The Baltimore Ravens picked up a huge win last Sunday defeating the Bengals in Cincinnati. In just a few weeks, the Ravens have taken early control of the division at 2-0 and at this point look like the favorite to take the crown for the first time since 2019.
After returning home this week to play the Colts, the team will go on the road for successive games against Cleveland and Pittsburgh so we should have a clear idea if ESPN Stats has the future predicted accurately. As of today, they have Baltimore with a 75% chance of winning the division in Week 3!?
I’m not totally convinced with that number but with all three North competitors struggling out of the gate it might be a safe bet after all. The Bengals were the favorite after picking up successive division titles and are now winless. The Steelers are having major difficulties on offense as they average a league low 8.0 points per game. And the Browns just lost their best offensive player Nick Chubb to a gruesome injury while Deshaun Watson continues to struggle under center.
Meanwhile Baltimore’s offense is currently humming along under Todd Monken and Lamar Jackson leads the league in completion percentage while the defense hasn’t given up a touchdown at home in the last five games going back to last season.
Right now, all is right in Charm City.
1) Next Man Up – The Ravens seem to always need to navigate injuries. They had two starters out on the offensive line as well as Marlon Humphrey, Tyus Bowser, and Marcus Williams not playing for the defense.
The backups did not miss a beat. Patrick Mekari and Sam Mustipher helped keep Lamar Jackson upright as the offensive line allowed the lowest pressure rate in the league at 9% even though the Bengals defense blitzed 40% of the time. Geno Stone had a tremendous game filling in for Williams – 9 tackles and a huge interception that could have been a house call. Nelson Agholor should also be recognized as he stepped in for Odell Beckham Jr. during the contest and caught 5 passes and a touchdown in a strong effort.
Sunday wasn’t just about beating a rival, it was also about overcoming adversity and showing the league that the Ravens have the depth required to make a serious run at a championship.
2) Horseshoes Come Home – The Colts return to where they played for decades for a week three AFC matchup. I might normally go on some kind of Irsay fueled rant at the mere mention of this years ago but honestly, I’m good. Time heals all wounds, as they say and for me enough time has passed. In fact I’m sure many of our younger fans may no have no idea what I’m talking about, which is all you need to know.
On to the game, the Ravens are still a danger to pound the run game under Monken as they gashed the Stripes for 178 yards rushing. However, I might expect Baltimore to use the pass to set up the run as Indy hasn’t been tough on quarterbacks so far. Rookie CJ Stroud threw for close to 400 yards in a losing effort last week. Baltimore’s pass protection will once again be tested this time by DeForest Buckner. Can the subs put in another stellar performance?
Anthony Richardson most likely will miss this one as he got a concussion on his way to running for a few touchdowns against Houston. That means the Ravens will need to prepare for Gardner Minshew who is more than serviceable under center and provides a different set of issues than the rookie. DC Mike MacDonald will need to double Michael Pittman who is the team’s top target and find more ways to generate pressure than they did against Joe Burrow last week. (only 1 sack)
3) Who to Watch? – The Ravens added more players to a growing injury report this week. Beckham, Clowney, Hill, Duvernay and Oweh all did not practice in addition to those starters that did not suit up against the Bengals. So once again the Ravens depth will be tested as they welcome the Colts to M & T.
On offense it’s hard not to pick Zay Flowers every week as a player to take note of but the Ravens still have plenty of firepower on the offensive side as long as the line holds firm. I like Rashod Bateman as the guy who breaks out at home.
On defense the middle of the defense is clearly the team’s strength as Uncle Ro ad Patrick Queen have both started strong. I liked to see Justin Madubuike to have a strong game. He currently has as many penalties as he does tackles and the run defense has definite room for improvement.
Happy Football everyone! Enjoy Week Two and Go Ravens!
Matt has lived in Maryland his entire life and is a graduate of Calvert Hall and Towson University. has always been an avid Baltimore sports fan. Since 2007, he has been writing and talking about Baltimore sports, especially the Ravens. His work has appeared on Ravens Gab, Russell Street Report, and he currently co-hosts a podcast “The Blitz- A Ravens podcast” with Brent Harris.