ExtremeRavens

Here’s what The Baltimore Sun sports staff had to say immediately after the Ravens’ 28-25 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Sunday’s Week 3 game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Brian Wacker, reporter: After the Saints gashed the Cowboys for 190 rushing yards in a 44-13 blowout of Dallas last week, the game plan was obvious. The Ravens wisely attacked the Cowboys where they are most vulnerable, and that helped open up the passing game for Lamar Jackson, who was efficient, accurate and in control. Another part of the story was Baltimore’s much-maligned offensive line, which cleared holes for Derrick Henry and kept All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons and the rest of the defense mostly at bay. The Ravens broke the game open with an eight-play 80-yard drive late in the first half, but inexplicably still needed to hang on down the stretch after failing to recover an onside kick, committing a series of penalties and allowing the Cowboys to make it close in the end. Childs Walker, reporter: The Ravens scared their fans (and perhaps themselves) to death, nearly blowing a 22-point fourth-quarter lead with ill-timed penalties, coverage mistakes and another missed field goal by Justin Tucker. Lamar Jackson ultimately put it away with a clutch throw to Zay Flowers and a final 10-yard run to kill the clock. Facing oblivion, they needed him to be the MVP, and he was. The Ravens could not start 0-3 and expect to reach their grand goals for the season. They knew it and answered the bell with their best all-around effort of the season for three quarters. This time, they came out of halftime with a 15-point lead and did not mess around, running the ball down the Cowboys’ throats with Derrick Henry and Jackson. Fans wanted an identity from this offense and got it against a Dallas defense that was already reeling coming off a blowout loss to the Saints. After a week of questions about their offensive line, coaches stuck with Patrick Mekari and Daniel Faalele on the right side and made it work with sheer power. The Ravens couldn’t have started much better, stifling the Cowboys’ first drive with pressure and tight coverage, then cruising 71 yards on five plays to go up 7-0. Dallas didn’t seem to have any idea what was coming. The Ravens knew they had a major advantage on the ground and pressed it, feeding Henry even after he was bottled up early. They outrushed the Cowboys 111 yards to 32 in the first half. On defense, rookie Nate Wiggins wiped out Dallas’ best drive with a forced fumble in the red zone, and Kyle Hamilton was back to All-Pro form with a series of highlight hits around the line of scrimmage. Mike Preston, columnist: The Ravens needed a win badly to avoid an 0-3 start, and they pounded the Cowboys, but there are still many questions about the defense. Even though Dallas proved it wasn’t a serious contender, it scored 19 points in the fourth quarter to force the Ravens to hang on. Baltimore pounded Dallas with running back Derrick Henry, and the defense was sound for most of the game, but there was a lot of confusion in the secondary late in the third quarter that carried over into the fourth. At least the Ravens finished Dallas off late in the game, something it couldn’t do offensively in the season opener against Kansas City and then defensively in Week 2 against Las Vegas. This type of win builds confidence, which the Ravens needed badly going into next Sunday night’s home game against Buffalo, but there is some concern about the defense and first-year coordinator Zach Orr. The Ravens can’t play like this and expect to go deep into the playoffs. Offensively, they had some consistency. On the other side of the ball, more questions arose, especially in the second half. C.J. Doon, editor: This is the Ravens team we expected to see (at least in the first three quarters). Lamar Jackson was nearly flawless, Derrick Henry looked unstoppable and the defense clamped down on what has been one of the league’s most efficient passing attacks in recent years. Cowboys star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb got the better of rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins on a few deep passes, but otherwise the Ravens’ secondary looked much improved after a poor start to the season. Wiggins even made a huge play by forcing a fumble when the Cowboys had a chance to score and potentially cut Baltimore’s lead to 14-10 in the first quarter. With a few minutes left before the start of the fourth quarter, quarterback Dak Prescott was just 13-for-23 for 149 yards. Fox analyst Tom Brady pointed to Baltimore’s aggressive man-to-man approach as a reason for that success, and it helps to have safety Kyle Hamilton looking closer to his All-Pro form after he said he was “behind the 8 ball” with injuries coming into the season. So, yeah. That fourth quarter. What do we make of it? The Ravens continue to struggle with missed tackles, penalties and blown coverages. Just when you thought they would wrap up an easy win with a punishing ground game, they needed Jackson to bail them out with a clutch throw to Zay Flowers on third-and-6 with 2:16 left. Then he made more magic happen with his legs to pick up the game-sealing first down after the two-minute warning. The two-time MVP can carry the team, but he shouldn’t have to every single week. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens ride Derrick Henry to huge lead, hang on to beat Cowboys, 28-25, for first win Baltimore Ravens | Armstrong Williams: Ravens-Cowboys energy is electric in Dallas Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Cowboys, September 22, 2024 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Cowboys live updates: Postgame reaction and analysis from Baltimore’s 28-25 win Baltimore Ravens | Armstrong Williams: No matter who you root for, football is about having fun | STAFF COMMENTARY Tim Schwartz, editor: You could hear the Ravens’ collective sigh of relief from 1,300 miles away as they picked up win No. 1 of the season. It’s safe to say that the Ravens are going to be OK and win plenty of games this fall, as long as they learn that this should be their recipe for success (outside of that fourth quarter, of course). Lamar Jackson should not be throwing the ball 40 times per game. He and Derrick Henry should be dominating the running game and helping this young offensive line get into a groove and gain confidence. You knew it was going to be a good day when Rashod Bateman scored and Nelson Agholor broke free for a long gain, but the Ravens still found a way to let the Cowboys back in it and make it interesting in the fourth quarter. A win next Sunday night against the Bills, and fans can rebook the Super Bowl tickets they canceled after last weekend’s loss to the Raiders. Bennett Conlin, editor: That was easy. Well, until the end. Another bizarre fourth-quarter lapse diminished the fact that Baltimore mostly bullied Dallas. The Ravens handled business for three quarters like a top NFL team should against a porous defense. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken called a stellar game, creatively using Jackson and Henry to confound Dallas’ crummy defense. Jackson looked the part of a two-time MVP, and perhaps most encouragingly, he connected with receiving options other than just Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, and Isaiah Likely. Henry easily eclipsed 100 rushing yards, showcasing why he’s one of the league’s most ferocious runners. The win is a step in the right direction for Baltimore after an 0-2 start. It avoided opening with a disastrous 0-3 record. The Ravens needed this result with the Steelers starting a perfect 3-0 to lead the division, but the fourth-quarter woes are a significant ongoing concern. Why — and how — was this game in doubt in the final moments? View the full article

The energy at AT&T Stadium in Dallas is reaching new heights as two of the NFL’s most iconic teams face off, the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens. The Cowboys, known as “America’s Team,” carry a legacy of excellence and tradition, from the leadership of Roger Staubach in the 1970s to the dynamic trio of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin in the ‘90s, to today’s team led by quarterback Dak Prescott and standout players like Ezekiel Elliott and CeeDee Lamb. On the other side, we have the Ravens, a team built on toughness and grit. The Ravens have made themselves a force to be reckoned with under the leadership of their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. As fans began to pour into the stadium, the excitement was building. Two enthusiastic women from Baltimore shared their confidence in the Ravens, saying, “The Ravens all the way, baby!” When asked why, their answer was simple: “Because we are it.” A couple visiting Dallas for the first time explained how they joined a group of Ravens fans who traveled together. “We’re here to see the Ravens,” they said. “We went to a party yesterday with a lot of Ravens fans cheering on the team.” Baltimore’s support is strong, even all the way in Dallas. With both teams backed by passionate fans, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown. Armstrong Williams (www.armstrongwilliams.com; @arightside) is a political analyst, syndicated columnist and owner of the broadcasting company, Howard Stirk Holdings. He is also part owner of The Baltimore Sun. View the full article

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) gains yards after catching a pass as Dallas Cowboys’ Malik Hooker (28) and DeMarvion Overshown (13) give chase in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) lands on Charlie Kolar (88) and Dallas Cowboys’ Damone Clark (18) as he reaches the end zone for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Baltimore Ravens’ Justin Tucker (9) kicks an extra point as Dallas Cowboys’ C.J. Goodwin (29) and Jalen Brooks (83) look on in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry runs the ball for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter) The Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens line up against each other in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Dallas Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey (17) and the rest of the line watch Aubrey’s 65-yard field goal go through the uprights in the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) celebrates with David Ojabo (90) after sacking Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy, left, sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson) Baltimore Ravens’ Patrick Mekari (65) and Justin Tucker (9) celebrate Tucker’s extra point kick against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Baltimore Ravens’ Isaiah Likely, left and Lamar Jackson, right, celebrate after Jackson scored a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys on a running play in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson) Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, rear, is hit by Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce (58) as Prescott attempts to throw a pass in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball for a touchdown as Dallas Cowboys’ Trevon Diggs (7) looks on in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson sprints to the end zone to score a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson scores a touchdown on a running play against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson) Baltimore Ravens’ Kyle Van Noy (53) and Dallas Cowboys’ Terence Steele (78) compete in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Baltimore Ravens’ Marlon Humphrey (44), Eddie Jackson (39) and Marcus Williams, right, celebrate a stop against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Baltimore Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton reacts to play against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Baltimore Ravens’ Odafe Oweh (99) and Dallas Cowboys’ Tyler Guyton (60) face off in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy reacts to play against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 22: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens runs against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 22: CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys fumbles the ball against Nate Wiggins #2 of the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys is hit by Odafe Oweh #99 of the Baltimore Ravens and Michael Pierce #58 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 22: Patrick Ricard #42 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a team touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 22: Marcus Williams #32 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a fumble recovery against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 22: CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys fumbles the ball against Nate Wiggins #2 of the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) View the full article

The Ravens play the host Dallas Cowboys (1-1) on Sunday afternoon at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, looking to avoid an 0-3 start. Follow along here for live coverage. View the full article

As I passed through security at Ronald Reagan International Airport in Washington, D.C., on my way to the Cowboys vs. Ravens game in Dallas, Texas, I met a lively family of three men — a mixed bag of Cowboys and Ravens fans. But even though their teams would be going head to head, it was all smiles, laughter and playful banter. You could tell they were experts at having fun, even though one side was wearing purple and black and the other side silver and blue. “Will the Ravens pull this out?” I asked one of the Ravens fans. “Oh, no doubt,” he said with a smile. This weekend in Dallas is expected to be a showdown of epic proportions. One that personally will challenge my own loyalties, but that otherwise will be a great time. If this family is any indication, this game will be less about rivalry and more about the thrill and joy of coming together to watch the game. Whether the Ravens win or the Cowboys ride to victory, there is just one thing that is certain — there will be plenty of smiles, many friendly jabs and overall a reminder that in the end, win or lose, football, like all sports, is all just good fun. Be on the lookout for more videos from Armstrong’s trip to Dallas. View the full article

