For the second time this season, the Baltimore Ravens coughed up a big lead, and ultimately lost at home.
Today’s lead was 17, with the Ravens jumping out ahead of the Buffalo Bills 20-3 in the 2nd Quarter. From that point on, the Bills would outscore the Ravens 20-0, leaving Baltimore 23-20 victors.
Buffalo came in to today as favorites. Despite their loss last week in Miami, they’ve been regarded as the class of the NFL.
In-general, there is no shame in losing to them. But giving up a 17 point lead at home at home, two weeks after the 4th Quarter disaster to Miami, is pretty rough.
The Good:
1) The Ravens again generated multiple turnovers. Marlon Humphrey with the pick, after Calais Campbell got the tip. Marcus Williams with the fumble recovery, caused by Odafe Oweh.
2) I thought Daniel Faalele played as well as you could possibly hope from him. Liked that the Ravens gave him help, often with Patrick Ricard.
3) I liked the diamond formation the Ravens utilized several times on offense.
4) Sometimes I’m conservative. Totally agreed with going for it on 4th and 1 with just over 1 minute left in the 3rd Quarter. You needed to keep possession. A worthwhile gamble.
5) After Lamar Jackson was picked to begin the 4th, the defense had a good stand, capped by a sack from Oweh.
6) The offense is so much more dynamic with a healthy JK Dobbins. The Bills have a strong run defense. The Ravens were able to get yards on the ground with Jackson, Dobbins, and Hill.
7) Facing 3rd and 12 with under 7 minutes left in the 4th, Jackson took off and moved the chains. He doesn’t just physically beat teams, he has an unquestioned will to do what is necessary.
8) The Ravens dominated time of possession today, holding the ball for over 38 minutes. That was the best defense the Ravens could play.
9) The Ravens generally held Stefon Diggs in-check today.
The Bad:
1) Ronnie Stanley was inactive again today. If he’s not healthy, stop practicing. If he is healthy, suit up.
2) Another poor week for Patrick Queen.
3) Leading 20-3, the Ravens had the ball with 2:51 left in the half. Baltimore went 3 and out, punting back to Buffalo. The Bills took over, and went 76 yards over 11 plays for their initial TD of the game. Huge swing.
4) The Ravens offense had to punt on both of their initial drives of the 2nd half. Their next two possessions both ended in picks.
5) Weather didn’t help, but multiple drops from Rashod Bateman today. After suffering a foot injury, he was in for a series and then out most of the rest of the game.
6) The 4th Quarter began with Jackson getting picked, after the ball was tipped at the line. Replay showed the pass was at head level.
7) Dobbins seemed to see his snaps reduced after his 20 yard reception. Maybe he was banged up? He was back in by need after Hill was lost.
8) Hill was having another productive day when he suffered a leg injury in the 4th.
9) 7 different Ravens had receptions, but only Devin Duvernay (51), and Dobbins (22) had more than 17 yards. Jackson had 20 completions for just 144 yards.
10) That roughing the passer on Brandon Stephens with 2:03 left in the 4th is a very difficult call. Maybe we should just give these guys flags and call it a day.
11) You held Allen to 213 yards passing, and Diggs to 62 yards receiving, and you still lost.
The Ugly:
1) Dating back to last year, the Ravens have lost 5 games in a row at M&T. Okay, throw away the end of last year with an injury riddled roster. You’ve lost the two initial home games this year. You’ve lost both games against Conference foes. You’ve lost both games with big leads. You’ve lost both games against teams with playoff aspirations.
2) I liked the decision to go for it on 4th down to end the 3rd. With just over 4 minutes left in the 4th Quarter, I disliked decision to go for it (and maybe more importantly the play call) on 4th and Goal. It’s a tie game there. You’ve had a long drive. The defense has got some rest. Take the automatic points and the lead.
3) Jackson wasn’t the only rushing QB in the game today. I talked all week about wanting to spy Allen some, especially considering there wasn’t going to be much of a Ravens pass rush and the Ravens would be dropping back into coverage anyway. Allen had 70 yards on the ground. That’s unacceptable.
What Others Had To Say:
Up-Next:
The 2-2 Baltimore Ravens host the 2-2 defending AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday night. The Bengals beat Miami Thursday night, and have had the mini-bye and additional time to prepare.
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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.