Here’s how the Ravens graded out at every place after a 27-13 win over the New Orleans Saints in Monday evening’s Week 9 matchup on the Caesars Superdome.
Quarterback
Lamar Jackson was excellent as a runner, particularly on a few of his possibility performs on the perimeter as he gained 82 yards on 11 carries. He confirmed good arm energy early within the recreation and had loads of zip on the ball, however he additionally missed loads of wide-open receivers. He lacked contact and didn’t get sufficient air below the ball when it was required. As for getting the performs off in time, is it Jackson or the teaching? He accomplished 12 of twenty-two passes for 133 yards whereas ending with a passer ranking of 87.9. Grade: B
Running again
Kenyan Drake isn’t flashy, however he’s regular and a grinder. He has sufficient velocity to interrupt long term, however his energy and skill to put on down opponents, particularly within the second half, is stunning. Drake completed with 93 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries and had a number of sturdy second-effort runs within the closing two quarters, usually leaving Saints defenders tackling air. Fullback Patrick Ricard was wonderful hooking defenders, turning his hips and permitting Jackson to get exterior and across the nook. Grade: B
Offensive line
The Ravens had issues in move safety with one-on-one matchups early within the recreation, however they mauled the Saints into submission within the second half. To open the third quarter, the Ravens saved main with Ricard and pulling the bottom tackles, both Ronnie Stanley or Morgan Moses, and New Orleans had no reply. Kevin Zeitler is among the most underrated proper guards within the NFL. Rookie middle Tyler Linderbaum performed effectively however he wants to enhance on these snaps within the shotgun formation after a pair went excessive. Grade: B+
Receivers
This group, with out their high two gamers in broad receiver Rashod Bateman and tight finish Mark Andrews, began out sturdy however pale as the sport went on. Regardless, the Ravens had some receivers open, particularly on crossing patterns, which Jackson missed. Tight finish Isaiah Likely performed effectively in opposition to Tampa Bay however dropped two passes Monday evening, although the rookie did have a 24-yard landing reception within the first quarter. Jackson is making an attempt to get in sync with newcomer DeSean Jackson however must cease forcing the ball. Ten gamers caught a move and solely two had two receptions — Drake for 16 yards and James Proche II for 22 yards. Grade: C-
Defensive line
The large query was whether or not the Ravens might cease New Orleans working again Alvin Kamara, and so they didn’t have any drawback as he had solely 30 yards on 9 carries. The beginning group of ends Justin Madubuike and Calais Campbell and nostril deal with Travis Jones not solely dominated the run, however the Ravens additionally knocked down three of quarterback Andy Dalton’s passes as he always went to his first possibility and stared down receivers. Campbell additionally completed with two tackles, together with half a sack. Backup deal with Broderick Washington additionally had three tackles. Grade: A
Linebackers
A one-time weak point has the potential to grow to be a energy because the unit performed its greatest recreation of the season. Outside linebacker Justin Houston had 2 1/2 sacks, knocked down a move and all however sealed the win with a fourth-quarter interception. For a 33-year-old, he performs with good decrease physique energy and understands how you can use his leverage. Newly acquired inside linebacker Roquan Smith permits the Ravens to regulate the working recreation within the center whereas additionally liberating up Patrick Queen to freelance and use his velocity. Smith and Queen each completed with 5 tackles. The timing of outdoor linebacker Tyus Bowser’s return from a torn Achilles tendon for this recreation was good as a result of the Ravens might use him on a restricted foundation and permit him to step by step get again into taking part in form. Grade: A
Secondary
Regardless of the improved play within the entrance seven, there are nonetheless doubts about this group. New Orleans doesn’t have a receiver different groups need to recreation plan for, however the Ravens’ cornerbacks are weak. Marcus Peters has grow to be a legal responsibility, and the Ravens typically get too cute making an attempt to disguise coverages as an alternative of simply taking part in straight up. Rookie security Kyle Hamilton retains getting higher as a tackler and fellow security Chuck Clark is reliable. The No. 3 cornerback place might be shaky as effectively, particularly when Brandon Stephens is on the sector. Humphrey led the Ravens in tackles with seven. Grade: C+
Special groups
Justin Tucker transformed on discipline purpose makes an attempt of 32 and 41 yards whereas Jordan Stout had 4 punts for a mean of 48.3 yards, together with a protracted of 67, with two contained in the 20-yard line. New Orleans was good to maintain the ball away from Ravens return specialist Devin Duvernay, who didn’t have a kickoff or punt return. Grade: A
Coaching
Despite being with out working again Gus Edwards and Andrews due to accidents, the Ravens performed with confidence in opposition to an inferior Saints staff. They ought to have put extra factors on the board, however offensive coordinator Greg Roman had New Orleans off-balance with inside and outdoors runs. He didn’t attempt to be fairly, both, typically simply working the identical play to the opposite aspect of the sector. The large query, although, is why are the Ravens getting these performs known as in so late? It’s been occurring for years, even again to the times when Joe Flacco was the beginning quarterback. With Smith on the roster, it permits defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to tinker and give you just a few extra schemes. To be trustworthy, the Saints have been by no means a critical risk to win this recreation after halftime. Grade: A-
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Source: www.bostonherald.com