Two weeks into the NFL season is hardly the time to hit the panic button, but the Ravens’ 0-2 start has rightfully stirred reason for concern. Baltimore hasn’t lost three straight games to open the year since 2015, and now comes a trip to AT&T Stadium to face the Cowboys on Sunday. Dallas, meanwhile, is coming off an embarrassing loss of its own, a 44-19 thrashing at home to the New Orleans Saints. In other words, something has to give between teams with high postseason aspirations in a game that will ultimately be viewed as stanching the bleeding for one and more alarm bells ringing for the other. It will also mark the first time that quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Dak Prescott have faced off and is Baltimore’s first trip to AT&T Stadium since 2016, which the Cowboys won, 27-17. The Ravens, meanwhile, won the most recent showdown, 34-17, in 2020 at an empty M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Sun reporters Brian Wacker, Childs Walker and Sam Cohn answer questions about the Ravens’ offensive line, what has plagued the team the most so far and their upcoming schedule with a tough slate of games ahead. Will the Ravens make the playoffs? Wacker: It’s too early to write the Ravens’ playoff chances off, despite what history says about teams that start 0-2. Also, except 2021, when Lamar Jackson missed the final four games of the season because of an injury, Baltimore has made the postseason every year of the quarterback’s career and that’s not changing this year. There are some cracks in the foundation, but not yet enough to bring the house down. The Ravens have too much talent on the roster to not cover them up. It also helps that after the top four or five teams in the AFC, there is a significant drop-off, so nabbing one of those final two or three playoff spots even with a rough start is likely. Walker: Yes. An 0-2 record is no joke to be shrugged off. The Ravens had started this poorly just once in John Harbaugh’s previous 16 seasons, and they finished 5-11 that year. But most teams that open with two losses are bad, and it’s too early to call the Ravens that. They still have Jackson, who’s won 73% of his regular-season starts. They still have Pro Bowl talent all over their defense. They were the best team in football nine months ago. It’s premature to say none of that matters based on a pair of one-score losses. The answer might be different if they lose this weekend at Dallas. At some point, the numbers stack up against you. But for now, this feels like the rare team qualified to dig itself out of an 0-2 hole. Cohn: Are you sick of hearing that one statistic? The one that puts the Ravens in a deeply unfavorable category to answer this question? Since the NFL switched to a 17-game schedule, 21 teams have started 0-2 and 19 of them missed the playoffs. Cincinnati in 2022 and Houston in 2023 — the two outliers — had easier paths bouncing back than the Ravens do. But there’s too much talent in Baltimore to write them off in September, still fairly healthy. As of today, yes, the Ravens make the playoffs behind the reigning Most Valuable Player and a high-upside pass rush. If they get swept by the Cowboys, Bills and Bengals, let us revisit this question. What change, if any, would you make to the Ravens’ offensive line? Wacker: The Ravens bet on youth and numbers when it came to filling three starting jobs on the offensive line and it hasn’t panned out, so they need to be nimble. Trading for a capable guard would be ideal, but good luck finding any team willing to deal one anytime soon. That leaves the next best option of being less stubborn on trying Ben Cleveland, who at least in games last season handled himself without any glaring struggles. He also has far more experience than Daniel Faalele, who in addition to being too big and slow for the role is playing the position for the first time. The other change that should happen is giving rookie second-round pick Roger Rosengarten the bulk of the snaps at right tackle. He’s mobile, has shown improvement from Week 1 to Week 2 and doing so would allow Patrick Mekari to return to his valuable role as a versatile plug-and-play contributor who can be deployed as needed anywhere across the line. Baltimore’s offensive line, outside of left tackle Ronnie Stanley, has largely struggled through the first two weeks of the 2024 season. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Walker: The Ravens can stick by their youth movement without stubbornly tossing their season away. They should try a rotation at right guard, just as they have at right tackle. Coaches might not love the way Cleveland practices, but if he outperforms Faalele in game situations, that should be a path toward him taking the job. At least see if Cleveland’s decent work from past seasons carries over to a more regular role because it’s not clear Faalele will ever move well enough to be above average at the position. The Ravens should also shift more right tackle snaps to Rosengarten after he held his own against the Raiders’ Pro Bowl edge rusher, Maxx Crosby. Mekari’s versatility and professionalism are valuable, but Rosengarten’s mobility gives him more upside against the likes of Crosby. Keep the rotation; just lean it toward preparing the rookie to start later in the season. Cohn: It’s hard not to think the Ravens’ offensive line could use a retooling of some sort as their unit ranks 25th out of 32 teams, according to Pro Football Focus. Subbing out Faalele seems to be picking up steam after the first-time starter repeatedly had his feet in dried cement in consecutive games. But Harbaugh wouldn’t entertain the notion of swapping in Cleveland, sharply saying, “If Ben had earned the job at right guard, he’d be the starting right guard. [When] you look at the tape, he didn’t beat out Daniel or anybody.” If that’s Harbaugh denying the possibility, the other option would be to promote Mekari, who’s currently rotating at right tackle with Rosengarten, a second-round pick. Let Rosengarten handle right tackle and slide Mekari to right guard. Offensive lines can take time to mesh and this is an inexperienced group, but the 0-2 Ravens don’t seem in position to stand pat for a group that’s hindering their winless offense. What’s the Ravens’ biggest problem? Wacker: There are two: the defense and a lack of an offensive identity. Both could eventually sort themselves out, but the sooner the better with a daunting schedule the next three weeks. After leading the league in sacks, takeaways and points allowed per game last season, there was going to be a drop-off with the departures of not just outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, but several coaches, including former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson. When Wilson was with the Eagles, he helped coach them to the top pass defense in the NFL in 2022. After he was fired, Philadelphia took a major step back in that area in 2023. As for the offense, Harbaugh acknowledged the conundrum of keeping opponents off balance and establishing a reliable identity, which the Ravens have yet to do. That puts them in a tough spot when it comes to tight games and challenging opponents. The Ravens go as Jackson goes, of course, but Baltimore doesn’t seem to have quite figured out how it will use running back Derrick Henry, operate with tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely on the field at the same time or find consistent ways to utilize its wide receivers. Walker: The defense was elite last season, allowing the fewest points while generating the most sacks and turnovers. That held up even in the Ravens’ AFC championship game loss to the Chiefs. They haven’t been nearly as good through the first two games of this season, and it starts with their three best defensive players: Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton and Nnamdi Madubuike. The Ravens signed Smith and Madubuike to huge extensions expecting them to be close to the best at their positions. Hamilton could be a long-term face of the franchise given his intelligence and playmaking from all points of the field. None of them have been great so far. Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton spoke with the media following practice in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Others have played well, from edge rushers Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy to defensive tackle Travis Jones. They have smothered the run. But as Harbaugh said Monday, they’ve been inconsistent, especially with games hanging in the balance in the fourth quarter. This isn’t a vote of no-confidence in first-year coordinator Zach Orr, who is smart, charismatic and learned everything Macdonald had to teach. But the Ravens’ defense went from a cornerstone at the end of last season to a work in progress. Cohn: There are a handful of fair answers to this one. Offensive identity seems to be the most pertinent. It’s unclear exactly what theirs is, compared with the 11 regular-season games of 25-plus points from 2023. Baltimore trotted out 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends, two receivers) on 40 plays against the Chiefs, then only 19 times against the Raiders, per PFF, meaning Monken got away from keeping Andrews and Likely on the field at the same time. Their play-action numbers dipped, which Harbaugh brushed off by saying he’s still a “big proponent” and it’s “something we do really well.” And it’s not clear exactly how much they’ll rely on their $16 million running back, Henry. Now, Harbaugh has said offensive identity is something you develop over the course of a season. Andrews pegged their mid-October game in London when they ironed out last year’s. The veteran coach wants this group to offer something new each week. It just hasn’t worked thus far. What’s most to blame for the Ravens’ 0-2 start, and what would be a success with the Cowboys, Bills and Bengals upcoming? Wacker: Penalties and mismanagement. The Ravens have the third-most in the NFL with 18 and some of them have come at the worst possible time, such as Henry’s fourth-quarter false start against the Raiders that wiped out a first down. If that doesn’t happen, Baltimore chews up more clock and the Raiders probably never have the chance to tie the game and eventually win it. Less notable but not insignificant, clock and time management along with questionable challenges and substitution and communication issues have also been a problem. The Ravens have committed an alarming 18 penalties through the first two weeks of the season. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Success going forward would be, as Jackson said this week, going 1-0 and beating a Cowboys team that has a vulnerable defense, especially against the run. Then winning at least one of its next two games, which would put the Ravens at 2-3 with winnable match-ups against the Commanders, Buccaneers, Browns and Broncos to follow. Walker: As players and coaches have said repeatedly, they’re their own worst enemy in all phases. Whether that’s a blown coverage, a missed block, a shanked punt or an ill-timed penalty. Jackson on Wednesday acknowledged he’s missed passes that could have turned games. “At the end of the day, we’re beating ourselves,” he said. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton optimistic after he ‘fell behind the 8 ball’ with injuries Baltimore Ravens | Ravens offensive line could look different vs. Cowboys: ‘It’s still a competition’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens RB Justice Hill signs 2-year contract extension: ‘No place I would rather be’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ defense needs more production from its trio of stars | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens Week 3 betting guide: Baltimore poised for bounce-back win If the Ravens win two of their next three, they’ll feel better going into an easier portion of their schedule. This opening stretch was always going to be rough. That’s why a tidy win over the Raiders felt so necessary. Instead, their game in Dallas feels like an early must-win, not ideal against an opponent that dominated on its home field until the playoffs last season. A prime-time home game against Buffalo and Josh Allen feels like a 50-50 proposition, despite the Bills’ injuries and loss of skill players. The Bengals also started 0-2 and will be fighting to dig out when the Ravens travel to Cincinnati in Week 5. But none of these teams is clearly better than the Ravens. Going into the season, a 2-1 record over this stretch seemed reasonable. It’s just more essential now that they’ve lost to the Raiders. Cohn: Harbaugh spoke for 23 minutes during his regularly scheduled Monday news conference. In that time, he said some variation of the word “consistent” — consistencies, inconsistent — 20 times. So it’s clear where he feels his team has gone astray through two weeks. The secondary is on track, he said, but they’re not consistently producing. Fourth-quarter implosions? Harbaugh credited late-game inconsistency. And the offensive line is “almost randomly inconsistent.” “When we become a consistent football team, then we’ll be a winning football team,” Harbaugh said. “Until then, it’s gonna be hard to do that.” View the full article

Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton said he’s “feeling good” after a back injury sidelined him earlier this week. It’s the kind of minor, nagging pain that comes around each year. “Everybody deals with stuff throughout the season, mine just started a little early this year,” said Hamilton, now in his third season. “It’s been kind of annoying a little bit, even starting in the spring with the elbow. I kind of fell behind the 8 ball a little bit.” The 2023 All-Pro selection arrived at camp recovering from elbow surgery to pluck out loose bodies. Then, he missed Wednesday’s practice when his back flared up after Sunday’s loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Hamilton was limited in his return Thursday but a full participant Friday. The 2022 first-round draft pick has nine tackles through two games but is still searching for his first sack and first takeaway of the season and has not graded nearly as well as last year. There have been “extra meetings” this week, he said, for the Ravens to correct their two weeks of defensive missteps. The next chance comes Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, as Baltimore looks to avoid an 0-3 start. “I don’t think it’s time to pull the fire alarm yet,” Hamilton said. “I think we have a chance to go silence a lot of people on Sunday. I’m hoping we can do that.” The Ravens had their most crowded injury report of the season earlier this week, but it’s since leveled out. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle) and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (eye/groin) were both back to full participation by Thursday. Outside linebacker David Ojabo (quad), wide receiver and return specialist Deonte Harty (calf) and rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins are all listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Ojabo and Harty were both limited Thursday but full participants Friday. Wiggins, who had missed time with a concussion and neck injury after he was involved in a car accident, practiced in a limited capacity Thursday and Friday, wearing a red noncontact jersey while still in the league’s five-step concussion protocol. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens offensive line could look different vs. Cowboys: ‘It’s still a competition’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens RB Justice Hill signs 2-year contract extension: ‘No place I would rather be’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ defense needs more production from its trio of stars | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens Week 3 betting guide: Baltimore poised for bounce-back win Baltimore Ravens | The Ravens have struggled against elite pass rushers. Here comes Micah Parsons. “[Wiggins] was full-go in terms of moving around and everything,” coach John Harbaugh said. “I thought he looked great, so it’s up to the doctors and the protocol, etc., and we’ll see how that shakes out.” Backup guard Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, who missed practice this week for personal reasons, is out. Rookie outside linebacker Adisa Isaac, who was a full participant this week as he recovers from a hamstring injury, could make his regular-season debut. As for the Cowboys (1-1), coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Friday that defensive tackle Mazi Smith is “full steam ahead” to play Sunday. Smith, a 2023 first-round pick, was unable to practice for much of this week after his back tightened up. He’s listed as questionable for Sunday, but McCarthy said he took “a big step forward,” which would be a significant return for a struggling interior defensive line. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (ankle), cornerback Trevon Diggs (foot), tight end Jake Ferguson (knee), safety Malik Hooker (shoulder) were all full participants in Friday’s practice. Reserve wide receiver Jalen Brooks (ankle) and tight end John Stephens (hamstring) are questionable. View the full article

Change is coming along the Ravens’ much-maligned offensive line. After the group struggled mightily in a pair of losses the first two weeks of the season, coach John Harbaugh acknowledged Friday that the unit will likely look different for Sunday’s game against the host Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. “I think it’s still a competition,” he said when asked about any possible changes. “It’s still up in the air for certain spots. “You probably will see some different guys in different spots. That’s just part of it.” Though Harbaugh did not get into specifics, one of those changes could involve replacing right guard Daniel Faalele with versatile veteran Patrick Mekari. Mekari, 27, has been Baltimore’s starter at right tackle the first two weeks of the season but has experience playing all five positions up front. Through the first two games, Mekari has shared some snaps with rookie second-round draft pick Roger Rosengarten. But moving him inside would likely be an upgrade over current starting right guard Daniel Faalele. At 6 feet 8 and 380 pounds, Faalele’s size is unusual for the position, which he is also playing for the first time after spending his first two seasons and his entire college career at tackle. It would also allow the Ravens to give the agile Rosengarten, who has played well in limited action, to get more snaps, something that could be a boost against a Cowboys defense led by one of the NFL’s best pass rushers, outside linebacker Micah Parsons. Ravens offensive linemen walk off the field after practice Thursday in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Through the first two games, Baltimore’s offensive line allowed 14 quarterback pressures against the Kansas City Chiefs and five against the Las Vegas Raiders. Ravens star Lamar Jackson has been sacked three times, but one of those resulted in a fumble, and Baltimore has struggled to get its running game going as well. Faalele in particular has bore the brunt of the criticism, with a 60.6 Pro Football Focus grade against the Chiefs and a 53.5 mark against the Raiders. He’s ranked 48th of 65 guards by PFF. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens RB Justice Hill signs 2-year contract extension Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ defense needs more production from its trio of stars | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens Week 3 betting guide: Baltimore poised for bounce-back win Baltimore Ravens | The Ravens have struggled against elite pass rushers. Here comes Micah Parsons. Baltimore Ravens | Ravens CB Nate Wiggins back at practice after car crash; OLB David Ojabo limited Mekari, meanwhile, has played all five spots up front over the course of his five-year career with the Ravens, including 75 snaps at right guard. The former undrafted free agent has played in 73 career games and made 38 starts. “That’s a valuable thing,” Harbaugh said of Mekari’s versatility. “That’s all part of why he’s [been] at right tackle the first two games.” Whether Mekari remains there, however, remains to be seen, though Harbaugh’s blunt and grating assessment of Ben Cleveland earlier in the week indicates that the 2021 third-round pick is likely not an option to replace Faalele, a fourth-round selection in 2022. “We’re definitely a work in progress,” Harbaugh said of the line. “There’s no question about that. “I’m very confident that were gonna be the kind of offensive line that we need to be. We’ve been down this road before in the offensive line … we’ve gotta work at it.” View the full article

