It began with a cordial greeting between a player and his former coach, but a chilly afternoon in Baltimore devolved into some of the ugliest football we’ve seen from the Ravens this year.
Respect. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/YrRthQ85lU
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 20, 2022
That distinction really belongs to the offense, as Baltimore’s defense played an inspired game against an old foe in Baker Mayfield. The stats are impressive – Carolina had 36 rushing yards and just 205 total to go along with three turnovers – but I am truly excited to go over some of the film from this game.
BEST CORNERS IN THE LEAGUE@marcuspeters and @marlon_humphrey
Tune in on FOX! pic.twitter.com/QaoivBjpKO
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 20, 2022
The Ravens were shutting the Panthers down all game, but struggled to get all the way home on sacks or secure a turnover. This through-the-whistle play from Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey – who should have had a touchdown if not for Jerome Boger’s horrendous crew – finally broke the dam and really set the tone for the rest of the game.
BEST CORNERS IN THE LEAGUE@marcuspeters and @marlon_humphrey
Tune in on FOX! pic.twitter.com/QaoivBjpKO
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 20, 2022
#RavensFlock I had chills from this the rest of the game loved it 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QJVK50sQxH
— 🦈 (@Patrickqueen_) November 20, 2022
Humphrey wouldn’t be denied, though, adding a pick of his own later in the fourth quarter.
Marlon HIMphrey seals it! 🔒⬇️ pic.twitter.com/3QFDJAq3jW
— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) November 20, 2022
Jason Pierre-Paul must have taken on the Justin Houston diet over the bye week, because he played like a younger version of himself as well.
JPP on fourth down 😤
Tune in on FOX! pic.twitter.com/ecNz568xxk
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 20, 2022
Have a game, Jason Pierre-Paul! pic.twitter.com/bz54atKHI7
— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) November 20, 2022
Okay, so that was the good stuff. Now onto the Ravens offense, who moved the ball at times but only scored one touchdown on four red zone trips. Now there’s plenty not to like, but I did appreciate Lamar Jackson’s focus on protecting the football after struggling with turnovers to start the year.
the interception was fake btw
— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) November 21, 2022
Jackson consistently hit his checkdowns when nothing was open, and the Panthers defense tackled well all game to limit long gains.
Lamar Jackson's 72.7 completion percentage today (24 of 33) was his highest of the season.
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) November 20, 2022
It’s clear though, that they need more explosive run plays from Jackson and more plays designed for YAC for ballcarriers like Devin Duvernay. That’s easier said than done, of course, but this quality of offensive football simply won’t play in the postseason.
Demarcus Robinson stepped up big time for the Baltimore Ravens today ⭐️
– 9 Receptions
– 128 Yards pic.twitter.com/Ov0nWeo20a— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) November 20, 2022
Interestingly, Demarcus Robinson did emerge as the possession receiver the Ravens have needed, catching all nine of his targets for 128 yards on a variety of routes in traffic and through contact. But even that wasn’t enough to kick start an otherwise anemic offense.
arm talent pic.twitter.com/EVD2MOXVlv
— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) November 21, 2022
The Ravens will have to continue to rely on Jackson to do things like this, which simply can’t be relied upon game after game. Will he? I have no clue, but it sure is fun to watch him go for it anyway.
