The Ravens have really started stacking terrific performances now, fresh off a 37-3 thumping of the impressive Seattle Seahawks last Sunday. Clicking on all cylinders at the moment, it’s hard to imagine the Cleveland Browns upsetting the Ravens this coming Sunday.
In fact, Ravens fans may be hoping for a repeat of what happened 19 years ago yesterday:
Good Morning #RavensFLock
19 Years Ago Today,
HOF safety Ed Reed (@TwentyER) sealed a 27-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns on SNF by returning an INT for a then NFL-record 106 yard TD in the final seconds of the game.
Reed would go on to have a career year in INTs with 9,… pic.twitter.com/JHmLdMph8k
— T.D.R (@TheDailyRaven) November 7, 2023
That kind of defensive play is hard to come by, but despite playing so well, I’ve been surprised the Baltimore defense hasn’t yet notched a score. Perhaps the first comes from the NFL’s interceptions leader this week?
.@GenoStone22 going crazy 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TLM4g2z9Xz
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 7, 2023
Heck, if Stone has more interceptions than 12 NFL teams, especially given the fact he wasn’t starting every game, why couldn’t he make a house call?
There’s no doubt Geno Stone has been a revelation this year, and while he’s not the most physically gifted safety in the world, he always seems to be in the right place. With a defense loaded with game-changers like Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, and Justin Madubuike, it’s critical to have the smart players behind them. Stone has provided just that in Marcus Williams’ absence.
Another player that’s been a revelation is Kyle Van Noy. I initially loved the signing for Van Noy’s veteran presence and experience, but his production has been off the charts so far:
Kyle Van Noy in just SIX games:
– 21 QB pressures
– 5 sacks
– 1 forced fumbleHe is an A+ signing by EDC. ✅ pic.twitter.com/izuSZ6cz7k
— Ravens Nation LIVE (@LIVERavenNation) November 7, 2023
These are the unsung kinds of moves that put a team over the top, and I’m looking for another big game out of Van Noy this week.
Ultimately, though, much of these players’ success could be down to Mike MacDonald’s scheme. The young Defensive Coordinator continues to impress, and if the Ravens expect to keep him on their staff this year, we’ll need to be pushing more content like this:
Probably the worst DC we’ve ever had and absolutely not HC material at all. I’d advise every other NFL team to steer clear, he is our problem child to deal with. https://t.co/7JeZFHOa2W
— Kevin 🐦⬛ (@MDRavens1) November 7, 2023
In actuality, MacDonald has worked wonders for this defense, and both the tape and stats prove it:
This is what Mike Macdonald is doing if you could sum it up in one play
Geno Smith sees a 7 man “0” pressure front, checks into a different play, Ravens show 7 but rush 4. Overload the offensive line with a 3 man rush on one side. Drop into C2 and Stone is waiting for the fly… pic.twitter.com/jodmKAwraU
— Yuri (@MR___Yuri) November 7, 2023
Pass Rush Win % among #Ravens DL:
17.6% – Jadeveon Clowney (14th among EDGE)
17.4% – Odafe Oweh (15th among EDGE)
12.9% – Kyle Van Noy (t39th among EDGE)12% – Justin Madubuike (t23rd among iDL)
12% – Michael Pierce (t23rd among iDL)#RavensFlock— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) November 7, 2023
Most pressures generated by a Ravens player in the 2022 season:
Justin Houston – 39
Most pressures generated by a Ravens player this season thru 9 weeks:
Jadeveon Clowney – 39 pic.twitter.com/1WhZTgLpze
— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) November 7, 2023
On the other side of the ball, how about former Las Vegas Raiders OG John Simpson? Another unsung hero, Simpson has stepped into the vacated Left Guard spot largely flawlessly in 2023. Take a look at him paving the way for a few scores against Seattle:
John Simpson is really embracing his role as the Ravens’ next bullying left guard. pic.twitter.com/unGgwniO59
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) November 8, 2023
The O-Line has been a key reason for Lamar Jackson’s success too. Largely, he’s had the time to stay in the pocket, go through his progressions, and find open targets. You can’t ignore the play in the trenches when giving Lamar, RB Keaton Mitchell, and the whole Ravens team their flowers:
The Baltimore Ravens have the best point differential in the NFL this season +115
— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) November 7, 2023
#Ravens Keaton Mitchell is your Week 9 rushing yards leader 🏆💨 pic.twitter.com/bdr8GwN4Ml
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 7, 2023
And yet, opponents are still willing to question things. Could Myles Garrett’s comments to Kay Adams be bulletin board material for the hottest team in the league?
Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett says Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has the edge over Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson right now
“I’m taking down Lamar, but I’ll take Joe right now in terms of who’s got the nod over the other right now” pic.twitter.com/mLhdHCL8Sz
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) November 7, 2023
Time will tell, but I wouldn’t be giving this team any more reason to be fired up for Sunday:
The Ravens haven’t been tested. pic.twitter.com/rp9E5LtNhO
— Will (@wearpurplepants) November 7, 2023
2 Responses
SMH we’ll see. Personally I like it when we are flying under the radar. When we start getting to much attention nationally it scares me.
These are 2 very big games coming up this next week. We have 2 home games against division opponents and then a by week. Division games are always tough but 2 games in 5 days is crazy.
I’m a big fan. I think we can win both games. Stay healthy, keep trending up offensively, and play up to the competition. One game at a time. Let’s take care of business.
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