The Ravens got to have some fun at Wednesday’s practice, as Lamar Jackson’s stellar performance in New England earned him Nickelodeon’s esteemed weekly “NVP” award
"gooey" 🤣
Your Week 3 @Nickelodeon NVP @Lj_era8 ❕ pic.twitter.com/Ah2WNdCeqT
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 28, 2022
In all seriousness, it isn’t the award Jackson and the team hope he achieves, but it did provide some good photos, as many members of the squad got slimed in celebration:
This is such a legendary picture
📸: @Ravens pic.twitter.com/MryEEiN781
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) September 28, 2022
What a photo!
Jackson’s play is giving him fair recognition around the league and the media, and Chris Simms made a great point on the dilemma that opposing defenses face playing Baltimore:
The Ravens are a pass-first offense that defenses have to treat like a run-first offense because of Lamar Jackson.
The Patriots D tried to rush 5 and contain the run, and he picked them apart.— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) September 28, 2022
In past years, Baltimore has been known for its dominant running game, and that was always led by the threat Jackson posed as a runner. This year, Simms is arguing that the Ravens’ calling card is the passing attack, and he’s right.
Take a look at Baltimore’s top receivers against Buffalo’s, who are on a team thought to have one of the most high-powered passing attacks in the league.
Ravens' top 3 receivers (Andrews, Bateman, Duvernay):
38 receptions, 592 yards, 8 TDs
Bills' top 3 receivers (Diggs, McKenzie, Davis):
45 receptions, 601 yards, 8 TDs
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) September 28, 2022
Many worried about the receiving corps at Jackson’s disposal, but they haven’t missed a beat, getting strong play from Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay to lead the way. But at the end of the day, their surprising numbers all come down to Jackson’s play.
Jackson bet on himself by not taking Baltimore’s past contract offers, and so far, he made the right decision. In fact, as reported by Jenna Cottrell from Buffalo Plus, Bills OLB Von Miller said Jackson should be the highest paid QB in the league.
Von Miller says Lamar Jackson should be the highest paid player in the NFL.#ravens #bills
— Jenna Cottrell (@JennaCottrell) September 28, 2022
Statements like this won’t help Baltimore’s front office in negotiating with their QB, and this again is why I believed they made a grave mistake not giving him what he wanted.
We’ve seen the meme circulating, but it’s a fact: the cost of the brick is going up.
Baltimore’s star quarterback aside, a player who may become an unsung hero this year is rookie C Tyler Linderbaum. Jackson watched the tape, and said Linderbaum looked outstanding last Sunday.
"It looked incredible." @Lj_era8 on @TLinderbaum's film: pic.twitter.com/CMMK5hdcnx
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 28, 2022
Baltimore’s O-Line was a major area of focus this past offseason, and it’s paramount that Linderbaum plays consistently throughout the remainder of his first campaign.
Focusing on the defense now, newly signing Jason Pierre-Paul made his first practice appearance on Wednesday:
Welcome to the squad, JPP ❗️ pic.twitter.com/yPWRWauMPC
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 28, 2022
At this stage in his career, JPP may not be the most exciting acquisition, but he will be an impactful member of the team this year. I like the signing overall.
Marcus Peters likes the signing, too, responding to reporters on Wednesday, what JPP will bring to the locker room:
"I think his veteran leadership.. He knows what it take to get to the Super Bowl." @marcuspeters on the addition of JPP pic.twitter.com/LB8PPFAbYQ
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 28, 2022
Let’s hope Peters is right.
Turning back to the offense, we did get some good news after Patrick Mekari’s injury last week. On Wednesday, Ronnie Stanley was a full participant in practice.
Wednesday’s Injury Report: pic.twitter.com/0zrp9LkZvu
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 28, 2022
While I thought rookie tackle Daniel Faalele held his own against the Patriots, he’s raw and unlikely to do so throughout the year. Getting Stanley back and healthy would be a major boost moving forward.
We’ll have to see if he plays in the biggest game of the year so far against the Bills.
