Part of my goal in penning these little pieces is to offer a few insights that might not be obvious as we watch live games. Any success in this endeavor depends on the reader. Dare I say a little bit of what follows is this week’s attempt to add a little spice to your Ravens’ thoughts going into the Colts game.
Todd Monken’s Game Plan and Play Selection
Monken likely entered the Bengals game expecting his patchwork offensive line to have challenges in pass protection. He focused on a quick throw passing attack, to great effect, as Lamar consistently released the ball faster than any game I could recall. The enhanced receiving corps did an excellent job across the board, and Lamar’s accuracy might have reached a high point.
The first drive was a thing of beauty. The offense’s, and Lamar’s, rhythm was excellent, and the Bengals had no answers. The pocket was clean, Lamar was able to keep his head up with a wide field of vision, and the almost complete attack was in full display. But I thought Monken lost that rhythm late in the first quarter after he called the bomb pass from mid-field. Lamar was wildly off target and the offense struggled for almost the rest of the half to get back into sync.
The lesson there – and a philosophy I adopt – is to stick with what’s working until the defense shows it can stop you. That’s the old Vince Lombardi approach, running power sweep right until his opponent forced him not to. There’s no need to go deep – and I stress the word “need” – when you can control the ball and the clock and go in for six.
My comment might be a nitpick in the Bengals game, but in more competitive situations it becomes germane. The mantra: do not succumb to the temptation to be “too smart.” If an attack is working keep the philosophy simple until you need to change it. As the Bengals bomb illustrates, there is a downside to changing your rhythm.
And, please bring back more play action. The running game was solidly effective, but I didn’t see too much play action off of it. The screen attempts were feeble, to be kind.
Lamar Jackson’s Ball Security
The game-ending statistics didn’t record it, but Lamar fumbled the ball yet again as he tried to escape a pass rush. The Bengals were penalized on the play, hence the clean stat sheet. But Lamar’s ball security issue remains a real one. What happened to three or more points of contact on the ball? Lamar’s instinct to make every scramble a sensational play entails risk, and he must improve his focus on securing the ball.
Wide Receiver Screens
The Ravens are blessed with wideouts who, in theory, are equipped to exploit defenses on wide receiver screens. But the blocking outside has been abysmal. For now, I’d like to see a variation or two off of these looks. Perhaps Lamar could hit a lone cutter coming from the other side? There is a lot of work to do from a blocking perspective.
For those who saw the 49ers handle the Giants, the core component of their approach is to get the ball in the hands of Deebo Samuel and Greg Kittle and let them do the rest. They scheme to get these two guys either isolated or, as is relevant here, with blockers deployed (especially for Samuel). Deebo is a special player with the ball in his hands, but both Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman have the ability to break off runs. Getting blockers in front of them is a wonderful thought. The Ravens must find a way to execute it. Getting Tyler Linderbaum back could help.
Ravens Insights – The Offensive Audibles
Watching Lamar during the Bengals game read the defense pre-snap and calling audibles was a welcome development. However, it was obvious on several occasions that the Bengals knew the Ravens’ audible calls. On the plays I noted the Bengals’ inside linebacker listened to Lamar’s new play call and immediately signaled to his teammates an adjustment to the defensive call. This is a real problem that must be corrected.
Justin Madubuike – What Gives?
Is this actually an insight: these major penalties are unacceptable. We are four years into Madubuike’s career and the lack of discipline is disheartening. He is the most talented defensive lineman on the team, but regular 15-yard penalties are deal killers. If he can’t stop it, you can’t play him.
What Now for the Secondary?
The Ravens asked too much of Ar’Darius Washington when they matched him up against Tee Higgins. It’s unrealistic to expect Washington to give up six inches and cover Higgins. To the extent that Washington, after he gets healthy, is tasked with slot assignments, Mike Macdonald must adjust to ensure that he truly is matched against the receiver with slot-type skills. I would have preferred Washington shadowing Tyler Boyd last week.
With Washington now out, the Ravens are that much slimmer on the back end. Expect a practice squad elevation this week against the Garden Minshew-led Colts.
Rock Ya-Sin made his presence felt with that spectacular pass break up in the end zone against Chase. Ya-Sin is a solid cover corner when healthy and I expect him to wind up as the full time starter soon enough.
A Potpourri of Ravens Insights?
Kyle Hamilton is still a work in progress as a back-end safety. He was out of position several times last week.
We are going to see Melvin Gordon against the Colts. Signing Kenyan Drake makes a lot of sense. I hope the Ravens don’t have to use him, but we’ll see once and for all what Gordon has left. Hearing that Justice Hill might have turf toe implies that, whether it’s Gordon or Drake, one of those two could soon play a more vital role in the offense. Justice Hill, if he has that injury, can’t get a break.
My biggest disappointment last week was the early injury to Odafe Oweh. As readers know I had big praise for Oweh’s play in week one and was looking forward to continuing improved play. The Ravens have been mum regarding the extent of his injury, but I wouldn’t be shocked if it’s a high ankle sprain.
Can Patrick Mekari do it two weeks in a row? When he’s been healthy, Mekari has been nothing but dependable as a left tackle. The struggles you might see in your mind’s eye have largely been when Mekari was less than 100%. He has to continue to hold up for the Ravens to be able to run their complete offense.
David Ojabo didn’t show much if anything against the Bengals. He was consistently moved off the ball in the run game, and still isn’t exhibiting the level of pass rush leverage that I expected. Nor is he exploiting his natural quickness. Ojabo has a good way to go mentally. I’d like to see some evidence of a pass rush plan. The Ravens are exposed on the edge without Oweh and being forced to rely on Ojabo on first down. I expect the Colts to attack this.
Brandon Stephens played his best career game against the Bengals. Now let’s see some plays on the ball.
And finally, need I say it, but the Ravens are tackling at a very high level so far.
I don’t know if I added any insights. But it was worth the try.
