Ravens fans were treated to quite the performance this past Sunday, with a somewhat surprising 38-6 drubbing of the Detroit Lions. With a Todd Monken offense that was firing on all cylinders and a Mike Macdonald defense that had Jared Goff running wild, the Ravens looked like the best team in the NFL.
They’re getting the national coverage to go with it, too:
The Ravens are getting major national love after their 38-6 win over the Lions in Week 7 pic.twitter.com/mKKIHqcaAA
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) October 24, 2023
Baltimore likes to play with that underdog mentality; most fans prefer it, too. But something about the way they played against Detroit reminded me and many others of the 2019 season. After looking inconsistent through the first leg of the season, Baltimore had a statement win in Seattle and went on a run. Could the same happen this year?
First and foremost, as Cole Jackson calls out, they must continue taking things one game at a time, starting with the Arizona Cardinals:
Focus this week: Do not play down to your opponent.
The #Ravens have built some INSANE momentum after trouncing a very good Lions team.
Time to go 2019 sicko mode and keep rolling.
Absolutely steamroll the Cards. 31-10 type shit.#RavensFlock
— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) October 24, 2023
If Marlon Humphrey plays like he did against the Lions, former Raven Hollywood Brown, nor any other Cards WR, will have success against him:
Marlon Humphrey in coverage vs. the Lions:
51 coverage snaps
2 receptions allowed, 5 yards
1 forced incompletion— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) October 24, 2023
Humphrey is one of the faces of a defense that could end up being special. Looking at this chart from Ben Baldwin, the offense got going Sunday, while the defensive unit continues its positive trend:
~~ 7 weeks of the NFL season in the books~~
Here come the Ravens
The Bills and Seahawks have to two hardest remaining schedules per @inpredict (both have played top-5 easiest schedules to date) pic.twitter.com/PcrvRNE2yF
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) October 24, 2023
Those analytics are matched by point-prevention:
While there is a lot of talk about Lamar Jackson and the #Ravens offense, the Baltimore defense leads the NFL in fewest points allowed:
Ravens: 13.9
Chiefs: 15.0
49ers: 15.6The Baltimore defense has been strong all season and ranks 2nd in the league in fewest yards allowed.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) October 24, 2023
What makes this defense so fun to me is the way it’s been built. Sure, you have the household names like Humphrey, Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen and Kyle Hamilton balling out. But you also have new signings like Arthur Maulet, young players like Odafe Oweh, and overlooked vets like Kyle Van Noy playing key roles. All three looked great, especially Oweh in his return to the field:
Odafe Oweh's return to the field tilted the athleticism edge too far in the Ravens direction vs the Lions. Oweh finished with 1 Sack and a FF while showing off his sudden burst and closing speed against one of the best OLines in the NFL.#Ravens #RavenFlock pic.twitter.com/aGRRcQpUUG
— All 22 Films (@All_22_NFL_Cuts) October 24, 2023
Kyle Van-Noy had the same number of sacks as Myles Garrett, Chase Young, and Kayvon Thibodeaux in Week 7.
He is already becoming one of the best signings of the year for Baltimore. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3PpbUPEyo7
— Ravens Nation LIVE (@LIVERavenNation) October 24, 2023
Many fans (raises hand) clamored for pass rush support, but the Ravens are generating pressure with ease:
The Baltimore Ravens have generated 158 total pressures this season (2nd in the NFL)
— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) October 24, 2023
In my defense, I was not expecting such a breakout from Justin Madubuike. The fourth-year player has been incredibly disruptive thus far, notching more sacks than Aidan Hutchinson and Micah Parsons. He’s become a key cog in the unit’s success:
One thing I have noticed is the Ravens make the mistake of letting players like Judon, and Z walk away to be cheap. This is a chance to lock up a fantastic player for years to come. He’s just now hitting his stride and be a game wrecker https://t.co/A65kjQhaBm
— Sammy in a bottle 🧞♂️ (@Flxmingoz) October 23, 2023
I couldn’t agree more with this, especially after seeing what a stud DT has done for Tennessee’s defense.
On the offensive side, everything’s looking up! Lamar Jackson was in complete control, and he’s absolutely established himself as an MVP candidate:
Through seven weeks of the 2023 NFL season, Ravens QB Lamar Jackson ranks
– No. 2 in completion percentage (71.0%)
– No. 3 in yards per attempt (8.1)
– No. 3 in QB rating (101.9)
– No. 4 in adjusted yards per attempt (8.2)
– No. 4 in net yards per attempt (7.05) pic.twitter.com/rqUO8F9hJ0— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) October 24, 2023
Deservedly, he’s getting his own flowers in the national media:
The Ravens team we saw on Sunday BEATS EVERY TEAM IN THE NFL. Lamar wasn’t even excited in his post game presser because the Ravens are building towards something greater in the playoffs. Anyone who can’t see that is just hating and they green for that. pic.twitter.com/s7kRU0mdyR
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 24, 2023
Colin Cowherd on Lamar Jackson and the #Ravens entering Week 8:
"There's something about his work ethic, his competitiveness and his personality that is jet fuel. … If you've never faced Lamar, you have no idea what you're in for. This Lamar is the best Lamar. … That's… https://t.co/W56fLPL0UU pic.twitter.com/7CJ8MjNfQ4
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltimoree) October 24, 2023
He’s playing better than he’s ever played before, but we know how quickly form can turn in the NFL, especially with the Ravens. They have a critical set of games upcoming before a gauntlet down the stretch, so let’s focus on continuing that streak of NFC wins:
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' next two games are against the Cardinals and the Seahawks.
Will they keep the streak alive? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/D1QmkANjtP
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 24, 2023
3 Responses
Ravens also have relentless pressure applied by Clowny.
We see greatness. Now we’re looking for consistency. This team can do it.
Always thought we had one of the most talented teams in the league. With additions especially in the coaching area, things are trending up.
We’re on a roll. Just have to keep trending up, playing up to our potential instead of down to our opposition. There’s plenty of room for growth and improvement. Never be satisfied. One game at a time.
There’s several things that can derail us in the end. Complacency and injuries are the two major things that can kill us in the long run. Just TCOB=take care of business.
We have a special group here from the coaching staff to the players. It may not last long so just be grateful and enjoy the ride.