Ravens Superlatives at First ~Quarter-Pole

Well, we’re (just about) at the quarter mark of the season, as the Ravens have wrapped up their first four games with a 3-1 mark — including an impressive 2-0 against the division on the road. And while you always want better, they are in a good spot right now, with a few winnable games on the slate the next few weeks.

Of course, that “slate” can be a dangerous temptress (remember the Colts?)

So, with only four games in the books, and another 13 left to play, let’s see who has stood out on this team at the first quarter pole.

MVP, OPOY

Lamar Jackson

It’s a quarterback league, and the Ravens are winning largely because their quarterback has been out-performing the signal-callers on the other sideline. The fumbles MUST be cleaned up, and there have been some drives that offered little to be excited about, but Jackson has been sharp with his accuracy, and his decisions to take off and run or continue scanning for receivers has improved from the opener. Jackson currently has a passer rating of 104.2, is second in the NFL in completion percentage, tossed four touchdowns to one pick (in Week 1) and has rushed for 220 yards and four more touchdowns. He also leads the offense with a PFF score of 77.6.

DPOY

Roquan Smith 

You could have probably penciled this in before the season started and felt pretty good about it. The thing is, Smith has lived up to the hype and then some. A fierce leader of the defense, and team, Smith has dominated opponents and made the entire unit better. Through four games, Smith has 43 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and three passes defensed. He also has a PFF score of 89.5, and has been good everywhere. Every. Where.

Coach of the Year

Mike Macdonald

The second-year leader of the defense has progressed steadily in his role, and puts out a defense that is aggressive, plays fast and appears to give opposing quarterbacks nightmares. Despite boasting what many people to be personnel weaknesses in pass-rush and cornerback play, both elements of the D have shined. The Ravens are tied for third in the NFL in sacks (while getting only 2.5 from EDGE defenders), are ranked fourth in defensive DVOA, and have covered well on the back end. This young coach’s star is shining quite brightly.

Rookie of the Year

Zay Flowers 

The diminutive rookie receiver is second on the offense in PFF score (75.5) and has put up 24 catches for 244 yards. He has won on short passes while finding extra yards with his feet, hauled in a tough contested throw downfield against the Bengals and collaborated with Jackson on one of his broken-play specials this week for a big play. Flowers has shown strong hands and a desire to pick up every last yard possible every catch. He looks like a keeper.

Wild Card Superlative

Kyle Hamilton

Here is where I get to pick out a top performer who may have missed out on one of the major awards, but how about Hamilton? He is on pace for close to 100 tackles, has made some memorable plays on the ball, and got his first pick against Cleveland. He has also been physical every game, had three sacks against the Colts. Hamilton has a 78.4 grade from PFF, and has been good absolutely everywhere.

Others deserving consideration:

Brandon Stephens, Patrick Queen, Geno Stone, Rock Ya-Sin, Ronald Darby, Morgan Moses, Sam Mustipher