They Are (not) Who We Thought They Were: Ravens Week 7 Preview
In week 6 Baltimore faced a monumental challenge, slowing down the streaking Chargers and franchise QB Justin Herbert. LA had won 3 in a row over KC, Las Vegas, and Cleveland coming into week 6. Games in which Herbert accounted for 12 TDs (1 rushing) and no INTs. On the other side, Baltimore’s defense had not looked like themselves so far this season. Missed tackles, blown coverages, and an inability to get consistent pressure on the QB had plagued the Ravens early in 2021. Sunday was poised to be a showdown between two young superstar QBs with little to no defense to stop them, with home field tiebreaker on the line. What we got instead was a lesson from a perennial contender to a new kid on the block. The Chargers offense was off kilter from the first snap and they never got on track against a resurgent Ravens defense who harassed and confused Herbert from start to finish. Lamar Jackson and the Chargers defense played their parts and Baltimore walked away with a 34-6 statement win. The statement? The road to the Super Bowl goes through the Bank.
Justin Herbert struggled to figure out Baltimore’s secondary, he commented after the game that the Ravens threw a lot at the Chargers’ offense that didn’t show up on film prior to this week. One of those things was ILB Josh Bynes, the vet who stepped in for an injured Patrick Queen and stabilized the middle of the defense. Bynes tied for the team lead with 6 tackles (2 for loss) and added a PD for good measure. The offense got some help as well with Rashod Bateman making his pro debut. He was targeted 6 times and made 4 catches for 4 first downs. The two other targets also resulted in first downs, unfortunately those were for the Chargers as both were intercepted. Turnovers aside it was nice to see Lamar get the rookie heavily involved right out of the gate and Bateman showed plenty for Ravens fans to be excited about moving forward.
The Ravens get another up-and-comer this week in the Cincinnati Bengals. Former #1 pick Joe Burrow and this year’s #5 pick Ja’Marr Chase have picked up right where they left off at LSU and along with a revamped defense have led the Bengals to a surprising 4-2 start. Thus far the Bengals have wins over the Vikings, Steelers, Jaguars, and Lions. Things get much tougher this Sunday as they travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens in the midst of a 5 game winning streak. A streak that shows no sign of slowing as the weapons around Jackson are finally rising to his level of play and the defense is working itself back into form. History is also on the side of the Ravens. Since Lamar Jackson took over as starting QB midway through 2018 Baltimore has not only not lost to Cincinnati, but has won each of their 5 meetings by an average of 20 points. Despite the Bengals great start, the talent disparity between the two teams is far too great to expect tide to turn this week. I expect Baltimore to win impressively again this week and continue putting distance between themselves and the rest of the AFC.
There’s still plenty to keep an eye on even if the score gets out of hand. First, with Sammy Watkins out we should see another high target outing for Bateman. If his first game is any indication, he could become Mr. Third Down for a Ravens offense that has been desperate for reliability on the outside. Second, watch for the Ravens offensive line depth. This week Ronnie Stanley was ruled out for the rest of the season and Baltimore was left scrambling for backups along the line. They added G James Carpenter and activated T David Sharpe from the practice squad. Coaches will need to get a look at what they have before the November 2nd trade deadline in order to decide if they can stand pat or need to make a significant move. Third, all pro Marlon Humphrey made his first appearance of the season against the Chargers. He’ll be rewarded by going against rookie sensation Ja’Marr Chase. Humphrey should be up to the task but Chase has the look of a player who will be a thorn in Baltimore’s side for many years to come. Last, it’d be nice to see the Ravens’ backfield begin sorting itself out. Latavius Murray has been ruled out, so that leaves temporary starter Devonta Freeman, Le’Veon Bell and Ty’Son Williams I honestly don’t know what to say besides Yuck. Maybe their performance will be uninspiring enough for EDC to get involved in the Marlon Mack trade talks, but I doubt it.
Despite some less than stellar early play, the Ravens have established themselves as the team to beat in the AFC and should spend the second week in a row putting a young contender back in their place before taking a well earned break in week 8.