Running back Justice Hill has signed a two-year contract extension with the Ravens, the team announced Friday. Hill was scheduled to become a free agent after the season. The deal is worth $6 million, according to NFL Network. It is the third contract with the team for Hill, a fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma State in 2019. The 26-year-old veteran is the lone player from that year’s draft class still on the roster. “Justice has become a really, really good football player,” coach John Harbaugh said after Friday’s practice. “Probably one of the greatest shining examples of come to work every day, ready to go to work every day and be at your best.” Hill has been a productive change-of-pace back during his tenure in Baltimore, rushing for 959 yards and five touchdowns on 208 carries and catching 61 passes for 416 yards and a touchdown over the past four-plus seasons. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens offensive line could look different vs. Cowboys: ‘It’s still a competition’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ defense needs more production from its trio of stars | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens Week 3 betting guide: Baltimore poised for bounce-back win Baltimore Ravens | The Ravens have struggled against elite pass rushers. Here comes Micah Parsons. Baltimore Ravens | Ravens CB Nate Wiggins back at practice after car crash; OLB David Ojabo limited His most productive season came last year, when he had career highs in rushing yards (387) and touchdowns (three) while playing alongside Gus Edwards after starter J.K. Dobbins tore his Achilles tendon in Week 1. This season, Hill has split time with free agent acquisition Derrick Henry but has actually outpaced the two-time NFL rushing leader with 78 snaps to Henry’s 67 through two games. But Hill is a distant third on the team in rushing yards (25), well behind quarterback Lamar Jackson (167 yards) and Henry (130). Hill, who has eight catches for 62 yards this year, has also been a solid and consistent contributor in pass protection and on special teams and a respected presence in the locker room. This article will be updated. View the full article

Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr is right when he says the tone of discourse around his group’s flaws would be very different if they were 1-1 or 2-0. But they’re not. They’re winless, with enough defensive blunders to raise eyebrows about divergence from last year’s ascendancy. “Right now,” Orr said, “we’re not the football team, and we’re not the defense, that we want to be.” Roquan Smith, Nnamdi Madubuike and Kyle Hamilton were all staples of an elite Ravens defense a year ago, a group that led the NFL in points allowed (16.5), sacks (60) and takeaways (31). In two weeks, they’ve given up the fifth-most points and 13 teams have more takeaways. Baltimore’s stars aren’t starring — in a small two-game sample size — and that defense can only go as far as the three-headed monster will take them. “Gotta be better, in a nutshell,” Smith told The Baltimore Sun. “I’d say that’s each and every person looking themselves in the mirror and doing their job to the best of their ability and not allowing mistakes in critical moments. “When you eliminate those things, we’re playing great ball. Because 85-90% of the plays we’re doing good but then it’s that other 10%. In this league 10% is a lot.” Each of Baltimore’s first two games came down to that 10%. A missed assignment here, a penalty there. Orr spoke Wednesday about how much pride those guys take in helping turn their season around. Hamilton was critical of himself after the season-opening loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, saying, “we didn’t play our best football — especially me, personally — I don’t think I played well at all.” The play he’d most want back was a 35-yard freebie to Xavier Worthy. Baltimore trailed by a field goal in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. Hamilton was supposed to cover over the top but lined up closer to the line of scrimmage before the snap, ultimately leaving the first-round draft pick with the NFL’s fastest 40-yard dash uncovered up the sideline for a touchdown. “That was on me, 100%,” he said after a misstep that left his team down. Hamilton emerged last year as an All-Pro safety in his sophomore season. It was around this time last year, Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts, that he had his true coming-out party with three first-half sacks, an NFL record for a defensive back. Between losses to the Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders, Hamilton is top five in both pass rush and run defense, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s also 65th out of 77 safeties in coverage. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton’s coverage hasn’t been up to his standard in 2024, but he’s been strong against the run and when rushing the passer. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Both Madubuike and Smith earned hefty pay days for how integral they were to last year’s success. Madubuike recorded a career-high 13 sacks — doubling his total from 2022 — and signed for four years, $98 million this offseason. Smith was far-and-away their tackles leader with 158, sixth most in the NFL. He signed for five years, $100 million in January. Both could very well still get to the end of the regular season having posted similar numbers. That just hasn’t shown itself through these two Ravens losses. Madubuike has just one quarterback hit and one quarterback hurry in each loss. Last year, he more often found himself breaking into the backfield and disrupting the passer, such as his five hurries in both the AFC divisional round and conference championship game. Outside linebacker Odafe Oweh said the pass rushers have — like the rest of the team — been messing up the little things. “Running the blitz right, just doing our job, little miscues,” he said. “A lot of these losses are self-inflicted wounds.” Like Madubuike, Smith hasn’t yet played to the level he was showcasing last year. In two games, PFF grades him at 47.1, making him, out of 77 linebackers, the 67th-most productive. Smith’s production, his contract and ability to stir a pregame huddle put him in a long lineage of organization-defining Ravens defenders. Two games don’t diminish that track. But he takes some of the onus for righting the ship of Baltimore’s worst start since 2015. “It’s not just one person,” Smith said. “It’s about echoing throughout and all being on the same page. … And it starts with me making sure everybody’s in tune to every single check that we have. It’s part of my job and I take pride in that. We have to be better at that.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens Week 3 betting guide: Baltimore poised for bounce-back win Baltimore Ravens | The Ravens have struggled against elite pass rushers. Here comes Micah Parsons. Baltimore Ravens | Ravens CB Nate Wiggins back at practice after car crash; OLB David Ojabo limited Baltimore Ravens | Ravens OL Ben Cleveland responds after coach John Harbaugh’s blunt assessment Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Cowboys scouting report for Week 3: Who has the edge? The Raiders’ game-tying drive in the fourth quarter is a good example. On second-and-5 from from the Ravens’ 40, Minshew found rookie tight end Brock Bowers in no man’s land to his right for a first down. Two plays later, wide receiver Davante Adams dropped a pass over the middle without a defender in a 10-yard radius from him. “Sometimes it’s a one-on-one thing where they make a good play … There’s other plays where we’re not — we don’t play it as well as we could,” coach John Harbaugh said. “We’re not in position, [or] we don’t see it quite the same way, [or] we react a little late.” All of those minor miscues, like Orr said, mean less if the Ravens aren’t 0-2. Until they win a game coupled with a dominant defensive outing, the spotlight will stay on the trio of the team’s best defensive players. View the full article

When the Dallas Cowboys take the field, it’s almost always a game of national interest. That’s especially true when the Ravens, who are coming off consecutive seasons with double-digit wins, visit Texas on Sunday for “America’s Game of the Week” on Fox. Tom Brady will be on the call, and betting odds suggest the third game of the future Hall of Fame quarterback’s broadcasting career could be a nail-biter. The Ravens are just 1-point favorites at most sportsbooks, according to Vegas Insider. It’s the smallest spread of any NFL game in Week 3. The Ravens-Cowboys matchup, which will kick off at 4:25 p.m., pairs two teams in desperate need of a win. Baltimore is 0-2 on the season after a collapse against the Raiders, while Dallas (1-1) comes into the game fresh off an embarrassing 44-19 home loss to New Orleans. “It’s a one-week league, and we’ve got to do everything we can to play our best football,” coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday. Sports bettors love Harbaugh’s Ravens to play their best football in Week 3, with a FanDuel spokesperson telling The Baltimore Sun that 71% of moneyline bets placed as of Thursday afternoon back Baltimore. The trend carries over to other sportsbooks. A DraftKings spokesperson told The Sun that 65% of moneyline bets placed as of Thursday morning were on the Ravens. Ravens poised for bounce-back win I’m aligned with the betting public this weekend. While both teams could be deemed losers of the NFL’s second week, Baltimore’s issues look less alarming than Dallas’ woes. The Ravens lost their first two games by a combined 10 points, and their opening loss came on the road against the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. Harbaugh’s team needs to shore up its offensive line play — the Ravens have struggled to limit elite pass rushers — but Jackson has been respectable, and the defense looked strong for the majority of the Raiders loss. Baltimore’s pass rush ranks sixth in the NFL through two games, per Pro Football Focus’ detailed grading system. The Ravens aren’t far off from being 1-1 or 2-0. Dallas’ run defense, however, could completely derail the Cowboys’ postseason aspirations. It’s that bad. PFF grades Dallas as the worst rushing defense in the NFL. While Micah Parsons, who is third in the NFL with 14 pressures, could disrupt Baltimore’s passing game, Dallas’ interior defensive linemen and linebackers have been dreadful against the run. Against the Saints, the pass rush couldn’t shine as the Cowboys failed to consistently force clear passing situations. Derrick Henry has yet to crack 100 rushing yards with Baltimore, but Sunday’s game against a porous Dallas defense sets up well for the running back. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) “We didn’t allow [ourselves] to rush the passer because they didn’t give us opportunities because we couldn’t get the run stopped,” Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said in a recent media availability. Don’t overthink this matchup. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ defense needs more production from its trio of stars | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | The Ravens have struggled against elite pass rushers. Here comes Micah Parsons. Baltimore Ravens | Ravens CB Nate Wiggins back at practice after car crash; OLB David Ojabo limited Baltimore Ravens | Ravens OL Ben Cleveland responds after coach John Harbaugh’s blunt assessment Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Cowboys scouting report for Week 3: Who has the edge? Baltimore isn’t suddenly a bad team because it blew a lead against the Raiders and lost a close road game to the Chiefs. The Ravens still have what it takes to make the postseason, and they’re desperate for their first win of the season to avoid a disastrous 0-3 start. Given Dallas’ shoddy rushing defense, Baltimore should successfully lean on Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson to pick up a road victory over the Cowboys. Bettors feel similarly, with Jackson going over 53 1/2 rushing yards the game’s most popular player prop bet at BetMGM as of Wednesday night, a company spokesperson told The Sun. Jackson is 22-7 against the spread in his career when the Ravens are either favored by three points or fewer or an underdog, according to the Action Network. Additionally, Jackson is 20-1 in his career against NFC teams, and the Ravens have never lost three consecutive games in the same season with him starting at quarterback. Best bet: Ravens moneyline (-110 on ESPN BET) View the full article

Another week, another elite pass rusher. The NFL schedule makers did no favors for the Ravens with a front-loaded slate that includes three playoff teams from last season and a division rival in Baltimore’s first five games. Amid them are also some of the sport’s most gifted and adroit “game wreckers,” as Ravens rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten calls them. He should know. In Week 1, it was Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who roasted the second-round draft pick for a strip sack on his first career snap and had five pressures on quarterback Lamar Jackson. Sunday, it was defensive end Maxx Crosby who torpedoed Baltimore with six tackles, including four for loss, two sacks and a pass defended. His four tackles for loss were the most in a single game among AFC players this season and he was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Now comes a showdown with the Cowboys and their star outside linebacker Micah Parsons at AT&T Stadium. Dallas, like Baltimore, is coming off an embarrassing defeat, a 44-19 thumping at home by the Saints. In that game, Parsons was completely neutralized, held to zero sacks, just three pressures and three tackles, while New Orleans scored on each of its first six possessions. But Parsons, who has just one sack so far, has finished with at least 13 each of his first three years in the NFL and has been one of the game’s most dominant defensive players in that span. He is one of only five players to have at least 40 sacks over his first three years since 1982, when sacks became an official stat, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Reggie White, Derrick Thomas and Dwight Freeney as well as Aldon Smith. Last year, he led the league in pressures (103), pressure rate (21.8%) and pass-rush win rate (35.3%) and his 14 sacks were a career high. And no matter the strategy, almost no one was able to stop him, despite Parsons being double-teamed on 35% of his rushes, the highest in the league among edge defenders, according to Next Gen Stats. “It’s gonna be a challenge and our tackles know that,” Ravens Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum told The Baltimore Sun on Thursday. “He’s certainly a guy who you wanna know where he’s at.” Which is part of the problem as the Cowboys give Parsons the autonomy to move around and attack from all over. “It’s gonna be big to communicate, trust your technique and get to your spot,” Ravens right guard Daniel Faalele told The Sun. “Communication is huge when you have a really good rusher like that.” Baltimore’s offensive line struggled against elite pass rushers in the first two weeks of the season, and Dallas edge rusher Micah Parsons poses one of the biggest tests of the season for the unit. But given the struggles of the right side of Baltimore’s line in particular, it would not be a surprise to see Parsons camp out there to try to pick on Rosengarten and Patrick Mekari, who have shared snaps at tackle, as well as Faalele. “They’re not handling people at the line of scrimmage the appropriate way,” former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said on ESPN’s “NFL Live” on Wednesday. “If they treat Micah Parsons the way that they did Maxx Crosby, they’re going to lose this football game as well. “He’s going to do that same stuff, understanding it’s Derrick Henry in the backfield, play’s going to get blown up. You can’t pull people toward Micah Parsons. Second of all, you can’t down-block one-on-one versus these elite edge guys. Micah is going to do the same thing; Maxx just gets upfield, blows up the play, 5-yard loss.” Yet, there are ways to nullify Parsons’ impact, as the Saints showed last week. One way to slow a pass rusher down, of course, is with a strong running game and play-action passing. New Orleans had both, with Alvin Kamara rushing for 115 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries and Derek Carr going a tidy 11-for-16 for 243 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. But they also took a different approach than most. Rather than trying to block Parsons in a traditional way with double-teams or by using a tight end to chip him, New Orleans offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak instead sent a variety of players at the 25-year-old, often utilizing motion as well as a running back to keep the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year guessing. The result: Parsons was held to the fifth-slowest get-off rate of his career, per Next Gen Stats. “Instead of having a lineman block me and max the protection with the chip, they just sent a chipper and a lineman, then sent the running back to cut [block],” Parsons told reporters after the game. “So, I was going through a maze, almost.” Other teams, meanwhile, have taken a more traditional route and found success. In the Packers’ divisional round playoff game against the Cowboys last season, Green Bay held Parsons to just one pressure on 19 pass rushes for his lowest pressure rate (5.3%) in a game in his career. A big reason was the play of right tackle Zach Tom, who held him to zero pressures in nine matchups. But unlike the Packers, the Ravens don’t have one of the best right tackles in the NFL. Baltimore has, however, made some progress when it comes to pass blocking. After allowing a whopping 14 pressures against the Chiefs, for example, they allowed just five against the Raiders. Still, slowing Parsons, who is fast, twitchy and bends extraordinarily well, will be a tough task for a line that had to replace three starters. “Those guys are hard to handle,” Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken said Thursday. “They disrupt the game. [The offensive line is] the starting point to everything we do, like it’s been every week in terms of those guys and doing everything we can within our power to try to neutralize those guys, and at times we haven’t and at times we have. “It certainly challenges you. Offensively, it all starts up front and defensively those guys make it hard … so it’s our job with those guys to do as best we can to stay ahead of the chains and not get behind the chains and allow those guys to tee off.” One solution is running the ball successfully, as the Saints did. Another is utilizing run-pass options, something Jackson can be dangerous with and the Cardinals had success with last season with then-quarterback Josh Dobbs running six times for 55 yards in a 28-16 upset win over the Cowboys in Arizona last September. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ defense needs more production from its trio of stars | ANALYSIS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens Week 3 betting guide: Baltimore poised for bounce-back win Baltimore Ravens | Ravens CB Nate Wiggins back at practice after car crash; OLB David Ojabo limited Baltimore Ravens | Ravens OL Ben Cleveland responds after coach John Harbaugh’s blunt assessment Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Cowboys scouting report for Week 3: Who has the edge? Through two games this season, however, Ravens running back Derrick Henry has just 31 carries for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson, meanwhile, has rushed 21 times for 167 yards. Employing more play-action has also been a point of emphasis after Baltimore had the sixth-lowest rate in the league in its Week 2 loss. “Play-action passes are really important for us,” coach John Harbaugh said this week. “Play-action passes are something we do really well, and I’m a big proponent. I want to see [us] show them the run [and then] throw it behind the linebackers.” In order to do that, however, Baltimore will have to find a way to slow Parsons. Said Faalele: “It’s gonna be a challenge for us.” View the full article

