The Baltimore Ravens turned in their most complete game to date last Sunday against the Detroit Lions as they destroyed the new darlings of the NFL 38-6. What was promoted as one of the games of the week between top teams quickly became a lopsided affair as the Ravens scored- and scored often. The red zone issues from a week ago were quickly resolved as Lamar Jackson used his legs and his arm to put his team in the end zone consistently (5 of 6 trips).
Jackson was unstoppable at times, throwing for 357 yards and 3 touchdowns. He looked at ease in the offense and used his superior athleticism to evade pressure and give the Lions defense headaches all afternoon. Todd Monken’s offense continues to develop around its star, and it was exciting for fans to see such creativity and unpredictability from the home team. He spread the ball around to 9 different receivers and amassed over 500 yards of total offense on the day against one of the league’s better defenses.
It wasn’t just all about scoring the ball, the Baltimore defense continues to prove each week that they are one of the league’s best. They held a Detroit offense that averages 28 points per game to a few field goals. But their ability to keep opponents out of the endzone is reaching almost historic levels. This year’s unit allows a TD on only 7.8% of its drives which is better than the 2000 team, which is arguably one of the best defenses of all-time.
You couldn’t help but be pleased with the thrashing the team handed out and it makes you wonder if they are ready to place themselves among the league’s elite. Of course, this is a week to week league, which means on Any Given Sunday anyone can be beaten. Fans have already seen this year’s edition of the purple and black lose twice to inferior opponents. There’s still quite a way to go in the regular season but this past win gave a glimpse into what this team is capable of when fully healthy.
It may cause you to dream of another Lombardi trophy to add to the collection too.
1) King Bowser – There have been times during John Harbaugh’s tenure in Baltimore where I felt like he wasn’t giving the media and therefore us fans, the whole story. I know he’ll claim that he’s protecting his team and that he doesn’t want to give the opposition any advantage but sometimes it can feel like he’s just not being honest. The latest example can be found with Outside Linebacker, Tyus Bowser. Bowser was hurt for much of 2022 but did return to finish the season. He’s been out of action for months now as he was placed on the non-football injury list and was expected to be back by Week 4. It’s now Week 8 and the messages surrounding the player are a bit inconsistent. The Head Coach says there is “no resolution” as of yet while anyone who has attempted to talk to Bowser has gotten a polite “no comment”. It’s a situation that bears a closer look.
2) Broken Wings – The Arizona Cardinals are not good. You can look over both rosters, box scores, and team stats and what we see is an overwhelming mismatch. Not that that matters. Ask the mighty Cards week three opponents – the Cowboys who just so happen to be Arizona’s only victory. Despite such a dismal record they’ve actually been in every game they’ve played and with a possible return of Kyler Murray on the horizon there is some hope in the near future.
As for this week the Ravens at least publicly don’t appear to be looking past their challengers.
“We know the type of team that they are. This is going to be a good game. I think for us, it’s about doing our job – doing everything that we can during this week. Every week’s a new challenge. Every week’s going to provide something different, so it’s just about handling that, being ourselves and continuing to grow to become the team that we want to be,” -Mark Andrews
Arizona’s only hope is that the Ravens offense sputters and serves up a big turnover or two while leaning on the running game to control the clock. It can happen, it just doesn’t feel that likely.
3) Who to Watch? – Rashod Bateman, the former 1st round selection caught a few passes this week and gave some life to an underwhelming first half of the season for him. Something tells me that even with such a crowded personnel group the team will need his production at some point. Here’s hoping he builds on his performance from last season.
Geno Stone is having a fantastic season so far. He nabbed another pick in the Lions victory. He’s helped anchor a group that is ranked #2 against the pass in the NFL. I’m anxious to see what he’ll do next.
Happy Football everyone! Enjoy Week Eight 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.