Ravens vs. Broncos: MVP, 13 Winners & 4 Losers

Ravens win!

Join Baltimore Beatdown LIVE for the postgame report!

The game is officially over but fans were heading to the exit far before the final seconds. The Baltimore Ravens (3-1) take this one over the Denver Broncos (3-1) with a final score of 23-7.

MVP Lamar Jackson

On a day the Ravens’ run game wasn’t producing, Jackson stepped up and aired it out for 316 yards and a touchdown on 59.5% completion. He looked sharp when targeting his receivers for the most part and even hit a deep shot to Marquise Brown for a big-time touchdown. This team will go wherever Jackson goes and right now, they’re 3-1 with plenty of room to grow.

Winners

CB Jimmy Smith — Excellent day from the veteran corner who locked up tight end Noah Fant for the most part. Great third-down defense from Smith.

RB Latavius Murray — In the last four games, Murray has scored three rushing touchdowns for the Ravens. For coming in on four days notice for his first game, he’s executed time and time again.

WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown — A diving touchdown catch from Hollywood completely changed this game. After the touchdown, the Broncos struggled to get a drive going and never recovered.

TE Mark Andrews — At one point it felt like they were playing pitch-and-catch on the field. Andrews was a big reason for the first scoring drive, with big receptions going back-to-back to get the Ravens in the red zone.

OLB Odafe Oweh — A big sack early in the game and consistent pressure on the Broncos’ quarterbacks. He appear to be a front-runner for AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year at this point. He’s been brilliant.

OLB Tyus Bowser — Two big sacks and some solid run defense put Bowser as a big-time winner today. Excellent play from the outside linebacker typically known for his pass coverage.

WR James Proche — The second leading receiver for the Ravens, who hauled in five of six targets for 74 yards, and moved the chains on multiple occasions. The development of the Ravens receivers was on full display between Proche and Devin Duvernay. You can’t give enough credit to pass game specialist Keith Williams and wide receivers coach Tee Martin for their role in improving the receiving game.

CB Anthony Averett — Nothing like your second interception being a goal-line pick. For the second time this season, Averett has intercepted an AFC West quarterback with their heels nearing the endzone.

WR/ST Devin Duvernay — A bad fair-catch call was nullified by a great return a quarter later, and further forgotten about by three receptions for 31 yards.

K Justin Tucker — Three field goals, including two from 40-plus yards.

P Sam Koch — Great holds on Tucker’s field goals and some solid punts. A couple didn’t bounce his way but he never gave great field position to the Broncos.

DE Justin Madubuike — A strong sack by the young, budding star.

HC John Harbaugh — A cheeky last-play call to keep the 100-yard rushing streak. Fans loved it.

DC Don “Wink” Martindale — Excellent scheme to bully the Broncos and ultimately end with five sacks and single digits on the scoreboard.

Losers*

*This title is indicating the player had a poor game. It happens. No NFL player or team is perfect and to not mention the struggles would be wrong.

Tackling — By games’ end, you’d think this wouldn’t be here but those early plays allowed for the Broncos to get a drive going and ultimately, a touchdown. This won’t get a pass by the coaches and will be a talking point.

OT Andre Smith — Had to fill in for the injured left tackle Alejandro Villanueva and did not play too well. That said, he was facing a roaring pass rush featuring Von Miller. Far from ideal. He lands on here for a bad holding call which nullified a 30-yard touchdown pass form Jackson to tight end Mark Andrews.

RB Ty’Son Williams — Was inactive today and it’s uncertain as to why. He was one of the more productive backs for the Ravens and is now healthy scratched.

RB Le’Veon Bell — Not much burst or production from Bell, and was dealing with communication issues on a couple downs. Not impressed from what was on display today.