Winning is not easy. Every win is something to be enjoyed. Nothing is more enjoyable than finding a way to win while dealing with adversity.
The Ravens were banged up entering the game. They suffered injuries and attrition during the night. They got down early and things looked rough.
They found a way to overcome anything the Buccaneers or Football Gods threw at them, and are leaving Tampa Bay with a 5-3 record after 8 games.
Tonight was an important step-forward for the Ravens in this 2022 season.
The Good:
1) The Ravens had a strong 2nd half, with nice adjustments from the Coaching staff. The Bucs looked like they tired out trying to defend the Ravens.
2) With Mark Andrews forced out of action, the ball moved around a bit more. Tonight was a breakout game for the Rookie Isaiah Likely. Demarcus Robinson made a difference at WR, and James Proche also chipped in with 3.
3) Gus Edwards built off his season debut last week, with another productive game before leaving with a hamstring. Kenyan Drake had the Ravens initial TD of the game, tying things up with his 3rd Quarter grab. He also had a big 40 yard run. Justice Hill chipped in with a few carries, and might have helped force a muffed punt return with his work on Special Teams.
4) AJ Klein got a lot of time tonight, and was active at ILB.
5) Despite being run through on TB’s first possession, the Ravens defense settled down and started forcing punts. Playing without Calis Campbell, I thought the Defensive Line ended up having a quality night. Three passes swatted at the line by Broderick Washington. Justin Madubuike added a late sack.
6) Justin Houston had 2 sacks.
7) Devin Duvernay had another impactful night. Ball in his hands, he makes plays.
8) Dealing with a hamstring issue, Marlon Humphrey gutted things out and continued to play. He gets some credit for the toughness.
9) Geno Stone had a good week vs. Cleveland, and made few more plays vs. the Bucs tonight.
10) Watching Tom Brady lose never gets old.
11) Lamar Jackson didn’t force things tonight, and was seemingly willing to take what the Bucs defense was offering him.
The Bad:
1) I’m fond of saying that pretty much any NFL game is watchable. Football on Thursday Night however regularly tests that statement. The product just looks different.
2) Early on, it seemed that both the Ravens Offensive and Defensive Lines were getting bullied by the Buccaneers.
3) Tampa Bay marched the field and scored on their initial drive. TB has had trouble running this year, but Leonard Fournette was running downhill early on. Another frustrating aspect of that drive is that Marlon Humphrey probably should have had an interception on the series.
4) The Bucs muffed a punt return after the Ravens initial series. Gifted 1st and Goal, the Ravens were forced to settle for 3.
5) Marcus Peters dropped a gimmie interception early in the 4th Quarter with the Bucs in the Red Zone. Later in the 4th, Chuck Clark also missed a possible pick in the end zone.
6) Tough penalty on Patrick Ricard in the 4th.
The Ugly:
1) Tough seeing Andrews have to leave with his shoulder injury. Also tough seeing Rashod Bateman forced out, as you want to see him get established and start to factor weekly.
2) Jackson wanted the Ravens to go for it on 4th and 2 at the Tampa Bay 9 with 2 minutes left in the 1st half. I disliked Harbaugh not overruling his QB there, and taking the points.
3) 30 passing attempts for Jackson in the 1st half was excessive, even with the understanding it was party by design. Yes, Tampa Bay was bringing pressure and the Ravens were looking to counter that with Jackson in shotgun and quick outs – but I would have liked to have seen the Ravens look for balance in their offense earlier.
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The Ravens will face the Saints Monday Night November 7th in New Orleans. The Saints are 2-5 entering the weekend, preparing to host the Raiders. ESPN’s Match-Up predictor gives the Ravens a 54.3% chance of winning.
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Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.