ExtremeRavens

Here’s how the Ravens (10-3) graded out at each position after a 37-31 overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams (6-7) in Sunday’s Week 14 game at M&T Bank Stadium. Quarterback Lamar Jackson completed 24 of 43 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns, but the yardage is misleading. On two long passes to Odell Beckham Jr., the veteran wide receiver made great adjustments by twirling and spinning around. Jackson missed a couple of long throws that should have been touchdowns, which would have put the game out of reach. It was not one of Jackson’s best performances, but he was good in crunch time, leading a 13-play, 75-yard scoring drive capped by a 21-yard touchdown pass to Zay Flowers and a strike to Flowers for the 2-point conversion with 1:16 left in regulation. Grade: C+ Running backs The Ravens just can’t find a way to get this ground game going. The rushing attack needs to center around rookie Keaton Mitchell, who finished with 54 yards on nine carries. Gus Edwards had only six carries for 15 yards. Jackson was the team’s leading rusher with 70 yards on 11 attempts, but this running game needs more production, especially with an explosive player like Mitchell in the backfield. Jackson is a great weapon to have, but he’ll take more and more hits, especially in the postseason. Grade: C+ Offensive line The Ravens had an unusual plan with their offensive tackles, rotating starters Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses with backups Patrick Mekari and Danel Faalele. A lot of teams rotate receivers and running backs, but few shuffle linemen. The Rams have had trouble getting pressure on the quarterback all season, but they gave the Ravens some problems. The line was solid in the middle, but center Tyler Linderbaum struggled at times and got away with a couple of holding penalties. Overall, the Ravens allowed only two sacks and there were moments when Jackson had a lot of time to throw. Grade: B- Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco throws 3 TD passes, Browns pick Trevor Lawrence 3 times in 31-27 win over Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Ravens stun Rams, 37-31, on Tylan Wallace’s walk-off punt return TD in overtime: Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 37-31 overtime win over Los Angeles Rams Baltimore Ravens | Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton being evaluated after injuring knee vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Rams, December 10, 2023 | PHOTOS Receivers Beckham might have played his best game as a Raven, stepping up against his former team with four catches for 97 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Isaiah Likely also played well with five catches for 83 yards, including a wide-open 54-yard touchdown reception, and Flowers led the team with six catches for 60 yards and those two crucial scores. But there were times when the Ravens gave up and didn’t finish plays, which hurt with a scrambling quarterback like Jackson buying time. The player who seemed to give up the most was Rashod Bateman. Grade: B+ Defensive line The Ravens have struggled to stop opposing rushing attacks but have gotten away with it because they often take an early lead and force opponents to abandon the run. But the Rams had success running it, especially inside the tackles with Kyren Williams, who finished with 114 yards on 25 carries. Nose tackle Michael Pierce either got pushed around or ran himself out of a play, and end Justin Madubuike had similar problems, especially early in the game. Madubuike, though, finished with seven tackles, five quarterback hits and added his 11th sack of the season. The Rams had 410 yards of total offense. Grade: D+ Linebackers This performance was way below the standard of this group. There were moments when the inside linebackers played well, especially in coverage, but also times when they got pushed around. Roquan Smith led the team with 10 tackles and fellow inside Patrick Queen had six, but they got pounded inside by the Rams’ running game. Smith also delivered some borderline cheap shots on late hits. The Ravens got very little pressure from outside linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, as neither had a hit on the quarterback. Outside linebacker Oweh Odafe stepped up in the second half and provided some pressure. Grade: D Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson tries to throw as he is being sacked in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Kyle Van Noy, center, celebrates, after stopping RamsÕ Kyren Williams for loss of eight yards in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Arthur Maulet, right, misses a tackle against RamsÕ Cooper Kupp, left, who gained 32 yards in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker points skyward after kicking a 47-yard field goal in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, returning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Under pressure, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws incomplete to Zay Flowers in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Odafe Oweh wraps up Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Keaton Mitchell, right, runs for 27-yards against RamsÕ Cobie Durant, left, in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Travis Jones sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the 3rd quarter for a loss of 4 yards. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs out of bounds after keeping the ball for a gain in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Charlie Kolar chases Los Angeles Rams Ahkello Witherspoon after he intercepted a Lamar Jackson pass in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Kyle Hamilton, right, tackles RamsÕ Puka Nacua, left, for a short gain in the first quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, from left, celebrates touchdown pass to wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. with Isaiah Likely in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. scores a 46-yards touchdown against the Rams in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, left, celebrates after scoring two-point conversion against the Rams in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, right, catches a 21-yards touchdown pass against Rams' Jordan Fuller, left, in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is congratulated by Rashod Bateman after Flowers scored a 4th quarter touchdown. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely looks for yardage after a reception in the 3rd Quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Keaton Mitchell pushes through the line for a gain in the 3rd Quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson kicks the ball out of the end zone after a bad snap in the 3rd Quarter. The illegal kick was penalized as a safety. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, left, walks to the sideline in frustration after a bad snap to Lamar Jackson, right, costed the Ravens a safety in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, right, celebrates with teammate Lamar Jackson, left, after the Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh signals to go for a two-point conversion following a Zay Flowers touchdown in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace celebrates with teammates after retuning a punt for the game winning touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, is congratulated by RamsÕ Jason Taylor II as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, right, celebrates after the Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, left, is congratulated by teammate Odafe Oweh after scoring the game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens players celebrate game-winning punt returned for touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs for a 76-yards game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Justice Hill, center, makes a key block on Los Angeles Rams punter Ethan Evans, left, allowing RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, right, to score the game-winning touchdown in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, runs 76-yards for a punt return game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Rams in the quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace scores his first career touchdown, retuning a punt 76-yards as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs toward the end zone, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely after connecting for a 54-yard touchdown in the first quarter Sunday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. celebrates his 46-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter Sunday against the Rams. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely, center, dives onto the end zone against Los Angeles Rams Jordan Fuller for a touchdown in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers warms up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson warms up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes the field for warm-ups as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes the field for warm-ups as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is greeted by fans as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald observes warm up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand Secondary The Ravens finally got challenged by a good quarterback with good receivers and the results were poor, as Matthew Stafford completed 23 of 41 passes for 294 yards and three touchdowns. There were times when the Ravens appeared lost and blew coverages. The Rams also attacked cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who appeared slow in his first game in nearly a month. Safeties Marcus Williams, Kyle Hamilton and Geno Stone all appeared indecisive in the middle of the field, where there seemed to be a lot of miscommunication with the inside linebackers. Grade: D Special teams The Ravens did a good job of setting up reserve receiver Tylan Wallace’s game-winning 76-yard punt return in overtime with four good blocks, even though one might have been in the back. Wallace redeemed himself after being called offsides on a Rams punt in the second quarter, which gave Los Angeles a first down on an eventual touchdown drive. Justin Tucker converted field goal attempts of 31, 47 and 33 yards, and punter Jordan Stout averaged 47.8 yards on four punts, including two inside the Rams’ 20-yard line. Grade: B+ Coaching The Ravens need to get more out of their running game and more explosive plays from their vertical passing attack. The defense was outplayed for most of the game and the Ravens were fortunate to pull out the victory. Coach John Harbaugh’s clock management still needs to improve, and his challenge of Demarcus Robinson’s touchdown catch with 4:41 left in regulation was bizarre. All scoring plays are reviewed, so the Ravens lost a timeout. Harbaugh, though, has given this team a strong work ethic and the Ravens don’t quit until the final whistle. Grade: C+ View the full article

