The Ravens are leaving Foxborough 37-26 winners over the Patriots, improving their record on the year to 2-1.
Baltimore isn’t firing on all cylinders right now. Any Ravens fan knows that.
The O-Line continues to miss Ronnie Stanley, and LT is currently occupied by your 4th string option Daniel Faalele after the Patrick Mekari injury today.
The Defense is not generating any pressure. Obviously that impacts the Secondary, and the Secondary is dealing with their own communication issues, along with getting guys back into game shape.
The running game was without JK Dobbins the first two weeks, and is still without Gus Edwards.
All of that meaning the Ravens are a work in progress. Right now is about playing with the cards you have, and finding a way. Trying to get healthier and better each week.
What you do have each week is Lamar Jackson. The former MVP is playing at a very high level to begin this ’22 season. And while I can nitpick in game threads about occasional loose mechanics, Jackson is why this team has a chance each week vs. anyone. He’s the equalizer. Today’s game could have gone sideways. He wouldn’t allow it.
The Good:
1) Four more passing TD’s for Jackson, giving him 10 on the year through these initial three weeks of the season. He also went over 100 yards rushing for the second straight week, and finished off the game with his rushing score with 3 minutes left.
2) JK Dobbins was active for the first time this year after missing all of last year. A clear and immediate upgrade to the running game. Had 7 carries, and 2 catches. Justice Hill deserves some love to, as he had 60 yards on 6 carries, including a 34 yards scramble.
3) Fantastic play from the Rookie Kyle Hamilton forcing the fumble in the 4th.
4) Josh Bynes, Marlon Humphrey, and Marcus Peters each had picks.
5) Big day for the TE’s as Mark Andrews had 8 grabs including 2 TD’s, and Josh Oliver had his first TD.
6) Justin Tucker was good from 56 on his lone FG attempt. He’s legitimately great.
7) Devin Duvernay had a 43 yard punt return which put the Ravens in strong position. He also had a fantastic TD grab.
8) Patrick Ricard always makes a difference with his blocking. Also added a tremendous TD today.
9) The Ravens scored 38 points last week, and put 37 more on the board today.
10) Patrick Queen, Justin Madubuike, and Brandon Copeland had sacks.
The Bad:
1) Mac Jones had a clean pocket most of the game, and threw for over 300 yards. He also added 31 on the ground, and was able to extend a number of plays. The Ravens obviously have a pass rush issue, exacerbated further today with Justin Houston’s injury.
2) Tucker missed the extra point with 3 minutes left, keeping it a two score game.
3) Rashod Bateman was mostly quiet today (did have two late catches for 59 yards), and was stripped / fumbled on his first grab.
4) Davante Parker had 156 yards receiving today. Got loose on Brandon Stephens a few times.
5) Queen missed a should have been pick. The Pats cashed in on that miss, with Jones talking smack following the Patriots score.
6) The punting from Rookie Jordan Stout has not been pretty so far.
The Ugly:
1) More injuries today. As mentioned above, Mekari and Houston. Also Michael Pierce. Mekari’s injury meant the Ravens had to turn to Daniel Faalele – Faalele effectively the Ravens 4th string LT. I think the Ravens gave Faalele more help in the 2nd half, and also helped him by running more.
What Others Had To Say:
Up Next:
The Ravens return home to face the 2-1 Buffalo Bills. Coming off of their AFC Championship Game performance last year, the Bills looked super impressive in their initial two games beating the Rams, and Titans. Today they lost 21-19 in Miami. They went into today’s game vs. the Dolphins missing 4 defensive starters. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives the Ravens a 56.2% chance of winning.
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.