ExtremeRavens

The Ravens (8-5) return from their bye week to face the New York Giants (2-11) on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kickoff is 1 p.m. and the game will be televised on CBS. Follow along here for live coverage and analysis. View the full article

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Ravens will be playing against the varsity next week. Actually, they’ve had two straight weeks off. On Dec. 8, they had their bye and Sunday they beat the New York Giants, 35-14. Bye, bye Giants. This game was as ugly as most of us predicted, and of course the Ravens celebrated Sunday night on their trip back to Baltimore, but don’t party too hard. The Pittsburgh Steelers will be in Baltimore on Saturday for a game that will have definite playoff ramifications. The last time we checked, Pittsburgh had beaten the Ravens in eight of their past nine matchups. Yes, those Steelers, the bully boys coached by Mike Tomlin. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson toasted the Giants on Sunday, completing 21 of 25 passes for 290 yards and five touchdowns. Offensively, the Ravens dominated New York, at one time scoring touchdowns on five straight possessions. But that’s unlikely to happen against the Steelers, especially if the Ravens continue to lead the league in penalties. They had 12 for 112 yards Sunday. On a 12-play, 80-yard scoring drive by the Giants in the second quarter, the Ravens committed four. The drive resulted in a 2-yard touchdown run by Devin Singletary just before halftime. That’s OK when the opposition is the Giants or New York’s other loser, the Jets, but not in the postseason or when the Steelers are coming to town. Oh, heck no. There were other troubling signs. The Ravens missed a lot of tackles, particularly cornerbacks Tre’Davious White and Brandon Stephens. And while we’re on the subject of Stephens, why doesn’t he ever turn around to find the ball? Twice he was called for pass interference Sunday in matchups with Giants rookie receiver Malik Nabers, which made me wonder why the Giants didn’t keep throwing at him for the entire game? The one time he did get caught looking at the quarterback, Nabers blew right by him for a 20-yard completion to open the third quarter. Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, catching a touchdown pass in front of Ravens cornerback Desmond King, was a mismatch for the Ravens’ secondary. (Frank Franklin II/AP) “Well, the biggest thing was the pass interference calls,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “I don’t know about the one late against ‘Des’ [Desmond King II]. I’ll have to see that one. The other ones, [we] just [have to] get our head around quicker, play the ball [and] play the ball sooner. One time we were playing the ball, but there was a grab. They called it tight. Those are tight, tight called plays there in terms of pass interference, so we have to adjust. “[For] roughing the passer, you have to find a way to get off to the side. You have to find a way to do it, so we’ll be drilling it. We’ll be working on those. Those are kind of technique things that we just have to do a good job of working on because that’s really … Their drives were penalty inspired. If it wasn’t for the penalties, those drives wouldn’t have happened, so it’s obviously something that’s very important.” It’s not a good matchup with Stephens against Pittsburgh receiver George Pickens (55 receptions, 850 yards) next week, even though Pickens claims to be bothered by hamstring issues which have forced him to miss the past two weeks. Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson doesn’t remind anyone of his gunslinging days when he won a Super Bowl with Seattle in 2013, but he still is very accurate on short passes and can chuck up those long bombs that are so high they have dew on them when they come down. Plus, Pittsburgh has a formidable running game in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. They aren’t great, but effective and certainly better than the Giants, who couldn’t push the tush on their two “Brotherly Shove” quarterback sneak attempts Sunday. Gosh, that was a bad football team. It was good to see Jackson throwing the ball all over the field. His passer rating was somewhat misleading because his receivers were wide open. On Rashod Bateman’s 49-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, Bateman had time to make a reservation, eat lunch, burp and then run to the men’s room before one of the Giants came into the same vicinity. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens report card: Position-by-position grades for 35-14 win over Giants Baltimore Ravens | Lamar Jackson lights up Giants with 5 TDs in Ravens’ 35-14 win Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 35-14 win over New York Giants Baltimore Ravens | Mark Andrews becomes Ravens’ all-time touchdown leader Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Giants live updates: Postgame reaction and analysis from Baltimore’s 35-14 win There were times when the Ravens’ offensive tackles, veteran Ronnie Stanley and rookie Roger Rosengarten, were beat to the outside, but Jackson was elusive and able to find more time to either connect with receivers or run down field. That worked against the Giants, but it won’t so much against Pittsburgh with edge rushers Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt. The Steelers are allowing only 7.7 yards a catch. It’s not like Pittsburgh is unbeatable. The Steelers probably aren’t even the best team in the AFC. But when it comes to playing against the Ravens, they have owned this franchise lately. It will be much different than Sunday. Once the coin flip was over, there was no longer any suspense about the outcome of the game. It was just a matter of determining the degree of the beatdown. Pittsburgh is different. The bye weeks are over. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

The Ravens could be without one of their starters Sunday against the New York Giants. Safety Ar’Darius Washington will not travel with the team to New Jersey and is questionable to play because of an undisclosed personal matter, the team announced Saturday. Washington took over as the starting safety in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns, replacing struggling veteran Marcus Williams. The fourth-year defensive back has started every game since, recording 34 tackles, four pass breakups and an interception. The Ravens (8-5) are otherwise healthy coming off their bye week to face the last-place Giants (2-11), which marks the first of three games in 11 days. However, rookie safety Sanoussi Kane is questionable with a hamstring injury, which might force Williams or undrafted rookie Beau Brade into the lineup Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, if Washington can’t play. Washington’s emergence has coincided with a dramatic turnaround by the Ravens’ defense, particularly in the secondary. Over its past three games, Baltimore is allowing 21.7 points and 280 yards per game and has surrendered just one passing touchdown. The Ravens also activated defensive tackle Michael Pierce off injured reserve. Sunday’s game will be his first since injuring his calf in Week 8 against the Browns. Pierce has 15 tackles, three quarterback hits and one sack in seven games this season. Meanwhile, cornerback Desmond King and linebacker William Kwenkeu have been promoted from the practice squad. King, 29, was an All-Pro as a defensive back and punt returner in 2018 for the Los Angeles Chargers. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

The final practice of Week 15 is atypical to have a roster flush with healthy players, but alas that’s the joyous position the Ravens find themselves in coming off a bye week ahead of Sunday’s game against the New York Giants. Other than suspended wide receiver Diontae Johnson, everyone on the active roster practiced Friday, with rookie outside linebacker Adisa Isaac (hamstring) and rookie safety Sanoussi Kane (hamstring) both returning in a limited capacity. They are questionable for Sunday. Nose tackle Michael Pierce (calf) and rookie cornerback T.J. Tampa (ankle) are also questionable after being designated to return from injured reserve, though both were full participants all week. They would need to be activated Saturday to play this week. Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who missed Baltimore’s most recent game Dec. 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles with hamstring and neck injuries, meanwhile, does not have an injury designation after practicing fully all week and will play Sunday. “It’s always good to have Kyle out there,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Friday. “He’s healthy; he’s played a lot of plays all year [and has] played very well. Definitely, the week off and then the bye [week] has really probably helped him, in terms of being fully ready to roll, so he’s ready to go.” With a pretty full arsenal at its disposal, Baltimore (8-5) should be able to easily handle the woefully bad — and injured — Giants (2-11), who have lost eight straight. The key for the Ravens, of course, will be to get through the game the way they entered it — with very little in the way of injuries. For one, it’s the first of three games in 11 days. For another, a monumentally important AFC North showdown against the first-place Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on Dec. 21 that will significantly impact Baltimore’s postseason path awaits behind it. As for the Giants, they enter the game wounded, to say the least. Earlier this month, they put star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence on injured reserve with an elbow injury. This week, it was rookie starting safety Tyler Nubin, whose season is over after an ankle injury. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Arundel’s Jack Walsh, Boonsboro’s Chad Hartman named Ravens High School Coaches of the Year Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Giants staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium? Baltimore Ravens | Why new-look Ravens RB Derrick Henry could be about to heat up Baltimore Ravens | Ravens react to Bill Belichick taking North Carolina job: ‘It’s kind of crazy’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Giants Week 15 betting guide: Picks, predictions and odds New York also ruled out guard Jon Runyan (ankle), linebacker Bobby Okereke (back), defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (neck/shoulder) and rookie cornerback Dru Phillips (shoulder) for Sunday. The Giants are starting backup quarterback Tommy DeVito, with starter Drew Lock listed as doubtful with heel and left elbow injuries, though he is out of the walking boot that he had on earlier this week and has a chance to be the third/emergency quarterback. Cornerback Cor’Dale Flott (quad) is also doubtful. Four others for the Giants are questionable: cornerback and former Maryland standout Tae Banks (rib), offensive tackle Chris Hubbard (knee), linebacker Dyontae Johnson (ankle) and center Austin Schlottman (fibula). Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Arundel football coach Jack Walsh and Boonsboro girls flag football coach Chad Hartman were named the 2024 Ravens High School Coaches of the Year, John Harbaugh announced Friday afternoon. This is the first time the Ravens included girls flag football in the annual award, which dates 27 years. Hartman’s recognition for a 10-0 season, county championship and trip to the state final also comes on the heels of the inaugural season for the sport in Washington County, Montgomery County and Baltimore City. Frederick County was the first school system to break the seal last fall. “It’s crazy to see some of the athletic ability of some of the young ladies in the state of Maryland,” Hartman said. “Some of the games we’ve played against some of the coaches out here, just unbelievable. And I can’t wait for it to grow. We’re short like 30-something teams to make it an official state sport in Maryland. We’re really hoping Baltimore County, Carroll County jump on board and kind of make this something that’s gonna last a long time to come.” The Warriors — representing the smallest school in the state tournament’s final field of eight — were undefeated until the state championship game Nov. 8, falling to Clarksburg, 21-12, under the lights at M&T Bank Stadium. That game came less than 24 hours after the Ravens’ “Thursday Night Football” win over the Cincinnati Bengals. On Friday, with Hartman standing behind the microphone generally reserved for Ravens players and coaches, Harbaugh jumped in with a softball question: “What is it about flag football that attracts the girls to play and what are the benefits of it?” he asked. “Why is it so great?” Hartman said because his players spent so many years watching football on TV, there’s an allure to finally breaking the barrier of being able to compete themselves, against their peers. He added it’s been a joy to be able to sit on the couch with his daughters and watch football on Sundays as they’re becoming more invested in the sport. “Twenty-three girls have all become my daughters now because of what y’all [Ravens] have helped me put together,” Hartman said. Walsh broke another kind of glass ceiling. In his sixth year as varsity coach, he led the Wildcats to their first state championship in 49 years. They were also the first Anne Arundel County school to win a football state title since 2011. “Thank you to the Ravens and Coach Harbaugh for having us out today and letting us tour the facility, it’s been fantastic,” Walsh said. “And thank you to Arundel, we’ve been waiting 49 years and we did it.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Giants staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium? Baltimore Ravens | Why new-look Ravens RB Derrick Henry could be about to heat up Baltimore Ravens | Ravens react to Bill Belichick taking North Carolina job: ‘It’s kind of crazy’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Giants Week 15 betting guide: Picks, predictions and odds Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Giants scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Arundel had a dominant 12-1 season. In five of those wins, the Wildcats scored at least 60 points. They averaged 46 points per game while holding opponents to 11 per game. In their second state final appearance in three seasons, they routed Linganore, 35-7, to finally get over the hump, handily ending a generation-long drought. Aside from his wedding day and the birth of his daughter, Walsh said holding that MPSSAA Class 3A trophy up to the home fans at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium was “second to none.” Walsh will be the Ravens’ nominee for the NFL’s Don Shula Coach of the Year program. Each week during the 2024 season, the Ravens honored a high school coach who made a significant impact on his student-athletes. Here’s the list of those recipients this fall: Week 1: Anthony Burgos, Franklin High School Week 2: Rob Harris, Breakneck High School Week 3: David Cunningham, Francis Scott Key Week 4: Steve Crounse, Patuxent Week 5: Jake Coleman, Stephen Decatur Week 6: Patrick Nixon, Mervo Week 7: Brad Hunt, Harford Tech Week 8: Reggie White, Milford Mill Week 9: Jack Walsh, Arundel Week 10: Ross Hannon, Howard View the full article

Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Sunday’s Week 15 game between the Ravens (8-5) and Giants (2-11) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey: Brian Wacker, reporter Ravens 30, Giants 10: This one should be in hand by halftime. The Giants have lost eight in a row, are without star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and are starting backup quarterback Tommy DeVito. New York also has the worst offense in the NFL in terms of points per game (14.9) and a defense that, while middle of the pack, is now devoid of its best player. The only way this one is close in the second half is if the Ravens revert to the kind of self-inflicted wounds that have held them back and cost them games, which shouldn’t be a problem coming off a bye week. Childs Walker, reporter Ravens 31, Giants 14: The Giants simply aren’t equipped to keep up with a Ravens team that will be rested coming off its bye and eager to wash away the sour taste from a loss to the Eagles. The Giants have a few good pass rushers, but they’re without their best defender, Dexter Lawrence, and they don’t stop the run. That’s not the formula you want against Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. On the other side of the ball, New York doesn’t have the playmakers to match touchdowns with the league’s most efficient offense. This might be the Ravens’ last relatively easy game of the year, but they will cruise. Mike Preston, columnist Ravens 38, Giants 10: Pick a score, any score. The Ravens might win by 20 something or 30 something, but the Giants aren’t in the Ravens’ class. In fact, New York is in a class by itself of being the worst team in the NFL and is on track to get the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft. The Giants are ranked No. 26 in total offense, averaging only 301.1 yards per game. They are No. 16 in total defense, but No. 29 against the rush, allowing 141.7 yards per game. After the game, all the TV commentators and network analysts will have Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry as the favorites to win the NFL MVP Award again. C.J. Doon, editor Ravens 41, Giants 3: Lamar Jackson is antsy to get back on the field after the bye week, and the Giants are starting third-string quarterback Tommy DeVito. That’s really all you need to know. Even if New York had a fully healthy roster, this would be a lopsided affair, but the Giants are dealing with a laundry list of injuries that includes linebacker Bobby Okereke, rookie cornerback Dru Phillips and nearly the entire offensive line. Star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence would at least have been a good test for the interior of the Ravens’ offense line, but he’s out, too. There’s no Wink Martindale to save the Giants this time, either. Hopefully you have Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews in your fantasy lineups for the playoffs, because this should be a blowout. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Why new-look Ravens RB Derrick Henry could be about to heat up Baltimore Ravens | Ravens react to Bill Belichick taking North Carolina job: ‘It’s kind of crazy’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Giants Week 15 betting guide: Picks, predictions and odds Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Giants scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Will Bill Belichick replicate his NFL success at North Carolina? Tim Schwartz, editor Ravens 38, Giants 6: There hasn’t been a bigger home underdog in decades — and for good reason. The Giants are simply awful. There was a report Thursday that they had 17 straight incompletions at practice. Yes, we talkin’ bout practice, man, but the hard evidence is on the field on Sundays. Especially at this point in the season, New York is in full tank-for-the-first-overall-pick mode. Baltimore is fresh after its bye week and we heard how hungry Lamar Jackson is to get back on the field. It’s a recipe for a beatdown at The Meadowlands, and it would be stunning (and telling) if this game were close after three quarters. Bennett Conlin, editor Ravens 34, Giants 13: The Giants stink, while the Ravens are among the NFL’s best and want to prove it after a tough loss to the Eagles and a subsequent bye week. The outcome of this game shouldn’t be in jeopardy, although the Giants could save embarrassment by covering the two-touchdown betting spread. I don’t see that happening, with Tommy DeVito expected to start at quarterback against an improving Ravens defense. A fired-up Lamar Jackson is a scary proposition for any defense, and the MVP candidate was none too pleased after the Philadelphia setback. Baltimore rolls before facing much stiffer competition the following two weeks. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Tim Schwartz at timschwartz@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/timschwartz13. View the full article

The temperature dipped into the 30s at the Ravens’ practice facility Thursday afternoon in Owings Mills. Typical December weather. And if history is any indication, Derrick Henry is just starting to warm up. For all of the 30-year-old’s accolades — four-time Pro Bowl selection, one-time All-Pro, two-time NFL rushing touchdowns and yardage champ — one of the more pronounced achievements in his growing list of them is his proclivity to save his best football for last. Over 31 career games he has played in December, Henry has rushed for 2,769 yards and 30 touchdowns on 545 carries (5.1 yards per carry), which are more than he’s produced in any other full month during the regular season in his eight-plus years in the league. He has also thrived in January, averaging 5.9 yards per carry with 144.3 rushing yards over four career games. On one hand, it might seem surprising that Henry’s best production has come after he has put substantial mileage on his otherwise statuesque physique. But there’s also the wear on those trying to tackle the 6-foot-3, 247-pound behemoth. Which is why with three games in 11 days beginning Sunday against the New York Giants, followed by a hugely important AFC North showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers and then wrapping up with a Christmas tilt against the Houston Texans, Henry should get plenty of opportunities. “Derrick hasn’t had a lot of carries, a lot of wear and tear on him this year, so I think it’s set up perfectly for him to finish the year like he’s capable of and what we expect out of him,” Ravens running backs coach Willie Taggart said. “Derrick is fresh right now. “I think the way he trains himself, the way he practices, the way he prepares, he’s going to be ready to finish the year like we need him to.” Already, Henry is second in the NFL with 1,407 rushing yards and tied for the league lead with 15 touchdowns. His 672 yards after contact, meanwhile, are best in the league, as are his 2.8 yards per attempt after contact and 28 broken tackles. His next score will also set a franchise record for touchdowns in a season, which he currently shares with Ray Rice (2011) and Mark Ingram II (2019). Yet, the Ravens have been mindful of not using him too much, too soon. The Ravens have been careful not to give running back Derrick Henry too much of a workload before the postseason. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Coach John Harbaugh made it clear at the beginning of the season that Henry would not be a back who carries the ball 30 times a game. With just 240 carries across 13 games, he’s held to that. Only once — in a Week 3 win over the Dallas Cowboys, when he rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns — has he carried the ball at least 25 times. In eight other games, he’s had 19 or fewer carries. Five of those occasions have come in the Ravens’ past seven games, including their most recent Dec. 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles in which he had 19 carries for 82 yards in a loss. Once on pace for a 2,000-yard season, Henry’s numbers have dipped of late, with 82 or fewer yards in three of the past four games, and he has played just 55% of the offensive snaps this season. But that likely won’t be the norm going forward. “We’re going to try to run the ball as much as we can, and so much of running the ball has to do with how many plays you get, and getting in a rhythm, and getting an opportunity to call more plays,” Harbaugh said before the Ravens’ bye last week. “Derrick is our lead back, no doubt, obviously, and he only gets stronger as the game goes on, so we want to run the ball.” Once Henry returned to work earlier this week, gone were his signature dreadlocks, shorn off in favor of corn rows. He said Thursday that it was something that he’s been wanting to do “for a while” and joked that it made him feel lighter. He also had no explanation for his late-season success. “The players I’ve played with [have done] a great job, and [they’ve made] my job easier,” he said. “For me to do my job, the guys up front have to do a great job, and credit that. “That’s happened in the past, but [I’m] just focused on the right now. I know there’s this December history, but I’m just focused on me playing better, being better and being the best player I can [be] to help this team.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens react to Bill Belichick taking North Carolina job: ‘It’s kind of crazy’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Giants Week 15 betting guide: Picks, predictions and odds Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Giants scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Will Bill Belichick replicate his NFL success at North Carolina? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Is John Harbaugh’s game management poor? | COMMENTARY Which is why Baltimore would do well to lean on Henry as the weather gets colder, opponents get beat up and conditions get potentially tougher to throw the ball in. After all, it’s part of why the Ravens signed Henry to a two-year, $18 million deal this offseason. So it seems unlikely that he wouldn’t get the ball down the stretch and more importantly in the playoffs, especially after Baltimore backs infamously got just six carries in last season’s AFC championship game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Make no mistake, Henry didn’t come here for that, either. “He wants the ball,” Taggart said. “Derrick wants the ball whenever. Whether it’s the beginning of the game, at the end of the game, at halftime, after the game, he wants the ball.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

When Kyle Van Noy heard his former coach, Bill Belichick, was taking the head job at the University of North Carolina, the Ravens outside linebacker was excited. Then perplexed. “It’s kind of crazy that the NFL looks like it doesn’t want him,” said Van Noy, who won two Super Bowl titles under Belichick in New England. “I don’t know. I just think it’s crazy that his name wasn’t attached to any [openings].” Of the eight NFL teams with head coaching vacancies this past offseason, six chose not to interview the Annapolis High graduate and one was the team that fired him, the Patriots. So Belichick, the 72-year-old architect of perhaps the greatest dynasty in NFL history with six of his eight Super Bowl rings to show for it, took a job in the college ranks. Rumblings of the potential hire were first reported last week, then made official Wednesday, and Belichick was introduced in Chapel Hill on Thursday afternoon. Tar Heels athletic director Bubba Cunningham said in a statement that the changing landscape of college football requires “new and innovative thinking.” That’s why they went after the surefire Hall of Famer. As for Belichick, the son of a former Tar Heels and Navy assistant, he called it “a dream come true.” Van Noy spent five seasons in New England between 2016 and 2021. He was part of two Super Bowl titles during that time, the miraculous comeback of 2017 against the Atlanta Falcons and defensive masterclass in 2019 against the Los Angeles Rams. He knows as well as anyone Belichick’s capabilities. “He’s a very good coach, best one I’ve had for sure,” Van Noy said. “And he’s gonna do great. I’m a big Belichick fan, not just him as a person but him as a coach. He knows football. He’s gonna teach and develop kids. I’m excited to see what he does down there.” After the Tar Heels play Dec. 28 in the Fenway Bowl against the University of Connecticut, Belichick will officially take the reins. In many ways the skeletal structure of college football is starting to resemble the NFL. Think the ease of the transfer portal leading to more player empowerment; name, image and likeness (NIL) allowing student athletes to get paid; and revenue sharing on the horizon. How might Belichick’s approach translate to a younger crop of football talent in this brave new world? “I think he’s gonna coach everybody the same,” Van Noy said. “Kids that want to be treated like grown ups, like they always say and claim they want — ‘I’m a grown-ass man,’ you know those comments — he’s gonna treat you that way. Knowing that, they’re gonna get taught the right way. They’re gonna get taught the fundamentals of football.” Van Noy saw a comment on social media earlier Thursday of someone curious to see how Belichick might develop talent. Well, Van Noy pointed out, Tom Brady was once a fourth-string quarterback, wide receiver Julian Edelman switched positions and tight end Rob Gronkowski didn’t play a whole lot in college. “Taking nothing away from those guys,” Van Noy said, “they created their own value with hard work, but he did give them a platform and a process, if you do these type of things, you can be successful.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Why new-look Ravens RB Derrick Henry could be about to heat up Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Giants Week 15 betting guide: Picks, predictions and odds Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Giants scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Will Bill Belichick replicate his NFL success at North Carolina? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Is John Harbaugh’s game management poor? | COMMENTARY Van Noy has no reservations that Belichick can be as successful in college as he was in the NFL. He talked to a few former teammates around the league, too, who shared in his surprise in the lack of NFL interest. But that chapter appears to be over, 15 wins from passing Don Shula as the NFL’s all-time wins leader (347). And his new chapter — full of recruiting visits and NIL — begins with this unexpected pivot becoming the oldest coach in the Football Bowl Subdivision. “I don’t know how to react,” said Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who coached Southern Miss from 2013 to 2015 before returning to the NFL. “Good for him, if that’s what he wants to do. Good for anybody that has an opportunity to be a coach again at whatever level that might be. I’m sure it’s an exciting time for him, those who go with him there and for the University of North Carolina. Good for him.” Wide receiver Devontez Walker is most excited by the name recognition Belichick brings to the school the Ravens drafted him out of — not dissimilar from what Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders has done at Jackson State and Colorado. There are bound to be top talents considering flipping commitments for a chance to play under Belichick. Walker, a Charlotte native who spent one year playing for the Tar Heels under Mack Brown, talked to a UNC nutritionist this week who seemed thrilled about Belichick’s arrival. “Everybody’s in good spirits that I’ve talked to,” Walker said. The move will reverberate through every level of football. But Belichick told reporters on Thursday, “I didn’t come here to leave,” verbally closing the door on an NFL return, whether teams wanted him or not. “That’s just my opinion from the outside looking in,” Van Noy said. “I could be way off but from an outsider looking in, it seems like none of these teams — I feel like they should be banging at his door from what he’s been able to do in his career. It looks like not and it looks like he got everything he wanted at North Carolina.” Van Noy’s never been to Chapel Hill. “Maybe he can get me tickets to a Duke-North Carolina basketball game,” he laughed. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