CLEVELAND — Joe Flacco threw for 311 yards and three touchdowns in his home debut for Cleveland, and the Browns survived a late rally by Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 31-27 win Sunday. The 38-year-old Flacco, who was only signed three weeks ago by the Browns (8-5), delivered the kind of performance he had almost annually as a visitor with Baltimore. Flacco went 26 of 45 and improved to 10-2 as a starter in Cleveland. Lawrence played despite spraining his right ankle Monday night. He threw a season-high three interceptions before bringing the Jaguars (8-5) back in the fourth quarter. His third TD pass — to Evan Engram with 1:33 left — pulled the Jaguars within four points. Cleveland’s Myles Garrett then sacked Lawrence on the 2-point conversion, and the Browns recovered an onside kick to close it out. Flacco threw two TD passes in the first half to tight end David Njoku and completed a 41-yarder to wide receiver David Bell in the fourth quarter when the Jaguars gambled with an all-out blitz on fourth down. The Browns have been forced to play four QBs due to injuries and are putting their playoff hopes in Flacco’s hands. He’ll lead their stretch drive. The Jaguars suffered their second loss in six days despite having Lawrence. The quarterback wasn’t on his game early and finished 28 of 50 for 257 yards. Lawrence was without one of his top receivers after Christian Kirk was placed on injured reserve earlier this week. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens stun Rams, 37-31, on Tylan Wallace’s walk-off punt return TD in overtime Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 37-31 overtime win over Los Angeles Rams Baltimore Ravens | Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton injures knee, ruled out vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Rams, December 10, 2023 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | With Marlon Humphrey back, Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin a healthy scratch vs. Rams Jacksonville is banged up on both sides of the ball as the first-place Jaguars, who lost for the first time in seven road games, try to hold off Houston and Indianapolis in the AFC South. The Texans and Colts both lost Sunday. Martin Emerson had two of the picks against Lawrence, who threw an incompletion on fourth down with 3:30 left. The Browns then took a 31-21 lead when Dustin Hopkins kicked a 55-yard field goal with 3:10 remaining. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski never announced his starting quarterback, preferring to keep the Jaguars in the dark. Flacco didn’t waste time showing why he was the obvious choice over rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, completing 4 of 4 passes for 66 yards as the Browns went right down the field to take a 7-0 lead. Cleveland brought in its “heavy” package on third-and-1 at the Jaguars’ 34. Flacco faked a handoff that fooled Jacksonville’s defense as Njoku was left uncovered down the left side for a 34-yard touchdown. Flacco’s second TD pass was equally easy. Njoku wasn’t initially picked up after the snap, caught a pass over the middle, broke a tackle inside the 10-yard line and scored. It’s the first multi-TD game of Njoku’s career. Jacksonville’s defense came up with a turnover to set up the Jaguars’ lone score in the first half as safety Andrew Wingard stripped away Amari Cooper after a 19-yard gain. Two plays later, Lawrence connected with Engram for a 10-yard TD to pull the Jaguars within 14-7. Lawrence didn’t appear to have any issues with the ankle, but he wasn’t very accurate, completing 11 of 22 passes for 100 yards in the first half. Injuries Jaguars: LT Ezra Cleveland, who was filling in for injured starter Walker Little (also a backup), went out with a knee injury in the second quarter. … S Andre Cisco (groin) went out in the second half. Browns: Starting C Ethan Pocic suffered a neck stinger in the first quarter and didn’t return. Nick Harris filled in. … DT Jordan Elliott suffered a concussion in the first half. … S Grant Delpit (groin) got hurt in the fourth quarter. … S Juan Thornhill (calf) was a game-time scratch. Undrafted rookie Ronnie Hickman took his starting spot. Up next Jaguars: Host Baltimore on Dec. 17. Browns: Host Chicago on Dec. 17. View the full article

Tylan Wallace made perhaps the game’s biggest mistake. He didn’t miss his chance at redemption. Wallace, a Ravens’ backup wide receiver and special teams player, committed an inexplicable offsides penalty in the first half that spurred a Los Angeles Rams scoring drive. More than two hours later, as the cloudy sky at M&T Bank Stadium began to give way to darkness, Wallace more than made up for his miscue in overtime, returning a punt 76 yards for a walk-off touchdown and a 37-31 Ravens win. Wallace, who was filling in for the injured Devin Duvernay, weaved through the Rams’ punt coverage, broke several tackles and maintained his balance up the sideline as he pranced into the end zone for his first career touchdown. His mistake was far from the only one of the afternoon. Lamar Jackson’s first-half interception and Tyler Linderbaum’s untimely snap also aided the Rams (6-7). But three touchdown passes over 20 yards from Jackson, including a beautiful 21-yarder to rookie Zay Flowers with 1:16 left in regulation, kept the Ravens alive as the defense struggled. The win pushes the Ravens to the top spot in the AFC with a 10-3 record. They hold a two-game lead in the AFC North and are a half-game ahead of the Dolphins (9-3), who play Monday night, in the conference. After the Ravens punted on their first possession, running back Kyren Williams and the Rams’ rushing attack gashed Baltimore’s front seven for 52 yards on nine straight carries to get inside the 10-yard line. But the Rams inexplicably called three straight pass plays — all incompletions — and settled for a field goal and a 3-0 lead. The Ravens’ second offensive drive featured a few downfield pass attempts — perhaps the biggest thing missing from Baltimore’s offense — that fell incomplete, including one to Rashod Bateman, who briefly slowed up during his route and then couldn’t catch up to the pass. Jackson’s next deep ball wouldn’t suffer a similar fate. The Rams didn’t have to prepare for tight end Mark Andrews, who is likely out for the remainder of the regular season after undergoing ankle surgery, and they forgot to account for his backup, Isaiah Likely, on the third play of Baltimore’s third offensive drive. Likely ran free down the left sideline, and Jackson found the second-year tight end wide-open for an easy 54-yard touchdown to give Baltimore a 7-3 lead in the first quarter. Tylan Wallace leaps into the end zone to score the game-winning touchdown on a 76-yard punt return in overtime of the Ravens' 37-31 win over the Rams on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs toward the end zone, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Tylan Wallace leaps into the end zone to score the game-winning touchdown on a punt return in overtime of the Ravens' 37-31 win over the Rams on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, celebrates his 54-yard touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely, right, in the first quarter Sunday against the Rams (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. celebrates his 46-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter Sunday against the Rams. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely, center, dives onto the end zone against Los Angeles Rams Jordan Fuller for a touchdown in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers warms up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald observes warm up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald observes warm up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson warms up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Ben Cleveland, from left, Tyler Linderbaum and Patrick Mekari stand together during warm up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tyler Linderbaum , left, and Patrick Mekari stand together during warm up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Patrick Mekari and Tyler Linderbaum stand together during warm-ups as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes the field for warm-ups as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes the field for warm-ups as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is greeted by fans as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand The Rams responded with big plays of their own on the next drive, reaching the red zone thanks to a deep pass to former Raven Demarcus Robinson, a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty on safety Marcus Williams and a chunk gain by star wideout Cooper Kupp after a short pass. Matthew Stafford then retook the lead in the second quarter by perfectly rainbowing a pass to Kupp in the back-left corner of the end zone for a 6-yard score — the first of the quarterback’s three touchdown passes. The 35-year-old was 23-for-41 passing for 294 yards, while Jackson was 24-for-43 with 316 yards and three scores while also rushing a team-high 11 times for 70 yards in one of his best performances of the year. The back-and-forth first half continued on the next two drives. Baltimore responded to the Stafford-Kupp connection with perhaps the one becoming its best since Andrews’ injury. Jackson threw another deep touchdown to a wide-open pass catcher, this time Odell Beckham Jr., for a 46-yard score. Beckham Jr., who helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI before tearing his ACL in the February 2022 game, returned from his injury this season, and after a slow start, he’s now scored or totaled 100 receiving yards in four of his past five games. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 37-31 overtime win over Los Angeles Rams Baltimore Ravens | Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton injures knee, ruled out vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Rams, December 10, 2023 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | With Marlon Humphrey back, Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin a healthy scratch vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Storms are expected in Baltimore during Sunday’s Ravens game. Here’s how to get there without the light rail. The Ravens’ should’ve gotten the ball back two minutes later, but Wallace’s penalty on the punt gave the Rams new life. Stafford capitalized on the mental mistake and put the Rams up 17-14 with a 7-yard touchdown to Davis Allen on a tight end screen. Baltimore and Los Angeles traded field goals to end the first half — a 51-yarder by Lucas Havrisik and a 31-yarder by Justin Tucker. The Ravens had the ball in the red zone with about a minute remaining, but conservative play-calling and questionable timeout usage spoiled any chance for a touchdown. The 20 points allowed by the Ravens’ defense was double its worst first-half performance of the season. Entering Sunday, the Ravens hadn’t surrendered more than 10 points in any of their 12 first halves for an average of 5.58 points allowed. Sandwiched between two Rams punts in the third quarter was a Tucker 47-yard field goal that tied the game. Los Angeles’ offense stalled in the third, but the Rams still went into the fourth — a quarter in which Baltimore has struggled this season — with a 22-20 lead thanks to the safety the Ravens handed them. With Jackson surveying the defense presnap, Linderbaum snapped the ball without his signal-caller looking. It rolled into the end zone, and Jackson kicked the ball out of the end zone and into the stands to prevent a Rams player from landing on it for a touchdown. Baltimore’s defense remained stout in the second half, forcing the Rams to punt for a fourth straight drive. Jackson then got the Ravens into field goal range, and instead of going for it on fourth-and-short, coach John Harbaugh elected to send Tucker out for a 33-yard field goal. Stafford then orchestrated an eight-play, 85-yard drive — culminating in a 5-yard touchdown pass to Robinson with 4:47 remaining — but his 2-point conversion attempt was deflected. Jackson responded with a 13-play, 75-yard scoring drive. The Ravens had their backs against the wall facing a third-and-17, but Jackson’s dime to Flowers — and 2-point conversion to the rookie — gave Baltimore a 31-28 advantage. Stafford did it again in the final 90 seconds, thanks in large part to a 34-yard pass to Kupp, setting up Havrisik for a game-tying field goal. The 31 points allowed are the most by the Ravens defense this season. The Ravens went three-and-out to start overtime and two incompletions by Stafford, including a drop by Allen on third down, set up Wallace’s redemption. This story will be updated. Week 15 Jaguars at Ravens Sunday, 8:20 p.m. TV: NBC Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM View the full article

