This Ravens team is a real rollercoaster, with ups-and-downs seemingly every other week. Last Sunday across the pond was no different, with Baltimore winning rather unconvincingly, threatening to throw another game away late.
The team loves keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
There were some positives, though, and I’ll start with those. First, after I sang his praises in the preseason and thus far, Zay Flowers finally found paydirt.
Nothing sweeter than that first NFL touchdown!!@ZayFlowers | #DontBlink
We're back at the Bank on Sunday at 1 p.m. to take on the Lions on FOX. pic.twitter.com/mT9pITv7sG
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 17, 2023
The rookie is quickly becoming a favorite target of Lamar Jackson’s, but of all his receptions, none had been for a score. I’m sure it meant the world, but likely even more than usual given it came on his late mother’s birthday:
Zay Flowers getting his first career touchdown on his late mother’s birthday hasn’t been acknowledged enough.
Ms. Jackie Walden is the reason Zay started playing football to begin with. To gift her an NFL TD while overseas is a story you couldn’t write any better. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/dFu2mR3m3d
— GOWIE (@DaKidGowie) October 17, 2023
The passing game looked back on track in London, with Jackson looking poised and receivers looking to have overcome the yips with drops. Kyle Van Noy spoke about Jackson’s improvements on the Pat McAfee Show:
#Ravens LB Kyle Van Noy shares his perspective on Lamar Jackson:
"I believe Lamar has grown tremendously. … People need to start paying attention because he's really doing an incredible job of delivering the football this year."
via @PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/E0xz0Bx1vO
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltimoree) October 17, 2023
I think Van Noy is right, and it’s refreshing hearing this from someone who hasn’t been as close to the organization in years passed. Jackson is reading defenses better and making the right decisions with the ball. He looks more comfortable.
Here’s a look at an audible he made that sprung OBJ for a big gain:
Lamar Jackson audibled at the line on this big 32-yard gain to Odell Beckham Jr. Leaves the DE unblocked and hits the hot route on the slant.
Lamar in control. Perfect read, perfect throw. pic.twitter.com/COINfhW28m
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) October 17, 2023
Another player continuing to impress is Justin Madubuike, who’s really making a name for himself in Charm City:
Justin Madubuike through five weeks:
•19 pressures
•15 stops
•13 tackles
•12 hurries
•5 sacks
•2 hits pic.twitter.com/gacNUIPiK0— Ravens Nation LIVE (@LIVERavenNation) October 17, 2023
Pressure from the interior is huge for a dominant defense, and Madubuike is providing that, making Baltimore’s one of the best in the league:
Best defense in the league 🔒 pic.twitter.com/8SKMIgfVM5
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) October 17, 2023
The Baltimore Ravens defense are allowing just 4.1 yards per play this season – 2nd in the NFL 😤 pic.twitter.com/mkg53Ycm2d
— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) October 17, 2023
Mike MacDonald’s unit can’t do everything, though. That’s especially true when the offense takes its foot off the gas (or whatever is happening) in the second half. Jonas Schaffer highlights how the Ravens’ attack has slowed as the game progresses:
The Ravens' offense gets worse the longer it's in the game. Here's their success rate and yards per play, with ranks:
🟣 1st quarter: 56.6% (2nd), 6.1 (7th)
⚫️ 2nd quarter: 47.0% (6th), 5.7 (12th)
🟣 3rd quarter: 40.5% (16th), 5.2 (20th)
⚫️ 4th qtr./OT: 28.4% (31st), 3.8 (30th)— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) October 17, 2023
Simply put, that can’t happen against Detroit. It shouldn’t happen at M&T Bank Stadium, either, but Baltimore’s track record there isn’t as strong as it once was:
The Baltimore Ravens at home against teams to make the playoffs since the start of 2020:
38-6 (W)
20-34 (L)
24-28 (L)
24-30 (L)
36-35 (W)
34-6 (W)
17-41 (L)
30-31 (L)
19-20 (L)
13-16 (L)
38-42 (L)
20-23 (L)
19-17 (W)4-9
The Lions are -650 to make the playoffs.
— Spencer Schultz (@ravens4dummies) October 17, 2023
Win one at home against a good team for once then.
Home wins against teams with that finished with a winning record by year:
2022- 1 (Week 6 Bengals)
2021- 2 (Week 6 Chargers who finished 9-8, Week 2 against Chiefs)
2020- 1 (Browns Week 1) https://t.co/XuajmCJjm1
— Spencer Schultz (@ravens4dummies) October 17, 2023
I don’t want to gloss over some glaring issues with the Ravens, but some of it might actually be luck:
Ravens third least lucky team in NFL so far. Shocked who’s in second. https://t.co/VuhLBvSU1r
— Spencer Schultz (@ravens4dummies) October 17, 2023
It some of those bounces start going Baltimore’s way, things could start feeling a little better for fans. That said, you won’t like hearing this:
According to @DMRussini, the Giants are not planning to trade RB Saquon Barkley.
Despite recent buzz among Ravens fans, a move to Baltimore does not seem to be in the cards. pic.twitter.com/e9JXLNRhdh
— Ravens Nation LIVE (@LIVERavenNation) October 17, 2023
After seeing Gus Edwards continuously slowed down, I do think Eric DeCosta should consider moving in for a reliable back with control. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like that’ll be Saquon Barkley.
This week I’ll leave you with some other names I’d consider:
One Response
How about giving Keaton Mitchell a try? He showed some speed and explosiveness in pre-season. He’s now off the IR and PS.
If he shows some potential then he would be much cheaper than going out and trying to trade for a RB. We still have 2 weeks until the trade deadline comes and we do have other needs to consider. Try Mitchell first then decide if we need to shop.