Ravens rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins returned to practice in a limited capacity Thursday for the first time in over a week. The 2024 first-round draft pick was recently involved in a car accident in which he suffered a neck injury and a concussion. The former Clemson star is still in the league’s five-step concussion protocol and was wearing a red noncontact jersey Thursday. Last week, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said that Wiggins is “fine, he’s healthy,” but he missed Sunday’s loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. “It was good to see Nate back out there, man,” defensive coordinator Zach Orr said. “We plan on having Nate and Nate doing big things for us this year. I thought he looked good out there for a guy who hasn’t practiced in a minute. I thought he moved around real well and was in tune with what we were trying to do on defense.” Baltimore’s only addition to the injury report was outside linebacker David Ojabo, who was a limited participant with a quad injury. Ojabo missed nearly the entirety of last season with a torn ACL and previously tore his Achilles tendon at his pro day before the 2022 draft. He recorded a sack in the season-opening loss to the Kansas City Chiefs but has played just 47% of the defensive snaps thus far. The list of the Ravens’ practice absentees was much shorter Thursday. Harbaugh predicted that would be the case, saying Wednesday that the crowded injury report “wasn’t anything major.” That’s a relief for a team trying to avoid dropping to 0-3 for the second time in its 29-year existence. The first step to answering whether they can overcome such a detrimental start comes Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton returned to the field after missing a day with a back injury but was limited. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle) and linebacker Kyle Van Noy (eye/groin) were both back to full participation Thursday. Harbaugh said Wednesday that despite Stanley’s absence, the 30-year-old veteran will play Sunday, which is good news for a struggling offensive line. Van Noy suffered an orbital bone fracture in the Week 1 loss to the Chiefs but was cleared to play the morning before facing the Raiders. Wide receiver and return specialist Deonte Harty was a limited participant Wednesday and Thursday because of a calf injury. Personal reasons held cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis and reserve guard Sala Aumavae-Laulu out Wednesday, but Armour-Davis returned Thursday. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens OL Ben Cleveland responds after coach John Harbaugh’s blunt assessment Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Cowboys scouting report for Week 3: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 3 of 2024 NFL season: Texans vs. Vikings, Chargers vs. Steelers and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Cowboys staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s game in Texas? Baltimore Ravens | What is the Ravens’ identity? They’re still searching as they enter a pivotal stretch. Dallas was similarly able to get a few key players back to practice. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (ankle) and cornerback Trevon Diggs (foot) were limited Thursday after being listed as nonparticipants Wednesday. Tight end Jake Ferguson, who suffered a knee injury in the Cowboys’ season opener, practiced Thursday with a wrap around his left leg, according to reporters. On the flip side, defensive tackle Mazi Smith, a 2023 first-round pick, reportedly had his back tighten up and was unable to practice the past two days. He was the Cowboys’ only absence, but a significant one considering their struggles on the interior of the defensive line. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks (rest), linebacker Eric Kendricks (rest), defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (rest), cornerback Jourdan Lewis (rest) and guard Zack Martin (rest/knee) were all listed as full participants. Safety Malik Hooker (shoulder) was limited for the second consecutive day. View the full article

John Harbaugh spent all offseason speaking about his offensive line behind a thinly veiled smokescreen. He sounded optimistic but rarely volunteered much detail about a position group that lost three starters. When probed about a potential change at right guard earlier this week, the Ravens coach was as forward as he had been in months. “If Ben [Cleveland] had earned the job at right guard, he’d be the starting right guard,” Harbaugh said. Baltimore drafted Cleveland in the third round in 2021 out of Georgia. He’s started seven games the past three years but hasn’t played an offensive snap yet this season, with first-time starter Daniel Faalele handling right guard duties. Last year, Cleveland took the field sporadically with a high of 13 snaps through 15 games. He was suddenly thrust into the starting position for Baltimore’s final two regular-season games because of an injury to Kevin Zeitler. Cleveland knows as well as anybody that “at any given second, anybody can become a starter.” Cleveland totaled 64 pass-blocking snaps in those two games, allowing two pressures without a sack, per Pro Football Focus. He wasn’t a complete revelation but at the start of training camp, he was thought to be a natural replacement when the Ravens let Zeitler walk in free agency. It didn’t pan out that way. When Tyler Linderbaum missed time in camp with a neck injury, Harbaugh slid Cleveland over to center. Meanwhile, Faalele, who took reps at right tackle down the stretch last season while Morgan Moses nursed a biceps injury, moved over to right guard. He beat out Cleveland for the starting job, Harbaugh said, “just a fact, straight up, matter of fact,” based on what they’ve seen on tape. But Cleveland is eager for an opportunity — there or elsewhere on the line — if the opportunity presents itself. “There weren’t a whole lot of right guard reps taken by me during camp just because of injury and all the above,” Cleveland told The Baltimore Sun, “so just staying ready for when my number gets called to go in and play.” “I feel like I’ve been my most consistent and most proactive throughout camp,” Ben Cleveland, left, said. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Harbaugh made his declaration clear (with the amendment that things can change). So, how would Cleveland evaluate his play this summer and through the infancy of the season? “I feel like I’ve been my most consistent and most proactive throughout camp,” Cleveland told The Sun. “It’s been a struggle having to move around positions with injuries and stuff like that. But as far as adapting to other positions and just playing where I’m asked, I feel like I’ve been extremely consistent and competitive.” Baltimore’s offensive line has been a lowlight through its maddening first two games. One of their most costly gaffes came late in Sunday’s game against the Raiders in a tie game. On first-and-10 from the Ravens’ 30-yard line, star defensive end Maxx Crosby careened toward the inside, blowing past Faalele and sacking Lamar Jackson for a 9-yard loss. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Cowboys scouting report for Week 3: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 3 of 2024 NFL season: Texans vs. Vikings, Chargers vs. Steelers and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Cowboys staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s game in Texas? Baltimore Ravens | What is the Ravens’ identity? They’re still searching as they enter a pivotal stretch. Baltimore Ravens | Ravens overreaction corner: Has Baltimore already ruined its playoff chances? Holistically, it was a half-step forward from Week 1 when, according to PFF, four out of five Ravens linemen graded 55 or worse on run blocking (left tackle Ronnie Stanley being the outlier). “We did some things a lot better this past game than we did in Week 1,” Cleveland said. “It’s just gonna take us working together and grinding through the bad plays, the good plays and just keep on rolling with it.” Harbaugh could still make a change along the offensive line. If not a one-for-one with Cleveland and Faalele, the Ravens could shuffle Faalele out for rookie Roger Rosengarten or veteran Patrick Mekari, who have been sharing snaps at right tackle. “Ben knows what he needs to do,” Harbaugh said. “If he wants playing time, he knows how he needs to play, and he knows how he needs to practice when he gets that chance.” View the full article

