Rebounding Ravens Ready for Next Test

After a brutal collapse in the opener against Buffalo, the Ravens came into Week Two against Cleveland prepared to celebrate the franchise’s thirtieth season with the home fans. It certainly didn’t start the way the purple faithful would have hoped as their offense was mostly static in the first half against a strong Cleveland front. It was a defensive struggle for the first thirty minutes as the Ravens led by 7. However, they showed growth in their ability to close the games as Baltimore pulled away with 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter and ended up dominating in ways that exposed the Browns’ errors.

Here’s what else I learned yesterday:

Big Plays Matter

The Ravens were outgained, out-passed, out-rushed, and had a terrible third down conversion rate (3 for 12) against Cleveland and yet they dominated the one statistic that matters – the score. While the offense was inconsistent at times, they got a huge lift from Special Teams and the Defense as both provided game-changing plays that helped propel the team to its first win of 2025. Roquan Smith’s fumble return for a touchdown; Jake Hummel’s blocked punt; and Nate Wiggins with a 60-yard interception return were just a few examples of how one play can alter the course of a game. These are also the kind of game swings that hide issues elsewhere, but you can’t build a sustainable season on just getting lucky. Still, the ability to capitalize on mistakes and to find ways to win even when the offense isn’t clicking is important for a championship team.

Lamar Jackson is an elite passer

The early criticisms of Jackson’s game, mainly his passing accuracy, seem almost silly to bring up now. He and the rest of the offense struggled against a strong Cleveland defense at times, but he made some pinpoint throws yesterday, as well as throws on the run evading the rush. He still finished with four touchdowns on the afternoon while only rushing twice. He got several different receivers involved and connected with seven pass catchers. In two games he has a 68% completion rate with six touchdowns and no interceptions for a rating of 136.6 so he’s off to another fast start in the chase for another MVP accolade.

Here’s what I’m keying this week:

Health and Depth

The Ravens are usually the kings in the pre-season and it’s mainly due to their depth. The strength of the bench will be tested in the upcoming weeks as they host the high-powered Lions on Monday night and after they travel to Kansas City to face a Chiefs team that will be hungry for a victory after dropping their first two.

Marlon Humphrey exited with a groin injury and Kyle Van Noy left the game with a hamstring issue. No word yet on their short-term status but both could be out or limited in the next stretch of crucial games for Baltimore. Rookie Mike Green saw increased action and almost got his first career sack while undrafted rookie Keyon Marton took Humphrey’s place and had five tackles. David Ojabo who was a healthy scratch yesterday could also be elevated if Van Noy can’t play.

The team did get some good news as Isiah Likely returned to practice in a limited capacity but was not active against the Browns. It’s no doubt that Likely is the heir apparent to Mark Andrews who hasn’t been productive so far. Andrews has two catches for seven yards and could not hold on to sure touchdown yesterday. I have a feeling it will at least be another week before we see Likely in uniform on Sundays.

Special Teams is Special.. for now.

This unit was my biggest concern going into the season and yesterday they made an impact. Tyler Loop has been solid since replacing Justin Tucker. He’s 4 for 4 on Field Goal attempts and has made all his extra points (11) except one in Buffalo. In general, he’s looked comfortable in those situations but for kickoffs it’s another story. He continues to struggle with keeping the ball in the field of play and with the recent rule changes this aspect of the kicking game becomes even more crucial especially when playing top teams over the next few weeks.

Jordan Stoudt has had a strong start so far as he leads all punters in Net yardage (48.9) with three kicks inside the twenty. The returners – Rasheen Ali on kickoffs and LaJohntay Webester on punts have been decent so far each getting a decent return in limited action. As we saw yesterday one Special Team play can make all the difference. Jake Hummel’s blocked punt gave the Ravens excellent field position and allowed the offense to start on a short field. Baltimore’s championship teams of the past always had exceptional Special Teams so there’s some room for improvement, but the early returns are encouraging.

Something Not Getting Enough Attention:

Jaire Alexander

The free agent signing from Green Bay was inactive vs. Cleveland — a “healthy scratch” per reports. This leaves me a bit concerned and confused. Alexander was brought in to help solidify the secondary as the final piece to a group that on paper looks like one of the best in the NFL.

Instead, he’s benched for the home opener.

I’m not necessarily upset by this move as Alexander played a huge role in the defensive collapse in Buffalo. It feels as if they’ve learned from their experience with Marcus Williams. If you aren’t healthy or don’t play within your role you won’t play.

So, that decision says to me that the team has a standard and expectation that they will not compromise but it also reveals a potentially weak link they may need to shore up quickly — whether through better coaching, adjustments, or perhaps even bringing in competition.

BIG PICTURE

After two games, here’s how I see it:

Baltimore is a top team in the AFC that has a chance to win another AFC North Title especially with the injury to Joe Burrow likely to set him back several months.

This is a team with high ceiling but also has clear fault lines. Lamar Jackson remains a dynamic difference-maker. The defense has playmaking ability but needs consistency. John Harbaugh’s legacy and decision-making (e.g., how aggressively to bench veterans, when to play young players, how much risk to take in close games) are under a microscope again.

The sense I get is that this year is still about getting back to being viewed as a serious Super Bowl threat. The offseason moves (Kyle Hamilton extension, bringing in Hopkins, etc.) show they believe in contending now. But if they fail to correct the collapse issues (especially after leading) or struggle in high-stakes moments, criticism will mount — and so will internal. Winning a Prime-Time game against the Lions on Monday and finally getting past a wounded Chiefs team would make the league take notice that they are for real.

 

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