Yesterday afternoon, the Ravens offense essentially did whatever it wanted to do. The Lions defense, even with talent at every level, had no answers for Todd Monken’s men.
Lamar Jackson was afforded tremendous pockets from which to throw, and when Detroit would break through, he broke away. Gus Edwards, Patrick Ricard, Odell Beckham, Jr., Zay Flowers…and, oh yeah, Mark Andrews. It wasn’t just one or two or five guys the Lions had trouble with. It was the entire Ravens offense, which gained 500 yards for the first time in their last 33 games.
Defensively, the Ravens reset the line of scrimmage and forced the Lions into a one-way gameplan. Jared Goff attempted 53 passes–the 5th-most attempts of his 107-game career. His 5.36 yards per attempt was the 2nd-lowest mark in games where he’s attempted at least 40 passes.
On special teams, both the Lions and the Ravens had good days. Detroit didn’t attempt an extra point or field goal, but the Ravens made all their kicks (5 XP, 1 FG). Detroit’s punter Jack Fox averaged 46.0 yards per punt, but Baltimore’s Jordan Stout averaged a full 10 yards more. Even in the area where the Lions did something right, the Ravens were better.
Looking forward to the midpoint of the season, the Ravens go on the road again. For the 4th time in five weeks, Baltimore will play away from home against a team they will be favored to beat.
As of Monday morning, the Ravens are 9-point favorites against the Cardinals. Arizona has gained 973 yards rushing this season (5th most) and are tied for the most rushes of 20+ yards (13). The Ravens run defense, while usually stellar, was tied for 13th in the league as of Monday morning. It seems like this will be an area where Arizona will concentrate its efforts.
Establishing a strong ground game early will build confidence and shorten the game, preventing the Ravens from repeating their breakout performance from last week. However, having a plan and being able to execute it are two different things.
Here are three matchups that should have an impact on the outcome of this Week 8 contest.
Roquan Smith vs. James Conner
- I still don’t know how the Ravens were so fortunate to acquire Roquan Smith. He’s only played 16 games in Baltimore, but it seems like he’s been here for years, considering how seamlessly he’s integrated into the defensive system and the team’s culture. Smith is on pace to record 172 tackles this season, which would eclipse his career best of 169, set a year ago.
- James Conner will be fully aware of the challenge before him, but I guarantee you he will not be afraid. Conner is a warrior, and he will not be deterred, no matter the score. The challenge for the Cardinals will be to find someone else who can step up.
- While these two should clash many times this Sunday, their performances will be influenced by the men in front of them. Which line can impose its will when Arizona has the ball will directly impact how Conner and Smith play. This should be an intriguing watch.
Arthur Maulet vs. Marquise Brown
- Hollywood Brown is averaging 11.3 yards per reception and .32 touchdowns per game with the Cardinals. When he was a Raven, Brown averaged 12.4 yards per reception and .46 touchdowns per game. On one hand, you can point to the fact that Brown has scored once in his last four games with a catch percentage hovering around the 40 percent. On the other hand, he’s able to break out at any moment, so no defender can get complacent when he’s on the field.
- Arthur Maulet has been a bright spot for this Ravens defense, coming over from Pittsburgh of all places last offseason. In limited action, he’s made 15 tackles, three passes defensed, and two sacks. He’s been exactly what the Ravens needed him to be. While Maulet may not line up directly against Brown every play, I’m sure to the two of them will get familiar with each other. I suspect Marlon Humphrey to line up against Michael Wilson for most of the afternoon, so depending on what personnel grouping is out there for Arizona, Maulet could see Brown early and often.
Kyle Hamilton vs. Trey McBride
- By now you know Kyle Hamilton is one of the best defensive backs in football. Trey McBride, while not as acclaimed, was taken just 41 spots after Hamilton in the 2022 NFL Draft. He hasn’t put up daunting numbers to say the least, but McBride, like Brown, just needs one chance in the red zone to make you pay. I wouldn’t play him in fantasy football, per se, but he could very well make a big play or two in this game.
I’m predicting a 28-14 Ravens win and the following fantasy football performances from these key players:
Mark Andrews: 5 receptions, 80 yards, TD (14.0 fantasy points)
Justice Hill: 8 carries, 63 yards; 4 receptions 24 yards, TD (14.7 fantasy points)
Joshua Dobbs: 22/35, 217 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT; 4 carries, 16 yards (11.7 fantasy points)
Marquise Brown: 6 receptions, 55 yards (5.5 fantasy points)
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.