Baltimore reclaimed the top spot in the AFC North last Sunday with a 24-16 victory over Tennessee in Tottenham Stadium. The Ravens started quickly and built up an 18-3 at the Halftime break but as has been the custom the past few seasons the lead evaporated due to a turnover, penalties and red zone issues. Luckily Head Coach John Harbaugh didn’t hesitate and sent out his Pro Bowl Kicker Justin Tucker to win the afternoon as he booted 6 field goals.
As I mentioned, the Ravens have had issues holding on to leads and closing out games going back to last season and mid-way through the third quarter I was getting the feeling that it was going to happen yet again. Fortunately, Geno Stone continued his stellar 2023 campaign and picked off a greedy Ryan Tannehill who attempted to go deep on the Baltimore secondary. But the issue of this team finishing games is still a concern to me. Sure, they dodged the bullet this time but what about the next? We’ve already seen the team drop two losses this season to teams where they had the lead and they found ways to lose.
So, what’s the problem?
Execution would be first and foremost. Ball security has been a problem with turnovers changing the course of most contests. Coaching decisions are then close behind as John Harbaugh has made a few interesting decisions and new OC Todd Monken at times feels like he’s just experimenting with his unit instead of just doing what works best and attempt to keep the opposition off balance. (A Third down direct snap to Mark Andrews should never be called again.) There’s also something that supposedly Steelers HC Mike Tomlin once told his team, “We know the Ravens won’t play four quarters?”
This statement still has my attention. I’ve had the same thoughts myself and that is not the attitude of a championship club.
Then again why am I complaining so much after a win?
The Ravens are 4-2 and are one of the AFC contenders in a wide open field. Lamar Jackson, aside from fumbling, is having a strong season with a high competition percentage while leading the team in rushing as well. The Baltimore defense is one of the league’s best and if they are to make the post-season it should allow them to play with any team. All is good this week.
After a lengthy road trip, the team returns home to play a HOT Detroit Lions team this weekend. This should be one of the NFL’s top matchups on the slate. Can the Ravens continue their success against playoff level teams and stay atop the division?
That is why we watch.
1) Protect the House – For years the atmosphere at The Bank has led the Ravens to be one of the most feared teams while playing in Charm City. But upon closer inspection perhaps that long time trend is changing. Since 2020, Baltimore is 4-9 at home against playoff teams. I was actually shocked to read this at first but then as I thought about it it makes sense.
There’s been a feeling among the fanbase, me included, that the team consistently underachieves. They have talent across the board but when it comes to big games they rarely come through and if they happen to make the playoffs there is no deep run, it’s often one and done. That’s not the identity and culture that’s been built over the years by players like Lewis and Reed. It’s just not good enough.
Marlon Humphrey said it best a few years ago, “You are what you show on paper, and you are what you show on the field. That’s what we’ve shown on the field. We choke.”
At this point I can’t say that I disagree and the only way you change that narrative is by beating good teams and winning. Simple as that.
2) Lions Roar – These Detroit Lions are for real. (Still seems surreal to type it) Currently 5-1 atop their division and winners of 8 of the last 10 regular season games from a year ago. Their offense is high powered, averaging 28 points per game led by Jared Goff who has quietly become one of the most productive quarterbacks in the NFL. They are exceptionally balanced as well but the Ravens may catch a break in the run game as rookie Jahmyr Gibbs is on the mend and lead runner David Montgomery left last week’s game injured. That puts more pressure on Goff, but he has a host of pass catchers who have game changing ability.
The Lion’s defense is stout as well. The run defense is tops in the league holding running backs to a (3.1 ypc) and allowing only 69 yards per game on the run. Detroit is top ten against the pass while much like Baltimore doesn’t blitz a lot. The key is keeping Adian Hutchinson in check on passing downs.
3) Who to Watch? – The Ravens defense will have a tall order in stopping the Lions advance so I’ll continue to watch the progression of Justin Madubuike. He’s a player that always shows flashes of greatness, but consistency has been elusive. So far, he’s having an excellent 2023 – 19 pressures, 15 stops, 5 sacks. He’ll need to help make Detroit one dimensional with the ball. Jadevon Clowney has also been a fantastic addition. He had a two sack day in the UK last week and he consistently able to beat his man and pressure the opposition.
The progressing offense will need to show up at home if they are to pull this one out against a quality opponent. They will need to do it through the air a bit more than usual in my opinion. That means I’d like to see Mark Andrews soften up things over the middle as the Lions have struggled with Tight Ends this season and then maybe someone not named Zay can make a play or two on the outside
This is shaping up to be a really great game at the big Crab Cake this Sunday.
Happy Football everyone! Enjoy Week Seven 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.