Baltimore Beatdown
The Ravens got embarrassed in a 38-30 loss to the Detroit Lions that looks closer than it really was. There’s a lot of ugly to go through, so let’s get to it.
Mark Andrews: It was a slow start to the season for Andrews, who spent the first two games blocking his butt off, but only had 2 catches to show for it. Today he went 6-6 on his targets, going for 91 yards and two scores. Likely should be returning soon, but Andrews coming back to life will allow the Ravens work him into the offense until he’s 100% in rhythm
Nate Wiggins: Through three games, Wiggins might be the best defensive player on the team. Others have had louder or flashier games, but Wiggins has been steady throughout and continues to shut down whoever he’s covering. It’s only game three in year two, but I’m excited to see how much better he can get. I’m already ready to hand him an extension.
Rashod Bateman: Like Andrews, Bateman also had a quiet start to the year, but he came back into his own on Monday with 63 yards and his first touchdown. Remember that Bateman was second on the team with nine touchdowns last year. While hitting deep shots for some, he’s also become one of Jackson’s favorite red-zone targets with a knack for creating separation and finding open spots for easy targets in the end zone.
Jordan Stout: Stout is having the best year of his career. Outside of a bad punt at the end of the game, Stout’s kicks gave the Ravens defense multiple long fields to defend, and they couldn’t do it. If this continues, Stout will be handed an extension and remain in Baltimore.
Lamar Jackson: Slow down with your comments. I can already see them flying. Jackson wasn’t “bad”. Looking only at the box score, he seemed to have another brilliant game. But the two-time MVP wasn’t himself tonight; anybody could have seen that. I don’t know if he’s dealing with an injury that’s limiting his ability to move as well as he normally does, but it didn’t look right. He took seven(!) sacks, and while some blame does go to the line for that, Jackson didn’t do himself any favors. He held on to the ball for too long today and wasn’t decisive with throwing it or just breaking out for yards. He got caught right on the line multiple times, deciding too late to run after not finding a target to throw to. Jackson himself would probably say he didn’t have a good game and take blame for a lot of the negative plays. I don’t expect it to remain an issue.
The coordinators: Both Monken and Orr made some weird, baffling calls tonight. Monken is having goal-line struggles, not being able to punch the ball in on multiple attempts. Orr and his defense letting up multiple 95+ yard drives for touchdowns was downright pathetic....