Here’s what The Baltimore Sun sports staff had to say immediately after the Ravens’ 37-31 overtime win over the visiting Los Angeles Rams in Sunday’s Week 14 game at M&T Bank Stadium. Brian Wacker: This one was as ugly as the weather at times. The Ravens were fresh off a bye week yet often looked discombobulated, from self-inflicted mistakes to execution, on a soggy Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. It would be one thing if it were September, but there are only four games remaining in the regular season and Baltimore (10-3) has a chance to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The Ravens can get away with these sorts of errors against the Rams (6-7), but the postseason is a different animal when it comes to mistakes, as Baltimore discovered in painful fashion last season. If there were positives to take away for Baltimore, you had to sometimes squint through the rain drops to see them, but they were there in a game that earlier this season the Ravens might have lost. Lamar Jackson is still one of the most dynamic, electric and simply best players in the league, and that was on display, particularly down the stretch when he led them on a 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to give the Ravens the lead late in the fourth quarter. Rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers continued to show that he’s the team’s best wide receiver, catching not only the aforementioned fourth-quarter score but the 2-point conversion as well. Fellow receiver Odell Beckham picked up where he left off before the bye week, showing good speed breaking open for a long touchdown and predictably good hands. And the defense mostly kept the Rams in check in the second half with just one touchdown allowed after giving up 216 yards and 20 points in the first 30 minutes. And then there was Tylan Wallace, a goat earlier in the game for lining up offsides on a punt that kept a Rams drive alive and led to a touchdown, who saved them in the end. The 24-year-old, who was on the bubble of even making the roster back in training camp, delivered a stunning 76-yard punt return in overtime for the win. It was a testament to the young receiver’s grit as he wouldn’t go down, and to the team’s next-man up mantra with Devin Duvernay out with an injury. And it was a game the Ravens couldn’t afford to lose if they want to get to where they ultimately want to go. Childs Walker: Who had the Tylan Wallace punt return in overtime on the bingo card? Seriously, who? Better to win an absurd game like that than lose it. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton injures knee, ruled out vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Rams, December 10, 2023 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | With Marlon Humphrey back, Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin a healthy scratch vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Storms are expected in Baltimore during Sunday’s Ravens game. Here’s how to get there without the light rail. Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco or rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start for Browns in crucial game vs. Jaguars Lamar Jackson’s touchdown strike, with the great Aaron Donald in his face no less, seemed to bail the Ravens out near the end of a chaotic 60 minutes. But Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp had other ideas, schooling Marlon Humphrey on a 34-yard catch to set up a game-tying field goal. The Ravens were their own worst enemies for much of the afternoon, with penalties and other flubs — including a mistimed snap that resulted in a safety — undermining an ostensibly efficient offensive performance. They rolled up 243 yards in the first half without looking particularly sharp. Wallace, a goat before he was the ultimate hero, lined up offsides in punt coverage, erasing a three-and-out for the defense and extending a Rams drive that ended in the end zone. The Ravens’ No. 1 scoring defense did not get off to a banner start, offering soft resistance to the Rams’ runs and allowing too many receivers to spring wide open in the middle of the field. They adjusted well in the second half, forcing the Rams to punt on four straight possessions. Even on that side of the ball, the news was not all good, as the Ravens lost perhaps their most important defender, safety Kyle Hamilton, to a knee injury. They’ll pray that Hamilton, who does everything for them, isn’t out long. DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, celebrates touchdown with Isaiah Likely against the Rams in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. scores a touchdown in the 2nd quarter as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely dives into the end zone past Rams safety Jordan Fuller for a touchdown in the first quarter Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson warms up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes the field for warm-ups as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes the field for warm-ups as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is greeted by fans as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand C.J. Doon: What a wild ride that was. It felt all afternoon like the Ravens were going to let this one slip away against a relentless Rams offense led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Kyren Williams and receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, who have been one of the league’s most dangerous groups when healthy. Even former Ravens receiver Demarcus Robinson came back to haunt them with the go-ahead touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter. But Lamar Jackson delivered in the clutch, leading a 13-play, 75-yard march capped by a 21-yard touchdown pass to rookie Zay Flowers with 1:16 to go in regulation. Then, after a three-and-out on the Ravens’ opening possession of overtime, reserve wideout Tylan Wallace delivered by far his most memorable moment with the team, returning a punt 76 yards for the game-winning score. It might seem like an overreaction, but that was an important win for the Ravens to prove they can come through late in a close game, something they hadn’t done all season. At 10-3, the Ravens put the pressure on the Dolphins to win Monday night against the Titans to keep their lead in the race for the AFC’s No. 1 seed. Tim Schwartz: Tylan Wallace! Who would’ve thunk it? What a return by the backup punt returner. An unsung hero comes through again, and it’s becoming the DNA of this 2023 squad. It must be infectious in that locker room. But after that MVP-type drive Lamar Jackson put together at the end of regulation, it’s fitting Baltimore pulled it out. Because that 13-play, 75-scoring march was a clinic by a quarterback unlike any other. It was an MVP moment on a day the defense struggled to slow down Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua. View the full article

Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton suffered a knee injury against the Los Angeles Rams on the final play of the first quarter Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium but quickly returned. Hamilton went to the ground after a 3-yard run by running back Royce Freeman. He was not in on the tackle, however, and was limping slightly earlier in the drive. The second-year safety out of Notre Dame walked off under his own power alongside team trainers and went into the team’s blue medical tent before heading to the locker room. He was initially ruled questionable to return but went back to the sideline to jog and returned to the field for the Rams’ next possession. Hamilton has been a lynchpin on the Ravens’ defense. The do-everything safety has 62 tackles, nine passes defensed, three sacks, a forced fumble and two interceptions while emerging as one of the league’s best defensive players. Meanwhile, Rams tight end Hunter Long was carted off the field with a knee injury with 7:32 left in the first half and was ruled doubtful to return. Long lined up to block on a punt and was rolled up on as the Ravens jumped offsides on the play, giving Los Angeles a first down at its own 35-yard line. Starting tight end Tyler Higbee was ruled inactive Sunday with a concussion, leaving rookie Davis Allen and Brycen Hopkins as the team’s only tight ends. Allen caught a 7-yard touchdown pass to give the Rams a 17-14 lead with five minutes left in the half. Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell also exited after colliding with Marcus Williams and landing hard on his back on a deep pass down the left sideline with 5:59 remaining in the second quarter. Atwell, who has 37 catches for 346 yards and three touchdowns this season, is being evaluated for a concussion and is questionable to return. This story will be updated. View the full article

See photos of Baltimore Ravens playing the Los Angeles Rams on December 10, 2023 at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson warms up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers warms up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore RavensÕ Tyler Linderbaum , left, and Patrick Mekari stand together during warm up before game against the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is greeted by fans as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes the field for warm-ups as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) View the full article

The bye week came at a good time for the Ravens (9-3), who play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday afternoon with just one player on the 53-man roster missing because of injury. Linebacker Malik Harrison (groin) is one of five inactives but is the only injured player among the group. Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, guard Sala Aumavae-Laulu, center Sam Mustipher and emergency third quarterback Josh Johnson are also inactive. With cornerback Marlon Humphrey suiting up for the first time since Nov. 12, Ya-Sin, a free agent signing this offseason, is inactive for just the second time this season. Cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis, who has played 45% of the snaps on special teams this season, is active. Linebacker Josh Ross, who was promoted from the practice squad Saturday, is active in place of Harrison. The Rams (6-6) have six inactives: tight end Tyler Higbee, outside linebacker Ochaun Mathis, safety Quentin Lake, offensive lineman Warren McClendon, defensive lineman Ernest Brown and kicker Mason Crosby. Outside linebackers Michael Hoecht and Byron Young were questionable for the game with knee injuries but are both active. View the full article

A perfect storm is possible during Sunday’s Ravens-Rams game in Baltimore — heavy rain is expected, along with the ongoing light rail shutdown. The rain starting Sunday morning in downtown Baltimore is expected to last into the night, with some storms possible and between three-quarters and one inch of precipitation forecast throughout the day. Additionally, a flood watch covering most of central Maryland will be in effect from 1 p.m. into Sunday night. Those hoping to stay dry while watching the game can catch it on their local FOX network (channel 45.1 in the Baltimore area) at 1 p.m. Meanwhile, the Maryland Transit Administration has shut down the light rail indefinitely as the mass transit service undergoes repairs. But express shuttles to the area of M&T Bank Stadium will be running alongside regular buses filling in for the faulty railcars. Beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, express shuttle buses will run from both Glen Burnie/Cromwell and Timonium Fairgrounds stations and go directly to Camden Yards, according to the MTA. Starting at 3 p.m., the express buses will run from the Camden Yards stop to the Glen Burnie and Timonium Fairgrounds stations. No express shuttle buses will run directly to or from the BWI Marshall Airport stop, the MTA said, noting that passengers headed for the airport should instead take a designated bus bridge route toward Cromwell and switch over at North Linthicum. Other shuttle buses will stop at each light rail station. A full list of stops is available here. Sunday’s temperatures are expected to reach a high of 60 degrees. Rain is predicted to continue into the night, along with wind gusts of nearly 30 mph, possibly becoming mixed with snow that is not expected to accumulate much on the ground. The precipitation is forecast to end around 10 a.m. Monday, when skies are expected to start cloudy but gradually become more sunny, along with a high temperature of 45 degrees. View the full article

BEREA, Ohio — Joe Flacco’s second straight start for the Browns appears inevitable, if not essential. It’s just not official. Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski remained noncommittal about his starter for Sunday’s crucial game against Jacksonville despite Flacco getting all the first-team quarterback reps during the portion of Friday’s practice open to the media. Flacco had an impressive debut for Cleveland last weekend, the 38-year-old’s first start in nearly a year, and is expected to play against the Jaguars (8-4). But while Flacco seems to be his best choice — over rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson — for a game with massive AFC playoff implications, Stefanski said after practice he was not ready to publicly announce his starter. “Both guys practiced this week. Both guys practiced well, I got faith in both guys,” Stefanski said. Pressed on why he’s not revealing his choice, Stefanski remained coy. “You don’t have to, I guess is probably the best way of putting it,” he said. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | With Marlon Humphrey back, Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin a healthy scratch vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Storms are expected in Baltimore during Sunday’s Ravens game. Here’s how to get there without the light rail. Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice Friday ‘recovered’ from illness; former LB Josh Bynes retires Baltimore Ravens | ‘Welcomed to be themselves,’ late additions lift Ravens defense to unforeseen heights Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson absent from practice Thursday with illness While Stefanski has every right to keep his plans private, and in turn to keep the Jaguars guessing, Flacco’s strong performance in his debut for Cleveland showed the 15-year veteran gives the Browns their best chance to make the playoffs. In his first game in nearly a year, Flacco, who signed with the Browns on Nov. 20, passed for 254 yards and two touchdowns. The former Super Bowl Most Valuable Player with the Ravens did throw a costly interception in a 36-19 loss to the Rams, but Flacco had Cleveland’s offense clicking better than it has since Deshaun Watson went down with a season-ending shoulder injury. Flacco’s showing didn’t surprise receiver Elijah Moore. “He’s brought a confidence and a swag,” said Moore, who played with Flacco with the New York Jets and had four catches for 84 yards last week. “We have a little bit of controversy with people getting hurt. So, I think that it brings confidence to know that we have someone in there that has been through it. It’s nothing but positive for us.” Because of injuries, the Browns have started four quarterbacks for just the third time since 1950. Flacco might still be in a backup role if not for Thompson-Robinson suffering a concussion in the third quarter of Cleveland’s loss to Denver on Nov. 26. Thompson-Robinson finally cleared protocol and practiced Friday. Afterward, the fifth-round pick from UCLA said he’s grateful to possibly be playing again. “I’m excited,” said Thompson-Robinson, who went 1-2 in three starts and was making major strides before getting hurt. “I’m ready to go if it’s me and my name’s called upon. Just more so excited to have football back. “When you get stuff taken away from you, whether it’s injuries or whatever it is, that’s primarily the main focus, just getting back out on the field.” Thompson-Robinson said the shot from Broncos linebacker Baron Browning may have been the hardest hit he’s ever taken. “That one one hurt for sure,” he said. Equally painful for Thompson-Robinson was not being able to keep the momentum going. In two starts after a rough debut against Baltimore on Oct. 1, when he filled in at the last minute for an injured Watson, the 24-year-old has shown why the Browns may be willing to play him in the biggest game this season. “I’ve gone in there in an NFL game and started with no reps with being told last-second, so if I have to do it again, I can do it again,” he said. “I have those reps now. I’ve been trained for that scenario or anything that’s going to be thrown at me.” NOTES: No. 1 WR Amari Cooper returned to practice after sustaining a concussion last week. He’s listed as questionable. “He looked good,” Moore said. “It just depends on how he feels. He’s a pro. He’s always going to get it done.” … Stefanski said starting RT Dawand Jones ”tweaked” his right knee. He’s also questionable. The massive rookie has been a major positive since being thrust into the lineup after Jack Conklin suffered a season-ending knee injury in the opener. View the full article

