The Baltimore Ravens started their 2022 campaign by overcoming a relatively sluggish start, to ultimately controlling the action enroute to a decisive 24-9 victory over the New York Jets.
The Good:
1) We’ve spent a lot of time this Summer talking about wanting to see the Ravens create more turnovers this year. They were able to create a couple, including Free Agent addition Marcus Williams coming up with his first interception as a Raven.
2) Justin Madubuike had a strong game. Justin Houston had multiple QB hits and a sack.
3) Three different pass catchers (Bateman, Duvernay, Andrews) with 50+ yards receiving.
4) Beautiful connection from Jackson to Duvernay on the initial TD. Great job from Duvernay fighting through contact there. Really encouraging to see Duvernay step up with two TD’s here in Week 1, with him being positioned as the Ravens 2nd WR.
5) This wasn’t some overwhelming Jackson performance. I thought he was shaking off some rust, and had some issues with his mechanics (dropping down side arm when not necessary, uneven footwork when he had time to plant). He still had 3 TD’s.
6) Michael Pierce made more of an imprint today than Brandon Williams did at any point over the last couple of years.
The Bad:
1) For me, the initial negative of the day was some of these inactive players. I’m not listing it as ugly, because it’s Week 1. It’s a long season. Stanley, Peters, Dobbins are working their way back from significant injuries. It’s going to be a process, and it’s understandable that the Ravens weren’t comfortable pushing them into action today. Still, Stanley has played 7 games over the last two years. It’s hard to imagine the Ravens reaching their ceiling if he can’t be a consistent presence, and his unavailability today just reinforces the questions which exist there. With Dobbins and Peters, it’s a reminder that they aren’t quite right to play now – and it’s likely going to be a second until they find themselves even once they are available. Obviously we knew Jones was going to be out today as he rehabs his knee, but definitely looking forward to having him in the DT rotation.
2) I feel really bad for Ja’wan James the person. Missing 3 years of action only to be carted off today in his first game back. But relying on him as your back up LT? That was a bad plan.
3) If Duvernay is the 2nd WR; I don’t like him as the return guy – even if he is your best option. You are just putting him in a position that gives him additional opportunities to get hurt. Hard to do that, if you are going to be reliant on him in the passing game.
4) Isaiah Likely didn’t get on the catch board today. No issue there, it was his first game. Listing here, because it felt at-times early on that the Ravens needed him to get involved. If you need a 4th Round Rookie to produce for you; there might be a larger problem.
5) The Jets Michael Carter had 10 carries for 60 yards. Breece Hall had 6 carries for 23 yards. There were several larger gains from the duo to the outside.
6) Game would have looked a bit closer had Zuerlein not missed a FG and XP, and had Carter not dropped an easy would be TD on 4th and Goal.
7) I would have liked to have seen some additional designed runs for Jackson.
8) Drake and Davis got going a little bit in the 2nd half, but neither looked like an answer. The offense needs Dobbins and a healthy Edwards. Dobbins speed to scare and stretch opponents. Edwards running downhill between the tackles. Justice Hill had 4 touches today, partly I’d think because the Ravens were looking for something they weren’t seeing from Drake and Davis.
9) The Ravens were 5 of 13 on 3rd down.
The Ugly:
1) The 1st Quarter Timeout when the Ravens decided to punt vs. going for it on 4th down was not necessary.
2) Kyle Fuller was hurt with under two minutes remaining, sustaining a left knee injury that brought his teammates out. CBS Sports was unwilling to show a replay, giving an indication of the severity. Tough blow for the Baltimore native, and the Ravens depth.
What Others Had To Say:
Up Next:
Next Sunday is the home opener vs. Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and the Miami Dolphins.
Miami is 1-0 after beating the New England Patriots today 20-7.
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.