With the Ravens blowing out the New York Giants in a 35-14 win on Sunday afternoon, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. One quarterback has more touchdown passes than Lamar Jackson. Thirty-three have more interceptions, a list including Joe Flacco, Andy Dalton, and Mason Rudolph. The Giants defense is a shell of what it was in September, but Jackson now leads the NFL in yards per pass attempt and yards per rush.
2. Not only did Rashod Bateman record the first two-touchdown game of his career, but he now has four receptions of 40-plus yards this season, which ranks eighth in the NFL. The bye week certainly appeared to help his knee as Bateman continues looking like a quality No. 2 wideout.
3. It’s fitting that Mark Andrews set the franchise record for touchdowns scored when it looked like Baltimore was about to waste a first-and-goal from the 3 and settle for a field goal. When in doubt, throwing the ball in Andrews’ direction has worked remarkably well.
4. Trenton Simpson is the latest defensive player to be benched as Malik Harrison and Chris Board split weak-side duties next to Roquan Smith. Simpson didn’t play until the fourth quarter as John Harbaugh said he can “kind of take a breath a little bit” after starting the first 13 games.
5. The bye week didn’t fix the penalty problems as the Ravens were flagged for a season-worst 112 yards, which included four flags on the Giants’ first touchdown drive. I’m not sure whether the poor discipline or the accompanying reputation is worse at this point, but neither helps Baltimore’s championship hopes.
6. While Marcus Williams remained a healthy scratch, Ar’Darius Washington was the only player to see every defensive snap and registered his second interception of 2024. As for who would replace Washington in the event of an in-game injury, it’s worth noting Brandon Stephens played some safety snaps on Sunday.
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7. Harbaugh’s decision to take a delay of game and punt on fourth-and-1 from the 49 raised eyebrows, but I can accept not wanting to risk giving the hapless Giants a short field and a reason to feel energized in the opening quarter. You’d like to convert that every time though.
8. Justin Tucker didn’t attempt a field goal, but he did make all five extra points. The more interesting development was Jordan Stout handling two kickoffs in the second half. That didn’t occur until Baltimore led 28-7, but Harbaugh left open the possibility of Stout kicking off more often.
9. Desmond King replaced Tylan Wallace as the punt returner and wasted little time registering Baltimore’s longest punt return of the season. Harbaugh confirmed he’ll remain in that role against Pittsburgh. Justice Hill’s 59-yard kickoff return was also Baltimore’s longest of 2024. Yes, the Giants stink on special teams too.
10. Not only did Devontez Walker catch a touchdown for his first career reception, but his first-quarter tackle prevented what could have been a long kick return. I couldn’t help but wonder if that throw to Walker might have gone to Diontae Johnson if not for the suspension. That saga continues.
11. Nnamdi Madubuike has nearly as many roughing the passer penalties (four) as sacks (five) this season. Expecting him to duplicate a 13-sack season was unrealistic, but Madubuike elevating his play would really boost the feast-or-famine pass rush the rest of the way. Four of his sacks came against Cincinnati.
12. “I felt like wind was touching my butt, so I was trying to keep my tights up.” A blowout victory more closely resembling a scrimmage will soon be forgotten, but Jackson holding up his pants during a 21-yard scramble reminds how entertaining it is watching him on a weekly basis.
