Opening Thursday’s Out to Lunch, I’m compelled to note the statement Morgan Moses made on gun violence and the tragedy at the University of Virginia on Wednesday.
Statement from Baltimore Ravens T Morgan Moses: pic.twitter.com/MmiMyZEHfd
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 16, 2022
I can’t speak to the situation much, but I can say that Moses is spot on in his comments about unifying the country under the surely common goal to be safer. There’s no room for this kind of violence anywhere, and the horrific events are just another illustration of such incidents happening here. Props to Moses on speaking out and speaking his mind.
Moving to football, another major comment from Wednesday came from fan-favorite former Raven Jacoby Jones. Speaking to the current quarterback Lamar Jackson – particularly to the discussion that surrounds him – Jones claimed that Jackson would run far less with the same receivers his own QB Joe Flacco had:
Jacoby Jones on Lamar Jackson and the #Ravens: "If Lamar had me, Anquan and Torrey, he wouldn't be running anywhere."
— Glenn Clark (@GlennClarkRadio) November 16, 2022
It might seem like a critique of Baltimore’s Front Office, but in reality, it’s a fair shot. Jackson simply hasn’t had receivers like Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith.
Jones wasn’t the only one making comments, though. In fact, new Panthers starting QB Baker Mayfield claimed he’s a little intimidated of Jackson’s mother, who of course is also his agent. Look how Lamar reacts to hearing about it:
Lamar Jackson responds to Baker Mayfield: “He said he’s intimidated by my mama?!?!” 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/QJuQCitJ9e
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) November 16, 2022
Facing Mayfield will be fun, given his history with the Cleveland Browns. I’ll be at the game Sunday, and I’m ready to hear a chorus of boos for the former Oklahoma Sooner and Heisman Winner.
Regardless of Mayfield’s accolades, Baltimore should be well-equipped to defend him. That’s not only because the team is returning from a BYE, but also because they’ve had an extra week to integrate trade acquisition Roquan Smith. Here’s how Marlon Humphrey reacted to Smith’s arrival:
.@marlon_humphrey on learning the team had signed Roquan while in the weight room: pic.twitter.com/d7RZ3FENdX
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 16, 2022
Smith was unreal in his first game with the Ravens, and that came with likely little grasp of DC Mike Macdonald’s defense. With a few weeks to prepare for the Panthers, I fully expect Smith to dominate even more, and I can’t wait to see it unfold.
While the defense is still enjoying Smith’s arrival, Baltimore’s QB is more focused on the return of his favorite target, Mark Andrews:
"Oh we gave him a welcome!" @Lj_era8 on @Mandrews_81 returning to practice pic.twitter.com/pmuyHZj965
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 16, 2022
I’d say that’s fair. Even with strong play from rookie TE Isaiah Likely, Andrews is simply a beast. I’m not expecting him to play against Carolina, but I do think he’ll be integral to the team’s late year push this season.
Regardless, Baltimore’s competitors are improving too, even if we hate to see it. On Wednesday, per the NFL’s suspension policy, Browns QB Deshaun Watson returned to practice
Deshaun Watson is practicing again. pic.twitter.com/5cGGc77rw3
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 16, 2022
Deshaun Watson in his first practice of the season with the #browns pic.twitter.com/vTzheqNTKj
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) November 16, 2022
I feel like a broken record here, but this is just another reminder of what a scumbag move the Browns made by trading for and signing Watson. The contract, given the moral implications, is a disgrace. Still, Cleveland has its QB1 back on the field, gearing up for the rest of the campaign.
From the perspective of pure football, Watson will make the Browns better. That said, it’ll be tough to see him out there.
Either way, the Ravens have to put one foot in front of the other and focus on the Panthers this Sunday. With a favorable remaining schedule and a team that’s getting healthier, they’re poised for a run late in the year.
I’ll leave you with Carolina’s thoughts on playing the Ravens coming off a BYE:
Wait, the #Panthers are going to the Ravens in Week 11 after their bye?! pic.twitter.com/upORsdyGeq
— Cat Crave (@CatCraveBlog) November 9, 2022
We’ll see how it shakes out.
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