Lucky or Just Plain Good?

Winter Ravens Preview

The Ravens came from behind again capping off a trip to windy Soldier Field with another heartstopping victory. It seemed that all hope was doomed after Chicago Bears backup quarterback Andy Dalton scored on a 49-yard pass to Marquise Goodwin. With the help of a crucial pass interference call, and the late game heroics of Ravens second-string quarterback Tyler Huntley, Baltimore eeked out a 16-13 win. Baltimore's former league MVP, Lamar Jackson was sidelined with an un-COVID related illness leaving the already shorthanded Ravens more depleted. 

Snoop, as they call him in Baltimore, Tyler Huntley was brought in as an undrafted free agent from Utah following the 2020 draft. The Ravens believe he fits the RPO offensive scheme that they can plug and play if Lamar can't play. As we saw on Sunday Huntley did enough as a game manager to get the job done, completing 26-36 with 219 passing yards and an interception. Huntley also utilized his legs in key situations to keep the chains moving. Baltimore was also without their leading reciever Marquise "Hollywood" Brown who sat out with a thigh injury. 

Still sitting atop the AFC North at 7-3 with the leagues most players on IR, the question is if the Ravens are serious contenders heading into winter football. Head coach John Harbaugh is one of the best in the business when it comes to making adjustments and having his men ready to play, making him a candidate for the COTY award. Despite finding ways to win, Baltimore will need to combat it's mediocre at best offensive line and tackling woes in order to make a playoff push. Starting slow in games has been another kryptonite for the Ravens. Buckle up for late season football and the NFL playoffs.

I wanted to thank Dr. Burns for his outstanding efforts in sports communication. He has made this class thoroughly enjoyable through his engagement with students and interest in their professional aspirations. He has set up countless contacts and networks for students in the sports comm field to seek out. Thanks again, Dr. Burns.