The Ravens blew a 23-13 fourth-quarter lead in a shocking home loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Cowboys did even worse, falling 44-19 to the New Orleans Saints on their home field. Who will have the advantage when these 2023 playoff teams meet Sunday afternoon in Dallas? Ravens passing game vs. Cowboys pass defense Through two games, Lamar Jackson’s completion percentage and yards per attempt are down from his 2023 NFL Most Valuable Player levels. He has spread the ball effectively, connecting at least five times with five different receivers, but he couldn’t hurt the Raiders downfield, completing just one pass over 20 yards (to Zay Flowers late in the second quarter). The Ravens went away from their play-action game against Las Vegas (despite great efficiency when they did use it). Coach John Harbaugh indicated that will be a bigger part of their game plan going forward. Tight end Isaiah Likely saw just three targets after leading the team in catches and receiving yards in the season opener. Pass blocking remains the greatest concern underlying the Ravens’ offensive frustrations. When Jackson needed time to throw on first down after the Raiders had tied the score at 23, right guard Daniel Faalele could not stay in front of Las Vegas’ top pass rusher, Maxx Crosby, on an inside stunt that produced a devastating 9-yard sack. Crosby finished with two sacks and two hurries, and the Ravens will face an equally daunting game wrecker this week in Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (14 sacks, 33 quarterback hits in 2023). Like Crosby, Parsons lines up wherever he sees the best matchup, so don’t be surprised of he attacks the right side of the Ravens’ offensive line. Could this be a week when rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten plays more than veteran partner Patrick Mekari because he has quicker feet? Dallas has played the pass effectively in recent years, ranking seventh in DVOA in 2023. Parsons is the star, but the Cowboys also ranked eighth in the league with 17 interceptions last year and have three in the first two games this year. All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland is out with a foot injury, but Trevon Diggs is back as a dangerous ballhawk after missing most of last season. Veteran DeMarcus Lawrence complements Parsons as a pass rusher. The Cowboys had little luck reaching quarterback Derek Carr in their blowout loss to the Saints after they were all over Deshaun Watson in their opening win in Cleveland. EDGE: Cowboys Cowboys passing game vs. Ravens pass defense Dak Prescott put up huge numbers (4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns) last season but has been less efficient through two games this years. He’s playing behind a pair of struggling tackles in Terence Steele and Tyler Guyton, who have combined to allow four sacks and nine hurries. He was without Pro Bowl tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) in the loss to New Orleans. The one target he can always count on is Pro Bowl wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (135 catches, 1,739 yards, 12 touchdowns in 2023), who’s both a home run threat and a high-volume drive extender. The Ravens struggled to cover Las Vegas’ top receiver, Davante Adams, when protecting a lead. Doing better against Lamb will be one of their top priorities in Dallas. Prescott’s other targets, veteran Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert, are more manageable. Lamb did not practice Wednesday because of an ankle injury. The Ravens defended the pass better than any team in the league last year but have not approached that efficiency in two games under new coordinator Zach Orr. Their top edge rushers, Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy, played great against Las Vegas, combining for 4 1/2 sacks. Their coverage was less stellar as Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II had his way targeting Adams and rookie tight end Brock Bowers in the second half. The Ravens need better play from safeties Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton (who missed practice Wednesday with a back injury). Linebacker Roquan Smith improved on a dreadful opener, but Minshew went 6-for-6 against Smith’s partner, Trenton Simpson. EDGE: Even Ravens running game vs. Cowboys run defense The Ravens ran Derrick Henry outside to great effect in the second half against the Raiders, and he finished with 84 yards on 18 carries. They mysteriously went away from him after Las Vegas tied the game late in the fourth quarter, but this was at least a glimpse of Henry’s value as a closer. He has not been as effective between the tackles because of poor run blocking from Faalele and left guard Andrew Vorhees. Jackson, meanwhile, carried just five times for 45 yards (25 of those on a desperate final play) after carrying 16 for 122 in the opener. Ideally, the Ravens would keep him more involved in the run game while exposing him to less punishment than he took in Kansas City. They’ll have their chance against a run defense that gave up 190 yards against the Saints. Dallas had no answer for Alvin Kamara’s speed, and though the Ravens don’t have an exact facsimile, the Cowboys can’t relish the idea of accounting for both Jackson and Henry. This defense did play the run well last season, holding opponents to 4.2 yards per attempt. Lawrence is stout on the edge, and linebacker Damone Clark has played well through two weeks. EDGE: Ravens The Ravens’ Odafe Oweh sacks Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II during Sunday’s home opener at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Cowboys running game vs. Ravens run defense The Cowboys fell behind quickly against New Orleans, so running backs Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott combined for just 46 yards on 13 carries. Dallas is averaging 3.7 yards per carry after averaging 4.1 last season with Tony Pollard as its primary runner. Prescott can still hurt inattentive defenses on scrambles but doesn’t take off on many designed runs. This is a pass-first offense by any measure. The Ravens erased the Raiders’ ground attack, with Oweh and Van Noy setting tough edges and their interior linemen, led by Travis Jones, cleaning up in the middle. Las Vegas managed just 27 yards on 17 carries. The Ravens also cut their missed tackles from 11 in the opener to six against the Raiders, per Pro Football Focus. They’ve allowed 2.7 yards per carry through the first two weeks, down from 4.5 last season, so this part of the defense is working. EDGE: Ravens Ravens special teams vs. Cowboys special teams The Ravens played one of their worst special teams games in recent memory against Las Vegas. Justin Tucker missed a 56-yard field goal attempt, his sixth miss in seven tries from 50 or beyond over the past two seasons. Jordan Stout shanked a 24-yard punt when he needed to pin the Raiders deep late in the fourth quarter. John Kelly handed the Ravens poor starting field position on a fourth-quarter drive when he returned a kickoff from two yards inside the end zone. The Cowboys have perhaps the best kicker in the league in Brandon Aubrey, who has made 44 of 46 field goal attempts, including 13 of 13 from 50 yards or beyond, over the past two seasons. Punter Bryan Anger also made the Pro Bowl last year for a unit that finished 10th in DVOA. Return specialist KaVontae Turpin struggled last season but has averaged 19.2 yards on punts and 34.5 on kickoffs this year. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 3 of 2024 NFL season: Texans vs. Vikings, Chargers vs. Steelers and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Cowboys staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s game in Texas? Baltimore Ravens | What is the Ravens’ identity? They’re still searching as they enter a pivotal stretch. Baltimore Ravens | Ravens overreaction corner: Has Baltimore already ruined its playoff chances? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson embraces leadership role after 0-2 start: ‘We’re not moping around’ EDGE: Cowboys Ravens intangibles vs. Cowboys intangibles The Ravens are in an 0-2 hole, and if there’s such a thing as a Week 3 must-win, this is it. Harbaugh has started this poorly just once in 17 seasons in Baltimore, and his team finished 5-11 that year. Jackson, 58-21 an an NFL starter, has never experienced anything like this. So the Ravens will go to Dallas with plenty of urgency. They went 7-1 on the road last year, highlighted by a 33-19 win at San Francisco on Christmas. They’re comfortable taking on a big game away from home. The Cowboys, 12-5 each of the past three seasons under coach Mike McCarthy, will also be eager to wipe away the taste of a bitter Week 2 defeat. They went undefeated at home last year, lighting up the scoreboard until Green Bay shocked them 48-32 in the wild-card round of the playoffs. They gave up 44 to the Saints, so this will be their chance to restore home-field advantage. EDGE: Ravens Prediction This is an unusually high-stakes matchup for so early in the season. The Ravens can’t afford to start 0-3, and the Cowboys can’t afford to be licked on their home field two weeks in a row. If the Ravens can keep Parsons out of Jackson’s face — a big if — they’ll score plenty. If they build an early lead, they’ll press on Dallas with a superior run game. Can their secondary do a better job on Lamb than it did against the Raiders’ top two targets? The answer is yes. The Ravens will begin digging out of their hole with a bruising road win. Ravens 27, Cowboys 23 View the full article

Baltimore Sun staff writers pick every game of the NFL season. Here’s who they have winning in Week 3: New England Patriots at New York Jets (Thursday, 8:15 p.m.) Brian Wacker (7-9 last week; 20-12 overall): Jets Childs Walker (7-9 last week; 15-17 overall): Jets Mike Preston (5-11 last week; 19-13 overall): Jets C.J. Doon (10-6 last week; 19-13 overall): Jets Tim Schwartz (8-8 last week; 19-13 overall): Jets Bennett Conlin (6-10 last week; 16-16 overall): Jets New York Giants at Cleveland Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Browns Walker: Browns Preston: Browns Doon: Browns Schwartz: Browns Conlin: Browns Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Colts Walker: Bears Preston: Bears Doon: Bears Schwartz: Colts Conlin: Bears Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Texans Walker: Texans Preston: Texans Doon: Texans Schwartz: Vikings Conlin: Texans Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Eagles Walker: Eagles Preston: Saints Doon: Saints Schwartz: Saints Conlin: Eagles Los Angeles Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Chargers Walker: Steelers Preston: Steelers Doon: Steelers Schwartz: Chargers Conlin: Steelers Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Buccaneers Walker: Buccaneers Preston: Buccaneers Doon: Buccaneers Schwartz: Buccaneers Conlin: Buccaneers Green Bay Packers at Tennessee Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Packers Walker: Packers Preston: Packers Doon: Titans Schwartz: Packers Conlin: Titans Carolina Panthers at Las Vegas Raiders (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.) Wacker: Raiders Walker: Raiders Preston: Raiders Doon: Raiders Schwartz: Raiders Conlin: Raiders Miami Dolphins at Seattle Seahawks (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.) Wacker: Seahawks Walker: Seahawks Preston: Seahawks Doon: Seahawks Schwartz: Seahawks Conlin: Seahawks Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Lions Walker: Lions Preston: Lions Doon: Cardinals Schwartz: Lions Conlin: Lions San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: 49ers Walker: 49ers Preston: 49ers Doon: 49ers Schwartz: 49ers Conlin: 49ers Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons (Sunday, 8:20 p.m.) Wacker: Chiefs Walker: Chiefs Preston: Falcons Doon: Chiefs Schwartz: Chiefs Conlin: Chiefs Related Articles NFL | Ravens vs. Cowboys staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s game in Texas? NFL | What is the Ravens’ identity? They’re still searching as they enter a pivotal stretch. NFL | Ravens overreaction corner: Has Baltimore already ruined its playoff chances? NFL | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson embraces leadership role after 0-2 start: ‘We’re not moping around’ NFL | Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton misses practice with back injury; CeeDee Lamb absent for Cowboys Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills (Monday, 7:30 p.m.) Wacker: Bills Walker: Bills Preston: Bills Doon: Bills Schwartz: Bills Conlin: Bills Washington Commanders at Cincinnati Bengals (Monday. 8:15 p.m.) Wacker: Bengals Walker: Bengals Preston: Bengals Doon: Bengals Schwartz: Bengals Conlin: Bengals View the full article

Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Sunday’s Week 3 game between the Ravens (0-2) and Dallas Cowboys (1-1) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Brian Wacker, reporter Cowboys 20, Ravens 17: Cowboys outside linebacker Micah Parsons has just one sack so far, but the 25-year-old two-time All-Pro and 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year is tied for third in the NFL in pressures with 14. So don’t be surprised to see him move around and pick on the right side of Baltimore’s offensive line. The good news for the Ravens is that the interior of the Cowboys’ defensive line has been vulnerable against the run and Derrick Henry, who lives in Dallas in the offseason, probably hasn’t forgotten that the Cowboys didn’t even bother calling him when he was a free agent this offseason. But it won’t matter if Baltimore’s offensive line can’t create holes to run through and Lamar Jackson can’t get it in sync with his receivers against a defense that was shredded by Alvin Kamara and the New Orleans Saints last week. Childs Walker, reporter Ravens 27, Cowboys 23: This is an unusually high-stakes matchup for so early in the season. The Ravens can’t afford to start 0-3, and the Cowboys can’t afford to be licked on their home field two weeks in a row. If the Ravens can keep Micah Parsons out of Lamar Jackson’s face — a big if — they’ll score plenty. If they build an early lead, they’ll press on Dallas with a superior run game. Can their secondary do a better job on CeeDee Lamb than it did against the Raiders’ top two targets? The answer is yes. The Ravens will begin digging out of their hole with a bruising road win. Mike Preston, columnist Cowboys 28, Ravens 24: The Ravens have a great chance of winning if they can run the ball. Dallas likes to use small, fast guys on defense, so Baltimore should have success pounding away with running back Derrick Henry, assuming the offensive line can open some holes. The outcome will be decided by which quarterback gets hot. When he is on his game, Lamar Jackson can dominate with his legs. Dallas’s Dak Prescott can light a team up with his arm. The Ravens are 0-2 and coach John Harbaugh has been successful in getting his teams out of holes, but the Cowboys got blown out at home by the Saints on Sunday. They will be an angry bunch and should win. C.J. Doon, editor Ravens 33, Cowboys 20: No matter what happens in this game, you can bet it’s going to lead the debate shows Monday morning. Lamar Jackson and Dak Prescott, perhaps the two biggest lightning rods for criticism in the NFL, fighting to keep their seasons alive? That’s catnip for everyone with an opinion on professional sports. But it’s harder for me to imagine the Ravens being the team under pressure to make significant changes after a disastrous 0-3 start. The Cowboys live in that world seemingly every season. In a game decided by blocking and tackling, the Ravens have a decided edge here, despite what we all watched in the fourth quarter last Sunday against the Raiders. Dallas’ defense is paper thin right now, especially along the interior. The Cowboys’ offense isn’t as explosive as it might seem on paper, either, having recorded only four passing plays of 20 yards or more in two games. There’s a world in which Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb have the same impact as Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams did last week in Baltimore, but the Ravens should know how to adjust this time around. If they can’t run the ball effectively with Derrick Henry and tighten up in the secondary, the season might as well be over. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 3 of 2024 NFL season: Texans vs. Vikings, Chargers vs. Steelers and more Baltimore Ravens | What is the Ravens’ identity? They’re still searching as they enter a pivotal stretch. Baltimore Ravens | Ravens overreaction corner: Has Baltimore already ruined its playoff chances? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson embraces leadership role after 0-2 start: ‘We’re not moping around’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton misses practice with back injury; CeeDee Lamb absent for Cowboys Tim Schwartz, editor Ravens 24, Cowboys 21: There’s no way Baltimore can start 0-3, right? Right!? The Ravens have too much talent and too much pride to fall into a hole that deep, and I think you’ll see a desperate group Sunday afternoon. Lamar Jackson is not the reason Baltimore is winless but he can certainly play better. His team needs him — and running back Derrick Henry — to become a closer, take care of the ball and rely on his legs when plays break down. Special teams, a major issue for the Ravens so far, is a big disparity in this one with the Cowboys having some of the best specialists in the NFL. Avoiding the back-breaking return or somehow preventing the long field goal could be the key for the Ravens to win. Something’s gotta give, and I’d be surprised if Baltimore drops to — gulp — 0-3. Bennett Conlin, editor Ravens 27, Cowboys 24: Baltimore’s 0-2 start comes as a bit of a surprise, especially given how the team lost to the Raiders in Week 2. Even after the collapse against Las Vegas, Baltimore has more than enough talent to work through its issues and push for the postseason in the final 15 games of the year. In the shorter term, the Ravens should take advantage of a Dallas defense that ranks worst in the NFL in rushing defense, according to Pro Football Focus grades. Look for Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson to create enough successful plays in the running game for Baltimore to pick up its first win of the young season. View the full article

