We’ve seen this film earlier than.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson is the star attraction, simply as he was Sunday by throwing 4 landing passes and operating for an additional rating within the Ravens’ 37-26 win towards the New England Patriots. He electrified the gang together with his operating potential (107 yards on 11 carries) and rifled sufficient passes into tight protection to complete with a passer ranking of 110.3 and 218 yards.
But when the Ravens get into the postseason, which they watched from residence final 12 months, they bomb. It has change into the standard ending. Since Jackson has been in Baltimore, the Ravens are 1-3 within the playoffs and have solely superior to the divisional spherical as soon as.
Jackson may be on track for an additional NFL Most Valuable Player award to pair with the one he received in 2019, however typically it seems this film goes to have the same end result.
The Ravens have performed solely three video games and there are nonetheless quite a lot of issues that may occur. But what they don’t have anymore is a decent protection. They have allowed practically 400 yards in every of their first three video games. And all of us keep in mind the fourth-quarter meltdown in a 42-38 loss to Miami in Week 2′s residence opener.
“We’re not there yet but we’re on our way, and I feel like that’s something that we’re working hard on to improve, but in this particular game, I think the thing was guys stepping up and making plays,” mentioned Ravens coach John Harbaugh, whose crew compelled a number of turnovers within the fourth quarter Sunday to salvage what felt like one other potential catastrophe.
Jackson could make you neglect about this unhealthy protection. Some of his runs Sunday had been unimaginable, and there are occasions he embarrasses defensive gamers one-on-one within the open discipline. Maybe probably the most shocking side of his recreation is his energy; tacklers have a tough time bringing him down, even when they’re draped throughout him.
But he’s the one actually nice participant on the roster. No one else retains opposing coaches up at evening.
That worries me.
This is a franchise recognized for defensive greatness and Hall of Famers similar to center linebacker Ray Lewis, security Ed Reed and cornerback Rod Woodson. Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs is knocking on the door in Canton, Ohio, too.
There is nobody near that stature on this 2022 protection. There are not any rugged, game-changing gamers who can take over a recreation. The Ravens’ cornerbacks nonetheless have issues in protection and the linebackers are equally as unhealthy as a result of they will’t get off blocks or put constant stress on the quarterback.
On Sunday, Patriots quarterback Mac Jones accomplished 22 of 32 passes for 321 yards regardless of ending with a passer ranking of 62.1.
That doesn’t make you’re feeling heat and fuzzy about this protection.
There had been some good indicators Sunday, although. A banged-up offensive line received in sync within the second half and the group ought to enhance as soon as — or perhaps if — Pro Bowl left sort out Ronnie Stanley decides to return from an ankle damage.
Fourth-year participant Justice Hill began to emerge considerably as a operating again and starter J.Ok. Dobbins was again on the sector after recovering from a preseason knee damage that compelled him out of the 2021 season.
I like Devin Duvernay’s velocity and the occasional large play by fellow receiver Rashod Bateman. And in fact, there’s tight finish Mark Andrews, who had eight catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns Sunday.
Jackson can carry this crew together with his legs, however not essentially together with his arm. You noticed a few of that Sunday with the sloppy second quarter and the poor mechanics as his passes began falling quick or crusing over the pinnacle of his receivers.
But the Ravens appeared assured after Sunday. Gillette Stadium is a tricky place to win, particularly with all of the custom right here and 6 Super Bowl trophies.
But the Ravens have lots to beat — greater than standard. We’ve seen this earlier than. I used to look at Ray Lewis stroll off the sector after playoff disappointment after playoff disappointment as a result of the Ravens may by no means discover a high quarterback.
Maybe they will change the ending in 2022.
“Just focus, determination,” Jackson mentioned. “I feel like we build more off adversity, and we play better off adversity. We’ve just got to keep going though because we have a long season ahead of us.”
Week 4
BILLS@RAVENS
Sunday, 1 p.m.
TV: Chs. 13, 9
Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM
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Source: www.bostonherald.com