The Ravens improved to 3-1 last week as they traveled to the Land and gave a methodical thrashing to the Elves. This puts the Purple and Black in a very interesting position heading into Week Five as they visit Pittsburgh. The Blackbirds improved to 2-0 in the AFC North with the victory and they prepare to face a Steelers team with serious questions on both sides of the ball. A win in enemy territory against Coach Tomlin’s squad would give Baltimore the upper hand in determining who will win the division.
A season has many chapters in it and as we reach the Quarter mark the story so far is that the Ravens are not only contenders in the AFC but could also be the North’s best team by a wide margin. The team has been a typical one under John Harbaugh, not always the prettiest but finding ways to overcome obstacles on the way to another victory.
By the way, Congratulations on number 150 Coach!
There’s still a long way to go but what I see so far is an offense led by Lamar Jackson that still hasn’t reached its full potential. I’m not necessarily complaining. My hope is that with all the new passing options the Monken offense will be able to sling it downfield when necessary. But make no mistake, running the football is and should be a major part of this team’s identity. Look no further than this past Sunday where a bruising rush attack (33-131- 2 TDs) led the way to a win in dominating fashion. The offensive line is built to win in the trenches and bully the opposition- so stick with it. The difference will be that if team’s now sell out on the run there are a multitude of options in the passing game to make teams pay.
The defense has turned into one of the league’s best even while navigating injuries to several starters. They tormented the rookie backup last week and forced three interceptions with deceptive pressure and solid coverage.
Oh, and the Ravens still have a kicker that one day will end up in Canton.
All roads lead to Pittsburgh this week and a win there would further cement the fact that Baltimore is class of the division and one of the best in the Conference.
1) Code Red – One of the main reasons the Ravens have been successful so far is what they are doing inside the twenties. This season they have significantly improved their red zone efficiency, ranking 1st in the NFL with an 80% touchdown conversion rate (12-15). This is an incredible turnaround considering last season the team ranked 30th with a 45% rate. So, what are they doing better?
Everything.
It begins with the scheme as Greg Roman’s offenses seemed to struggle because each year as he seemed to favor heavy personnel and tight groupings. Todd Monken likes to spread things out and to get runners in space, especially Lamar Jackson. No better example of this can be found in the touchdown run by Jackson that followed the interception return by Brandon Stephens. He basically ran in untouched. In fact Lamar seems to have become the first option in the red zone (14-54 yds, 2 TDs) and so far it’s been hard to stop.
It hasn’t just been Jackson’s legs but his arm as well that has been so effective. Lamar’s completion percentage is almost 30 points higher than the league average in the red zone, and according to SIS, all 12 of his attempts have been catchable balls. Last year, just 74% were. That precision was on display with the improbable toss to Mark Andrews just before half time.
2) The Still Curtain – All is currently not well in Yinzer-ville. (Pause to wipe tears.) The Steelers were dropped 30-6 last week by the young Texans. Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada is catching most of the heat as his offense ranks 29th in yards. But it isn’t just the offense, the usually stout Blitzburgh front has been getting pushed around on the regular. They are 30th in the NFL in yards allowed.
So, in Week Five many are calling this a “Must Win” for Pittsburgh and a chance to find themselves as they meet a familiar foe in the Ravens. The players seem determined to not point fingers and Coach Tomlin talked about how changes will be made. I’d expect them to play hard and I think this will be a close one as usual.
3) Who to Watch? – My eyes are squarely focused on Lamar Jackson, the Steelers defense will be too. Lamar hasn’t played well in his career against the Black and Gold, 1-2 as a starter with 6 interceptions versus 4 touchdowns. He still also needs to not fumble in one start this season. If LJ can stay mistake free and keep his high completion rate with some red zone success Baltimore should be able to walk out of Pittsburgh with a W.
The Ravens defense has been one of the league’s best so far and they’ve been fortunate to play against backups for most of those games. They’ve allowed a touchdown on only 3 drives this season (3/48 – 6%) The same may be true this Sunday as Kenny Pickett is banged up and may not be a go, which means Mitchell Trubisky will be under center. Coach Mac has done a great job making the backups miserable in 2023 so he may get another chance to scheme up some pressure. It helps to have a player like Roquan Smith who is a true throwback in his intensity and willingness to chase down ball carriers sideline to sideline. He’s special.
Happy Football everyone! Enjoy Week Five and Go Ravens!
Matt has lived in Maryland his entire life and is a graduate of Calvert Hall and Towson University. has always been an avid Baltimore sports fan. Since 2007, he has been writing and talking about Baltimore sports, especially the Ravens. His work has appeared on Ravens Gab, Russell Street Report, and he currently co-hosts a podcast “The Blitz- A Ravens podcast” with Brent Harris.