Ravens fans can breathe sigh of relief. After missing Thursday’s practice because of an illness, quarterback Lamar Jackson was back on the field Friday in Owings Mills. It was the first practice he missed all season, including training camp. “He was feeling good — full of life,” coach John Harbaugh said Friday. “He looked good out there. He was back. He’s recovered.” He’s also the last starting quarterback standing in the AFC North with the Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow (wrist), Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson (shoulder) and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Kenny Pickett (ankle) all sidelined. The Ravens (9-3), who had a bye last week, are largely healthy heading into Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams (6-6) with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. the only player absent. Harbaugh said it was just a veteran rest day for the 31-year-old, whom he also said had a good week of practice before taking on his former team. Jackson has missed 11 games over the past two seasons because of injuries, including the final six last year with a PCL sprain in his knee. He also missed the final four games of the 2021 season with a bone bruise in his ankle. This season, Jackson has played every meaningful snap. He is also a candidate for his second career NFL Most Valuable Player award, having thrown for 2,618 yards with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions while rushing for 574 yards and five scores. The Ravens have three players questionable for Sunday’s game: linebackers Malik Harrison (groin) and Malik Hamm (ankle) and cornerback Damarion “Pepe” Williams (ankle). Harrison was limited in practice all week, and while Hamm and Williams were full participants, they have yet to be activated from injured reserve. For the Rams, tight end Tyler Higbee (neck) is doubtful to play Sunday after not practicing this week. Outside linebackers Michael Hoecht (knee) and Byron Young (knee) and safety Quentin Lake (hamstring) are questionable after being limited Friday. Bynes retires with Ravens Former linebacker Josh Bynes, whose NFL career spanned from 2011 to 2022, officially retired as a Raven on Friday. An undrafted free agent out of Auburn, he spent his first three seasons in Baltimore before stints with the Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals. He returned to the Ravens in 2019 and again in 2021 and 2022, making seven starts last season. Bynes won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2012 and made the final tackle of a 34-31 win over San Francisco as the 49ers tried to return a free kick. But his career almost never happened. After being cut by the Ravens just before the start of the 2011 season, Bynes revealed Friday that he had just finished interviewing to be an academic counselor at an online university. Still in his suit and tie and walking into his parents’ home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, his phone rang. It was then-general manager Ozzie Newsome, who asked if Bynes wanted to be back with the team. A dozen years later, Bynes finally hung up his cleats for good. He finishes his career with 582 tackles in 138 games. “It’s kind of surreal it hits you kind of quick,” Bynes said, choking up. “I’m not an emotional person but … I really appreciate every single thing the league has done for me. “Twelve years, it’s been a ride — ups and downs and all. I appreciate every last one because it taught me moments I can teach my boys.” Bynes will be the Ravens’ Legend of the Game on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. This story will be updated. View the full article

Too often, we speak of NFL teams as finished paintings in the last week of July. By then, we have declared “winners” of free agency, “winners” of the draft, “winners” of the offseason. These meld into a brew of grand prognostications for the season ahead. Top Ravens decision makers have long argued this is nonsense, that in fact, each team remains a work in progress until the last day of the season. General manager Eric DeCosta knew that was the case this year as the Ravens entered training camp facing questions about their deficit of proven pass rushers and a secondary with one established starting cornerback. Four months later, it’s strange to think a defense that leads the league in sacks and allows just 4.2 yards per pass attempt was perceived as potentially weak. But the Ravens put the lie to these predictions in part because of four players they added between late July and late September at the modest cost of $5.7 million. Only outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney could be called a star of the league’s stingiest scoring defense. But nickel back Arthur Maulet is a stout run stopper and one of the top blitzers in coordinator Mike Macdonald’s madcap rush designs. Ronald Darby has helped keep the secondary together in the six games the Ravens have played without their top cornerback, Marlon Humphrey. The last major addition to the defense, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, stepped in to provide pass-rush punch in the absence of David Ojabo, Tyus Bowser and, for a time, Odafe Oweh. Injuries to talents such as Humphrey and Oweh might have led to devastating dips in performance in previous seasons, but the Ravens patched right over them. Why did their roster fortifications prove so effective? “Eric and Ozzie [Newsome] talked about it over the years, talking about your roster is never really set throughout the course of the season, and I think that’s a philosophy of the organization, just always trying to improve the team,” Macdonald said. “We’ve done a great job at targeting guys that can be productive for us, and then we kind of take it from there. Obviously, we’re always excited to take on a great player; we’re never going to turn down a great player.” There is a chicken and egg question: Did DeCosta sign players who would have excelled in any situation or did he pick those whom John Harbaugh’s staff would deploy most efficiently? Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | With Marlon Humphrey back, Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin a healthy scratch vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Storms are expected in Baltimore during Sunday’s Ravens game. Here’s how to get there without the light rail. Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco or rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start for Browns in crucial game vs. Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice Friday ‘recovered’ from illness; former LB Josh Bynes retires Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson absent from practice Thursday with illness “I just think that credits the coaching staff here, the style that we are here, and I think it just goes to good leadership and just making everyone feel welcomed — welcomed to be themselves and not try to be anything that they’re not,” said linebacker Roquan Smith, who thrived as a midseason addition last year. “I feel like, if you express that to individuals — when they come in here, making sure that they know that they don’t have to try to act or be anything they don’t [want to be] — I think guys just are being themselves, and it makes them play like the best version of themselves.” That trusting ethic would not work, however, if the players in question were not seasoned professionals, secondary coach Chris Hewitt said. “They’re pros,” he said. “Those guys having the experience of playing — I think Arthur [Maulet] is in his seventh or eighth year or something like that, and [Ronald] Darby is in his ninth year — those guys have played a lot of football, so they’ve seen the coverages. Let’s not get it twisted; we’re not putting new coverages or anything like that [out there]. They’ve played everything that we’re doing. So, those guys being pros and just being able to get the verbiage of all the things that we’re doing, that’s how those guys are just able to plug in and just go play.” Van Noy offered the simplest explanation: “We’re good players, and they got a good system.” The Ravens caused hardly a ripple in the wider football world when they signed Maulet, who had started six games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 but asked for his release in May, on July 26. He was another candidate to bring dependable depth to a secondary that needed it. He made a minimal impact early, not playing in the Ravens first two games and getting in for just three defensive snaps in the third. But his snap count soared to 60 in the team’s blowout of the Detroit Lions as Macdonald recognized the 30-year-old’s versatility. When the Ravens needed to send a defensive back flying at Justin Herbert at a crucial juncture of their Nov. 26 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Maulet, who has two sacks and two quarterback hits on just 12 pass-rush snaps, was their guy. Ravens vs. SeahawksKenneth K. Lam/Baltimore SunRavens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, right, sacks Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith in the second quarter Nov. 5 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) “It’s been fun, man,” Maulet said. “Shout out to Mike [Macdonald] for getting me open on these freelance runs where no one’s picking me up. I have no choice but to make the play.” “When we called his number towards the end of the game, he executed at a high level,” Macdonald said. “That’s all you can ask. It speaks to the whole defense, all 11 guys playing together, you’re going to have an opportunity to step up and make plays when their time comes.” The same could be said for Darby, whom the Ravens signed Aug. 17, the day after Humphrey had surgery to repair a foot injury that would keep him out the first four weeks of the season. The veteran cornerback was coming back from his own serious injury, a torn ACL that ended his 2022 season prematurely. Three weeks after he signed, Darby played 69 defensive snaps in the Ravens’ season-opening victory over the Houston Texans. His workload fell off in the middle of the season, but he stepped back into the breach in the Ravens’ last two games, with Humphrey sidelined by a calf strain. Darby’s Pro Football Focus coverage grade is actually higher than Humphrey’s, and the Ravens’ pass defense has not skipped a beat. Pressure — Clowney and Van Noy have combined for 14 sacks, 12 quarterback hits and 60 hurries — has a lot to do with that as well. The Ravens signed Clowney, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 draft, a day after they added Darby. He cost a mere $2.5 million guaranteed coming off an unhappy 2022 season with the Browns, which he finished with just two sacks. The 30-year-old pass rusher had long thought he might enjoy playing for Harbaugh and believed he had “a lot left in me.” He was not wrong. Clowney has been the team’s most consistent edge rusher. He made perhaps the most important play, a strip-sack of Herbert, in the aforementioned victory over the Chargers. “I’m just comfortable, and Mike puts us in great position to make plays,” Clowney said, noting he has put pressure on himself to have a great year after an elbow injury, which he didn’t talk about at the time, undermined his last season in Cleveland. With Bowser sidelined by a knee injury and Ojabo, whom the Ravens saw as a breakout candidate, facing the prospect of season-ending knee surgery, DeCosta sought more help on the edge, signing Van Noy after the third game of the season. He played 23 snaps against the Browns five days later and, at age 32, sits one sack shy of a career high. None of these late additions seem terribly surprised they’ve put the finishing touches on an elite defense, though Maulet was quick to point out that won’t truly be the the case unless the Ravens win the Super Bowl. “We’ve all played on multiple teams,” he said. “It’s just helping the team win for the bigger picture. Us being vets, you’ve got to know your job. You’ve got to know where to be for the team to have a successful snap. I just think it’s a testament to us getting in our playbooks, all four of us coming in late and understanding how to help the team win.” Week 14 Rams at Ravens Sunday, 1 p.m. TV: Fox Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: Ravens by 7 1/2 View the full article