There’s an identity crisis in Baltimore. After the Ravens’ ignominious and discomfiting loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in their home opener Sunday, quarterback Lamar Jackson stood at a lectern in the bowels of M&T Bank Stadium, dropped his head and threw his hands up and said that the team needs to find its “mojo.” With its next game Sunday against the host Dallas Cowboys, it also must locate a win to avoid the franchise’s first 0-3 start since 2015 and just the second in its 29 years. Baltimore finished 5-11 that season, and only six teams since 1979 have made the playoffs after losing their first three games. So, it’s perhaps good timing that the Ravens had what Jackson called one of their best practices of the young season Wednesday in Owings Mills. They are still trying to figure out what type of team they are, along with how to fix the self-inflicted problems and other shortcomings that have cast an ominous cloud over a season in which Super Bowl expectations could soon be hanging by the thinnest of threads. That perhaps explains why the lights were still on at the Ravens’ facility around 8:30 Wednesday night with more cars than usual in the parking lot at that hour, including those of general manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh. After the Cowboys, the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals loom. Finding an identity and finding the win column are not mutually exclusive. “In terms of an identity, we need to establish an identity for each phase and for your football team,” Harbaugh said. “That’s established over the course of a given season. “I doubt that any team will tell you they’ve established their identity yet after two weeks.” Except plenty already have. The Chiefs showed what kind of offense they can have with a replenishment of speedy and talented wide receivers in their season-opening victory in Kansas City over the Ravens. There’s little question about what the Chargers are with the successful run-heavy approach of former Baltimore offensive coordinator Greg Roman and ex-Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins. The Bills are led by do-everything quarterback Josh Allen and a defensive front that is as good as any in the league. And in the Ravens’ own division, the Steelers are finding ways to win that defy expectation, as usual. Then there’s Baltimore, which leads the NFL in total yards per game (417.5) but is inexplicably just 14th in points per game (21.5). In Week 1, two-time NFL rushing leader Derrick Henry got just 13 carries, with Jackson leading the team in rushes (16) and rushing yards (122) while also throwing 41 times. In Week 2, though, Henry was the leading rusher (18 carries, 84 yards, one touchdown), while tight end Isaiah Likely went from a dozen targets and nine catches in the opener to just three targets and two catches against the Raiders. All over the roster, there have been questions, but especially on offense. “I’ve been hearing ‘finding your identity’ a lot in the last [few] days or so,” tight end Mark Andrews said. “But if you really look back to last year, we didn’t start hitting our stride until maybe [Week 6 in] London or after London. That just takes time. I don’t think anybody at this stage in the NFL is hitting their stride.” Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has played a minimal role in the passing attack through two games. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) There are, however, eight other teams without a win, including the lowly Carolina Panthers, New York Giants and Denver Broncos as well as the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars. “That’s something we need to do,” Harbaugh said of establishing an identity. “You wanna have an identity. You want to be known for something. What are you good at? What do they need to stop? What are they saying that they have to defend against you for your offense? “At the same time, you don’t want them to line up and know what you’re doing every single play. So, both of the those values are important. I don’t think they contradict each other. I think those are things you have to find.” In many ways, the Ravens have actually established an identity — a vexatious one. Baltimore is third in the league in penalties with 18 (including eight on the offense) for 173 yards, the second-most in the NFL behind only the Broncos. Jackson’s completion rate (62.7%) ranks 23rd and is down nearly 5% from last season. And the Ravens rank just 13th in third-down conversions (40%) and 18th in red-zone scoring (42.86%). The revamped offensive line has also struggled, as has special teams and a shockingly porous defense, particularly in the secondary. There has been a shift, too, in how Baltimore has been deploying its myriad playmakers in the second year of coordinator Todd Monken’s offense. Last season, the Ravens used the widely popular 11 personnel (one tight end, one running back, three wide receivers) 48.9% of the time. This year, that rate is down to the lowest in the league at 26.2%. Meanwhile, Baltimore has gone with 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends, two receivers) a league-high 50% of its snaps, compared with just 10.7% last season. And their use of 21 personnel (two running backs, one tight end, one receiver) has dropped from 23.5% last season to 12.5% this year. In the past, the Ravens been known for dominant defense, a power running game and the dynamic playmaking of Jackson. But this season, in trying to keep opponents guessing, they seem to have become a team that is a jack-of-all-trades and master of none. All of it has added up to the fifth 0-2 start in Ravens history and Jackson staring at the possibility of the first three-game losing streak of his career, raising the question of what can be done to avoid it and get back on track. “Just get 1-0,” Jackson said. “We’re starting the season off slow, but I believe the guys in the locker room, we know what we want to do when we go out there Sunday, and we know we’ve been busting our behinds each and every game. It’s like we’re coming up short, but I feel like at the end of the day, we’re beating ourselves.” Added receiver Zay Flowers, who had just two targets in the second half last week after nine in the first 30 minutes: “It’s only Week 2, so I say we’re still getting our rhythm. I ain’t gonna say what kind of identity — I feel like we could do both, run and pass. Once we get our connections together, once things start clicking how we want, then I think we’ll be alright.” To do so, they’ll need to recapture at least some of the magic of last season, when it was clear who they were. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 3 of 2024 NFL season: Texans vs. Vikings, Chargers vs. Steelers and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Cowboys staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s game in Texas? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens overreaction corner: Has Baltimore already ruined its playoff chances? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson embraces leadership role after 0-2 start: ‘We’re not moping around’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton misses practice with back injury; CeeDee Lamb absent for Cowboys Eight months ago, the Ravens boasted the NFL’s best record at 13-4, Jackson was on his way to a second NFL Most Valuable Player Award and the defense was historically great. They reached the AFC championship game for the first time in more than a decade, providing more promise for this season. “I believe we’re right there,” Jackson said Wednesday. “Like I said, it’s the small things we’re messing up, and it’s causing us to lose those [games]. It’s turning into big things, because we’re losing our games, but I feel like we had one of the best days we’ve ever had in practice this season today, and it starts in practice. I believe if we just keep going on the right track, we’re going to come out victorious.” “We’re not moping around. … Our guys are not doubting each other.” Perhaps not. But they need to figure out who and what they are sooner than later. View the full article

The second week of the NFL season is often a time for evening out after the small-sample insanity of Week 1. That’s not the case in Baltimore this year, where fans are panicking (or flat disgusted) after the Ravens blew a 10-point lead against the Las Vegas Raiders to fall to 0-2. It’s a shocking record for a team widely favored to make another deep playoff run, and the climb back to respectability won’t be easy given that the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals are the next three teams on the Ravens’ schedule. Given the team’s struggles, the takes are flying hotter than usual for the third week of September. It’s time to render verdicts: Overreaction or properly concerned? Take: The Ravens have already dug themselves too deep a hole Within minutes of the final whistle Sunday, we began seeing statistics portraying just how daunting an 0-2 start is for a team’s playoff chances. Essentially one team a season — the Houston Texans in 2023, the Bengals in 2022 — pulls off such a reversal of fortune. The aforementioned schedule crunch — three games against opponents widely picked to make the playoffs with two of those on the road — makes the Ravens’ situation feel that much more dire. Not to mention they’ve lost these games with a largely healthy roster. There’s no savior returning to practice this week. Coach John Harbaugh used the word “consistent” more than a dozen times during his Monday news conference to describe the team’s shortcomings. Whether in coverage, blocking or avoiding debilitating penalties, the Ravens have been maddeningly self-defeating. That said, there are reasons to think this is the team that will cast off the 0-2 albatross this year. Most teams that lose their first two games are bad (the Ravens did it just once before under Harbaugh and finished 5-11 in 2015). The Ravens, meanwhile, were the best team in football as recently as December. They lost some key players, but they still have the reigning Most Valuable Player at quarterback, playmakers to help him and Pro Bowl talent at all three levels of their defense. Say what you will about Harbaugh (and Ravens fans have said plenty over the past eight months), but he has never lost his handle on a season when he had a healthy, stocked roster. There’s no reason to think this team, built to chase a Super Bowl, will roll over. Think back to 2019. The Ravens fell to 2-2 when the Browns thrashed them 40-25 on their home field. How bleak was their outlook at that moment? They won their next 12. Or last year, they dropped to 3-2 with a miserable loss in Pittsburgh, then won 10 of their next 11. This team has resilience baked into its DNA. Will that argument become more difficult if the Ravens lose in Dallas this weekend? Yes. This isn’t baseball. Every defeat is significant to a team’s playoff positioning, even if the underlying talent is strong. But the sky hasn’t fallen yet. VERDICT: Overreaction Take: The Ravens need to replace Daniel Faalele with Ben Cleveland Skepticism around Faalele at right guard crescendoed when he could not stop a stunting Maxx Crosby from smashing Lamar Jackson to the ground at the start of a do-or-die drive against the Raiders. The play encapsulated fears about Faalele’s lack of quickness, which also limits him as an interior run blocker. Dark times lead fans to create unusual heroes, and in this case, that’s Cleveland, the 2021 third-round draft pick who has performed reasonably well when called upon in games but has never won coaches over with his practice performance. Ravens fans are clamoring for Ben Cleveland to see increased playing time at right guard. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Harbaugh made no concessions Monday when asked about Faalele vs. Cleveland. “Our evaluation right now is that Daniel outplayed Ben — just a fact, straight up, matter of fact,” he said. “If we had thought Ben had outplayed Daniel, he’d be the starting right guard. So, when I see, if I see, that Ben is playing better than Daniel, then Ben will be the starting right guard.” Moments earlier, however, he described the inconsistency he’s seeing from his young starting guards, Faalele and Andrew Vorhees. Given that and given their embrace of rotations at tackle the last few seasons, why do the Ravens refuse to use Cleveland for at least a few series a game? He graded well as a pass blocker the three times he started in 2022 and 2023. Why not give him a chance to outperform Faalele on meaningful snaps? Perhaps the Ravens see greater developmental potential in Faalele, who was drafted a year after Cleveland, but they’re in must-win mode. If they stick to the same lineup and Dallas’ brilliant pass rusher Micah Parsons runs wild, they’re going to face justified criticism. VERDICT: Properly concerned Take: The Ravens can’t protect leads They seemed on the verge of blowing out the Raiders for much of the second half, with their edge rushers menacing Gardner Minshew and Derrick Henry picking up steam. But we’ve seen this script before. The Ravens let a lesser opponent hang around. A few brutal penalties, a few coverage lapses and a few empty drives later, they were stuck with a loss no one saw coming. We remember the other examples. In Pittsburgh last year against a Steelers offense that had no business keeping pace, they dropped every other pass until the guys on the other side finally made a few critical plays in the fourth quarter. Against Miami at home the year before, they built a 35-14 lead and gave it all away in an epic defensive collapse. Whenever the Ravens lose a game like this, fans haul out statistics showing that they’ve blown more fourth-quarter leads than any other team in recent seasons. Sep 15, 2024: Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker reacts after missing a field goal against the Las Vegas Raiders during the NFL home opener in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Sept 15, 2024: Ravens’ Derrick Henry, right, runs against the Raiders’ Christian Wilkins, left, in the fourth quarter. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 26-23 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Sept. 15, 2024: Ravens’ Odafe Oweh celebrates his sack of Las Vegas Raiders’ Gardner Minshew II in a game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff) Ravens wide-receiver Rashod Bateman, right, makes a catch against the Raiders’Robert Spillane in the first quarter. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 26-23 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Sep 15, 2024: Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike reaches for a pas by Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II during the NFL home opener in Baltimore. The Ravens lost their second straight game, 26-23. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, right, beats Ravens’ Trenton Simpson, left, for a catch in the fourth quarter. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 26-23 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry powers through the Las Vegas Raiders defensive line for a touchdown during the NFL home opener in Baltimore. The Ravens lost their second straight game, 26-23. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Tavius Robinson hits Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II, who makes a completion past inside linebacker Trenton Simpson to wide receiver Davante Adams during the NFL home opener in Baltimore. The Ravens lost their second straight game, 26-23. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Show Caption1 of 8Sep 15, 2024: Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker reacts after missing a field goal against the Las Vegas Raiders during the NFL home opener in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Expand “Offenses don’t take themselves off the field — you have to get them off the field by the way you play,” Harbaugh said. “I just feel like we just need to do a better job with that. That’s something that over the past four or five years, that’s something that’s been the difference.” He also noted that the Ravens have given up more fourth-quarter leads than most teams because they’ve had more fourth-quarter leads than most teams, which probably isn’t going to sate critics but is an accurate point. On balance, the Ravens did not struggle to put opponents away last season. They rolled up the best point differential in the league because they hammered quality opponents. Their losses, by contrast, were close and felt magnified because they were unusual. Was the Ravens’ fourth-quarter performance against Las Vegas concerning? Absolutely. Was it indicative of a fatal flaw? It’s too early to say. VERDICT: Overreaction Take: The Ravens’ secondary is a massive disappointment This was the natural conclusion after the Raiders’ two most dangerous pass catchers, wide receiver Davante Adams and tight end Brock Bowers, did what they pleased down the stretch of Sunday’s loss. The Ravens didn’t agree with Brandon Stephens’ pass interference penalty against Adams that set up the tying touchdown, but that was beside the point after all the completions they’d surrendered in the second half. Patrick Mahomes made mincemeat of the middle of their defense in the opener, so this was more of the same from a unit that was supposed to be the best on the team coming off a stellar 2023. In particular, Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams were frequently rated the best safety duo in the league coming into the season, and neither has performed up to expectations. Hamilton ranks 94th and Williams 96th in Pro Football Focus’ coverage grades for safeties through two weeks. Hamilton ranked third and Williams 17th last season. When Harbaugh answered for the blown leads Monday, he said “plays need to get made to get yourself off the field.” He could have been speaking directly to the stars in his secondary. Scrutiny will naturally fall on first-year coordinator Zach Orr as he tries to match the performance of his widely lauded predecessor, Mike Macdonald. But we can’t forget the Ravens also lost one of the league’s best secondary coaches in Dennard Wilson, who earned his chance to run the Tennessee Titans’ defense by pulling the best from every Baltimore defensive back. There’s too much talent here for the performance not to improve, but the Ravens need that to happen sooner rather than later given the quarterbacks they’ll face over the next three weeks. VERDICT: Properly concerned Take: Justin Tucker no longer belongs in the first rank of kickers We’ve all seen the statistics capturing how absurdly efficient modern kickers have become on long kicks. The league is 35 of 39 from 50 yards and beyond this year. Two of those misses belong to Tucker, who hooked a 56-yard attempt outside the left upright against the Raiders. He’s 1-for-7 on attempts of 50 yards or more over the past two seasons, a shock to Ravens fans who have taken for granted having the league’s best kicker for most of the past decade. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 3 of 2024 NFL season: Texans vs. Vikings, Chargers vs. Steelers and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Cowboys staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s game in Texas? Baltimore Ravens | What is the Ravens’ identity? They’re still searching as they enter a pivotal stretch. Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson embraces leadership role after 0-2 start: ‘We’re not moping around’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton misses practice with back injury; CeeDee Lamb absent for Cowboys Harbaugh and special teams coordinator Chris Horton have dismissed any concerns around Tucker, saying they have the “utmost faith” in him from any distance. He’s still as reliable as anyone from inside 50 (he was perfect from 42 and 48 yards against the Raiders) and has bounced back from long-distance misses at other points in his career. “It’s not my favorite topic of discussion, but I just missed the kick,” Tucker said after the Raiders loss. “I don’t want to continue having this conversation. When I go out on the field, I’m confident that I’m going to nail every single kick, no matter where we are on the field. Today was no different.” This is one of those topics where two things can be true at once. Tucker has earned the longest of leashes. He’s still very good at his job (two misses from inside 50 yards since the start of the 2022 season), and he’s a perfectionist who will turn over every stone to improve his performance on longer field goal attempts. At the same time, it’s difficult to stack him against the kicker who will be on the other side of the field Sunday — the Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey has hit 44 of 46 attempts and 13 of 13 from 50 or beyond over the past two seasons — and say he’s still the best in the world. VERDICT: Overreaction for now View the full article