Ordinarily, an 8-5 Ravens team facing the 2-11 Giants wouldn’t be much of a matchup. It still might not — betting odds say the Ravens should cruise to a win — but Baltimore has struggled against bad teams this season. John Harbaugh’s team has losses to the 2-11 Raiders and 3-10 Browns this season, two ghastly defeats that are pushing them down the AFC playoff picture and likely into the wild-card round. Baltimore can’t afford to overlook anyone. “We’re locked in on the Giants,” safety Kyle Hamilton said. The Ravens are a superior team than the Giants, and they’re looking to make a statement heading into their stretch run. Baltimore wants to make a push for the AFC North, and that could require a perfect 4-0 record down the stretch. Style points don’t technically matter against the Giants, but beating up on New York after losing two of their past three games might help alleviate recent frustrations. Is a blowout in the cards Sunday? “I’m hype,” quarterback Lamar Jackson told reporters about returning to the field after a bye week. What are the odds? The sports betting odds indicate a blowout is on the horizon. Spread: Ravens by 16 1/2 points (FanDuel) Total: 42 1/2 points Moneyline: Ravens -1500, Giants +870 According to Action Network, Sunday will be the first time in 50 years that the Giants close as at least 14-point home underdogs. They’re historically bad, and the Ravens are still viewed by betting markets as one of the NFL’s best teams. That stems from Lamar Jackson’s greatness. Baltimore’s star quarterback and two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Award winner has 29 touchdown passes to just three interceptions, spearheading perhaps the league’s best offense. New York’s defense, which ranks fourth-worst in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game, will face a stiff test against Jackson and running back Derrick Henry. The Ravens’ bruising rusher ranks second in the NFL with 1,407 rushing yards through 13 games. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Why new-look Ravens RB Derrick Henry could be about to heat up Baltimore Ravens | Ravens react to Bill Belichick taking North Carolina job: ‘It’s kind of crazy’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Giants scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Will Bill Belichick replicate his NFL success at North Carolina? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Is John Harbaugh’s game management poor? | COMMENTARY Is there a good betting angle? Given the massive spread, it’s hard to back the Ravens. Beating an opposing NFL team by 17 points is hard, even if the Giants are horrendous. New York has only lost three of its 11 games by that margin this season, and it played the Commanders (twice) and Steelers within one possession. There’s not much value in taking Baltimore’s moneyline, either. Looking into player prop bets is an option for bettors scanning the board, but I’ll place a bet on the Giants’ team total. FanDuel sets New York’s team scoring total at 13 1/2 points. Give me the under. New York scored 11 its last time out against New Orleans, and it has been held under 14 points five times this season. The Ravens have played much better defense of late, allowing an average of 21 points per game against the Steelers, Chargers and Eagles. New York’s offense isn’t in the same league as those three teams, which Pro Football Focus grades as the NFL’s fifth-worst offense. With backup quarterback Tommy DeVito expected to start for New York, points will be even harder to come by than usual. Baltimore’s defense is improving and had a bye week to prepare for the Giants, which should only help as they look to put together a rare dominant defensive showing. I’m expecting the Ravens’ defense to conjure up one of its best performances of 2024, limiting the lifeless Giants to fewer than 14 points. “I think we’re trending up, which is a good thing going into the playoffs,” Hamilton said. Best bet: Giants to score fewer than 13 1/2 points Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. View the full article

The Ravens (8-5) are coming off their bye week. The Giants (2-11) lost their eighth straight, 14-11 to the New Orleans Saints. Who will have the edge when a playoff contender meets a contender for the No. 1 overall pick on Sunday afternoon? Ravens passing game vs. Giants pass defense Lamar Jackson still leads the league in passer rating and yards per attempt, with an incredible 29-to-3 touchdown to interception ratio, but he couldn’t find a steady rhythm in the Ravens’ Dec. 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. That was in large part because Philadelphia’s gifted defensive front spent much of the afternoon in his face, taking advantage of subpar pass protection from center Tyler Linderbaum and especially left guard Patrick Mekari. Even on an off day for the league’s most efficient aerial attack, wide receiver Zay Flowers caught a 40-yard pass and tight end Mark Andrews grabbed six of seven thrown his way, including his seventh touchdown in the Ravens’ past eight games. So the upside is always there. The Ravens will need more from No. 2 wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who was shut out against the Eagles and left the game early with a sore knee. Jackson will try to get back to his NFL Most Valuable Player form against a New York pass defense that produces above-average pressure with edge rushers Brian Burns (seven sacks, eight passes defended, 14 quarterback hits) and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Rookie nickel back Dru Phillips has also emerged as a standout. But the Giants will be without their best player, nose tackle Dexter Lawrence (who suffered a season-ending elbow injury), and they’re dealing with injuries to starters at all three levels of their defense. They rank 24th in third-down efficiency and last in preventing touchdowns in the red zone, and they’ll face a Baltimore offense that’s No. 3 on third down and No. 1 in the red zone. Despite superficially solid numbers against the pass, they could be in for a long afternoon if Jackson’s protection holds up. EDGE: Ravens Giants passing game vs. Ravens pass defense The Giants are back to Tommy DeVito at quarterback after they released Daniel Jones and Drew Lock suffered a heel injury. DeVito started in a 30-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the weekend before Thanksgiving, completing 21 of 31 passes for 189 yards. The reality is that no matter who has lined up at center, the Giants have stunk at moving the ball through the air, ranking last in the league at 4.8 yards per attempt. Wide receiver Malik Nabers, the No. 6 pick in this year’s draft, is their most prolific playmaker, but even he’s averaging just 10.2 yards per catch while trying to push through a hip injury. DeVito’s other top target, Wan’Dale Robinson, averages a mere 7.2 yards per catch. Veteran Darius Slayton is the only receiver resembling a deep threat. DeVito holds the ball too long and invites sacks, a significant problem considering the Giants are also dealing with injuries to four of their five starting offensive linemen. That doesn’t count their best blocker, left tackle Andrew Thomas, who’s on injured reserve. They’ll go against a Baltimore pass defense that has rediscovered its footing over the last month, allowing an average of just 165 yards against its past three opponents. The Ravens have still allowed the most total passing yards, but they’re up to 16th in DVOA against the pass thanks to better coordination on the back end with Ar’Darius Washington replacing Marcus Williams at safety. Their next goal is to take the ball away more. They rank just 23rd in creating turnovers after they led the league last season. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey has been the exception to the rule with five interceptions and a forced fumble. The team’s pass rush will gain a boost from the return of outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who missed the Eagles game with a hamstring injury, and improved health for defensive tackle Travis Jones, who has played through a painful ankle injury and needed the bye week as much as anyone on the team. EDGE: Ravens Ravens running game vs. Giants run defense The Ravens lead the league in yards per attempt and rank second in yards per game. Running back Derrick Henry has traditionally upped his production and efficiency late in the season, a sobering thought for opponents given that he’s averaging 108.2 yards per game and 5.9 per carry. Jackson scolded himself for not exploiting available running lanes against the Eagles, so it will be interesting to see if he takes off more now that the Ravens have entered their stretch run. He’s averaging a career-low 8.5 attempts per game but leads the league at 6.1 yards per attempt. Henry and Jackson represent a severe mismatch for a New York defense that ranks 29th in yards allowed per game and 30th in yards allowed per attempt. Top running teams such as the Eagles and Washington Commanders have unleashed devastation on the Giants, who have a decent pair of linebackers in Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden but will badly miss Lawrence on the interior. EDGE: Ravens Giants running game vs. Ravens run defense The Giants have suffered the ignominy of watching their former superstar, Saquon Barkley, run wild for the Eagles. But rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has given them solid production, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. That said, Tracy has gone for just 119 yards on 34 carries over his past three games and has fumbled three times in his past four. DeVito is at least a modest scrambling threat with 227 yards on 43 attempts in 11 career games. The Giants are more efficient on the ground than through the air, so they’ll probably at least try against a Baltimore defense that has allowed just 82.7 yards per game and 3.5 yards per attempt, both best in the league. The Ravens could benefit from the return of nose tackle Michael Pierce, who has been out since the last weekend of October with a calf injury. The bye week was well-timed for leading tackler Roquan Smith, who played well against the Eagles after a hamstring injury kept him out of the team’s win over the Chargers. Coordinator Zach Orr has taken to rotating Malik Harrison and Chris Board in for struggling Trenton Simpson at the other linebacker spot. The Ravens defense is steadily improving in its first year under coordinator Zach Orr. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) EDGE: Ravens Ravens special teams vs. Giants special teams Ravens kicker Justin Tucker faced uncomfortable questions about his job security after he missed a pair of field goal attempts and an extra point try in the one-score loss to Philadelphia. Tucker, the most accurate kicker in league history coming into the season, has made just 19 of 27 field goal attempts in 2024. If his struggles continue, the issue will loom over the Ravens’ postseason push. They rank an unfamiliar 24th in special teams DVOA, largely because of their kicker. The Giants rank even worse at 27th in DVOA. They have used three kickers, and their current choice, Graham Gano, has made six of eight field goal attempts with a long of 50 yards. New York’s return game has been particularly anemic, averaging 7.3 yards on punts and 26 on kickoffs. EDGE: Ravens Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Why new-look Ravens RB Derrick Henry could be about to heat up Baltimore Ravens | Ravens react to Bill Belichick taking North Carolina job: ‘It’s kind of crazy’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Giants Week 15 betting guide: Picks, predictions and odds Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: Will Bill Belichick replicate his NFL success at North Carolina? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Is John Harbaugh’s game management poor? | COMMENTARY Ravens intangibles vs. Giants intangibles The Ravens have gone 13-3 coming off bye weeks under coach John Harbaugh, and their late-season rest was welcome coming off a bruising loss to Philadelphia. Despite that setback, the Ravens are in strong position to make the playoffs, with a decent shot to catch the Steelers, whom they’ll host after they face the Giants, in the AFC North. They won’t be lacking for motivation despite traveling north as a massive road favorite. The Giants have circled the drain for two months under coach Brian Daboll, who was a Big Apple star two years ago but now finds himself on the hot seat. This team wasn’t good to start and is now banged up beyond recognition with a stopgap quarterback and fans more interested in picking No. 1 next spring than winning games the rest of this year. EDGE: Ravens Prediction The Giants simply aren’t equipped to keep up with a Ravens team that will be fresh coming off its bye and eager to wash away the sour taste from a loss to the Eagles. The Giants have a few good pass rushers, but they’re without their best defender in Lawrence, and they don’t stop the run. That’s not the formula you want against Jackson and Henry. On the other side of the ball, New York doesn’t have the playmakers to match touchdowns with the league’s most efficient offense. This might be the Ravens’ last relatively easy game of the year, but they will cruise. Ravens 31, Giants 14 Have a news tip? Contact Childs Walker at daviwalker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6893 and x.com/ChildsWalker. View the full article

Bill Belichick is going back to school. The 72-year-old eight-time Super Bowl champion from Annapolis will be the next coach at North Carolina, and opinions are mixed on whether he has what it takes to succeed at the college level amid a changing landscape. We want to know your opinion. After you vote, tell us what you think by clicking the comments button and we might publish your take in The Baltimore Sun. The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To read the results of previous reader polls, click here. View the full article

Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston will answer fans’ questions in the middle of each week throughout the Ravens’ season. After a home loss against the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore (8-5) returns from its bye week to face a struggling New York Giants (2-11) team in Week 15 of the NFL season. Here’s Preston’s take on a handful of questions from readers: (Editor’s note: Questions have been edited for length and clarity.) Mike, is it me or does this season seem to be an “un-Ravenlike season” as far as personnel and discipline issues? It seemed that when these issues occurred in the past, they were squashed in the locker room presumably by either strong coaches or strong player leadership. Eddie Jackson, Marcus Williams and Diontae Johnson are a testament to these personnel issues. Are these messages from the new coaches already stale, confusing or inadequate and not supported by the players they coach? — Matt in Scarsdale, New York Matt, in the John Harbaugh era, the Ravens have struggled with penalties, but those mistakes usually dwindle later in the season. But it’s been a constant problem this year, and part of it is a result of the amount of youth on the team. The Ravens have veterans such as Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Nelson Agholor, Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey, but they also have young players such as rookies Roger Rosengarten and Nate Wiggins, second-year players Zay Flowers and Trenton Simpson, third-year players Tyler Linderbaum, Daniel Faalele, Travis Jones, Jalyn Armour-Davis, Kyle Hamilton, Isaiah Likely and David Ojabo and fourth-year guys such as Rashod Bateman, Tylan Wallace, Ben Cleveland and Odafe Oweh. Coaches always try to find the right combinations, but many of these players are still young. You can determine if the coach’s or the assistants’ messages are getting old heading into the final weeks of the season. If the penalties continue, then there might be a discipline or coaching problem. As far as personnel, the Ravens gambled and lost on the three players you named. But in the case of Williams, he had played well in New Orleans before coming to Baltimore. I would have made the same decision as general manager Eric DeCosta in signing him. It’s hard to predict when injuries are going to mount or when veterans start to lose focus from fear of getting injured again. As far as Jackson and Johnson, they were gambles that cost the Ravens very little. Even when those deals were announced, it was hard to get overly excited about either of those players. With Johnson, it’s hard to believe a player wouldn’t go out on the field. The last player that I remember who pulled that stunt was former Cincinnati Bengals running back Corey Dillon in a 2000 game against the Ravens in Baltimore. Dillon didn’t want to go into the game in the fourth quarter because middle linebacker Ray Lewis was having his best season and annihilating the Bengals’ running backs in a 37-0 Ravens victory. One day later, coach Bruce Coslet resigned under pressure, but we all knew he was about to get fired. The Ravens have three players who have great hands and can get open on short routes — Flowers, Mark Andrews and Likely — and they can all be on the field at once. But why not play small ball in the passing game when opposing defenses are smothering the QB? The coaching staff seems to double down on the same (stupid) approach each time they play a quality defense, relying on Lamar’s magic rather than schemes that might frustrate the pass rush. — Aaron Quinn It’s a valid point, Aaron, but there is a limit to the amount of “small ball” a team can play. Look at the Pittsburgh Steelers. They came out playing small ball with quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, and then defenses started adjusting. Now, even though Wilson still prefers throwing short passes, he’ll take his shots down the field to receiver George Pickens. It’s hard to be predictable in the NFL unless your offense is overpowering. A lot of the Ravens’ problems come down to the offensive line. That group will struggle against the good defensive lines in this league. I’d like to see the Ravens use Flowers more down the field in the slot position, and it would help if the team had another speedy receiver on the outside. Sometimes, you don’t have to throw but at least present a threat. Also, more teams will probably play zone against Jackson. He is a threat as a runner, and that will cut down on his space to run, but he also struggles against the zone look, especially when his first option is taken away. Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers caught just five passes in recent losses to the Steelers and Eagles. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Has John Harbaugh’s game and clock management worsened through the years, or is it recency bias? How much do analytics factor into his decisions? — Nate Pratesi I wouldn’t say his game and clock management decisions have worsened through the years. Harbaugh has been consistent with those choices. That’s just his style. It’s one that I don’t always agree with, especially late in games. He used to point out that analytics were involved, but he hasn’t done that in quite a while. I’ve never been an analytics guy. I believe you rely on the situation and gut instincts. Also, one more thing: how about common sense? Mike, many commentators seem to think that Justin Tucker’s woes can be traced to his age and a decline in his leg strength. However, it seems to me that his misses are not short, rather he is hooking them to the left. How would a decline in leg strength cause one to hook kicks to the left? It seems to me that more or something else is involved in this mess. Your thoughts? — Paul It’s easier to figure out why he might be hooking to the left because of a decline in leg strength. Instead of kicking the ball as normal, there is an emphasis to kick the ball as hard as possible, and sometimes that causes that ball to sail to the left. Analysts say it’s the same thing when a golfer loses his strength and starts overswinging. Honestly, I wouldn’t know because I’ve never played golf. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens playoff tickets go on sale Thursday. Will they have a home game? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson eager to get back on field after bye week Baltimore Ravens | Ravens healthy after bye week, but Giants will have new QB Baltimore Ravens | ‘Hard Knocks’ episode 2 recap: Ravens step offstage for bye week Baltimore Ravens | NFL winners and losers, Week 14: Are the Steelers the best team in the AFC? Tucker has been in the NFL for 13 years now. His leg strength might be declining, but the Ravens probably aren’t going to find a better kicker at this point to replace him. Despite recent misses, I’d still prefer to have him as my kicker when the game is in question. Maybe he is just working through a slump, which isn’t unusual for most kickers. Tucker, though, hasn’t been like most kickers. He has been Mr. Reliable, the team’s most consistent offensive weapon for the entire time he has been in Baltimore. Many fans expected running back Keaton Mitchell to be a big part of the offense when he returned. While I was much more conservative in my hopes, I am surprised that he has been virtually nonexistent the past few games. Does this represent more concern for his injury than even expected? Do you envision him contributing at all in the upcoming games? — Mike Stefanek Mike, I think it has been and remains a slow, long process. The injury was serious and Mitchell made it back sooner than a lot of people expected. With Henry as the starter and Justice Hill the primary backup, there is no need to rush Mitchell back on to the field. In fact, with the weather getting colder and unpredictable, I’d like to see Henry with more carries now than earlier in the season. Have a question for Mike Preston? Email sports@baltsun.com with “Ravens mailbag” in the subject line and it could be answered in The Baltimore Sun. View the full article

Playoff football is almost here. The Ravens announced that tickets for a potential home wild-card playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium will go on sale to the public on Thursday at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at baltimoreravens.com/tickets/playoffs/. If Baltimore does not host a wild-card game, automatic refunds will be provided to anyone who has purchased tickets. “We’re excited that our team has positioned itself for another postseason run and the possibility of hosting a playoff game,” Ravens senior vice president of ticket sales and operations Baker Koppelman said in a statement. “These next several weeks are sure to bring anticipation and high energy as we continue to chase our championship aspirations.” The Ravens (8-5) return from their bye week two games behind the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) in the AFC North standings. Baltimore currently holds the No. 5 seed in the AFC, which would mean a road wild-card game against the AFC South-leading Houston Texans (8-5), whom the Ravens face on Christmas Day in a game streamed live on Netflix. It’s also a rematch of last season’s AFC divisional round game won by the host Ravens, 34-10. While the Ravens haven’t clinched a playoff berth yet, they have a 97% chance to make the seven-team field, according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats. That would increase to a virtual lock at 99% with a win Sunday over the hapless New York Giants (2-11), who are starting third-string quarterback Tommy DeVito. After that, the Ravens have a highly anticipated rematch against the visiting Steelers on Saturday, Dec. 21, followed by the Wednesday afternoon game in Houston on Dec. 25 to conclude a grueling three-games-in-11-days stretch. The Week 18 regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns is at a date and time still to be determined. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson eager to get back on field after bye week Baltimore Ravens | Ravens healthy after bye week, but Giants will have new QB Baltimore Ravens | ‘Hard Knocks’ episode 2 recap: Ravens step offstage for bye week Baltimore Ravens | NFL winners and losers, Week 14: Are the Steelers the best team in the AFC? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens need to rediscover franchise’s historic toughness | COMMENTARY Unlike last season, when the Ravens finished a league-best 13-4, Baltimore is unlikely to claim the AFC’s top seed and a first-round bye. The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, who beat the Ravens in the season opener, are 12-1, while the AFC East champion Buffalo Bills are 10-3. Both teams already clinched a playoff spot. However, the Ravens can still host a playoff game if they finish above Pittsburgh and reclaim the AFC North title. The Steelers play a tough stretch of opponents in the Eagles, Ravens, Chiefs and Bengals to finish the regular season, opening the door for Baltimore to potentially jump them or finish with the same record and win the division on one of several tiebreakers. Entering Week 15, The Athletic’s playoff model — which is based on 100,000 simulations of the remainder of the season and factors in each team’s projected strength, current health as well as its remaining schedule — give the Steelers a 74% chance to win the division, while the Ravens have a 26% chance. Houston, meanwhile, has 95% chance to win the AFC South over the Indianapolis Colts (6-7). However, even if the Ravens finish in second place in the AFC North with a better regular-season record than the Texans or Colts, the division champion will host the wild-card game. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

Lamar Jackson couldn’t stand still. The Ravens quarterback kept fidgeting back and forth. He was energetic and engaged, but mostly he was restless Wednesday afternoon in Owings Mills. “You see me? I’m antsy right now,” he said, motioning toward his feet shifting back and forth with the anticipation of someone who needed to go to find a bathroom. “I’m hype.” And eager to turn around an offense that, while still No. 1 in the NFL in yards per game (422.5) and third in points per game (29.5), has somewhat sputtered of late with 19 points against the Philadelphia Eagles and 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, both losses. Against Pittsburgh, Jackson completed just 16 of 33 passes for 207 yards with one touchdown and one interception and was sacked twice. Against Philadelphia, he completed 23 of 36 passes for 237 yards with two touchdowns, was sacked three times, fumbled twice and lamented not running more often when the opportunity presented itself. In that loss to the Eagles, the Ravens went 10 straight possessions without finding the end zone and managed just three points in that span after taking a 9-0 first-quarter lead. “Those type of games, we can’t have those,” Jackson said. “It won’t be a perfect game, but you gotta try to make it. “Gotta put points on the board. I feel like any game like that we gotta do that. It’s gonna be a slow game, it won’t be one of those high scoring games … nine times out of 10 it’s gonna be one of those low scoring games but you gotta find a way to win.” Yet, the bye week came at a necessary time for Baltimore. The Ravens had played 13 straight games, were getting thin along the defensive line and elsewhere because of injuries and lost two of their past three games — which could have easily been three of four if not for a wild, come-from-behind 35-34 victory over the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals. Jackson referred to the break as a “breath of fresh air.” He also said his body feels refreshed, after some niggling injuries resulted him missing some practice time earlier in the season. When he returned, the message was clear. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is eager to return to the win column after two losses in three games. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) “Lamar understands it’s about chasing perfection in the details in everything you do,” coach John Harbaugh said. “You’re not riding the roller coaster of outcomes.” Now, though, Baltimore will play three games in the span of 11 days, beginning Sunday against a hapless New York Giants (2-11) team that has lost eight straight, is without its star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, rookie safety Tyler Nubin and first-string quarterback Drew Lock, with Tommy DeVito starting in his place. Then comes a massively important AFC North showdown against the Steelers (10-3) at M&T Bank Stadium on Dec. 21, with a Christmas Day tilt against the Texans in Houston to follow before wrapping up the season against the Cleveland Browns. Simply put, those four games will determine the Ravens’ playoff path and chances of making a deep run. It’s not lost on them. “Our approach is pedal to the metal, man,” Harbaugh said. “Kick this thing in gear, put your foot on the gas, put the gas pedal to the floor and let’s get locked in on everything that matters and see if we can drive as fast as we can as straight as we can to be as good as we can in this next game.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens healthy after bye week, but Giants will have new QB Baltimore Ravens | ‘Hard Knocks’ episode 2 recap: Ravens step offstage for bye week Baltimore Ravens | NFL winners and losers, Week 14: Are the Steelers the best team in the AFC? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens need to rediscover franchise’s historic toughness | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Inside the Ravens’ defensive meeting that sparked a ‘dramatic’ turnaround Which is why Jackson is still as fired up, he said, as he was after the loss to Philadelphia when he pounded the podium and cursed a mountain of missed opportunities. “I’m still fired up,” he said. “Nothing changed.” He wasn’t alone. Defensive tackle Broderick Washington broke down the team huddle at practice Wednesday and told teammates that “no one’s beaten us” and that “we beat ourselves.” “We took a little deep breath, took a step back, relaxed, got our mind locked in,” Jackson said. “I feel like we’re going to do what we need to do.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson relaxed his shoulders and grinned. The bye week splitting up 13 straight weeks of football before a grueling three-game stretch in 11 days, he said, was like a breath of fresh air. The rejuvenated Ravens (8-5) are as healthy as they’ve been in weeks, eyeing Sunday’s matchup with the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Rashod Bateman fully returned to practice after exiting last Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles with a knee injury. The fourth-year wide receiver said Monday the week off helped get him healthy and now he’s “looking forward to finishing the season strong.” Kyle Van Noy (hamstring/neck) was another beneficiary from the late break in the schedule. The veteran outside linebacker, who’s tied for a team-high eight sacks, missed a week of practice and the Eagles game but was back to full go Wednesday. Rookie cornerback T.J. Tampa (ankle), designated to return from injured reserve, was also a full participant. Reinforcements return healthy for Baltimore’s defensive line, too, which entered the bye week ranked by Pro Football Focus as the fourth-best group in the NFL. Nose tackle Michael Pierce was a full practice participant. The veteran run stopper was placed on injured reserve last month because of a calf injury suffered Oct. 27 against the Cleveland Browns. Before that, he had logged 15 tackles and one sack. And defensive tackle Travis Jones, who had been playing through an ankle injury, has fully practiced this week. There were no surprises listed on the first Ravens injury report of the week. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson was suspended for refusing to enter last Sunday’s game against the Eagles, according to a team statement, which bars him from practicing until after the weekend. Rookie safety Sanoussi Kane hurt his hamstring in the loss and did not return. He was the lone DNP on the injury report. The Giants are in murkier waters on the injury front. Coach Brian Daboll told reporters quarterback Drew Lock is in a walking boot because of a heel injury. Backup Tommy DeVito — who was the third-stringer before New York mutually agreed to cut ties with Daniel Jones last month — is expected to start in his place. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | ‘Hard Knocks’ episode 2 recap: Ravens step offstage for bye week Baltimore Ravens | NFL winners and losers, Week 14: Are the Steelers the best team in the AFC? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens need to rediscover franchise’s historic toughness | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Inside the Ravens’ defensive meeting that sparked a ‘dramatic’ turnaround Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ playoff seeding to be determined by final 4 games, including Steelers rematch The catalog of Giants who did not practice Wednesday are: offensive tackle Evan Neal (hip/ankle), defensive lineman Rakeem Nuñez-Roches, linebacker Bobby Okereke (back), rookie cornerback Dru Phillips (shoulder) and guard Jon Runyan (ankle). Rookie Tyler Nubin, who was the top safety in his draft class, was placed on injured reserve Wednesday. Those who were limited participants for New York is a list twice as long: Cornerback Deonte Banks (rib), safety Dane Belton (knee), offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (quad), offensive lineman Josh Ezeudu (knee), cornerback Cor’Dale Flott (quad), wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton (shoulder), defensive back Art Green (quad), offensive tackle Chris Hubbard (knee), wide receiver Malik Nabers (hip), defensive lineman Jordan Riley (knee), offensive lineman Austin Schlottmann (fibula) and center John Michael Schmitz (neck). Daboll was blunt Monday about the laundry list of injuries plaguing his 2-11 group. He was asked if it’s getting hard to piece together a team at this point, to which he acknowledged, “That’s where we’re at.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

