Ravens Finding Ways to Win – Divisional Test Ahead in Cleveland

There are wins that make you feel good about your team.

The kind of win that keeps you up at night afterwards grinning from ear to ear as you imagine what the Super Bowl parade will look like this time.

The Baltimore Ravens’ 30-23 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night was one of those victories.

For much of the night, Baltimore looked like a team that was going to let an opportunity slip away. Lamar Jackson was unavailable. The offense struggled to find its rhythm for stretches. Atlanta had the game in its hands late in the fourth quarter.

And then the Ravens did what good teams must do.

They found a way.

Tyler Huntley led a late touchdown drive to get Baltimore back into the game, Derrick Henry powered in the two-point conversion to tie it, and Huntley finished the job in overtime with a rushing touchdown capping an almost eight-minute drive. Kyle Hamilton then sealed the victory with an interception.

For a fan base that has been used to 4th Quarter meltdowns over the past few seasons, it’s been a welcome change so far to see this team win games in exciting fashion. And now the Ravens sit atop the division at 4-1 in a crowded AFC North with two old foes scheduled in consecutive weeks in Cleveland and Cincinnati.

But before we start talking about how far this team can go, let’s take a closer look at what Sunday night told us.

• Snoop Huntley – Nobody wants to see Lamar Jackson on the sideline. He’s the engine that makes this offense go, and any time he’s unavailable, Baltimore loses something that can’t simply be replaced by any other player.

But Huntley deserves a lot of credit for what he did last Sunday.

He didn’t panic when the Ravens were trailing late. He didn’t try to become something he isn’t. Instead, he kept the offense moving, made the throws when they were there and delivered when Baltimore absolutely needed him to. His touchdown toss to Devontez Walker in the final minute of regulation gave the Ravens a chance to tie the game. His touchdown run in overtime put Baltimore ahead for good.

His experience and calm demeanor under center helped propel the Ravens to another victory and helped remind many that he is the next best option if Lamar isn’t available. My timeline on Sunday night was littered with so many that were calling for rookie Joe Fagnano to get the call. Sure, he had a nice pre-season against backups, but I doubt he would have been ready for a Prime-Time game on the road.

Still, let’s keep things in perspective. The Ravens are a different team when Jackson is healthy. His ability to extend plays, threaten defenses with his legs and create explosive opportunities changes the entire equation. Huntley is limited in some ways but if the game plan leans into his strengths he is a more than capable backup.

• The King Sets the Tone – Derrick Henry is a special player. When so many of his age start to decline at the running back position he continues to thrive.

When Baltimore needs to settle things down, establish physicality or take control of a game, handing him the football is always a good idea. Especially with Lamar on the sidelines, the offense rightfully ran through him and the run game. Justice Hill also was featured at times as well and he’s also a player that can play a role on third down and out of the backfield to provide a different look or just give him a break.

What I appreciate most about Henry is that his impact isn’t limited to his statistics. He affects how a defense approaches the game. Defenders have to account for him, which can create opportunities for Jackson, Huntley and the passing game and it’s always fun to watch defensive backs try to stop him in the fourth quarter and in this case Overtime. They want no parts of him and who could blame them.

I also must mention Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle here as well. As the young OC continues to develop as a play caller I thought he had a fantastic game plan and was creative with getting his best players the ball. He used misdirection and put Huntley in positions to succeed. Over a long season it’s important to establish your identity and Baltimore has often been about being able to run the ball and impose your will on a defense. It was great to see that Sunday night.

• The Defense Did Just Enough – Head Coach Jesse Minter’s tagline this season has been “Playing our best, when our best is needed” and his defense has certainly lived up to that on Sunday.

Tavious Robinson’s bone crushing hit on starting quarterback Michael Penix knocked him from the game, while Kyle Hamilton sealed the game with an interception from backup Tua Tagovailoa.

While it was exciting to end the game with a turnover, this unit is still looking to find consistency in its play. They are still looking to find it’s pass rush and having Trey Hendrickson sideline for a second consecutive week didn’t help. They are giving up almost 24 points a game, while allowing a third down conversion rate of 41%.

There have been growing pains to be sure, but this team needs to get more sacks, and turnovers as we move forward.

This week the Ravens travel to Cleveland, a venue where they’ve been 2-3 over the past five years. Divisional games always have a different feeling, and it will be interesting to see how the Browns react coming off a loss to the Jets in a crowded AFC North race.

Here’s What I’m Watching:

1) Lamar Jackson’s Status –The biggest storyline is always his availability. If he isn’t ready though it doesn’t feel as dire coming off Huntley’s performance in Atlanta. Still, I think Lamar won’t return until the Cincinnati game back at home.

2) Ravens Defense Must Step Up – The Browns are coming off an uninspired loss to the Jets, a game where they surrendered eight sacks. Baltimore only has ten in five games. A returning Trey Hendrickson should help but I’m also watching Mike Green who seems to be starting to show signs of a real breakout.

3) Ravens Secondary – Speaking of players that are starting to shine, Malaki Starks had his best game as a professional, with ten tackles and a nose for the football. He needs to continue his upward trend as the Ravens must contend with young receivers Harold Fannin and Denzel Boston, who have six touchdowns combined.