NFL
By: Nathan Snell
Thirty years to the day, September 1st, 1996, the Ravens played the first NFL game. On Sunday afternoon, the Ravens celebrated 30 years as a franchise, with fans getting to see former Ravens in attendance. This game was expected to be tense, as there was a lot of trash-talking this week. An AFC North matchup is always going to give fans a classic. This Sunday afternoon matchup is one of the most-well-cherished for some time.
Nathan’s Breakdown
The Defense Responded
Baltimore allowed 41 points to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday evening. The Browns are not the Bills; however, the Ravens needed to respond after that abysmal fourth-quarter collapse. The Browns, for the most part, relied on their pass game, as they could not gain any proper footing with the ground game. Joe Flacco took nine hits and was scambling out of the pocket much of the game.
Nate Wiggins was close to having a Pick Six. Roquan Smith recovering a 4th down fumble touchdown. This is just the beginning, but it’s coming together.
Tyler Loop is in a Box (Part Two)
Ladies and Gentlemen, Tyler Loop is a rookie. Yes, he missed an extra point last week. That will happen to any kicker. The fact that Loop has to damn near play perfectly for the rest of the season, and not be allowed to make mistakes, is insane. Loop from Day One has had the full support of the Organization. Unfortunately, Raven fans are never satisfied. Loop on the day finished 2/2 and 5/5 for extra points.
Patrick Ricard (The Fullback is still a valuable position in the NFL)
At one time, the fullback position had some great players. As the league and style of play changed, the position has somewhat become extinct. The Ravens still value this position, and Ricard’s absence from the field is making a significant difference. Zaire Mitchell-Paden, who was elevated from the practice squad, missed opportunities. For example, he dropped a touchdown, and then proceeded to call for a false start, which led to a field goal. Also, for Derrick Henry, Ricard’s presence would have made a big difference in this game.
The Injury Cheese
For most of training camp and preseason, the Ravens escaped injuries. But in Sunday’s game, the Ravens lost three players. Marlon Humphrey (Groin Injury), Kyle Von Noy (Hamstring Injury), and Rasheen Ali (Concussion Protocol). For Humphrey and Von Noy, those are two significant losses for the moment. Jaire Alexander is still working his way back from a PCL injury, and for the coming days, everyone is holding their breath.
Todd Monken will have the best offense by the end of the season.
Mark Andrews…a conversation needs to be had. Six Ravens have already scored a touchdown in the first two games. Todd Monken has been given a cheat code, and they have scored 40 points in two games. DeVontez Walker had two touchdowns, and DeAndre Hopkins has been silencing the haters with another excellent catch in the endzone that was the dagger. Tylan Wallace, who is overlooked among the Ravens’ deep core of wide receivers, had a touchdown.