Sometime in the days that followed the Ravens’ haunting 26-23 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, Lamar Jackson walked into an offensive team meeting looking to reinject life as if he were jump-starting a car battery. Part of the seventh-year quarterback’s maturation this offseason centered around becoming a more vocal leader. Isaiah Likely said Jackson has been the most vocal he’s seen him since he was drafted in 2022. Fellow tight end Mark Andrews said he’s noticed it, too. The 0-2 Ravens need their leader now more than ever. Jackson’s message in that meeting room, according to Likely, was simple: “What we’re putting on film, on the field, just hasn’t been us. We’ve been beating ourselves and harping on the little things. Play our brand of football and let’s see if they can beat us if we’re not beating ourselves.” It has been the biggest stumbling block for the winless Ravens. “We’re right there,” Jackson said. “It’s small things we’re messing up turning into big things.” They’ve been penalized 18 times in two weeks, third most in the NFL behind the Cleveland Browns (24) and Pittsburgh Steelers (19), according to NFLPenalties.com. Their 173 yards in penalties are the second most in football, trailing only the Denver Broncos. That’s how the Raiders completed their comeback, with a game-tying touchdown immediately after a drive-resuscitating penalty. Kyle Van Noy sacked Gardner Minshew II to force a third-and-goal from the Ravens’ 17-yard line. Then Brandon Stephens was flagged for pass interference, and Las Vegas scored a play later. Ravens coach John Harbaugh shared his thoughts postgame: “We had them at [third]-and-forever, and then we got a pass interference call in the end zone. That’s what I thought.” “We’re not losing the game, we’re beating ourselves. Once we [stop] doing that, we’ll be all right,” wide receiver Zay Flowers said. He pinned it on flags and turnovers because “that’s how you beat yourself.” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson prepares to throw a pass during practice Wednesday in Owings Mills. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) It hasn’t been all bad. Baltimore has only committed two turnovers — once in each game — which is among the fewest in the NFL. It’s been more about the frequency of drives that have stalled. That includes a quartet of three-and-outs against Las Vegas. To get back to form, Baltimore needs its leader. Jackson leaned into the microphone, still in his jersey and cleats, freshly perspiring, and said confidently that Wednesday was the team’s best practice all season. Flowers saw an improved communication Wednesday and “people just being truthful with each other.” Likely doubled down that the energy kicked up a notch. “Really just talking to your teammates, making sure everybody’s on the same page,” he said. “I feel like that’s what we’ve been missing. We’re missing the juice.” Andrews felt Jackson’s evaluation of Wednesday’s performance was spot on. He added, “I think guys were really disciplined today, focused, on point, and that’s the type of guys we have — a bunch of fighters, a bunch of resilient men that are willing to fight for this team [and] for each other.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton misses practice with back injury; CeeDee Lamb absent for Cowboys Baltimore Ravens | Ex-Ravens Terrell Suggs and Marshal Yanda among Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 nominees Baltimore Ravens | Tom Brady will be on the call for pivotal Ravens vs. Cowboys game Sunday Baltimore Ravens | Ravens film study: Zay Flowers’ reaction to lack of second-half targets only part of story Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Answering questions about Baltimore’s 0-2 start | COMMENTARY When Harbaugh addressed the team over the past two days, he talked about long-term understanding of the team’s goals as well as the short-term focus. The latter is the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday and will soon be the Buffalo Bills in primetime, then the Cincinnati Bengals the following week — a frequently discussed gantlet of a schedule. “I think that we’re all in this same boat together,” Andrews said. “0-2, kinda in that hole. I think no one’s flinching. We’re all looking to focus and get better and rally around him.” Him, meaning Jackson. He was vocal in meetings this week and drove their best practice of the season. Winning a game comes next. “We’re not moping around,” Jackson said. “Like, even though we lost — like I said, we’re starting the season off slow — our guys [are] not doubting each other [saying] like, ‘Oh man, is this the reason we’re losing?’ or this or that. We have to go out there and get it.” View the full article

The Ravens’ already struggling secondary suffered another blow Wednesday, with safety Kyle Hamilton missing practice because of a back injury. The third-year All-Pro was one of a half-dozen players absent from practice in Owings Mills, where Baltimore has been preparing for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. The Ravens are trying to avoid their first 0-3 start since 2015. Several other notable players were also missing because of injury or personal reasons. That included left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), though coach John Harbaugh said that the 30-year-old veteran will play Sunday. “A couple guys had some things from the game that we didn’t want to practice them today,” Harbaugh said. “It’s not anything major.” Others who likewise didn’t practice and were listed on the injury report included outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (eye/groin) and cornerback Nate Wiggins (neck/concussion). Wiggins, the Ravens’ first-round draft pick this year, has been out since getting into a car accident last week. He didn’t play against the Raiders on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium, though Harbaugh said earlier this week that he’s “hopeful” Wiggins would be available against the Cowboys, and the cornerback was in the locker room Wednesday after practice. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson embraces leadership role after 0-2 start: ‘We’re not moping around’ Baltimore Ravens | Ex-Ravens Terrell Suggs and Marshal Yanda among Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 nominees Baltimore Ravens | Tom Brady will be on the call for pivotal Ravens vs. Cowboys game Sunday Baltimore Ravens | Ravens film study: Zay Flowers’ reaction to lack of second-half targets only part of story Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Answering questions about Baltimore’s 0-2 start | COMMENTARY Meanwhile, wide receiver-kick returner Deonte Harty (calf) was limited and rookie outside linebacker Adisa Isaac (hamstring) was a full participant. Isaac has yet to play in a game this season, but being a full participant for the first time is a good sign for the third-round draft pick. Cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis and guard Sala Aumavae-Laulu were both absent for personal reasons. For the Cowboys (1-1), wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (ankle), cornerback Trevon Diggs (foot) and defensive tackle Mazi Smith (back) all did not practice. Tight end Jake Ferguson (knee), wide receiver Brandin Cooks (rest), safety Malik Hooker (shoulder), linebacker Eric Kendricks (rest), defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (rest), cornerback Jourdan Lewis (rest) and guard Zack Martin (rest/knee) were all listed as limited. Ferguson, a 2023 Pro Bowl selection and a favorite target of quarterback Dak Prescott, returned to practice for the first time since being injured in the season opener. View the full article

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Wednesday morning 167 modern-era nominees for the 2025 class, and two esteemed ex-Ravens made the list. Former linebacker Terrell Suggs and offensive lineman Marshal Yanda, both in their first year of eligibility, have a chance to join Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed on the short list of Ravens first-ballot Hall of Famers. The list will be narrowed down to 50 players by a screening committee, according to a release from the NFL, the results of which will be announced in mid-October. That list will then be reduced further to 25 semifinalists later this fall, then 15 finalists. Before Super Bowl LVIX, the class will be announced. Suggs was a defensive mainstay in Baltimore for 15 years. The linebacker won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after a 12-sack season in 2003. He is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time All-Pro and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2011. Suggs’ 139 sacks rank eighth on the NFL’s all-time leaderboard since tracking began in 1982. He helped lead Baltimore to a Super Bowl title in 2012 and was a late-addition member of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl squad in 2019. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson embraces leadership role after 0-2 start: ‘We’re not moping around’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton misses practice with back injury; CeeDee Lamb absent for Cowboys Baltimore Ravens | Tom Brady will be on the call for pivotal Ravens vs. Cowboys game Sunday Baltimore Ravens | Ravens film study: Zay Flowers’ reaction to lack of second-half targets only part of story Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Answering questions about Baltimore’s 0-2 start | COMMENTARY Suggs is still involved with the organization where he spent nearly his entire 17-year career. He was inducted into the Ravens Ring of Honor last season, having concluded his speech by saying, “I hope I lived up to that Raven expectation.” Suggs returned to M&T Bank Stadium during the AFC championship game against the Chiefs hyping up the crowd in the third quarter. Yanda was drafted to Baltimore in 2007 and spent his entire 13-year career there. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, including six straight years from 2011 to 2016, which was then the longest active streak among guards. He was a two-time first-team All-Pro and earned second-team All-Pro honors five times. Yanda was another key member of Baltimore’s 2012 Super Bowl championship team. In 2016, Yanda was ranked 37th on the NFL’s Top 100 players list. Yanda told the team’s website in 2020 about a memorable story from his first day of practice when his now-fellow Hall of Fame nominee introduced him to the league. “I wish I could tell you that I held my own, and I had an OK first day. Up until that day in my career, I had never been put on my back playing football. I had watched it happen to a lot of guys, but just thought in the back of my mind, ‘That will never happen to me.’ Well, ‘Sizz’ got me that day,” Yanda said, referring to Suggs. Other notable names on Wednesday’s initial list include former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly and New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri. Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore SunRavens owner Steve Bisciotti, right, helps Marshal Yanda with his Ravens Ring of Honor jacket during a ceremony inducting the former guard in December 2022. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) View the full article

The Ravens and Tom Brady are matched up again, this time in the broadcast booth. Fox’s top NFL crew of Brady, play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt and sideline reporters Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi will be on the call for “America’s Game of the Week” between Baltimore and the host Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at AT&T Stadium. Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is in his first season as an analyst after signing a reported 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox. He replaced former NFL tight end Greg Olsen as Burkhardt’s partner for the network, which will also broadcast this season’s Super Bowl in New Orleans. Unlike his 23-year NFL career, it’s been a rocky start in the booth for Brady. The three-time NFL Most Valuable Player and future Hall of Famer drew criticism for some awkward moments, nervousness and a lack of insight in his highly anticipated debut, a 33-17 win by the Cowboys over the Cleveland Browns. “I’m not tired from the game. I’m tired from the buildup,” Brady said on his YouTube show after the game. “A lot of emotional energy and not quite knowing how things are gonna go. Certainly, a lot of fun. Definitely things to clean up. So, it’s all a learning process, man.” The 47-year-old earned much higher marks for his performance in the New Orleans Saints’ 44-19 thrashing of the Cowboys on Sunday. Though it was another blowout, Brady pointed out how the Saints were able to move the ball so effectively on offense and offered his own perspective on why it’s the quarterback’s job to prevent his receivers from taking big hits. Brady’s debut in the booth has come with much fanfare (perhaps too much for the viewers at home), but he’s at a disadvantage compared with other announcers. Because Brady has a pending deal to become part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, he’s forbidden from sitting in on pregame meetings with teams or visiting their facilities to watch practice for fear of gaining inside information. He could also face discipline from the league if he criticizes officiating or tampers with players under contract while calling games, per NFL rules. While this will be Brady’s third straight game covering the Cowboys, it’s his first time watching the Ravens from the announcer’s box. He went 8-5 in his career against Baltimore, including 2-2 in the playoffs, going back-and-forth with Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and a vaunted defense in many memorable matchups. Brady last faced the Ravens in the 2022 season, a 27-22 loss in Week 8 amid the final year of his career as a member of the Buccaneers. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson embraces leadership role after 0-2 start: ‘We’re not moping around’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton misses practice with back injury; CeeDee Lamb absent for Cowboys Baltimore Ravens | Ex-Ravens Terrell Suggs and Marshal Yanda among Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 nominees Baltimore Ravens | Ravens film study: Zay Flowers’ reaction to lack of second-half targets only part of story Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Answering questions about Baltimore’s 0-2 start | COMMENTARY Brady and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson have expressed mutual admiration for each other over the years, with Brady going so far as to challenge Jackson to carry the torch and win a Super Bowl title when he announced his retirement in February 2022. But entering this season, Brady still wanted to see more from the two-time NFL MVP and his squad, pointing to the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills as bigger threats to dethrone the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs. “They’re right up there,” Brady said on the Stephen A. Smith Show in August. “They’re exceptional. The Ravens have to be more successful in the postseason for me to feel like they’re right there. The Bengals have made it to the Super Bowl. The Bills have been in championship games.” Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. matchup in Arlington, Texas, comes at a pivotal moment for the Ravens, who are 0-2 for the first time since 2015 and have lost three straight games (including January’s AFC championship game defeat to Kansas City) for the first time with Jackson as the starter. It’s the second time in three weeks that Baltimore will play before a national audience, having lost to the Chiefs in the league opener Sept. 5 in Kansas City. That was the most-watched NFL kickoff game ever, according to NBC, averaging 28.9 million viewers, and Sunday’s game could draw a similarly big number. View the full article

