The Ravens started hot and never looked back, routing the Bengals 49-13 in Cincinnati. RSR staff react to the win here.
Derek Arnold
“It’s a trap game,” they said. I was never worried. The Ravens did what they were supposed to do against a winless team with a quarterback getting his first NFL start. Lamar Jackson was incredible. How incredible? Well…
Lamar Jackson's day is over.
• 15/17
• 223 passing yards
• 65 rushing yards
• 3 passing TDs
• 1 rushing TD
• perfect 158.3 passer ratingHe is the 2nd player in NFL history to have a perfect 158.3 passer rating in multiple games in a season.#Ravens will improve to 7-2. pic.twitter.com/FcYI5sAOEZ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 10, 2019
Not bad for a running back.
On to Houston.
Todd Karpovich
— The Ravens are obviously not playing down to the competition and completely dismantled the Bengals, a team that traditionally plays them tough. It was the first season sweep of Cincinnati since 2011. More importantly, the Ravens tightened their grip on the AFC North.
— The Bengals dared Lamar Jackson to beat them through the air, so he did. Jackson completed 15 of 17 passes for 223 yards with three touchdowns and a perfect 158.3 rating. But his most electrifying play came on the ground with a 47-yard run. Jackson has a strong case for league MVP>
— The acquisition of cornerback Marquise Peters was a shrewd move by GM Eric DeCosta. Peters had his second pick-six of the season in the second quarter. The Raves secondary is back to playing at a high level.
— Linebacker Tyus Bowser had his best game and returned a fumble 34 yards for a touchdown. He is finally turning the corner. Ravens lead the NFL with five defensive touchdowns.
— The Ravens improved to 7-2 for the third time in franchise history. While the Ravens still have tough games against the Texas, 49ers Rams, and Bills, they are poised to host a playoff game for the second straight year.
Aidan Griesser
– This was never a trap game. The Ravens are focused and motivated to be the best team in the AFC. Right now, I’d say they are, even if these are the Bungles.
– Lamar Jackson is simply unfair. His ability to maintain balance and make uncanny displays of athleticism is absurd. Even with his amazing running ability, Jackson continues to improve as a passer and that’s scary.
– Eric DeCosta and Wink Martindale have built a defense with a knack for not only playmaking but scoring. Still, if there’s one negative takeaway, it’s the team’s lack of pass rush. When Ryan Findley had time, he picked them apart.
– Not much else to say about this one, but next week is another opportunity to make a statement.
Chad Racine
The Ravens feel like a magical team right now. I think they are currently the most dangerous and balanced team in the NFL. I was originally worried about the second half of the season’s tough schedule. Now I feel very confident they will probably end up 12-4 with the 2nd seed and a bye week.
Carey Stevenson
Well, that escalated quickly.
The Ravens are operating like a team that knows exactly who they are. Much of who they are revolves around #8. For all we can say about how special Lamar Jackson is as an open field player we can also do the same for his command of this offense, his decision making and his ability to make throws from different platforms. His QB play has been a joy to watch.
On defense the Ravens don’t have a great individual pass rushers but they have Wink Martindale and they Marcus Peters. Those two give you weekly opportunities for splash plays. Couple that with an abundance of secondary talent and a front 7 playing cohesively and the Ravens are set up to make legitimate noise in the postseason
John Langley
The bottom line is simple: good teams beat the snot out of bad teams. The Ravens did just that today. Defense’s run defense was suspect overall but there’s little to be upset about. Marcus Peters continues to make a case for being brought back after the season (pst, Eric DeCosta please do it) and took yet another pick to the house.
Lamar Jackson is simply special. I’m trying to find a team that can stop this guy and i just can’t find it. The Bengals tried to make him a passer and guess what, he threw all over them. Stacking the box can prove to be futile to this MVP candidate. Keep doubting him, he’s just going to keep proving teams wrong.
Next week against the Texans could prove to be a division-deciding game. If they are able to pull that out, I have a hard time seeing anyone tracking this team down in the AFC north.
More knee-jerk reactions as they roll in…
