With the Ravens trying to win back-to-back games for the first time this season in Miami on Thursday night, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. Lamar Jackson is back, which is music to Baltimore’s ears after a gut-check victory last Sunday. You’d prefer not testing his hamstring too much, but he hasn’t played in a month and Miami has allowed the most rushing fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, per Sharp Football. Whatever it takes.
2. A 2-5 team has no business overlooking anyone, but the Dolphins commanded attention with a blowout win in Atlanta. I had doubts not long ago that Mike McDaniel would still be Miami’s head coach by now, but there’s still game-changing talent on that roster if you’re not ready to play.
3. The Ravens learned that lesson four years ago when they traveled to South Florida for a Thursday game and were very much handled by a Miami team that entered the night with a 2-7 record. The road team is 2-5 in short-week Thursday night games this season.
4. News of Broderick Washington remaining on injured reserve indefinitely reiterated how thin this defensive line is in a matchup where the Ravens can’t allow Tua Tagovailoa to get the ball out in rhythm. That said, the Miami offensive line has graded poorly across multiple metrics this season.
5. While De’Von Achane is the lead guy, the Dolphins deployed three different running backs last week with big sixth-round rookie Ollie Gordon standing out. Baltimore linebackers need to be sound in pass coverage with Achane leading Miami in receptions this season.
6. Matching up more and more with the opponent’s No. 1 receiver in recent weeks, Nate Wiggins against Jaylen Waddle figures to be one of the key battles of this contest. Since Tyreek Hill’s season-ending knee injury, the speedy Waddle has 95 or more receiving yards in three of four games.
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7. After welcoming back Patrick Ricard, Derrick Henry is happier than anyone about Jackson’s return after averaging 3.7 yards per attempt without him compared to 5.9 yards per carry with the star quarterback on the field this season, per Sharp. However, Miami has played the run well these last two weeks.
8. Speaking of players excited to see Jackson return, Isaiah Likely has been a non-factor since returning from summer foot surgery. It’s no secret the two share good on-field chemistry, so it’s time for Likely to get going to reverse what’s been a very disappointing start to his contract year.
9. The Dolphins have no shortage of front-seven talent, which includes edge defenders Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb. While Baltimore’s offensive line must be up to the challenge, you’d expect Eric DeCosta to be scouting that entire Miami defensive front with next Tuesday’s trade deadline looming.
10. Anthony Weaver was understandably disappointed to be passed over for the defensive coordinator job multiple times in Baltimore, so we’ll see how he tries to slow a Jackson-led offense that’ll be searching for its rhythm on a short week. This is obviously a huge test for Weaver and Miami’s defense.
11. It’s crazy how one win changes perception as Tagovailoa appeared on the verge of being benched before his four-touchdown game and the Ravens were on a four-game losing streak and perceived as dysfunctional. The Dolphins have more pressing long-term worries, but Baltimore certainly can’t afford to stub its toe.
12. Kyle Hamilton shared honest perspective. “If you would’ve told me in Week 8 we’d be rejoicing about a win to get to 2-5, I’d be like, ‘That’s [bull]. You’re lying. It couldn’t be possible.’ But here we are. We have to acknowledge where we’re at, but I love the outlook.”
Prediction: Jackson is returning and the Ravens don’t have a single player on their 53-man roster carrying a game status designation into Thursday night, so health is no longer a concern. The sportsbooks and national pundits haven’t quit on Baltimore, and this marks the first of five straight games against opponents currently holding losing records. As a touchdown favorite, the Ravens are receiving much respect against a team that was on the short list of favorites for next year’s No. 1 pick before embarrassing the Falcons in one of the most surprising outcomes of Week 8. Winning two games in five days would feel great as the calendar turns to November, but doubts and pessimism would quickly return with a Thursday setback. Expecting Jackson and the offense to be at the top of their game after his monthlong layoff seems ambitious, but I like the Ravens to continue to look rejuvenated in a 26-17 win over the Dolphins.
