Ravens Fast Five: Defensive Scores the Difference in Seattle

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What did I tell you last week? 

“I don’t doubt that this offense can make it a game up there in Seattle. But can the defense? In three of Seattle’s last four games, it was the first team to 30 that won. I feel like that will likely be the outcome in this contest as well. Hold Seattle under 30, and the Ravens can be in a position to win.” 

Final score: Ravens 30 – Seahawks 16

Tweaks on the defense paying off.

Credit the Ravens for not sticking with something that doesn’t work for too long. Kenny Young wasn’t cutting it, but they found a team willing to take him on and got the NFL’s interception leader since 2015 in return for him. Marcus Peters. He made his presence felt right away, duping Russell Wilson into a pick-6 in the second quarter.

Also, look at the stat sheet. Josh Bynes, eight tackles, led the team. L.J. Fort, sack and six tackles, two of those tackles for loss. Chuck Clark, called upon to start at safety with Tony Jefferson out, eight tackles, one pass defended.

The defense held arguably the league favorite for MVP to 20 of 41 for 241 in the rain. Only 5.9 yards per attempt. A touchdown, and Wilson’s first interception thrown on the season. Chris Carson has been the Seahawks bell cow running back. Got his 21 carries, but for only 65 yards.

Lamar Jackson is a game changer unlike any other.

I don’t think there has been a game where a quarterback only completed nine passes and has gotten more praise after the fact. Lamar Jackson was 9/20 for 143 yards. But on the ground he was 14 for 116 yards.

3^rd and 10 at their own 25. Jackson scrambles for 28 yards into Seattle territory. Drive results in a field goal instead of a likely punt with an average pocket passer.

3^rd and 15 on the Seattle 21. Jackson designed run goes 13 yards. Sets up 4^th and two from the 8, and Jackson designed run goes for a touchdown.

3^rd and 8 on their own 12. Jackson scrambles for 30 yards near mid field. Two plays later scrambles into field goal range for 13 yards.

This is unreal. Maybe the Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Pat Mahomes of the world convert these through the air. But when 3^rd and 10, 3^rd and 15 becomes 3^rd and “manageable” for your offense, that is a huge, enormous advantage you have over the opposition. It literally changes the game and it is exciting to watch. Russell Wilson will remain in MVP consideration throughout the year. But Lamar Jackson is making a case to be in the conversation as well.

I also want to point out Jackson’s passion and how much I love it. How contagious it can be. He wanted that one snap as the play clock wound down so bad that he jumped up and down. When he messes up, he gets pissed and feeds on it to do better the next time. This is in no way shape or form a knock on Joe Flacco. “Joe Cool” won us a Super Bowl with his calm demeanor under pressure against the gauntlet of playoff teams. Johnny Unitas was never animated like Jackson. Saying I like Jackson’s style doesn’t mean I dislike the others. But I like Jackson’s style. He needs that little extra passion because of the chip on his shoulder he plays with. A chip many quarterbacks don’t have because no one suggested they should play other positions once turning pro.

Who stole Mark Andrews hands? Can you give them back, please?

Never played in rain at Oklahoma? Left his hands in Baltimore? Jackson was 9 for 20. But if Andrews brought his hands it’s more like 15 for 20 and a TD. Did not cost the Ravens, so he’s off the hook for us, the fans. But not for the coaches, as his absence was noticeable on the final drive of the game that the Ravens used to put the Seahawks away. Nick Boyle made a big gain on a catch that otherwise would have been Andrews ball. A teachable, humbling game for him, which is good for young guys. Best to have those moments in a winning effort.

I feel like Jackson zeros in on Andrews a lot. He found Miles Boykin deep today. But Willie Snead is a good enough receiver that he should be open for some catches. Chris Moore, where are you? Both targeted just once today. Andrews targeted eight times, or on 40% of Jackson’s throws. Can’t fault Jackson for hitting Andrews when he is open, but on a couple throws today he was well covered and could either run, or look elsewhere.

Happy bye week. Any changes before the Patriots come to town?

Last year the Ravens bye week included late week reports of Joe Flacco suffering a hip injury in a Ravens loss, giving way to Lamar Jackson to get his first start the week after the bye. Jackson came out and won in his debut at home vs. the Bengals.

In 2017 it was poor loss and a drop fest for Breshad Perriman in Tennessee. Probably the beginning of the end for him. After the bye, shutting out the Aaron Rodgers-less Packers 23-0 in Lambeau Field.

2016: Horrendous loss to the Jets where the Ravens ran the ball maybe six times total. Came out of the bye to beat the Steelers here in Baltimore, 21-14.

Good to see the Ravens had the right mindset for a game with a bye week on the horizon. I don’t think there will be any talk of coaches being fired, players being cut, schemes needing fixing. The bye week should be drama free. Given the way the Ravens exit a bye week, I’m sure glad the Patriots game is post bye, at home. Like our chances that much more. Ravens will likely be the underdog, and that’s right where they like to be.

ESPN gives the Patriots a 61.3% chance to win the game, and I’d say that’s about right. It gives the Ravens the respect they deserve, saying they would win almost 4 out of 10 of these matchups, but still realizes the Patriots find a way to win often by being able to be so versatile depending on the matchup. Let’s hope Bill Belichick doesn’t figure out the formula for slowing down Lamar Jackson’s ground game…if there is one. Likely to be the most anticipated, non-playoff home game in a very long time.