Mixed Grades for Ravens in Big UK Win

Like the last time the Ravens visited the UK, there was a lot to digest after the game. Unlike the last time, however, things tend to taste a little better after a win than an un-pantsing to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Let’s get to the grades.

Offense

Overall: B-

It was a tale of two halves, yet again. The Ravens generated 242 yards of offense and 18 points in the first half, and only 118 yards and six points in the second. The only punt they had in the first half resulted in the Titans muffing the catch and the Ravens stealing a field goal before the break. But that second half went punt, interception, punt before they somewhat figured things out to lock down a pair of field goals. Those were two big drives at the end. But that well-celebrated red-zone offense took a nap today.

Quarterback: B+

The numbers won’t necessarily bear it out — 21-30, 223 yards, a touchdown and interception, to go with 62 rushing yards — but Jackson was pretty good today. The throw up the seam to Mark Andrews for 38 was absolutely gorgeous, and the touchdown to Zay Flowers was prime Lamar set-scramble-find. The interception was ugly, but looked like a miscommunication (stop us if you’ve heard that one before) between Jackson and Rashod Bateman. He picked up a few first downs with his legs, too.

Running Backs: C

Both Gus Edwards and Justice Hill had a few moments, but neither had a particularly productive game. Edwards picked up 41 yards on 16 carries, but did have a big 12-yard catch on third down at the end of the third quarter. Hill garnered 35 yards on eight carries, and produced exactly 0 yards on three catches. Lamar was the big runner on the day.

Receivers: B

This group bounced back from last week’s disaster with a good performance. Andrews led the way with 69 yards on four catches, and Flowers had six grabs for 50 yards and his first career touchdown. Odell Beckham Jr. tantalized the crowd with an electric 32-yard catch-and-run, and Nelson Agholor produced 40 yards on two catches. Bateman had two catches for 15 yards and was the target on that pick. He could use a big week.

Offensive Line: C-

They had a tough time against a very stout front. The holes were just not there in the traditional run game, but there were some well-executed passing lanes that allowed Jackson to hit some easy inside throws and take off for good gains on the ground. Andrews had nowhere to go on his keeper play, and the line was just generally moved backwards way too much. The pass blocking seemed better this week, but the Ravens definitely focused on quick passes again.

Defense

Overall: B+

The Titans are not exactly an offensive juggernaut with Ryan Tannehill at center. They are, well, below whatever that status might be with Malik Willis taking snaps. The Ravens held the Titans to 233 total yards of offense. Consider this: Derrick Henry ripped off a 63-yard run and Tyjae Spears had a 48-yard catch-and-run. Outside of those two plays? 122 yards. The Ravens also had six sacks and an interception. Big plays count. And they hurt. But they seemed to be the outliers today on a good defensive day.

Defensive Line: B+

Henry had a few splash plays, but the line mostly won the battle up front, often moving the Titans’ line backwards. Justin Madubuike had a monstrous day, with five tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss and four quarterback hits. Jadeveon Clowney was everywhere, too, with two sacks, two tackles for loss and four quarterback hits, himself. Broderick Washington was active with three stops. Michael Pierce got flagged for a hit on Tannehill, but… I guess that’s today’s NFL.

Linebackers: B+

Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith — week in and week out — are making their collective case as the best linebacking duo in the National Football League. Today, each produced nine tackles, and Queen particularly stood out, with a sack, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit. The two combined to bring down Willis short of the markers on third down to force a punt. Did Roquan Smith actually let a Titans receiver to get back up off the ground before tackling him so the clock would wind down to the 2:00 warning? It looked like it. Let’s just agree he did so we can add it to his legacy here that simply builds every week. Malik Harrison is having his best season this year. He made a big tackle on the sideline of the first play of the second quarter that forced a third-and-one and the Ravens then forced a punt. Those are big plays during a long season.

Defensive Backs: B

Kyle Hamilton got ejected from this game and I’m still a little upset about that, so let me catch my breath. OK, I’m fine. And I actually get the decision, even though I don’t think Hamilton meant harm as much as he meant to break up a potentially big play. The breakup Marcus Williams had on that deep play late in the first half showed tremendous range and toughness as he had to extend his opposite arm because of the limitations on his other shoulder. Brandon Stephens was in the mix of a lot of plays today, with the good being his pass break-up in the end zone and a good tackle to prevent a long gain, along with getting beat a few times and getting bailed out on a pass interference when the pass was deemed uncatchable.

Marlon Humphrey was mostly good, and Ronald Darby had a big play in the end zone to force an incompletion. Geno Stone showed again that he is a “plus” on the field with a big interception.

Special Teams: B+

Have an extra point blocked and a penalty that wipes out a two-point conversion? The absolute ceiling on your grade as a special teams unit is a B+. They got it. Justin tucker kicked six field goals, Devin Duvernay had a 70-yard punt return and averaged 30.3 on the day, and Jordan Stout had another nice game punting, landing two of his three inside the 20, one of which was muffed and recovered by Del’Shawn Phillips.

Coaching: B

Again, I love how Mike Macdonald calls a defense, and how he uses his best pass-rushers to be his, well, pass-rushers. Remember when people used to complain about Greg Roman’s inability to adjust his offense during the course of a game? Are we seeing this again this year, where the offense looks good from the start, gets adjusted to and falls flat outside of Jackson creating plays out of nothing? The Ravens showed glimpses late when they spread out again and used speed to make plays. That seems to be the medicine for this team. I liked the conservative fourth-down decisions against this Titans’ offense and coach. Take the points wherever you can find them.

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