The Ravens are back on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” for the first time since the venerable series’ 2001 premiere season, this time sharing each hour with their AFC North neighbors. The second episode of this in-season look at the division debuted Tuesday night, featuring precious little Ravens material as players left town to enjoy their bye week. The Browns and Steelers took center stage, preparing for their divisional matchup in Pittsburgh. From now until the end of the season, we’ll recap each episode, highlighting striking moments, memorable characters and tasty Ravens-related nuggets. Key Ravens scene Well, there was only one. Coach John Harbaugh addressed his players in the auditorium at the team’s training facility in Owings Mills, the Monday after they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. Harbaugh noted the Ravens’ tough schedule and described the bye week as a chance to “get your heart right for what we’re doing.” “We are a team that’s fighting to win the championship,” he said, pointing his players toward what they hope will be an eight-game run — four to finish out the regular season and four in the playoffs. And with that, they filed out to their cars, many of them bound for the airport in anticipation of a brief respite. “Hard Knocks” hasn’t offered much for Ravens fans to chew on through two weeks, and it will be interesting to see if that changes with this week’s relatively heatless matchup against the woeful New York Giants. We might have to wait for the build to the Dec. 21 Ravens-Steelers rematch for a genuine showcase. Best non-Ravens scene With the Steelers on their way to a two-game lead in the division, the Bengals not playing in Dallas until Monday night and the Ravens off, last week wasn’t rich in AFC North happenings. So the “Hard Knocks” creatives had to make what they could of Pittsburgh vs. Cleveland. As the episode pumped up the Browns-Steelers “turnpike” rivalry, we glimpsed Pittsburgh cornerback Joey Porter Jr. at home, interacting with his dad, noted Steelers pass rusher (and Ravens antagonist) Joey Sr. “It’s way more intense than anybody can speak on it,” the elder Porter said of the AFC North’s rivalries. He won’t even eat in Cincinnati, Cleveland or Baltimore. “They talk about the good crab in Baltimore,” Porter Sr. said. “I ain’t never had it.” His wife recalled him telling her before a road game against the Browns, “Christy, don’t go to Cleveland with my jersey on.” She did anyway and felt the wrath of the Dawg Pound. Porter Jr. chuckled quietly as Sr. narrated his famous 2004 fight with Browns running back William Green. The Porters provided the tastiest material, but the episode effectively set up both sides of the enduring feud between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin centered his message on the Browns’ “game wrecker,” defensive end Myles Garrett. “I’m not doing my job if I don’t paint a picture for you,” he said. “He needs no endorsement from me. Wikipedia him.” The Browns’ hopes of returning to the playoffs vanished weeks ago, so they had to find other reasons to get up for Pittsburgh. “You’ve got to find a why for these last five games to mean something to you,” Garrett said in a defensive line meeting. Veteran defensive tackle Shelby Harris was even more candid, telling his younger teammates that the next few weeks amount to an audition for their football futures, in Cleveland or elsewhere. “Are you part of the solution or are you part of the problem?” he said. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston was the most captivating character in the second episode of “Hard Knocks.” (David Richard/AP) Episode MVP The episode opened with highlights (and lowlights) from Cleveland quarterback Jameis Winston’s 497-yard, four-touchdown, three-interception carnival ride against the Denver Broncos. “I messed it up for us,” he told reporters afterward. “I’m just praying for the Lord to deliver me from pick-sixes.” Winston’s quest for redemption in Pittsburgh would become a narrative through line. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL winners and losers, Week 14: Are the Steelers the best team in the AFC? Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens need to rediscover franchise’s historic toughness | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Inside the Ravens’ defensive meeting that sparked a ‘dramatic’ turnaround Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ playoff seeding to be determined by final 4 games, including Steelers rematch Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: How would you grade the Orioles’ signing of Tyler O’Neill? We went home with him as he hung out with his wife, Breion, and their boys. “There’s nothing like unconditional love,” Winston said. Back at the Browns’ facility, he said he hopes his continued passion for football, nine years after he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft, rubs off on teammates: “I want them to feel the love, want them to feel the authentic side of me.” Interceptions haunted Winston again as the Browns fell to the Steelers, but that didn’t stop Garrett from noting affectionately that the 30-year-old quarterback “runs like he already an unc at the cookout.” Winston didn’t get to be a hero on the field, but he pulled this edition of “Hard Knocks” together. Have a news tip? Contact Childs Walker at daviwalker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6893 and x.com/ChildsWalker. View the full article

Each week of the NFL season, The Baltimore Sun will recap the best and worst from around the league. Here are our winners and losers from Week 14: Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers With a 27-14 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, the Steelers took a two-game lead over the Ravens in the AFC North and improved to 6-1 with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback. A five-point loss in a snowy Thursday night game in Cleveland a few weeks ago is the only blemish for the 36-year-old veteran since he took over for Justin Fields. While Wilson isn’t playing at nearly the same level as Most Valuable Player candidates such as Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, he’s done what coordinator Arthur Smith has asked him to do. According to ESPN, Wilson ranks fourth in QBR on passes 20 or more yards downfield and is hitting 2.5 of those throws per game, more than any other quarterback. It’s been enough to push Pittsburgh to wins over high-powered offenses in Washington, Baltimore and Cincinnati, as well as a Cleveland attack that had Jameis Winston throw 41 passes Sunday. The Steelers rank 10th in scoring at 24.8 points per game, which sits above much more highly regarded offenses in Kansas City, Houston, Seattle, Arizona, Atlanta and Los Angeles (both the Rams and Chargers). Pittsburgh has more field goals (36) than touchdowns (31) this season, but that’s a testament to kicker Chris Boswell, who is 36-for-39 overall and 11-for-13 from 50-plus yards. Imagine how many points the Ravens would score with a kicker like that. That’s before getting to the Pittsburgh defense, which leads the league with 28 takeaways and is allowing just 18.3 points per game. T.J. Watt is still playing at a Defensive Player of the Year level, while fellow edge rushers Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward are thriving. The Steelers are 4-0 this season against teams with a winning record and have held those opponents to an average of 14.8 points. For all of coach Mike Tomlin’s wizardry during the regular season, it hasn’t extended to January. The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016 and haven’t hosted one since 2020. But during a final stretch against the Eagles, Ravens, Chiefs and Bengals, we’ll find out just how good Pittsburgh really is. Loser: New York football Before the Giants’ game Sunday, a small plane circled MetLife Stadium carrying a banner that read, “MR MARA ENOUGH – PLZ FIX THIS DUMPSTER FIRE.” If only it were that easy. President and CEO John Mara has the unenviable task of rebuilding a team that fell to 2-10 with a 14-11 loss to the New Orleans Saints. The game ended with Bryan Bresee blocking Graham Gano’s potential game-tying 35-yard field goal attempt after a woeful performance by New York that included 12 penalties for 112 yards, a holding penalty that negated a 56-yard punt return for a touchdown and a personal foul that wiped out a field goal. The Giants have now missed the playoffs in 11 of the past 13 seasons, but that’s not quite as bad as their fellow tenants at MetLife Stadium. With a 32-26 overtime loss to the Dolphins on Sunday, the Jets dropped to 3-10 and will officially miss the playoffs for the 14th consecutive year, extending the longest drought in the four major American pro sports leagues. The Giants lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Saints, adding to the misery of their 2024 season. (John Munson/AP) After a magical three-year run that included back-to-back AFC championship game appearances by the Rex Ryan-led Jets in 2009 and 2010 and Eli Manning and the Giants’ stunning Super Bowl victory over Tom Brady and the Patriots in 2011, the teams from the Big Apple have combined for just one playoff victory: the Giants’ wild-card round upset of the Vikings in the 2022 season. There isn’t much hope for the future, either. Daniel Jones is now on the Vikings’ practice squad, while Aaron Rodgers just turned 41 last week and is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career. Both teams will have high draft picks, but this year’s quarterback class is one of the least exciting in years. Hey, at least the Mets and Yankees are good. New York is a baseball town, anyway. Winner: The NFC playoff race The 12-1 Lions might seem like a shoo-in to win the NFC and reach the Super Bowl, but the crop of teams behind them is fascinating. On Thursday night, the Packers (9-4) nearly knocked off Detroit on its home turf before a bold fourth-down call by coach Dan Campbell led to a game-winning field goal as time expired. On Sunday, the Seahawks (8-5) beat the Cardinals, 30-18, for their fourth straight win and extended their lead in the unpredictable NFC West. Sam Darnold continued his breakout season with five touchdown passes in the Vikings’ (11-2) impressive 42-21 win over the Falcons, while Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua put on a show in the Rams’ (7-6) thrilling 44-42 victory over the red-hot Bills. Even the 49ers (6-7) showed signs of life, rolling to a 38-13 win over the Bears to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | ‘Hard Knocks’ episode 2 recap: Ravens step offstage for bye week Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens need to rediscover franchise’s historic toughness | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Inside the Ravens’ defensive meeting that sparked a ‘dramatic’ turnaround Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ playoff seeding to be determined by final 4 games, including Steelers rematch Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: How would you grade the Orioles’ signing of Tyler O’Neill? The Eagles (11-2) also won their ninth straight, though it almost felt like a loss considering how close Bryce Young and the Panthers came from pulling off the upset as rookie Xavier Legette dropped the potential go-ahead touchdown pass with seconds remaining. A “bad day” at the office still featured 124 rushing yards from Saquon Barkley and two touchdown passes from Jalen Hurts. The Commanders (8-5), meanwhile, have one of the most exciting players in football in rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, while the Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield (7-6) knocked off Philadelphia in the playoffs last year and nearly took down Detroit in the divisional round. The Lions have been dominant at times, but they are far from perfect. No matter how well Jared Goff plays, there will always be questions about whether he’s good enough to lead his team to a championship. Mounting injuries on defense have not derailed Detroit’s 11-game winning streak yet, but it’s only a matter of time. The Lions need Alim McNeill, DJ Reader and Brian Branch at full strength to make a deep playoff run. With the NFC West race coming down to the wire — and perhaps decided in a Week 18 game between the Seahawks and Rams — and the NFC North continuing to impress week after week, the final playoff push will be fun to watch. If the season ended today, we’d get Eagles (No. 2 seed) vs. Commanders (7), Seahawks (3) vs. Packers (6) and Buccaneers (4) vs. Vikings (5) in the wild-card round. Sign me up for that. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