Trying to interpret a social media post is often a fool’s errand, and Ravens coach John Harbaugh is famously not on X. Yet, when Baltimore’s Zay Flowers reposted a fan noting that the Ravens’ Week 2 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders marked the second straight game in which the second-year wide receiver had a “big” first half but that the Ravens “stopped getting him the ball” in the second half, it was at least curious. After Flowers was targeted nine times in the first half Sunday, he had just two — including one for an 8-yard touchdown — in the game’s final 30 minutes. “Not that I’m aware of,” Harbaugh said Monday afternoon when asked if there’s any frustration or contention from Flowers. “No, Zay’s been great. Had great conversations with Zay. I’m not aware of any of the social media stuff.” By Tuesday afternoon, the 2023 first-round draft pick had removed the repost, thus wiping it from his timeline. That Flowers would get significantly fewer targets in the second half against Las Vegas was not surprising — the Ravens twice led by 10 points and leaned on the hammering of running back Derrick Henry, who had 79 yards and a touchdown on just 11 second-half carries. But through the small sample size of the first two weeks of this season, Flowers has both been receiving a wealth of targets and getting the ball less in the final two quarters compared with the first two. In Week 1 against the Chiefs, for example, Flowers was targeted 10 times in the first half (including on four plays that did not count because of penalties) and on just four occasions in the second, despite the Ravens trailing by three points at the half and twice by 10 in the third and fourth quarters. Against the Raiders, Baltimore led by a field goal at the half and Flowers was targeted nine times in the first two quarters (six catches for 83 yards) and just twice in the final two (one catch for 8 yards). Still, it’s not as if quarterback Lamar Jackson hasn’t been looking Flowers’ way — his average of 10 1/2 targets through Week 2 is fifth-most in the NFL and higher than that of Deebo Samuel, Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill, CeeDee Lamb and Ja’Marr Chase, to name a few star wideouts. Baltimore’s offense also seems to be searching for its identity, something that will continue to be a topic this week as the Ravens prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday. “We’re definitely trying to take this offense to another level with just being able to do stuff on the field with Lamar,” Harbaugh said Monday. “Lamar has the keys to the offense. He’s the driver of that car. He drives it on the field, [offensive coordinator] Todd [Monken] is calling the plays, [and] the staff is putting the plan together, but Lamar has a lot of tools at his disposal, so that’s something that’s going to continue to grow and improve, and we’re going to build on that as we go. I think Lamar is doing a very good job with it, and I’m excited about what we can do with it.” Compared with last season, though, Flowers has been getting the ball a bit less in the second half. During his rookie year, Flowers was targeted 60 times in the first and second quarters and on 48 occasions in the second half and overtime, finishing with a team-high 77 catches for 858 yards and five touchdowns. In the 16 games he played (he sat out the regular-season finale), the Ravens led at the half in 14 of them and in some cases won by a wide margin, yet he still got a healthy amount of targets in second halves. Sunday, however, the Ravens led by a field goal at the half, and they trailed in Kansas City. Near the end of the game against the Chiefs, it was Rashod Bateman who Jackson was looking at when he missed a wide-open Flowers in the end zone. Against the Raiders, Flowers’ touchdown catch came on the first drive of the second half and he didn’t get another target until midway through the fourth quarter. Again, the Ravens twice led by 10 in the second half, including after Flowers’ score, and Jackson spread the ball around in the final two quarters with eight completions for 86 yards to five players. No one had more than two catches. Still, there were opportunities to get Flowers the ball. On Baltimore’s second series of the second half, Jackson tried to jam the ball into Bateman, who had two defenders close by. When the pass was thrown slightly to the inside, the defenders converged with linebacker Robert Spillane ending up with an interception after the ball ricocheted off the receiver’s hands. Midway through the Ravens’ next possession, Raiders cornerback Jack Jones was matched up on Flowers when the receiver gave him a juke and got behind him and the rest of the defense, throwing his hand up to signal he was open. Jackson instead opted for a deep out to Bateman, who appeared to be his first read and was open. Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, bottom right, begins to break open during Sunday’s game against the Raiders, but quarterback Lamar Jackson threw to his first option, an open Rashod Bateman, top right. (NFL) For the rest of that series, Baltimore relied mostly on the legs of Henry, who chewed up yardage and clock and put the Ravens up by 10 again on a direct snap that he took in for a touchdown from a few yards out. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson embraces leadership role after 0-2 start: ‘We’re not moping around’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton misses practice with back injury; CeeDee Lamb absent for Cowboys Baltimore Ravens | Ex-Ravens Terrell Suggs and Marshal Yanda among Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 nominees Baltimore Ravens | Tom Brady will be on the call for pivotal Ravens vs. Cowboys game Sunday Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Answering questions about Baltimore’s 0-2 start | COMMENTARY There were other occasions when Flowers could have been targeted, including on the next series. On the second play of the drive, with Flowers open in the flat for a bubble screen to the left, Jackson instead pulled the ball and ran on the run-pass option. Jackson had a chunk of space to run, but when tight end Mark Andrews couldn’t hold his block, it vanished. Meanwhile, with three Ravens receivers against two defenders on the left, there was room to run had he instead opted to pass to Flowers if that was an option. Then facing a third-and-5 following a false start on Henry, Jackson tried to get the ball to Flowers but was unable to. With defensive end Janarius Robinson bullying Andrews into the pocket, Jackson was off balance and tried side-arming a pass to the receiver cutting across the middle. But Spillane knocked down the low throw, killing the drive. And on each of Baltimore’s final two possessions, Flowers was either bracketed in coverage or the Raiders’ pass rush eliminated any chance of Jackson finding his favorite target, ending any chance for a comeback. In the end, coughing up the lead was a bigger problem than Flowers’ lack of targets in the second half. Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, top left, is well-covered by the Raiders’ defense as quarterback Lamar Jackson is about to come under pressure from the pass rush during Sunday’s game. (NFL) View the full article

Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston will answer fans’ questions in the middle of each week throughout the Ravens season. The Ravens suffered a demoralizing home defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, dropping them to 0-2. Baltimore travels to face the Dallas Cowboys (1-1) on Sunday afternoon in search of their first win of the 2024 season. Here’s Preston’s take on a handful of questions from readers: (Editor’s note: Questions have been edited for length and clarity.) Now at 0-2 this season, how will the Ravens do against Dallas, Buffalo and Cincinnati in the next three weeks? What do they need to do to turn things around? — Ed Helinski It’s not hard to figure out, Ed. I’ve been saying this for decades: If your five big guys beat their five big guys on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, then you will win most games. The Ravens beat the Raiders on the defensive side of the ball, but they couldn’t control Las Vegas, which has one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. Against all three upcoming opponents, the Ravens have to establish the running game and keep three talented quarterbacks off the field in Dak Prescott, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow. It’s not a big secret. The Ravens’ offensive line has struggled in the first two games and that will be a problem all season. The group will get better as the season progresses because timing is a major key for developing an offensive line, but all three of the upcoming opposing quarterbacks have legitimate No. 1 receivers and can score from anywhere on the field. Another key is consistency, not just on the offensive line, but on defense as well. When the game moved into crunch time against the Raiders, the Ravens allowed two field goals and a touchdown on the Raiders’ last three possessions. Ideally, you want your defense on the field in that situation. The Ravens, though, couldn’t match up with Las Vegas despite their secondary playing extremely well throughout training camp. How long will Ravens fans accept mediocrity? How long will Ravens management accept mediocrity? — Carl Wright Sorry, Carl, but I wouldn’t call the Ravens’ play on the field “average.” There are 12 teams that haven’t won a Super Bowl and the Ravens have won two since moving to Baltimore from Cleveland for the 1996 season. Average? Last season, they played in the AFC championship game and suffered a disappointing 17-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, who might become the first team in league history to win three straight titles. Fans need to calm down. The Ravens are 0-2, and it’s an uphill climb, but it’s not impossible. If they don’t make the playoffs this season, then there is something to discuss. There are still 15 games remaining and a lot of football to be played. In Baltimore, after each loss, fans want to fire coach John Harbaugh, general manager Eric DeCosta and both the offensive and defensive coordinators as well as Poe the mascot. Let’s see how this all shakes out. This league is full of parity, and the Ravens are still in the mix. When will the front office take accountability for poor game decisions? We’ve replaced the offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator and other coaching positions, but the head coach has remained the same. Do you think Eric DeCosta is too close to Harbaugh so he won’t make the tough decision? It is widely known they are friends and neighbors. — Ryan Chojnowski When the final decision on Harbaugh will be made, if there is one, it will come from owner Steve Bisciotti. He will get input from those close to him, such as Ozzie Newsome and DeCosta, but he will make the final call. I don’t always agree with Harbaugh’s game decisions, especially in the final four minutes, but he has been very successful. Has he lost his voice with this team? I haven’t seen or heard that yet, but Harbaugh is always at his best when the Ravens struggle. He has a knack for rallying his team, so Sunday’s game against Dallas will be interesting. Is the Kevin Zeitler move Anquan Boldin 2.0 in terms of being penny-wise, but pound-foolish? Why is Mark Andrews being criminally underutilized? Why is Derrick Henry not being used as a receiver in space … where he excels? — Allan on X When you pay a quarterback $50 million a season, weaknesses will be exposed. It’s happened before and it will happen again. For this season, those liabilities were on the offensive line. As for Boldin, I thought he played well in the postseason but not necessarily in the regular season when the Ravens won the Super Bowl in the 2012 campaign. Andrews will be used more and so will Henry. In the first two games, the Ravens have been very predictable, but I assume that will change. Regardless, it still comes down to the offensive line. If that group can’t run block, which it didn’t do in the first half against the Raiders, Henry can’t run. If the pass protection isn’t there, what difference does it make if quarterback Lamar Jackson is throwing to Andrews, Rashod Bateman or Henry? Football games are won at the line of scrimmage. That, Allan, will never change. Ravens fans want to see more of star running back Derrick Henry, who has 31 carries through Baltimore’s first two games. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) You have always stated that most games are won (and lost) in the trenches. That was evident in the fiasco against the Raiders. But after allowing three starters from the offensive line to leave after last season, why did the Ravens hierarchy think that the remaining linemen could do just as well as those that left? What were they thinking? And due to Jackson’s massive contract, I assume reinforcements will not be forthcoming this season because of the salary cap. What can the Ravens possibly do? — Bob in NC You work hard and hope the starters develop. If not, then offensive linemen will become a priority in the draft. It’s hard to find good offensive linemen, especially with the development of the passing game in college football. But if a team feels a tackle or guard is the key to getting back into a Super Bowl, I think the Ravens will do whatever is necessary. They gambled this year, but that happens when you roll the dice with a quarterback, regardless if it was Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh or Peyton Manning in Indianapolis. What did Ben Cleveland do to remain in Coach Harbaugh’s doghouse? Whatever it is, it has to be better than the Daniel Faalele experiment at right guard. Is there something we are missing? — Dan from Elkton Nope, you aren’t missing a thing. If Cleveland was better than Faalele, he would be in the starting lineup. That’s it. I have to ask about Faalele. He’s a huge man who gets no push in the run game. He also lacks the agility that you would expect from a converted tackle. What are we missing? If Ben Cleveland is that bad, why can’t you start Rosengarten at right tackle and slide Patrick Mekari to guard? It feels like every year Harbaugh dies on a hill to prove a meaningless point. — Stuart I don’t think he is dying on a hill. Mekari is a veteran and I would have started him against Kansas City in the opener instead of a rookie. Rosengarten is going to be a good player, but needs a strong offseason in the weight room. Mekari could be the starting right guard at some point with Rosengarten taking over the tackle position, but it’s highly unlikely Mekari will make it through the entire season healthy. I don’t like rotating offensive linemen, but I understand what the Ravens are trying to do. They are preparing for the future, and we’re not talking long term. Changes might be made in the regular season. I know it’s early in the season, but so far it doesn’t look like the secondary is playing as well as they did last season. I was more concerned with losing coaches Dennard Wilson than I was Anthony Weaver in the offseason. How much is the loss of Wilson impacting the defense so far? — Paul in Orlando Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson embraces leadership role after 0-2 start: ‘We’re not moping around’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton misses practice with back injury; CeeDee Lamb absent for Cowboys Baltimore Ravens | Ex-Ravens Terrell Suggs and Marshal Yanda among Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 nominees Baltimore Ravens | Tom Brady will be on the call for pivotal Ravens vs. Cowboys game Sunday Baltimore Ravens | Ravens film study: Zay Flowers’ reaction to lack of second-half targets only part of story Losing both Weaver and Wilson hurt the Ravens. From what I saw in the Raiders game, both cornerbacks, Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens, looked tired late in the game. The Ravens sold out the week before in their loss to Kansas City, and it might have caught up with them. I know they had 10 days of rest and Las Vegas was playing on a regular seven-day routine, but the Ravens didn’t have that extra gear. Even Jackson lacked explosiveness on runs off the edge. As for Weaver and Wilson, both were established and had good relationships with the position players. It takes time to build those relationships despite some believing it can be done overnight. It’s not that easy. Is Father Time starting to catch up to Justin Tucker? Since the start of last season, he is 1-for-7 on field goal attempts of 50 yards or more in the regular season. Is it a bump in the road or reason for concern? — Bill C. from Alexandria, Virginia Father Time catches up with all of us and Tucker has been in the NFL since the 2012 season. But under any circumstance, I’d put him up there with any other kicker in the NFL. I’ve seen him practice, and he is still money. View the full article