Midseason update: Ravens Atop the North
Kings of the North
The Baltimore Ravens have been successfully giving their fans heart failure week after week. Baltimore, now (6-2), 1st in AFC North, rallied from down double-digits in the second half for the third time this season to take down the Vikings. Following the bye week the Ravens picked up where they left off against Cincinatti in week 7 defensively, lacklsuter. For a franchise that has always been prided on defensive toughness, Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale is determined to turn around his 31st ranked pass unit.
However, late in the first quarter the struggles would continue as second-year stud wideout Justin Jefferson burned all-pro corner Marlon Humphrey for a long score. The Ravens would rally late despite two interceptions from Lamar Jackson and win a thriller in OT, 34-31. Jackson would carry for 120 yards rushing, tying the NFL record with Mike Vick for most 100-yard rushing games for a quarterback. Jackson also added 266 yards through the air with three passing touchdowns to propel his flock to victory.
Humphrey has struggled this season following a tremendous year where he forced an NFL leading eight fumbles and was nicknamed "fruit punch." It is hard to blame one person for the Ravens defensive struggles this season as the team has been plagued with injury. Baltimore ranks 23rd in total defense. The absences of Derek Wolfe, Marcus Peters, and L.J. Fort have left gaping holes in the defense who looks to bounce back. Baltimore and coach John Harbaugh will need to improve their tackling and overall defensive effort if they have plans of making a postseason run. Right now 6-2 looks great, but the offense has carried them which is hard to sustain.
The Ravens will have a short week and will play the struggling Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football. The 2-7 Dolphins have been brutal this season and skeptics around the league are calling for Tua Tagovailoa's job to be replaced. This has all the looks of a get right game for Baltimore and their struggling defense to gain some confidence. Another crucial loss for the Ravens in the secondary came last week with DeSean Elliot being placed on IR. The birds of Baltimore have yet another test to their roster depth.
My prediction: Ravens 31 Dolphins 20
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Thanks for your insights!
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