Maybe the Ravens discovered during the bye week that this franchise was built on a philosophy of toughness. That’s been the missing ingredient this season, and for the team’s sake, Baltimore will need to develop some in the final four games of the regular season and the postseason. Let’s call it an identity crisis, one that isn’t just physical but also mental. Pittsburgh has the physical attributes, and they have beaten the Ravens in eight of the past nine games. Both Cleveland and Philadelphia had it, especially the Eagles, who simply outmuscled the Ravens in the final eight minutes of the fourth quarter on Dec 1. Then there is the psychological part of the game. Ravens fans will point to conspiracy theories and the influence of gambling on the Chiefs having won 15 straight one-score games, but that’s ridiculous. They want to forget that Kansas City has the NFL’s best coach in Andy Reid, the top tight end in Travis Kelce and possibly the best defensive coordinator in Steve Spagnuolo. Then there’s quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has led the team to four Super Bowl appearances since becoming the starter in 2018. Kansas City could become the first team to three-peat if it wins another title in February, and Mahomes is 4-1 against Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. In other words, the Chiefs don’t flinch in crunch time. The Ravens? They’ve blinked in the fourth quarter of all their losses. Some of it can be blamed on coaching, but coaches in the NFL are supposed to get their teams to the final four minutes of each game and rely on playmakers making plays. That’s when the tough guys take over by either wearing down an opponent or forcing them into submission. That hasn’t worked for the Ravens, either. In the past, opponents feared that most about the Ravens. If you played Baltimore, they’d either beat you or the fatigue would carry into the next game. The Ravens still thrive on that style against teams like Jacksonville, Houston and even Buffalo. But it doesn’t work in the AFC North or against teams like Philadelphia. The Ravens have lost their way. When the team first moved to Baltimore from Cleveland in the mid-1990s, they brought in giant offensive linemen like Orlando Brown and Jeff Blackshear. Those guys had reputations as maulers and had brawling nicknames like “Zeus” (Brown) and “Big Black” (Blackshear). Even the “smallest” of the group, center/guard Wally Williams, liked to fight because he was an undrafted free agent from Florida A&M. From 2013 to 2017, the Ravens even had a center, Ryan Jensen, who his teammates called “Big Red” because of his red hair. I called him “Big Red” because he got into a fight almost every week. He went on to start six seasons in Tampa Bay, winning Super Bowl 55. The Ravens don’t have guys like that on their offensive line. We’ll call them intimidators. They don’t have that type of player at receiver either, someone who could stir emotions like Michael Irvin did with Dallas in the 1990s or Steve Smith with Carolina from 2001 to 2013. The best they have is the emotional Zay Flowers. That’s not enough. Gene Sweeney Jr., Baltimore SunRavens linebacker Ray Lewis helped the franchise win a Super Bowl by bringing a physical presence to the field each week. (Staff file) Jackson causes excitement with his electrifying plays, but even he doesn’t fire up an offensive line like Buffalo’s Josh Allen when he runs over a linebacker or Mahomes after he trucked San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha several games ago on a short touchdown run up the middle. The Ravens have mauled teams on occasion with running back Derrick Henry, but it came against lightweight defensive lines like the Bills, Dallas and Cincinnati. It didn’t happen against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Browns or the Eagles. Tough guys on defense have been the Ravens’ calling card for years. They’ve had two Hall of Famers in middle linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed, and possibly a third in outside linebacker Terrell Suggs. But the Ravens have also had enforcers, players who did the dirty work. They were the blue-collar workers like defensive tackles Haloti Ngata, Tony Siragusa, Sam Adams, end Rob Burnett and safety Bernard Pollard. They’d either take you out or knock you out. Your choice. The current Ravens have some tough players like safety Kyle Hamilton, cornerback Marlon Humphrey and middle linebacker Roquan Smith. Smith is borderline dirty but at least he has a presence. The rest are good players, but not the menacing type. Teams don’t fear the Ravens anymore. In Pittsburgh before a game with Baltimore a few years ago, the Steelers showed coach Mike Tomlin shadowboxing while coming out of the players’ tunnel before the game. The crowd went crazy. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | ‘Hard Knocks’ episode 2 recap: Ravens step offstage for bye week Baltimore Ravens | NFL winners and losers, Week 14: Are the Steelers the best team in the AFC? Baltimore Ravens | Inside the Ravens’ defensive meeting that sparked a ‘dramatic’ turnaround Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ playoff seeding to be determined by final 4 games, including Steelers rematch Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: How would you grade the Orioles’ signing of Tyler O’Neill? As I watch the current Ravens, they can win the AFC. The Chiefs are weak at both offensive tackles and are having cornerback problems. Buffalo plays virtually no defense and the Ravens already ran through them with Henry earlier this season. That leaves Pittsburgh and maybe Houston, but the Texans have had some struggles this season. Against the Steelers, the Ravens will need to get their swag back. I’m not just talking about wins and losses, but being in that tough guy mode again. That’s the way it used to be when Ravens tight end Shannon Sharpe would make derogatory remarks about Pittsburgh wide receiver Hines Ward or when Steelers running back Jerome Bettis feared playing against Lewis. That’s when the Ravens had an edge. That’s when they played with reckless abandon and smacked other teams around. That’s when they knew who they were. Now, they need to find their way back. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

The meeting lasted about 90 minutes on a Tuesday in November. It included the entire Ravens defense. Walking out, Ar’Darius Washington felt a renewed sense of energy wash over the team. A turning point, perhaps? “Excuse my language,” the safety said, “but it was really like, ‘[Forget] everybody. [Forget] everything else that’s going around. Let’s play together as one.’ That was the main focus, for sure.” Until that point, Baltimore’s defense had sunk to the bottom of the league. They were 32nd in pass defense and the bottom 10 in points allowed per game. They were a maddening partner to the league’s most prolific offense. The catalyst for the meeting was a narrow “Thursday Night Football” win over the Cincinnati Bengals, having given up 470 total yards and five touchdowns. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr didn’t sleep much. He was back at the Owings Mills facility early the following morning. Four days later was the open-forum meeting that, should the Ravens defense finish the year on a high note and prove this statistical turnaround isn’t a fluke, could come to define their season. There were a lot of hard truths shared between those four walls, linebacker Malik Harrison remembers. Guys were more willing to take accountability and hold others to the standard. Linebacker Tavius Robinson said energy and accountability were the two main themes. Such meetings are commonplace but this one came with a greater sense of urgency. “We had to do some deep soul-searching,” Orr said. “And it was a long meeting.” “I think it was good — from a player and coach standpoint — that we expressed what we wanted to get done; they expressed how they felt, and we were able to come together and figure out solutions, because that’s all we’re about,” Orr continued. “Everything that we do is trying to come to that solution, [and] I definitely think that meeting had a part in it.” For one, Orr changed the parameters of how his defense congregates. Where they used to focus their time trickling down film study and dialogue to positional groups, now everything has become group-oriented. One or two guys being out of position on a given play can snowball the entire defense. Linebacker Roquan Smith has talked about that frustrating trait this season. Defensive end Brent Urban doubled down, saying one guy taking a risk to make a play can put someone else’s job in jeopardy. Each frustrating Sunday cast more doubt on the group’s ability to turn things around. They often cited communication impeding execution. Hence, more panoptic film study. “The meetings were kind of changed in a way that we’re going through every single detail. It’s not like we’re passing things off to individual position meetings. We’re all gonna focus on what each guy needs to do,” Urban said, noting that’s not common to this degree in the NFL. “And that’s kind of brought about a bigger amount of accountability, too, just in terms of, we’re all there hearing what each other’s job is supposed to be. Because a lot of times it’s set up, we’re all in our individual position groups and that type of thing. [Orr] has done a good job of bringing us all together. I think that’s made things more cohesive.” Orr took some onus, too. “It’s not just them,” he said. The first-year defensive play-caller asked what he could do better or if there was anything he could cut out to help solve why what they were doing in practice wasn’t translating into games. Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr, right, asked his players for constructive criticism soon after a win over the Bengals in early November. The unit’s turnaround since has been stark. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Over their first 10 games, the Ravens allowed an average of 25.3 points and 367.9 yards per game. Weeks 5 through 10, Baltimore’s strongest defensive performance was holding the Washington Commanders to 305 yards. Over those six weeks, the defense’s best day, in terms of total yards, was still worse than any game since the meeting that Harrison described as ushering in a “dramatic change.” The corner-turning stretch included three games giving up 21.7 points and 280 yards allowed per game. And of the 23 passing touchdowns scored against the Ravens defense, 22 of them happened before the meeting. Humphrey, Smith and Kyle Van Noy were some of the vocal leaders mentioned. “I think for certain guys, that hits home more,” Urban said, as it’s a different voice from the coaches they hear harp on issues every day. “Marlon, he was the one who said the energy thing,” Robinson said. “It was big for him, just playing with that energy. … When your boy makes a play run in there and hype him up. We all just feed off each other. I think it just makes us closer and makes us play with that swagger.” Humphrey picked off Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson in the back of the end zone days later. There was a little extra juice in his step as he got up. Robinson remembers everyone on the defense coming over to share in the elation. They’re chasing more moments like that, he said. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ playoff seeding to be determined by final 4 games, including Steelers rematch Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: How would you grade the Orioles’ signing of Tyler O’Neill? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens coach John Harbaugh mum on suspended WR Diontae Johnson Baltimore Ravens | Ravens roundtable: What are the biggest concerns as postseason nears? Baltimore Ravens | Shedeur Sanders embraces spotlight, accepts Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in Baltimore That’s part of the Ravens’ defensive standard, which Humphrey admitted after the Bengals loss he felt like they lost. “Something has got to change,” he said on Nov. 7. Baltimore has four more games on its regular-season schedule before the scintillating lights of playoff football. Two of which will be against top-12 scoring offenses. It remains to be seen whether 90 minutes on a Tuesday in November truly rewrites the Ravens’ season. But walking out of that room, something felt different. “For me,” Washington said, “I’m thinking like, ‘Damn, I need to do better. Imma go out there and let it out for these guys ’cause they’re gonna do the same thing for me.’ After that meeting, I’m like I’m gonna do whatever I can for the rest of the 10 guys knowing they’re gonna do the same thing.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. Week 15 Ravens at Giants Sunday, 1 p.m. TV: CBS Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: Ravens by 14 1/2 View the full article

A thick layer of clouds hung over the Ravens’ practice facility in Owings Mills as players returned to work Monday for the first time since their Dec. 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but it wasn’t an omen. At least not yet. “We’re excited to get back to work,” coach John Harbaugh said. “We have a four-game season in front of us right now. “The season kind of begins now. The season is important to determine the important outcomes for the rest of the way.” Even with a month remaining in the regular season, Baltimore’s playoff picture has become much clearer. Questions remain — about whether the defense has turned the corner, about the consistency of the offense, about the shocking and sudden unreliability of kicker Justin Tucker — but the path to the goal is obvious. How the Ravens will navigate it will play out in short order, particularly with three games in 11 days beginning Sunday against the New York Giants, ending with a Christmas blockbuster in Houston against the Texans and with a titanic and potentially season-altering AFC North showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 21 at M&T Bank Stadium in between. One thing that should help, at least, is that the Ravens are finally rested after playing 13 straight games before having the second-to-last bye week in the league. “We been playing for a long time now,” wide receiver Rashod Bateman said. “I think we all did need [the bye].” It gave players a chance to heal. That includes defense tackles Travis Jones, who has been playing through an ankle injury, and Michael Pierce, who late last month was designated to return from injured reserve from a calf injury that has kept him out since late October, as well as outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who missed the Eagles game with hamstring and back injuries. Bateman was nicked up, too, exiting the same game with a knee injury in the third quarter and not returning before practicing fully on Monday. The only players absent were suspended wide receiver Diontae Johnson and rookie safety Sanoussi Kane (hamstring). It also allowed for what a few players called a mental reset. Wide receiver Zay Flowers threw a pool party for family and friends in South Florida. Fellow receiver Nelson Agholor also retreated to the Sunshine State, heading home to Tampa while also getting some R&R in Miami. The message was clear once they returned. “I think everybody, without verbal communication, understands, ‘Hey let’s get back to work,’” Agholor said. “We’re trying to be better than we were the week before when we lost.” “I think everybody, without verbal communication, understands, ‘Hey let’s get back to work,’” Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor said. “We’re trying to be better than we were the week before when we lost.” (Kevin Richardson/Staff) For the coaching staff, the time provided them the opportunity to do a deeper dive, a self-scouting of what they feel is needed to get to where they want to go. “Everything that has to do with these next four weeks and past that is what we’re looking at in terms of finding ways to make plays, score points, get stops,” Harbaugh said. If the season ended today, the Ravens would be the No. 5 seed and travel to Houston to play the Texans in the wild-card round. Of course, had they not dropped five games by a combined 22 points, they could be vying for the top seed in the AFC for a second straight year. Instead, they are two games back of the Steelers in the division and have at least some work to do to lock up a wild-card spot. With the AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs at 12-1, which includes a win over the Ravens, Baltimore can forget about the top seed in the AFC. Next up are the AFC East champion Buffalo Bills and the North-leading Steelers, both at 10-3, with the Bills holding the No. 2 spot by virtue of strength of victory. There will be a lot of jockeying between the AFC South-leading Texans, Ravens, Chargers and Broncos all having the same record. According to ESPN Analytics, Baltimore has a 97.2% chance to make the playoffs, a 19.1% chance to win the AFC North and even lower odds for for securing the No. 2 seed (4.5%), No. 3 seed (12.4%) or No. 4 seed (2.2%). Yet, if they beat the Steelers — who have won eight of their past nine against Baltimore but also have a schedule that includes the 11-2 Eagles and 12-1 Kansas City Chiefs — in two weeks and win the rest of their games to finish 12-5, they could, with some help, capture the division, which would at least guarantee them a top-four seed and a first-round home playoff game. But with the Bills playing the New England Patriots twice and New York Jets once along with the 12-1 Detroit Lions this week, Baltimore can’t count on Buffalo winning fewer than 13 games. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | READER POLL: How would you grade the Orioles’ signing of Tyler O’Neill? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens coach John Harbaugh mum on suspended WR Diontae Johnson Baltimore Ravens | Ravens roundtable: What are the biggest concerns as postseason nears? Baltimore Ravens | Shedeur Sanders embraces spotlight, accepts Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in Baltimore Baltimore Ravens | Ravens bye week reset: Revisiting 5 storylines from this season That means the next-best outcome, barring any surprises, would likely be as the No. 3 seed as AFC North champs. Anything beyond a No. 4 seed, however, means having to hit the road and could mean a return trip to, most likely, Houston, Pittsburgh or Buffalo. But the Ravens aren’t worried about all of those scenarios. “We are worried about the playoffs but we’re not worried about what game is gonna get us there and the losses and this and that,” Bateman said. “We’re just worried about winning.” That starts this week against a woeful Giants team that has lost eight straight. “From here on out, there’s eight weeks left in the season,” Flowers said. “Four regular season, four to the Super Bowl.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Week 15 Ravens at Giants Sunday, 1 p.m. TV: CBS Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: Ravens by 14 1/2 View the full article

