After beating the Steelers yesterday in Pittsburgh, the Baltimore Ravens are 9-4 with 4 games remaining in their 2022 season.
Currently the Ravens are 3rd seed, projected to host the Dolphins in a rematch of the Week 2 loss earlier this year vs. Miami.
Some Thoughts:
1) I’d be lying if I said I personally care more about the Ravens facing the Steelers than I care about the other Divisional foes Cincinnati, and Cleveland. I respect the Rivalry, but as I’ve aged I found I just don’t care about the opponent much. That said, it was easy to see how much yesterday mattered to the Ravens and that was fun. Starting their backup QB, eventually forced to utilize their 3rd QB; facing an organization with a lot of pride. Lots of hitting, the intensity ratcheted-up, and finding a way to win. That was a big win.
2) How great was it seeing JK Dobbins back and performing? 15 carries, 120 yards, 1 TD. If he’s ready to perform here on out, the cascading impact will be pretty profound. He’s got the ability to not just be an additive piece, but an actual difference maker.
2a) For the first time since ’20, we got to see a Ravens backfield with both Dobbins and Edwards. In addition to Dobbins 120 yards, we saw Edwards banging between the tackles for 66 yards on his 13 attempts. You pair these two with a healthy Jackson; and everything can come together for the offense.
3) Not only were Dobbins and Edwards back and looking strong with their fresh legs; the Ravens were able to run the ball, when Pittsburgh knew the Ravens wanted to run the ball. The Steelers aren’t a great team, but they have a quality defense and are stout vs. the run. When you can run like that, you just take the will from from an opponent.
4) One of the reasons the Ravens were able to run effectively was the return of Ronnie Stanley. Doesn’t need to be explained to anyone that the Ravens are better with Stanley available, but the impact he shows in the running game really does stand out. Of course his availability has impact across the line as a whole.
5) I’m not going to go crazy about the defense shutting down Mitch Trubisky (after knocking out Kenny Pickett); but the defense has continued to improve. Roquan Smith was a monster yesterday, and his presence jumps out at you. Patrick Queen has really come on, and another quality performance from him was fun to see after the injury scare last week. Marcus Williams returns, and the ballhawk immediately finds another pick. Quietly, this defense is now one of the 10 best or so in the league. Not elite enough where you can expect them to shut down anyone they play (or to definitively come through in the clutch) but talented enough at all 3 levels, to give you a chance each week (in-conjunction with the running game and plus Special Teams).
6) This is actually a short-week for the Ravens, with Baltimore tripping to Cleveland to face the Browns Saturday. Deshaun Watson has looked rusty in his first initial games with Cleveland. Maybe understandable with all of the time he has missed. Assuming Jackson is not able to return to action Saturday, the next question is will Tyler Huntley be available? Right now, ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives the Ravens a 54.4% chance of winning, while Vegas has the Ravens as 2.5 dogs. In the Ravens 23-20 October home win vs. Cleveland – Jackson only had 120 yards in the air. Jackson and Edwards did combine for 125 yards on the ground on their 26 total rushing attempts. The Browns had 3 receivers with over 75 yards in the air, and Nick Chubb rushed for 91 yards on his 16 carries. Cleveland has weapons, and talent on both sides. There will be no surprises in this game. The Ravens – with Huntley or Anthony Brown – will be handing the ball off a lot, and you’ll be asking the defense to carry the day. Same as yesterday, if the Ravens can run when Cleveland knows their running – then they’ll have a chance to win.
7) If Huntley can’t go, there is going to be increased discussion about Jackson’s availability. Everything I’ve read about the PCL is that it requires rest. I’d rather see if the Ravens can grind out a W vs. the Browns without Jackson, then have Jackson back too soon, and potentially risk further injury. I’d give Jackson the additional rest, and hope to have him back for Christmas Eve vs. Atlanta.
8) Demarcus Robinson had 5 receptions on 6 targets yesterday. That’s 22 receptions over the last 4 weeks. DeSean Jackson had 2 receptions for the 3rd straight week. Devin Duvernay had 0 grabs on 1 target yesterday. Duvernay has had 11 receptions over the last 5 games. For me, I think the goal should be getting this group 9-12 receptions on 15 or so total targets a week. Obviously this will be easier when Jackson returns. You aren’t going to confuse these guys as #1 WR’s, but they’re capable of making plays. The focus with the offense is going to be running the ball, with heavier sets. Getting play action to Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. But there should be some emphasis to get Robinson, Jackson, and Duvernay the ball with some consistency. This will only help with keeping defenses honest.
Owner
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.