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was absent from practice Thursday in Owings Mills with an illness, according to the injury report. It’s the first time he hasn’t been on the field this season, including training camp. Jackson’s absence comes four days before the Ravens (9-3) host the red-hot Los Angeles Rams (6-6), winners of three straight. Baltimore, meanwhile, is coming off a bye week. With wide receiver Rashod Bateman returning to the field Thursday after being out with an illness the day before, Jackson was the only player absent. Jackson did practice and meet with the media Wednesday and appeared to be fine, but backup Tyler Huntley and third-string veteran Josh Johnson took the practice reps Thursday in his absence. “I just kind of took a break from focusing on football with us,” Jackson said Wednesday of how he spent the week off. “When I got back, today [and] yesterday, I believe our team is just locked in because we know what’s ahead of us, we know what got us here, [and] we know what this team wants. I believe we know what we’re chasing.” Jackson, who signed a five-year, $260 million contract extension in April that made him the third-highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, has missed 11 games over the past two seasons. He missed the final four games in 2021 with a bone bruise in his ankle and the final six last year, including a wild-card-round loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, with a PCL sprain in his knee. Jackson also missed a game in November 2021 against the Chicago Bears with an illness. The Ravens are tied with the Miami Dolphins for the best record in the AFC and Jackson is a candidate for his second NFL Most Valuable Player Award after being the unanimous MVP in 2019. He has thrown for 2,618 yards with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions while rushing for 574 yards and five scores. Huntley, a Pro Bowl alternate last season because of an injury to Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen, is 3-5 in eight starts with the Ravens since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2020. In 18 games, the 25-year-old has thrown for 1,792 yards with six touchdowns and seven interceptions while rushing for 470 yards and three scores. He started against the Rams for an injured Jackson on Jan. 2, 2022, helping Baltimore nearly pull off an upset in a 20-19 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champions. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who leads the Ravens with 10 sacks, was a full participant Thursday for the first time since suffering a concussion in a Week 12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Bateman also practiced fully, while linebacker Malik Harrison (groin) was limited for the second straight day. The Rams got back two players in defensive back Quentin Lake (hamstring) and outside linebacker Byron Young (knee), who were limited Thursday. Wide receiver Puka Nacua, who leads all rookies with 77 catches and 1,029 receiving yards, was a full participant after being limited Wednesday. Tight end Tyler Higbee (neck) and outside linebacker Michael Hoecht (knee) were absent for the second straight day. View the full article

Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Sunday’s Week 14 game between the Ravens (9-3) and the Los Angeles Rams (6-6) at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Brian Wacker, reporter Ravens 20, Rams 17: This one could be a slopfest based on a weather forecast that at least for now includes rain and high winds. Baltimore also faces a surging Rams team that has won three straight and features one of the game’s best pass rushers in Aaron Donald. Expect a heavy dose of running, with the Ravens leaning on Gus Edwards and Keaton Mitchell to win a close one. Mike Preston, columnist Ravens 30, Rams 23: The Rams have won three straight to remain in playoff contention but that streak will come to an end against the Ravens, who are coming off a bye and have had two weeks to prepare and get some injured players healed. The Ravens usually come out strong early in games but it will be interesting to see if there is some rust. Plus, the game starts at 1 p.m., and that’s a major disadvantage for West Coast teams. Childs Walker, reporter Ravens 27, Rams 17: Can the Ravens continue their pattern of blowing out mid-tier NFC contenders at home? The Rams, with an efficient running game and stars in Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald, are no pushovers. But the Ravens have the defense and running game to beat them down over four quarters, especially given their rest advantage. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | With Marlon Humphrey back, Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin a healthy scratch vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Storms are expected in Baltimore during Sunday’s Ravens game. Here’s how to get there without the light rail. Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco or rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start for Browns in crucial game vs. Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice Friday ‘recovered’ from illness; former LB Josh Bynes retires Baltimore Ravens | ‘Welcomed to be themselves,’ late additions lift Ravens defense to unforeseen heights C.J. Doon, editor Ravens 27, Rams 19: I picked both the Lions and Seahawks to come into Baltimore and beat the Ravens, and they were outscored a combined 75-9. So, lesson learned. As tempting as it is to pick an upset given the Rams’ recent surge, Lamar Jackson is 18-3 in his career against NFC teams. I’m not betting against that, nor a John Harbaugh-coached team coming off a bye. Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua will not fare as well as they did against a Browns defense missing top cornerback Denzel Ward. Tim Schwartz, editor Rams 27, Ravens 24: The Rams are red-hot and finding their groove, and they need this win to solidify their playoff positioning in a crowded NFC. The return of Marlon Humphrey helps, but this feels like a matchup that favors the Rams. Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are a dynamic duo that will feast on the back end of the Ravens defense. Baltimore can win this game if it runs the ball well, but can Tyler Linderbaum slow down Aaron Donald? That’s a tall task, even for a potential All-Pro. My gut says the Ravens will revert to some bad habits and find a way to lose. View the full article