The Orioles on Saturday agreed to a three-year, $49.5 million contract with free agent outfielder Tyler O’Neill. The former Red Sox and Cardinals slugger is likely to slide into the middle of the lineup after he hit 31 home runs with 99 RBIs for Boston last season. We shared our thoughts on the move, and now we want you to tell us what you think. After you vote, tell us what you think by clicking the comments button and we might publish your take in The Baltimore Sun. The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To read the results of previous reader polls, click here. View the full article

Diontae Johnson remains a Raven — for now. Whether the wide receiver’s one-game suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team” for refusing to enter Baltimore’s Dec. 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles becomes a larger distraction, or if he’s even still with the team once it ends, remains to be seen. Either way, coach John Harbaugh had little to say about it Monday in Owings Mills after general manager Eric DeCosta’s statement last week during the bye announcing the suspension said there would be no further comment, even if there are still plenty of unanswered questions. “I think the statement said there would be no further comment on that so we’ll just kind of leave it at that and see where it goes,” Harbaugh said when asked if there was a path back to playing for Baltimore. In the short term, Johnson, whom the Ravens acquired from the Carolina Panthers in a swap of draft picks ahead of last month’s trade deadline, will not be available for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. But beyond that, would teammates even welcome back a player who refused to go into a game? Fellow wide receiver Zay Flowers said he would. “It ain’t a distraction,” he said. “That ain’t my decision to make. “Diontae still one of my guys. He one of our guys. I don’t really have much to say about it.” Receiver Rashod Bateman also said the situation wouldn’t become a distraction for Baltimore (8-5), which is currently the No. 5 seed in the AFC but still has a chance to win the AFC North with four games left. “Obviously we all know what happened,” said Bateman, who exited the Eagles game with a knee injury in the third quarter and did not return. “We all understand both sides. There’s consequences that come with this game. I know he’ll be back soon. It’s more so a situation for him to figure out more rather than me. He’ll figure it out and he’ll be back with us. “Everybody in here grown men. We all know we all got a task at hand individually and he knows that, too.” Johnson, however, has been seemingly unhappy with his role since joining the Ravens. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens roundtable: What are the biggest concerns as postseason nears? Baltimore Ravens | Shedeur Sanders embraces spotlight, accepts Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in Baltimore Baltimore Ravens | Ravens bye week reset: Revisiting 5 storylines from this season Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Does the offensive line need a shake-up? | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | READERS RESPOND: Here’s what fans are saying about replacing Ravens K Justin Tucker After leading the Panthers in receiving with 30 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns through the first seven weeks of the season, the 28-year-old one-time Pro Bowl selection has played sparingly for Baltimore. He has logged just 39 snaps on offense and has one catch for 6 yards across five games. Whether he adds to those numbers, becomes a lingering distraction or is released once the suspension is up isn’t clear, but players are trying to carry on as usual. “I been in this league long enough, man,” veteran wideout Nelson Agholor said when asked if the matter could derail the Ravens. “A lot of things has happened in my career. You still gotta do your job.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Week 15 Ravens at Giants Sunday, 1 p.m. TV: CBS Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: Ravens by 14 1/2 View the full article

The Ravens arrived at their bye week in need of a reset. Coming off a 24-19 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore is 8-5 and 1 1/2 games behind the first-place Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North. While the Ravens are a virtual lock to make the postseason — owning a 97% chance according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats — two losses in three games have raised concerns about the feasibility of a long-awaited Super Bowl run. With only four games left in the regular season, Baltimore Sun reporters Brian Wacker, Childs Walker and Sam Cohn and editor C.J. Doon answer questions about the most-scrutinized right leg in Charm City, the team’s biggest concerns entering the postseason, the AFC North race and what to expect from Lamar Jackson. Will Justin Tucker’s struggles lower the Ravens’ ceiling as a contender? Wacker: No. Of the various concerns the Ravens have, Tucker’s woes are climbing the ladder but are still not among the top two or three concerns. Baltimore’s pass rush has been better but is inconsistent. The defense, while improved, is not close to dominant. Cracks in the offensive line could be starting to form. And the offense still too often lets opponents off the hook (of which Tucker is certainly part of the problem). But if the Ravens don’t reach the Super Bowl, it won’t be because of Tucker’s struggles. Walker: Tucker’s inconsistency isn’t likely to be the nail in the Ravens’ coffin because kicking is a relatively small part of most games. But it’s yet another reason for them to get tense in big games, and that’s not what this team needs given its history of postseason disappointments. John Harbaugh acknowledged the other day that he’s already less apt to send Tucker in for an exceptionally long attempt, and that in turn could change the way the Ravens manage drives in close games. For years, they knew that as soon as they crossed midfield, they were close to scoring at least three points. That confidence is no longer there, and it does matter, as we saw against the Eagles. Cohn: Certainly, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make a run despite his struggles. Tucker is a coin flip from 50-plus yards and even worse from 40-49 the past three games. When points are a premium, his uncertainty of a single-season career-low 70% make rate can be a momentum killer. But lowering the Ravens’ ceiling isn’t a death knell for their Super Bowl aspirations. In 2022, the Kansas City Chiefs won with Harrison Butler converting a career-low 75%. The Green Bay Packers won in 2010 despite 78.6% from Mason Crosby. And in 1990, Matt Bahr made 73.9% of kicks en route to the New York Giants winning the Super Bowl. Doon: Could it end up being a blessing in disguise? Kicks from 40-plus yards are now tense moments rather than an opportunity for a bathroom break for Ravens fans. Maybe Tucker’s struggles force Harbaugh to be more aggressive and keep his offense on the field in opposing territory. If you surveyed opposing fans in the heat of the moment, most would prefer to see Tucker trot onto the field than Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Perhaps that makes the difference in the postseason. Aside from the kicking game, what is this team’s greatest concern as the postseason nears? Wacker: Pass rush. The Ravens’ 41 sacks are third-most in the NFL, but that doesn’t paint the full picture when it comes to getting to or pressuring the quarterback. In pass rush win rate — which measures how often a pass rusher is able to beat his block within 2.5 seconds — Baltimore ranks just 26th, per ESPN analytics. They’re also 20th in pressure percentage per dropback and 28th in hurry percentage, according to Pro Football Reference. They’ve been better of late, but 33-year-old outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who is tied for the team lead with eight sacks, has just one sack over his past five games and is now dealing with hamstring and neck injuries. Odafe Oweh, who also has eight sacks, continues to make progress but remains inconsistent. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike is well down from the 13 sacks he had last season with just five this year, and fellow interior disruptor Travis Jones has played through an ankle injury. The Ravens can scheme up pressure and are trending in a better direction than earlier in the season, but too often opposing quarterbacks have time to throw, and that will be a problem come the playoffs if it continues. Walker: Their seeming discomfort in grimy slugfests like the ones they lost to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Ever since their first Super Bowl season 24 years ago, the Ravens have gone into most games assuming they would be bigger and meaner than the opposition. They’re still a tremendous running team with a world-class finisher in Derrick Henry. Their defense still dishes out its share of vicious hits. But there’s a sense now that the Ravens are most comfortable in a shootout with their offense in a quick-strike flow state. If the score is tight, with penalties, turnovers and disruptive rushes throwing their elite offense out of rhythm, they seem to lose their way. They don’t always win the trench warfare on other side of the ball. Will this dynamic change if say, they pull out a tense win over the Steelers four days before Christmas? Perhaps. But for now, this is an atypical Ravens team. Cohn: The way the offensive line has fared against playoff-caliber teams isn’t particularly inspiring. They’ve accounted for 36 penalties for 284 yards. That’s 10 more penalties for 22 more yards than any other position group. It’s a hitch the offense can’t afford come the postseason. Doon: The offense’s recent dip is noteworthy. Over the past few weeks, the Ravens are generating fewer big plays, taking more sacks and not playing nearly as efficiently as they did during their record-setting start. Jackson is not without blame, either. Over the past three weeks, according to ESPN, Jackson is converting 28.6% of his pass attempts into first downs, which ranks 30th out of 33 passers. He’s missed some easy throws he usually makes. With less margin for error because of problems on defense and special teams, Jackson and the offense have to be nearly perfect to lead the Ravens to the Super Bowl. Right now, they aren’t. Is the Ravens’ defensive turnaround from the last few weeks for real? Wacker: Yes, but it had only one way to go, especially against the pass. Baltimore’s secondary has improved thanks to addition by subtraction, with Ar’Darius Washington taking over for now-benched safety Marcus Williams. All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton is being deployed more often on the back end, and cornerback Marlon Humphrey is playing well in the slot and outside. Still, don’t expect this defense to start playing like the 2023 version. The Ravens have also struggled mightily in takeaways. After recording a league-leading 31 last season, they rank 25th with a measly 11 this year. Recent adjustments by coordinator Zach Orr have the Ravens playing better defense. (Amy Davis/Staff) Walker: They really have tightened up their coverage on the back end, in part by simplifying their plan and in part by removing underperforming safeties Eddie Jackson and Marcus Williams. Coordinator Zach Orr has adapted his rotations and sets to make best use of his personnel, getting more cornerbacks on the field and switching linebackers based on game situations. We’ve seen it work against quality teams over the past month. Orr and his top players seemed genuinely dismayed after the Ravens surrendered 34 points and 470 yards in a Nov. 7 win over the Bengals. The frank meeting they held afterward and the culture of accountability flowing from it have led them to a better place. As Orr said recently, they still need to take the ball away more (and apply steadier pressure, he could have added). But the defense no longer feels like a reason they’d go in at a disadvantage against the AFC’s best. Cohn: It would’ve been hard to get worse, but it sure seems like this is more than a fluke — less because of the production and more because of how personnel changes align with the step forward. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr spent all season shuffling the back end. Communication was an issue, players said, but so was continuity. Since sticking with Ar’Darius Washington as a safety partner for Kyle Hamilton against the Steelers, the Ravens have allowed only one passing touchdown against three respectable offenses. And take this for what it’s worth, but Marlon Humphrey has been more transparent about the feeble group than anyone. After losing to the Eagles, he still felt like they’ve “turned that corner” even if “it’s not perfect.” Doon: It certainly feels like it is. We knew the defense was talented, so it’s not surprising to see the Ravens playing closer to their preseason expectations. Since Week 11, according to ESPN, Baltimore’s defense ranks eighth in expected points added per play after ranking 28th over the first 10 games. It was always going to take time for Orr to adjust and learn on the fly as a first-time play-caller. With the return of adviser Dean Pees and some notable personnel tweaks, the defense has stabilized, but it’s not going to become a true strength like it was in 2023. Will the Ravens win the AFC North, and does it matter? Wacker: No and yes. The Steelers will (probably) win at least three more games this season, which will get them to 12-5. The only way Baltimore can get to that is by running the table with wins over the Giants, Steelers, Texans and Browns. It’s not unfathomable the Ravens could sweep their remaining games, but that would mean figuring out a way to beat Pittsburgh, which has won eight of its past nine against Baltimore, including earlier this year in Pittsburgh. If both finish with the same record, things could get zany. The first tiebreaker for the division title is head-to-head record, followed by, if needed, best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division, best won-lost-tied percentage in common games, best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference and several more after that before landing on the 12th option: a coin toss. As for whether it will matter, it will if the Ravens have to go to Pittsburgh again, or Buffalo to play the Bills, in the first round. Walker: They have a better chance than meets the eye of making up their deficit in the division. The Ravens will likely be favored in each of their last four games, heavily against the Giants and the Browns. A Christmas visit to Houston won’t be easy, but they pack considerably more firepower than the Texans. So much will come down to that second meeting with the Steelers in Baltimore, and the guess here is the Ravens will finally turn the tables after losing eight of their past nine to Mike Tomlin’s crew. The Steelers also have dates upcoming against the Eagles and Chiefs, so it’s not hard to imagine them finishing 11-6. To the second part of the question, it’s not at all clear an AFC North title would increase the Ravens’ chances of making a deep postseason run. In fact, they might rather visit the Texans as a No. 5 seed than host the Steelers or Chargers as a No. 3 seed. As Lamar Jackson said after the Eagles loss, it will be far more important how they’re playing than where they’re seeded come January. Cohn: No, they will not. Yes, it matters, because it means they have to play another game in the playoffs to get where they want. And that game is very likely to be on the road against a team Baltimore has lot eight of its past nine meetings with. Those Pittsburgh Steelers can clinch the division with a win over the Ravens on Dec. 21. That outcome means a murky playoff path for the Ravens. Doon: Let me put on my tinfoil hat for a second. Don’t the Ravens want the No. 5 seed? That guarantees a wild-card matchup against the AFC South winner, which will be either the struggling Houston Texans or the inconsistent Indianapolis Colts. That seems preferable to a home game against either the Steelers, Chargers or Broncos. A divisional round matchup against the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium is also compelling given how vulnerable Kansas City looks right now. Home playoff games are great and AFC North champion flags fly forever, but in terms of the easiest path, the No. 5 seed looks tasty. (And to actually answer the question, yes, the Ravens go 4-0 down the stretch to finish 12-5 and the Steelers go 2-3 with losses to the Eagles, Ravens and Chiefs to slip to 11-6.) Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Shedeur Sanders embraces spotlight, accepts Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in Baltimore Baltimore Ravens | Ravens bye week reset: Revisiting 5 storylines from this season Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Does the offensive line need a shake-up? | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | READERS RESPOND: Here’s what fans are saying about replacing Ravens K Justin Tucker Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 14 of 2024 NFL season: Bills vs. Rams, Chargers vs. Chiefs and more Is Lamar Jackson really more ready than he ever has been to lead the Ravens into the postseason? Wacker: Yes. He has taken steps forward in both his leadership and with his ability, including his accuracy, decision making and ball security. But there are not 21 other Lamar Jacksons on the field for Baltimore. The pass defense has improved but is still not great. The pass rush has flashed but is still inconsistent at best. The offense still has too many spurts when it doesn’t finish off drives. Justin Tucker continues to miss too many kicks. The Steelers still find ways to frustrate Jackson and the Ravens. And even if Baltimore can navigate all of that, the Chiefs are still better, especially when it matters the most. Walker: Yes. He has greater command of the offense. He’s processing more efficiently, making fewer errors and connecting on more big-time throws than in any previous season. His running will become a greater weapon in the postseason. He’s seemingly healthy and energized for what’s to come. His teammates look to him as a north star. The Ravens might not break through this year, but Jackson appears as ready to lead them as he could possibly be. Cohn: Absolutely. Last week, we talked to quarterbacks coach Tee Martin, maybe the third-most qualified person to speak on the inner workings of Jackson’s mind, behind the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player himself and his mom. Martin corroborated what we’ve all seen. Jackson took leaps and bounds in the passing game after making it a priority in the offseason. And his mind is “on another level.” Last year, Jackson was a bit timid in voicing how he wanted to attack defenses. Jackson has been much more direct in putting his foot down — in the best way possible. That’s exactly what the Ravens need from Jackson if they’re going to make a postseason run. Doon: Of course. How can he not be? There’s been plenty of time for Jackson to learn from his mistakes and understand what defenses are trying to do to stop him. The only question is whether he can settle down and avoid hunting for big plays, which gets him and the offense out of rhythm. When the protection breaks down, he should rely on his legs to move the chains. There are few, if any, playmakers more dangerous than Jackson, and this season might be the best version of him. He’s ready. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

