Ravens News 9/9: Patchwork Experiment

The Chiefs Look Able to Three-peat—and the Ravens Look a Toe Out of Kinds

Danny Heifetz, The Ringer

Baltimore was unable to dam Kansas Metropolis. The Ravens misplaced an AFC-high 15 free brokers this offseason, and it confirmed, particularly on the offensive line. Proper sort out Morgan Moses and each beginning guards, Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson, are gone. And within the first half alone on Thursday, three Ravens drives ended due to poor blocking. Jackson was continually below stress throughout his dropbacks. And the Ravens have been penalized for a number of unlawful formations.

Baltimore tried to fill its holes on the O-line by way of a couple of off-the-wall choices: rookie Roger Rosengarten at proper sort out, who blindside-blocked for a lefty QB in faculty, making him a possible draft steal; proper guard Daniel Faalele who, at 6-foot-8 and 380 kilos, is kind of actually the most important individual to ever play guard within the NFL; and left guard Andrew Vorhees, a extremely touted 2023 prospect whose draft inventory cratered when he tore his ACL on the mix. The Ravens snagged Vorhees within the seventh spherical final yr, and he made his NFL debut Thursday. Collectively they kind one thing of a patchwork experiment that Baltimore hoped might shield Jackson this season. That experiment largely failed on Thursday.

The Ravens clearly know they can’t block. Jackson’s common depth of goal within the first half was mainly a yard and alter—that means Lamar’s common throw within the first half traveled inside 2 yards of the road of scrimmage. (For context on how unhappy that’s, no certified passer on file has dropped under 5 air yards per throw throughout a season).

Twelve Ravens Ideas following Week 1 loss in Kansas Metropolis

Luke Jones, Baltimore Constructive

Scrutiny for this offensive line solely grows, however the move safety did settle down because the evening progressed. The run blocking is one other story and a big downside till this group reveals in any other case. The Daniel Faalele experiment was attention-grabbing, however I’m not seeing it as a run blocker in any respect.

The unlawful formation insanity apart, Ronnie Stanley performed about in addition to you possibly can hope after a wholesome spring and summer season. The 30-year-old staying this wholesome is the actual problem, however he undoubtedly confirmed he can nonetheless play — even when Shawn Hochuli’s crew didn’t like how he lined up.

You received’t see a worse mixed displaying from Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton, which is why I’m not overly involved concerning the protection. PFF credited them with 5 missed tackles complete, and Kansas Metropolis picked on Smith in protection. Zach Orr wants higher solutions for middle-of-the-field protection off bunch formations.

Mark Andrews catching two passes for 14 yards on 59 snaps left followers shocked and fantasy soccer house owners exasperated, however we shouldn’t overreact, particularly with Andrews lacking a lot of August following a automobile accident. He’s additionally exceeded 22 receiving yards towards Kansas Metropolis simply as soon as in six profession conferences.

Justice Hill performed 43 snaps to Derrick Henry’s 37 and carried out very nicely as a receiver and in move safety. Given the sport state of affairs, I had no downside with that distribution, however mixing in a couple of extra carries to Hill — who had just one — might fight potential predictability considerations.

50 Phrases or Much less: Lamar Jackson Reveals His Will to Win

Ryan Mink, BaltimoreRavens.com

Lamar Jackson talked all offseason about how badly he desires to win. In case anyone wanted one other demonstration, Thursday evening was it. Jackson spun, lowered his shoulder, dove for further yards. His sheer will put the Ravens in place to grab a win however will wasn’t sufficient.

The Ravens posted 99 extra offensive yards than the Chiefs. They’d extra first downs, have been higher on third down, rushed for 113 extra yards, and had equal turnovers. It’s not sufficient to be the higher group. You must make the essential performs, and there’s no magic resolution.

The “12” personnel is right here to stick with the Ravens rolling out two tight ends at the next fee (52.7%) than any recreation final season. Probably should keep closely concerned. It received’t keep that lopsided when it comes to tight finish targets, nonetheless. Mark Andrews was double-teamed rather a lot.

The Ravens protection bought stress with out bringing numerous stress. Orr solely referred to as for five+ blitzers on 4 of Mahomes’ 29 dropbacks, but Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, Odafe Oweh, and David Ojabo all bought after the QB. That is notably excellent news contemplating Kyle Van Noy’s eye damage.

The primary have a look at Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ 2024 offense felt incomplete

Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic

It shouldn’t should be mentioned that Jackson wasn’t the rationale the Ravens misplaced Thursday, however given what a lightning rod the quarterback is, that narrative might be on the market someplace. Jackson was the most important motive the Ravens even had an opportunity to win down the stretch regardless of dealing with 10-point deficits within the third and fourth quarters.

The Ravens are clearly going to wish their star quarterback to make these clutch throws late in video games in the event that they’re going to get the place they wish to go. Additionally they are going to wish to present Jackson extra assist. A few of their higher offensive performs Thursday have been the results of Jackson’s tremendous improvisational expertise. Attempting to avenge a loss to Mahomes and the Chiefs within the AFC championship recreation roughly seven months early, Jackson clearly took issues upon himself at totally different factors of Thursday’s recreation.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken might want to discover methods to get Jackson some simple completions and get him enjoying on schedule extra. Derrick Henry, who had 13 touches towards the Chiefs, must be extra concerned. Probably’s emergence definitely is a big-time optimistic, however the Ravens must be sure that Zay Flowers has extra alternatives for large performs and Bateman and fellow tight finish Mark Andrews stay threats, too.

Defensive Notes vs Chiefs Week 1

Ken McKusick, Filmstudy Baltimore

Roquan Smith

Roquan led the Ravens with 7 tackles, together with contributions to 4 defensive wins. Whereas he was additionally blocked successfully on a number of run performs, his tackles represented a considerable enchancment over the Ravens failures to generate defensive wins versus the run within the preseason. In move protection, he was picked on by Mahomes for 83 yards on 5/6 passing (see element on YAC performs above).

Travis Jones

Travis had contributions to 2 drive-ending performs and continued his function with Madubuike as the first inside pairing on apparent passing downs. As is usually the case with Jones, he arrange performs made by others.

Nnamdi Madubuike

Nnamdi was the Ravens most impactful move rusher and drew a holding name on rookie LT Suamataia together with his evening marred solely by the roughing flag that transformed 2nd/20. Each of his tackles have been defensive wins.

Trenton Simpson

Trenton was the least picked on ILB in move protection (3 catches on 4 targets for 37 yards) and contributed a PD on a slant to Rice, however he seemed to be far out of place on the 25-yard reception by Watson. Mahomes could make some ILBs look dangerous, however ought to such play proceed, all choices for ILB mixtures on early downs or third down can be on the desk.