Even with Week 1 Struggles,  The Ravens Still Deserve Their “Flowers”! 

Well, week 1 of the NFL season is in full swing. The Ravens were fortunate to escape a very scrappy Houston team with a 25-9 victory. While it is true that a win is a win, there are so many things that need to be addressed and corrected if Baltimore is going to make a serious run at the post season and beyond. Before everyone says that, “It's just week 1, it’s too early to know anything.” I totally agree. Let’s look at performances around the league on week 1. Cleveland absolutely dominated the Bengals. Do I think Cincinnati fans are worried? No. Same with Steelers fans, Vikings fans, and Chiefs fans. It’s one game...and....we WON!! So why am I so worried?? 

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The big (and consistent) elephant in the room: injuries. Early reports confirm that our lead running back J.K. Dobbins suffered a torn achillies tendon. That is a season ending injury. Now Hill and Edwards are ok complimentary backs, and in a pinch could function as a serviceable backfield by committee, but if Baltimore wants to reach that next level, we need that “Feature Back” moving forward. Maybe its time to reach out to Indy and see if they want to make a deal for Taylor?  Our star tight end Mark Andrews didn’t play today because of an injury. (I know, Chiefs fans are reading this with NO sympathy. Lol.) All I am saying is that injuries always play a huge part in our season, and we must adapt that “next man up” philosophy. 

 

The Ravens have to get better at pass protection. Lamar did not exactly set the world on fire, but he was running for his life. He was hit 7 times and sacked 4 times. He only went 17 for 22 with 169 yards and 1 interception. As Lamar does, he rushed 6 times for 38 yards (making him the leading rusher on the day for the Ravens.) Those numbers barely were good enough to beat a very game Texans team but next week we go into Cincinnati against an upset Bengals team that was embarrassed in Cleveland today. 

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As I alluded to in the title, there was a lot to like with rookie WR Zay Flowers. He hauled in 9 out of 10 targets for 78 yards and added another 9 yards rushing. Even as a newcomer he had great route running instincts as well as great hands and speed. As the season progresses, he could be something special for the Ravens air attack. Speaking of that air attack OBJ hauled in 2 catches for 37 yards including a beautiful over the shoulder 34-yard gain in the 4th quarter.  

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The Ravens need to celebrate this win today but then figure out how to improve their running game, become more disciplined on the offensive line and get Andrews healthy. If we can go into Cincinnati next week and protect Lamar so he can get everyone involved, then we have a really good chance of starting 2-0. The Ravens just need to settle down and play Ravens football. It should be fun (and stressful) to see how it all plays out. 

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-- Keehner Out--