Kicking things off today, it’s worth sharing the message Ravens legend OJ Brigance sent to the team for his birthday last week. Baltimore’s social media team, as always, did a fantastic job capturing the moment:
"The process of enduring ultimately leads to a life well-lived."@OJBrigance's birthday message to the team last weekhttps://t.co/Ju9AFaGdHE pic.twitter.com/0Y00sdOeDY
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 6, 2022
While it may not have been enough to capture a victory over the Bills last Sunday, it’s an amazing team moment nonetheless. Brigance continues to be a beacon in Baltimore, an inspiration that goes far beyond football.
Returning to football and shifting attention toward a must-win Sunday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Ravens announced they will be back in black at the Bank this weekend.
Back in black ❗️❗️ pic.twitter.com/vNf68HUOKn
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 5, 2022
In the franchise’s history, the Ravens have an unbelievable 17-5 record when wearing their all black uniforms. We’ll be looking for that record to improve as the weekend closes out.
Black uniforms may be back against the Bengals, but will Gus Edwards? The power running back has been diligently rehabbing from the injury that took away his 2021 campaign before it got off the ground, was back at practice on Wednesday:
Gus Edwards back on practice field. pic.twitter.com/W6pVjf43oj
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 5, 2022
GUS BUS 🚌 pic.twitter.com/QIRaTcTUEI
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 5, 2022
Edwards was sorely missed throughout last season, but perhaps was missed more in Baltimore’s two losses this year. The former Rutgers Scarlet Knight is an unstoppable force in the backfield, particularly late in games when the defense has weak legs.
He may very well have been able to salt away the clock before both Miami and Buffalo could turn the tide.
At the same time, much blame must be put on Baltimore’s secondary, and they know it. Star CB Marlon Humphrey owned it, noting that everybody has to be better.
Marlon Humphrey on team’s 32nd- ranked pass defense: “The numbers don’t lie as much as it sucks to say. It’s unacceptable. We all got to step up. Me especially.”
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 5, 2022
Ball-hawking CB Marcus Peters’ frustration is even more clear, simply because he didn’t note anything at all, refusing to speak to the media Wednesday afternoon:
Marlon Humphrey on team’s 32nd- ranked pass defense: “The numbers don’t lie as much as it sucks to say. It’s unacceptable. We all got to step up. Me especially.”
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 5, 2022
Regardless of who it is, the Ravens must improve their pass defense. The issue is not a lack of talent. DC Mike Macdonald has numerous Pro Bowl caliber players at his disposal. Instead, it’s about late game execution and communication. The defense is tied for the league lead in takeaways with 2.5 per game, but the well seems to run dry after halftime.
They’ll have a tough test this week and will need to step it up quickly; A Bengals fan reminds us of why here:
It is Ravens Week😈#RuleTheJungle pic.twitter.com/Cbg5zZK9Bl
— The German Bengal🐅🇩🇪 (@DerGermanBengal) October 4, 2022
The Bengals seemed to hit their stride a bit last week and they’ve had extra time to prepare for the Ravens, fresh off a Thursday Night win at home against Miami. WR sensation Ja’Marr Chase, who burned the Ravens last year, is excited to face Peters this time around:
Ja’Marr Chase does not expect the Ravens to 1-on-1 match him up with Marlon Humphrey like Baltimore did last year in their first meeting. Chase says he’s “excited” to face Marcus Peters for the first time. pic.twitter.com/HKn2nOO5Jq
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) October 5, 2022
Chase had Humphrey running in circles last season, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he puts on a similar show this week.
To win, Baltimore may need to keep up with Cincy. To help those efforts, the team signed former UMass WR Andy Isabella:
Andy Isabella joining the Ravens, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 5, 2022
Explosive speed is Isabella’s game, he’ll be a nice slot option to bring into the mix. It’s unclear how involved he’ll be – especially from the get-go – but Isabella has shown potential before:
Andy Isabella is the newest Ravens wide receiver pic.twitter.com/bBNTW0ZAYC
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) October 6, 2022
I doubt the former Cardinal will get too many snaps this week, but look out for him down the road.
As always, you know to look out for the injury report when I write, so here it is:
Injury Report for Week 5: pic.twitter.com/HGOyd7KJfl
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 5, 2022
Before panic, don’t worry too much about Dobbins being out. Harbaugh quick response to questions about Baltimore bell cow RB should put an end to any of your concerns:
Coach Harbaugh on RB J.K. Dobbins: pic.twitter.com/ar4umRu39j
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 5, 2022
Even if Edwards doesn’t play, the Ravens have a great shot at winning this game. With a balanced attack, more consistent defense, and M&T Bank Stadium at its back, the team has a lot going for it.
Then again, the Bengals will be a real tough test.
