to seal the game, can you really blame him? He also showed that he can still win games with his legs, even if it isn’t always a part of the game plan.
Pittsburgh and Cincinnati both fell to 0-2. It was a good day, but if Kyler Murray can move the ball like he did against this defense, we have to be a bit worried about what Patrick Mahomes will do next week.
That’s a problem for another day though. Let’s enjoy this one.
Ryan Jones
If anyone doubted that Lamar was the real deal, today proved otherwise. It wasn’t a dominant win but the Ravens proved they can beat you a myriad of ways. Next week will be a lot of fun to watch.Â
On a side note watch out for Kyler Murray, the kid has talent.
Chad Racine
Back down to earth a little this week as expected. Lamar was very impressive again this week and if last week never happened we’d still be raving about a great debut. Hollywood and Andrews could end up as the best receiver and tight end the Ravens have ever had. It’s early but the signs are good.
Aidan Griesser
I had a feeling that this game would be a lot closer than people expected, but this was a real deal Ravens victory and a hard-fought W. There were some gaps in the defense that I really hate to see, but its clear how many weapons Kingsbury has for Kyler Murray and on occasion, they’re going to get open. Wink’s unit did a great job of bending and not breaking.
The offensive line had way too many penalties this afternoon. Next week, @KC, there’s no chance we get away with those. If the O-Line is more disciplined today, the Ravens win without any trouble at all. But hey, it’s still week two, just get things cleaned up!
Once again, the Lamar Jackson – Mark Andrews connection is sweet. These guys are a problem and I can’t wait to see where it goes by year-end.
Lamar is making throws that I didn’t think he could drop in even with his improvement. That game-clincher to Hollywood was a thing of beauty. The offense is downright dangerous.
– With Pittsburgh taking another tough L, I am extremely curious to see what Cleveland does on Monday. If they somehow fall to a Jets team without Darnold, the Ravens are in the drivers seat and may not look back.
Let’s move to 3-0 with a win at Arrowhead, and then we can talk about how good these boys might just be.
Nick Capecci
I think this game showed us who Lamar really is, but also who he could be. He made some really difficult throws, but also missed one some easy ones. That type of inconsistency wont work against elite teams, but it is definitely something I can see him improving on.Â
As for the defense, I think we saw what injuries and a lack of a elite edge defender can do. Arizona’s 4-wide receiver sets really showed us that depth doesn’t always equal high level of play. Anthony Averett and Brandon Carr struggled, and against a weak offensive line, Baltimore failed to pressure Murray consistently.Â
A win is a win, but this sloppy needs to be cleaned up heading into K.C. next week.Â
Todd Karpovich
— It wasn’t pretty but the Ravens aren’t looking for style points. Good teams find a way to win.
— The secondary needs to play better, especially heading into Kansas City. Where was Earl Thomas?
— Lamar Jackson showed why he is one of the most dynamic players in the league. If he has to run more than 10 times for the Ravens to win, that is what he will do. It was a gutsy effort.
— The Ravens had three more sacks today, which is encouraging. But the questions with the pass rush still won’t go away. They will have a big test against the Chiefs.
