The Baltimore Ravens improved to 2-1 overall (and 2-1 in the AFC North), as Justin Tucker knocked home a 32 yard FG as time expired for the 23-21 victory over the Cleveland Browns.

(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)

Quick hits:

– Baltimore is a different team vs. last year, with the improvement from the Offensive Line and ability to run the ball. If the Ravens can consistently produce on the ground, the play action game opens up, the defense stays rested, and Baltimore’s aspirations of returning to the Playoffs and factoring in the AFC become more legitimate.

– On the other-hand, I’ll channel my inner Lee Corso, and remind myself ‘Not so fast my friend.’ Pitta’s injury was tough to watch. You have to feel badly for him after working his way back. Both before last season, and as this season was beginning; we’ve felt  he was on the verge of really emerging as one of the NFL’s better TE’s. When he is on the field, he is a safety blanket for Flacco. The Ravens want to utilize a lot of two TE sets. The play-action offense is built for Pitta’s skills. You have to think Pitta is once again done for the year, and that drastically changes the look of this offense.

– With Pierce inactive today, we saw our first regular season action from Taliaferro. Right away we saw him attacking between the tackles.  1 cut, and consistently running downhill. He looked like former Bronco (and Ravens) Mike Anderson to me. (Kubiak was the Broncos Offensive Coordinator in 2000, when Anderson was the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.) Taliaferro finished with 18 carries, for 91 yards, and a TD.

– Forsett had another productive game, with 11 carries for 63 yards.

– Before the Week 2 game vs. Pittsburgh, my ‘Bold Prediction’ at Russell Street Report was that Taliaferro and Juszczyk would combine for 10+ touches. I was off a week. Glad to see Juszczyk also get involved today. His TD catch was a beautiful play call. That was followed by a big gainer down the sideline in the 3rd Quarter. Juszczyk finished with 3 grabs for 54 yards, and the score.

– Will Daniels be able to stay on the field? Will Gilmore be able to add to the offense? As Pierce gets back, will the Ravens utilize Juszczyk in TE sets, and Taliaferro with Pierce or Forsett in 2 back sets? (We did see Juszczyk used as a TE in the 2nd half today.)
– We know that Elam is a SS, and not a FS – but it’s good that Elam is productive in the box, because his ball skills really appear limited.

– As Rob Shields said in the BSL Game Thread, “So, Webb missed camp, missed the first two weeks; and you have him back to return a punt? What is that?” Webb looked like a guy that had missed a lot of time. It will take sometime for him to work his way back performance wise.

– Hoyer did a good job today of making timely decisions and quickly getting rid of the ball. It’s understandable that with those quick drops, he was able to avoid being pressured. What you hated to see, was Hoyer being able to carve up the Ravens defense. Hoyer finished the day 19 of 25 for 290 yards, and 1 TD. He completed passes to 6 different targets.

– There were multiple disappointing defensive series for the Ravens today. The Baltimore offense started the game with points, only to watch the defense immediately give up the lead. Then to begin the 2nd half, Cleveland marched 80 yards over 9 plays (helped by the unnecessary roughness penalty on Mosley) to go ahead 14-10. That was followed by another 80 yard drive, as the Browns again reclaimed the lead at 21-17.

– However, when it mattered the most – the defense came up with back-to-back stops late in the 4th. Mosley got past his earlier penalty, with a big play (hitting Hoyer) on 3rd down with 4 minutes plus left in the 4th. 

– Timmy Jernigan, Arthur Brown, and Terrence Brooks were inactive today. Jernigan expected with the meniscus issue. We know the Ravens Coaching staff has said that Brown’s limitations as a Special Teams player are currently eliminating him as an option on game days; but we continue to think he should be active. We think the fresh legs and athleticism of these guys (Jernigan of course when healthy) could help the defense, even as reserves.

– Huge FG block from Asa Jackson in the 4th Quarter.

– Jones should have had that catch in the 4th. Not an automatic, but a play he needs to make.

– Steve Smith had 5 catches for 101 yards. The last one a pretty throw from Joe, and an important grab from Steve. Torrey Smith had 2 for 25 yards, despite 6 targets. Have to get him going in this offense. Nice seeing Marlon Brown get his first grab. Hope to see more of him going forward, especially with Pitta now out.

– It was a very even game overall, with the Browns hurting themselves with 12 penalties.

– Huge difference leaving Cleveland with the victory. Credit to the Ravens for finding a way to win.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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