Here’s what The Baltimore Sun sports activities workers needed to say instantly after the Ravens’ 31-24 win over the host Arizona Cardinals in Sunday’s Week 8 sport at State Farm Stadium.
Brian Wacker: Per week after the Ravens seemed like an NBA staff continuously on the quick break, Lamar Jackson struggled to search out open receivers towards a Cardinals protection that was dropping into protection, particularly early, and the offense stagnated. The Ravens have a behavior of enjoying right down to lesser opponents and did so as soon as once more. After their opening drive wherein they went 75 yards in 10 performs and picked up 5 first downs, with Jackson finishing 6 of seven passes alongside the way in which, the Ravens managed simply 25 yards and one first down on their subsequent three possessions.
But when you’ve gotten maybe the NFL’s greatest protection, you will get away with these sort of missed alternatives towards a foul staff.
Michael Pierce was a tour de power, stopping a number of fourth-down tries, forcing a fumble and customarily wreaking havoc in the course of the road. Meanwhile, Geno Stone and Brandon Stephens continued their robust play, every hauling in an interception. And when the Ravens did cease the Cardinals, their offense did simply sufficient to search out the top zone. One of the extra intriguing strains of the day was huge receiver Odell Beckham Jr. ending with zero catches however drawing three flags on the Cardinals, together with two for cross interference that arrange straightforward touchdowns.
Childs Walker: The Ravens made life tougher than it wanted to be towards a 1-6 opponent, handing the Cardinals a gap landing with a pair of penalties and flirting with turnovers on offense. They would have been in worse form if not for a monster efficiency from nostril sort out Michael Pierce, who stopped Arizona on a pair of fourth downs.
They couldn’t construct on their offensive breakout towards Detroit. Lamar Jackson held the ball too lengthy at occasions, and their offensive line didn’t win constantly towards a protection that relied totally on three- and four-man rushes. On the plus facet, they continued to be environment friendly within the purple zone, making the most of an acrobatic interception by Brandon Stephens to go up 14-7 at halftime. They did it once more after Geno Stone picked off Joshua Dobbs within the third quarter, with Gus Edwards powering into the top zone. They additionally got here up with some nifty run designs to place the sport on ice within the fourth quarter.
On a day when different powerhouses suffered upsets, the Ravens will really feel positive flying dwelling with an ugly win.
C.J. Doon: The Michael Pierce sport? The veteran defensive sort out was a shiny spot in an in any other case uninspiring Ravens efficiency. He not solely stuffed the run, but in addition recorded a strip-sack that almost become a defensive landing. The Ravens had been lucky to get two dangerous interceptions from Joshua Dobbs, which led on to a pair of scores that put the sport out of attain, however we are able to now not name security Geno Stone’s nostril for the ball a statistical oddity. He has a league-leading 5 interceptions after beginning the season on the bench and is likely to be a greater choice than $70 million starter Marcus Williams.
Looking huge image, the Ravens are actually within the combine for the highest seed and a first-round bye within the AFC because of the Chiefs’ loss to the Broncos. Given the inconsistency we’ve seen on offense, that’s fairly outstanding and a credit score to the protection for permitting Lamar Jackson and Todd Monken to get comfy as we close to the midway level of the season.
Tim Schwartz: We already knew the Ravens protection was elite — one thing they proved final week and additional solidified towards a foul Cardinals staff — however they nonetheless lack the general consistency from week to week. The Ravens’ offense was dangerous right now. There’s no approach round it. They capitalized once they wanted to (because of Geno Stone’s league-leading fifth interception giving them a brief area) however their inconsistencies are going to price them towards higher groups. It’s what we noticed towards the Colts and Steelers of their solely losses. Better groups, such because the Seahawks and Browns — the Ravens’ subsequent two opponents — are going to make them pay if they’ve 183 whole yards by three quarters. Fortunately for Baltimore, its protection has no weaknesses and goes to guide the staff to victory as a rule.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com