With the Ravens dropping their second straight game to fall to 8-5 in a 24-22 loss at Cleveland on Sunday, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. Those disagreeing with going for two down nine should question blind hope that everything works out later in the game and embrace knowing what they’re facing sooner. If you’re traveling somewhere and there’s awful traffic ahead, wouldn’t you prefer knowing earlier to try adjusting your route before it’s too late?
2. Regardless, John Harbaugh’s decision didn’t change the outcome of the game as the Ravens would have been trying an onside kick if they’d failed to convert the 2-pointer after the second touchdown anyway. The bigger problem has been Baltimore’s inability to convert these tries in back-to-back losses.
3. I was more inclined to question being aggressive late in the first half with the Ravens backed up and not having gained a first down since their first offensive play. A 17-3 deficit at intermission and receiving the opening second-half kickoff wouldn’t have been so bad. Instead, it became 24-6.
4. Aside from that fumble returned for a touchdown and a second that took at least a field goal off the board in the third quarter, Tyler Huntley again showcased his value. You’d feel better about a possible Lamar Jackson absence if Huntley had the 2019 offensive line and running game.
5. Without getting too carried away over a couple late touchdown drives, I’d like to see Jackson take a cue from Huntley’s willingness to target Rashod Bateman, who reemerged with seven catches for 103 yards. That said, Sammy Watkins’ health was likely a factor as he played just 23 snaps.
6. Regardless of who was at quarterback, the offensive line wasn’t nearly good enough once again with the group surrendering four sacks and 24 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. Alejandro Villanueva and Tyre Phillips each committed two penalties to continue the difficulties at the offensive tackle spots.
7. Justin Tucker drilled two field goals from 50-plus yards and executed the first successful onside kick for the Ravens since Week 5 of the 2001 season. He did all this despite the CBS broadcast’s indirect attempt to put an injury hex on him.
8. It would have been easy for the defense to give in facing an 18-point deficit and with Jackson being declared out to open the third quarter. Instead, Wink Martindale’s group blanked the Browns and limited Nick Chubb to 32 yards on 10 carries in the second half.
9. Catching all 11 targets for 115 yards and a touchdown, Mark Andrews set the single-season franchise record for most receiving yards by a tight end (926), passing Todd Heap’s mark of 855 in 16 games. Andrews’ success with Huntley throwing to him confirms his chemistry with Jackson is only part of the story.
Mark Andrews gained most of his production aligned in the slot, catching all 10 targets for 110 yards and a TD (+29.0% catch rate over expected).
Andrews leads all TE with 1,694 receiving yards from the slot since 2019 (4th-most among all players).#BALvsCLE | #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/6muf4SdHLm— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 13, 2021
10. After missing the first Cleveland game with a concussion and coming off a quieter performance at Pittsburgh, Calais Campbell played only six defensive snaps before exiting with a thigh injury. The concussion couldn’t be helped, but you hope the 35-year-old isn’t wearing down after logging so many snaps early on.
11. Anthony Averett registered the first interception for the defense since Week 7. Given the state of their secondary, their ability to stop the run, and the talented quarterbacks and passing games left on the schedule, the Ravens will have opportunities for more — whether they’re capable or not.
12. I don’t have Devonta Freeman on my fantasy team, but I had to feel for those who watched Latavius Murray score a 1-yard touchdown on his only touch of the afternoon. It’s been interesting to see Freeman take the lead role instead of the typical committee approach under Greg Roman.