Baltimore Sun staff writers pick every game of the NFL season. Here’s who they have winning in Week 14: New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m.) Brian Wacker (123-70 season; 9-4 last week): Steelers Childs Walker (125-68 season; 9-4 last week): Steelers Mike Preston (114-79 season; 8-5 last week): Steelers C.J. Doon (127-66 season; 7-6 last week): Patriots Tim Schwartz (118-75 season; 10-3 last week): Steelers Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Lions Walker: Lions Preston: Lions Doon: Lions Schwartz: Lions Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Jaguars Walker: Browns Preston: Browns Doon: Browns Schwartz: Jaguars Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Saints Walker: Saints Preston: Saints Doon: Saints Schwartz: Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Buccaneers Walker: Falcons Preston: Buccaneers Doon: Buccaneers Schwartz: Falcons Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | With Marlon Humphrey back, Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin a healthy scratch vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Storms are expected in Baltimore during Sunday’s Ravens game. Here’s how to get there without the light rail. Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco or rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start for Browns in crucial game vs. Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice Friday ‘recovered’ from illness; former LB Josh Bynes retires Baltimore Ravens | ‘Welcomed to be themselves,’ late additions lift Ravens defense to unforeseen heights Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Bengals Walker: Colts Preston: Bengals Doon: Bengals Schwartz: Colts Houston Texans at New York Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Texans Walker: Texans Preston: Texans Doon: Texans Schwartz: Texans Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.) Wacker: 49ers Walker: 49ers Preston: 49ers Doon: 49ers Schwartz: 49ers Minnesota Vikings at Las Vegas Raiders (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.) Wacker: Vikings Walker: Vikings Preston: Raiders Doon: Raiders Schwartz: Raiders Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Chargers Walker: Chargers Preston: Broncos Doon: Broncos Schwartz: Broncos Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Chiefs Walker: Chiefs Preston: Chiefs Doon: Bills Schwartz: Chiefs Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (Sunday, 8:20 p.m.) Wacker: Eagles Walker: Eagles Preston: Eagles Doon: Cowboys Schwartz: Eagles Green Bay Packers at New York Giants (Monday, 8:15 p.m.) Wacker: Packers Walker: Packers Preston: Packers Doon: Packers Schwartz: Packers Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins (Monday, 8:15 p.m.) Wacker: Dolphins Walker: Dolphins Preston: Dolphins Doon: Dolphins Schwartz: Dolphins View the full article

Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston will answer fans’ questions throughout the Ravens season. Coming off Baltimore’s Week 13 bye, plenty of questions remain heading into a Week 14 matchup against the visiting Los Angeles Rams. Here’s Preston’s take: (Editor’s note: Questions have been edited for length and clarity.) Mike, you recently wrote that the Ravens should run the ball to improve the offense’s consistency. But don’t you have a concern that once the playoffs begin, their opponents will force Lamar Jackson to beat them with his passing abilities? Setting up the same scenario as Lamar’s first playoff game against the Chargers? — John S, Hagerstown That’s a good question John, but the major difference compared with previous seasons is that the Ravens have the No. 2 ranked defense in the NFL, allowing 273.9 yards per game. I’m old school, and believe a team should play to its strengths. Right now, the Ravens are ranked No. 1 in rushing offense, averaging 158.6 yards per game. If they can play ball control and continue to dominate on defense, that’s the winning formula. Jackson is a great athlete and runner, but his ball security and inaccuracy can be detrimental, especially in big games. If the Ravens fall behind early and have to play in a shootout, their chance of winning decreases significantly because the offensive line, especially the tackles, struggle in pass protection and Jackson is inaccurate throwing deep, passing outside the numbers and reading defenses. So, with all that said, it makes sense for the Ravens to play to their strengths of running the ball and playing great defense. If that fails, they could be in trouble, but I like their chances this season compared with previous years. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Lamar Jackson for NFL MVP? Brock Purdy? Forget that, it should be Tyreek Hill | COMMENTARY Has there been a rule change in the NFL in regards to assisting a runner? I was under the impression that assisting the runner was a penalty. We see so many lineman pushing the runner forward after being engaged with a tackler. I have even seen a blocker grab a runner’s arm and jersey to move them forward. Those pileups look like a game of rugby. It’s only a matter of time before there is a serious injury that could have been avoided if they followed the rules. — Bernie Piet, Towson I agree with you. I’d like to see the officials start blowing the whistle a little earlier because these linemen assisting the running backs are making a mockery of the game. Bernie, you are correct. It’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt, especially the ball carriers with all that weight on their back and shoulders. Helping or assisting the runner used to be illegal, but the rule changed in 2006. I don’t like the “Brotherly Shove” quarterback sneak used by the Philadelphia Eagles, either. As I’ve stated before, what is the advantage for defensive linemen putting up a wall when a quarterback gets assisted by the running backs or an offensive lineman playing fullback (see the Cleveland Browns)? Can you please explain why the Ravens offense fails/refuses to use Pat Ricard in short yardage and goal line situations be it via the run or pass? Those would seem to be prime opportunities for a 300-pound fullback. What am I missing? — Charles Williams I don’t see much use in having Ricard in goal line situations as a receiver unless the Ravens have used him consistently as a lead blocker throughout the game. Then, he could leak out for a surprise catch. I’ve seen the Ravens use Ricard several ways, such as a lead blocker, tight end and H-back. Part of the problem might be the injury to tight end Mark Andrews. He was the best blocker at his position on the team, but the Ravens have had to use Ricard part-time as a tight end to chip block on defensive ends or pull on “wham” blocks at the line of scrimmage. I understand what you’re saying, but I don’t see the Ravens being so dominant run blocking that they can dictate terms. The element of surprise is a good thing, and this team needs that, especially with the speed on the outside with Jackson and rookie running back Keaton Mitchell. Baltimore Ravens Training CampKim Hairston/Baltimore SunRavens left tackle Ronnie Stanley looks on during training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) In your opinion, what areas do the Ravens need work? And which players have underperformed so far this season? — Ed Helinski I am concerned about the offensive line, particularly the play of the tackles, especially in pass protection. The Ravens have a good short-to-intermediate passing game, but are vertically challenged. I think the Ravens have been good in the secondary, but I don’t know if they have been seriously tested by a quality quarterback and good group of receivers. Underachievers? Left tackle Ronnie Stanley has struggled since early in the season and it will be interesting to see what the Ravens do with that position in the offseason. Right tackle Morgan Moses has had problems with speed rushers to the outside for the past two seasons. I expected more out of third-year receiver Rashod Bateman, but rookie Zay Flowers has made up for his shortcomings. Veteran wideout Odell Beckham Jr. has played as expected. Some fans thought he was going to light up the field, but I thought he was more of a complementary player than a standout at age 31. You feel sorry for running back J.K. Dobbins, who tore his Achilles tendon in the first game of the season, but I didn’t see the explosion from him in the preseason that he once had as a rookie. On defense, a lot of the underperforming players have been injured. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey and safety Marcus Williams have missed substantial time because of injuries, but Williams’ desire to play while hurt says a lot about his character. The Ravens haven’t gotten much from young pass rushers David Ojabo and Odafe Oweh, and that has to be a concern for coach John Harbaugh and the team’s front office. And then there is the case of outside linebacker Tyus Bowser, who was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list to start the season and has been missing ever since. Have a question for Mike Preston? Email sports@baltsun.com with “Ravens mailbag” in the subject line and it could be answered in The Baltimore Sun. View the full article

The Ravens hold a two-game lead in the AFC North coming off their bye week. The Rams beat the Cleveland Browns, 36-19. Who will have the advantage when they meet Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium? Ravens passing game vs. Rams pass defense Lamar Jackson started hot but ultimately struggled against pressure in his first full game without his favorite target, tight end Mark Andrews. Isaiah Likely filled in effectively for Andrews, leading the team with 40 receiving yards and showing off how dynamic he can be after the catch. But it’s an open question whom Jackson will target in tight spots against the more dangerous opponents the Ravens will face over the next five weeks. Five receivers caught at least two passes against the Chargers, but no one caught more than five or reached even 50 yards. Rookie Zay Flowers leads the team in targets, catches and receiving yards. Former Ram Odell Beckham Jr. has come on lately with 13 catches for 246 yards and two scores over his past four games. Jackson and Beckham have gouged opponents with slants, which could be a valuable weapon against a defense that does not excel at covering short passes over the middle. Jackson missed Thursday’s practice with an illness but returned Friday and is “recovered,” coach John Harbaugh said. The Ravens will need a better game from left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who allowed six pressures against the Chargers after he missed the previous week with a knee injury. The Rams rank 27th in pressures and 24th in sacks. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is not blitz-happy, sending extra rushers on just 24% of dropbacks. At age 32, defensive tackle Aaron Donald isn’t quite the game wrecker he was in his prime, but he will still present a profound challenge to the Ravens’ interior blockers. He leads the Rams with six sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 21 quarterback hits. Nose tackle Kobie Turner (5 1/2 sacks) is also a powerful interior rusher. The Rams are not as talented on the edges or in the secondary, where cornerback Cobie Durant is a vulnerable target. Outside linebackers Byron Young (five sacks) and Michael Hoecht (4 1/2 sacks) are also questionable with knee injuries. The Rams rank 30th in takeaways, 19th on third down and 14th in the red zone. EDGE: Even Rams passing game vs. Ravens pass defense Matthew Stafford seems recovered from the thumb injury that hampered him in November and remains a dynamic passer at age 35. He threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns last Sunday against the Browns. Stafford has found a new favorite receiver in rookie Puka Nacua, who already has 77 catches on 118 targets for 1,029 yards in 12 games. Nacua seems to create separation no matter who’s covering him and has supplanted Cooper Kupp, who has averaged just 27.7 receiving yards over his past six games as he’s battled hamstring and ankle injuries. Former Raven Demarcus Robinson produced his best game of the season against the Browns with four catches for 55 yards. Stafford gets rid of the ball quickly and has taken a modest 20 sacks in 11 games. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | With Marlon Humphrey back, Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin a healthy scratch vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Storms are expected in Baltimore during Sunday’s Ravens game. Here’s how to get there without the light rail. Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco or rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start for Browns in crucial game vs. Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice Friday ‘recovered’ from illness; former LB Josh Bynes retires Baltimore Ravens | ‘Welcomed to be themselves,’ late additions lift Ravens defense to unforeseen heights He will face a Ravens defense that leads the league with 47 sacks and ranks first in DVOA against the pass, allowing just 4.2 yards per attempt. Fifteen Ravens have dropped opposing quarterbacks, led by defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (10 sacks, 21 quarterback hits) and outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (7 1/2 sacks, 17 quarterback hits). The Ravens have excelled at preventing the deep ball and also rank third in the red zone. They’re more vulnerable on short passes over the middle but only relatively. Safety Kyle Hamilton is a Pro Bowl candidate capable of filling any role. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey is on target to play against the Rams after missing two games because of a calf strain. EDGE: Ravens Ravens running game vs. Rams run defense The Ravens lead the league in rushing and rank second in yards per carry after they rolled up 197 yards in their win over the Chargers. Rookie Keaton Mitchell has added a big-play jolt to coordinator Todd Monken’s game plans, averaging 9.3 yards per carry. He complements Gus Edwards’ efficient work in short yardage and at the goal line, while the whole operation hinges on the defensive attention Jackson (5.1 yards per carry, five touchdowns) draws. Flowers also got in on the fun with a 37-yard touchdown run against the Chargers. Monken has effectively mixed up his run calls in recent weeks, using more zone and spread concepts than his predecessor, Greg Roman. The Rams rank 21st in DVOA against the run and gave up an average of 167.3 yards in losses to the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers. On the other hand, they have won three straight and held opponents under 100 rushing yards in each game. In other words, they will hope to keep the Ravens from jumping to a lead and grinding them down. Linebacker Ernest Jones leads the team in tackles and ranks among the best run defenders at his position. Donald is known more for his all-time great pass rushing, but he and Turner are solid against the run. EDGE: Ravens Rams running game vs. Ravens run defense The Rams are known as a pass-first team because of Stafford and their prolific receivers, but they have actually been more efficient on the ground this year, averaging 4.3 yards per carry and ranking eighth in rush DVOA. They have moved away from coach Sean McVay’s vaunted outside zones to a gap scheme that emphasizes power and uses motion to create double teams at the point of attack. Kyren Williams has averaged 5.1 yards per carry and 85.9 yards per game. Backup Royce Freeman has been nearly as good, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. Right guard Kevin Dotson creates space for them as one of the sport’s best run blockers. The Rams beat up on Arizona’s porous run defense, doing less damage against playoff-bound opponents such as the 49ers, Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. But they will test the Ravens, who have been out of this world against the pass and merely good against the run. Linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen rebounded to top form in the win over the Chargers. Nose tackle Michael Pierce and defensive tackle Travis Jones have quietly delivered very good seasons on the interior and will need to be stout against the Rams’ power game. EDGE: Even Ravens special teams vs. Rams special teams Justin Tucker hooked a 44-yard field goal attempt outside the left upright in the fourth quarter against the Chargers. His fifth miss of the season dropped him from his customary spot as the most accurate kicker of all time. The Ravens rank 16th in special teams DVOA in part because Tucker has undershot his usual level but more because of spotty punt coverage. The Rams, meanwhile, rank last in special teams DVOA because of atrocious kicking and punt coverage. They signed kicker Lucas Havrisik off the Browns’ practice squad to replace struggling veteran Brett Maher, but he’s missed three field goal attempts and an extra point try in five games. The Rams’ opponents have averaged 11.7 yards on punt returns and 30.3 yards on kickoff returns. The Rams signed veteran kicker Mason Crosby to their practice squad Wednesday as a possible alternative to Havrisik, though McVay said Friday it’s unlikely they elevate Crosby for the game. EDGE: Ravens Ravens intangibles vs. Rams intangibles The Ravens came off their bye week with a two-game lead in the AFC North and control of their own destiny as they aim to be the AFC’s No. 1 seed. They will hold a significant rest advantage over the Rams, who hosted the Browns last Sunday and will have to travel cross country for a 1 p.m. game. They’re relatively healthy, with Andrews the only key player likely to be unavailable Sunday. Harbaugh’s Ravens have matched up well with McVay’s Rams, blowing them out in 2019 and nearly upsetting a Super Bowl-bound team in 2021 despite Jackson’s absence. The Rams have plenty to play for in their own right after putting themselves back in playoff contention with that three-game winning streak. McVay is one of the league’s best coaches, and his team will always be dangerous as long as Stafford is slinging passes and Donald is crashing the pocket. They’re 3-3 on the road. EDGE: Ravens Prediction Can the Ravens continue their pattern of blowing out mid-tier NFC contenders at home? The Rams, with an efficient running game and stars in Stafford and Donald, are no pushovers. But the Ravens have the defense and running game to beat them down over four quarters, especially given their rest advantage. Ravens 27, Rams 17 View the full article

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson remained in concussion protocol Thursday, making it even more likely Joe Flacco will start Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. View the full article

The Orioles and Ravens bring attention, pride and joy to Maryland — and Maryland gives a lot of taxpayer dollars back to the teams. Here's a look into the public investment. View the full article

Baltimore Sun staff writers pick every game of the NFL season. Here’s who they have winning in Week 13. View the full article

As the Ravens enter their Week 13 bye, it’s become apparent that rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers continues to grow exponentially, both in terms of impact and understanding the offense. View the full article

With the best record and scoring margin in the AFC and a 1 1/2-game lead in their division, the Ravens have aced their season to this point. What do we still need to learn about a Super Bowl aspirant that has answered many questions? View the full article

A lawyer for the Memphis couple who took in former Ravens player Michael Oher when he was in high school said Wednesday that references to Oher being their adopted son will be removed from the couple’s websites and public speaking materials as part of their legal battle over Oher’s finances. View the full article

Columnist Mike Preston answers Ravens fans’ questions about kicker Justin Tucker's accuracy, coordinator Todd Monken and if he's still tinkering with the offense, if Ronnie Stanley will ever be a formidable left tackle again and more. View the full article

Maryland officials are negotiating a new lease with the Orioles. Economists question the public benefit of such investments. View the full article

It hasn’t often felt that way, but the Ravens have been the most dominant team in the league this season. Here are The Baltimore Sun's NFL power rankings entering Week 13. View the full article