Most people’s memories of their experiences at 3 years old eventually escape them. But Shedeur Sanders’ is clear. Ray Lewis can stand out in that way. Deion Sanders, the star quarterback’s father and coach at Colorado, played the final two seasons of his Hall of Fame career with the Ravens in 2004 and 2005. Shedeur spent much of that time hanging out in the team’s locker room, watching Lewis and others get treatment after games alongside his father in his twilight years. “That was my favorite memory,” Sanders said, pausing to look to the ceiling of the Four Seasons Hotel ballroom in an attempt to recall more, “that I can kinda remember.” Sanders returned to Baltimore on Friday to accept the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, given annually to the top upperclassman quarterback in college football. It was another moment in the spotlight for the 22-year-old who’s spent nearly his entire football career in it. But such is life for the son of Deion Sanders, a reality Shedeur knows and has mastered how to prevent it from hurting his play on the field. “You know how my dad is — every day of his life is in the spotlight,” Sanders said. “Growing up that way and understanding the nuggets he dropped on us from Day 1, it helped us a lot.” Sanders was a three-star recruit out of Trinity Christian High School in Texas, where Deion Sanders was the team’s offensive coordinator. When Deion became coach at Jackson State, a historically Black college at the FCS level, in 2020, Shedeur followed and became the school’s fourth-highest rated recruit ever. The father-son and coach-quarterback tandem stuck together again and moved to Colorado to embark on reviving a dormant program. They needed just two seasons in Boulder to accomplish that. Now, Sanders is destined for the NFL and an expected top pick in April’s draft. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders holds the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award alongside, from left, John Unitas Jr., Gino Torretta and John Unitas III during a ceremony Friday in Baltimore. (Taylor Lyons/Staff) Sanders threw for 3,926 yards, a Colorado single-season record and third most nationally this season, leading the Buffaloes to their most victories in eight years and a five-win improvement from last season. His 35 passing touchdowns and 74.2% completion rate both rank second in the country. “This is a trophy that represents me going in the right path,” the senior quarterback said with Unitas memorabilia surrounding him on stage. “Knowing the history of the award and the player he was, it’s amazing that they picked me.” He’s already been named the Big 12 conference’s Offensive Player of the Year. Sanders is a finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award, also given to college football’s top signal caller. And he’s a possible finalist for the Heisman Trophy, although his teammate and two-way sensation Travis Hunter is the favorite to win. Sanders and Colorado will miss out on the College Football Playoff, but Deion Sanders said he expects both Shedeur and Hunter to play in the Buffaloes’ bowl game later this month. “As a quarterback, you carry the weight of the team on your shoulders,” said Gino Torretta, the 1992 Golden Arm winner and keynote speaker Friday. “You’ve demonstrated the qualities that make a quarterback great.” “There’s more to Shedeur than his statistics,” John Unitas Jr. said. “He’s known for his work ethic and commitment to community service. He actively participates in outreach initiatives and has become a role model for many, many athletes. This is something my father felt passionate about. “Candidates for the Golden Arm are judged not only for their athletic achievements, but also for their character, sportsmanship, integrity, citizenship, scholastic achievements, teamwork and leadership qualities. Shedeur clearly epitomizes all that my father envisioned.” Related Articles College Sports | Army-Navy Game 2024: President-elect Donald Trump reportedly to attend College Sports | Zion Elee, 5-star recruit from St. Frances, commits to Maryland football College Sports | No. 24 Army football wins AAC championship with 35-14 victory over Tulane College Sports | Navy football suddenly has quarterback depth College Sports | Big Ten and SEC are set to gobble up CFP bids. That could squeeze the ACC and other leagues. The trophy was first awarded in 1987, and the award ceremony moved to Baltimore in 2006. The Golden Arm Education Foundation awards scholarships to students in Maryland and Kentucky, where the former Baltimore Colts legend played college football at Louisville. Former winners include Peyton and Eli Manning, Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels. Sanders joins elite company, but isn’t ready to talk about it yet: “I got my own category,” he said through a grin. He’s on the precipice of joining them in the NFL, the final step of Sanders’ ascension that’s been accelerated — and perhaps at times stunted — by his polarizing father. Eight former Golden Arm winners are still playing in the league. “Soon to be nine,” Unitas Jr. said, turning away from the podium and toward the potential top draft pick to his left. “Right, Shedeur?” Have a news tip? Contact Taylor Lyons at tlyons@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/TaylorJLyons. View the full article

The Ravens arrive to the latest bye week in the NFL at 8-5, coming up on an ultra-important four-game stretch that will determine their playoff path to the promised land. There have been no shortage of snowballing narratives. League scriptwriters had fun this offseason. Here’s a look back at this year’s biggest Ravens storylines: Personnel drama The offensive line was a dominant thread of discourse throughout training camp. Departures of Morgan Moses (New York Jets) and Kevin Zeitler (Detroit Lions) raised questions about how the group up front, with three new starters, might fare in a season with Super Bowl aspirations. When one of those first-year starters, Daniel Faalele, got off to a rocky start at right guard, Ben Cleveland became a cult hero among the fan base. His support followed the backup quarterback trope; a mythical figure conjured up as the savior because he hasn’t played enough to show them otherwise. “If Ben had earned the job at right guard, he would be the starting right guard,” coach John Harbaugh said at the time. “You look at the tape, and he didn’t beat out Daniel or anybody.” The happy ending to this one is Faalele took steps forward, particularly in pass protection, even if his hands are still a work in progress, according to offensive line coach George Warhop. And Cleveland returned to the spotlight in Week 6 when he blocked a 52-yard field goal try before halftime against the Washington Commanders. The other piece of stirring personnel drama came on the other side of the trade deadline. Baltimore brought in wide receiver Diontae Johnson from Carolina. He was said to be slowly ramping up into the new offense. Playing his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, last month was thought to be his potential coming out party. It wasn’t. Then when Rashod Bateman was unable to play against Philadelphia because of knee soreness, that should have been Johnson’s chance. It wasn’t. A statement from the team credited to general manager Eric DeCosta announced that Johnson was suspended for one game for “conduct detrimental to the team” after refusing to enter Sunday’s loss to the Eagles. Mark Andrews’ usage Mark Andrews is on the precipice of becoming the Ravens’ all-time touchdown leader. In Week 7, he passed Todd Heap for the most receiving scores in franchise history. Then his end zone grab Sunday tied him with Jamal Lewis for first place in career touchdowns with 47. One more and he’ll stand alone in Baltimore’s record books. That kind of production — seven touchdowns in eight weeks — is a far cry from where he started the season, when some fans took to social media postulating that the veteran tight end might have moved to left tackle (he was the best blocking tight end in the NFL). His scoreless first five weeks, which included back-to-back games without a catch, sure made it look that way. Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has seven touchdown catches in the team’s last eight games. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) “I’m always trying and striving to be better,” Andrews said. “My main goal is to help this team win games, and whatever they ask me to do, I’m going to do that, and it’s just going to continue to get better and better, and that’s my goal.” Now, he’s got the team’s second-most touchdowns and third-most receiving yards, putting that discourse to rest. Dead-last defense Baltimore’s defense looked like it had fallen off a cliff. The triple-crown, league-leading group from a year ago spent much of this season being thrashed by opposing receivers. They were ranked No. 32 in the NFL in pass defense. They led the league in dropped interceptions. They were on the wrong side of the best single-game receiving performance this season: Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase strolling to 264 yards and three scores on 11 catches. As cornerback Marlon Humphrey put it, “The brand of defense we were playing, it’s disrespectful to be in this Ravens uniform and play like that.” It was the worst partner for the NFL’s top offense. Like Andrews, the defense turned a corner. It’s not reading too much into it, defensive coordinator Zach Orr agreed, to pinpoint a team film session after Chase’s tour de force. They’re now 26th in pass defense, having allowed only one passing touchdown in three weeks. Credit goes to finding continuity on the back end. Safety Marcus Williams hadn’t been playing up to snuff and got benched. Eddie Jackson was eventually released. Now All-Pro Kyle Hamilton has an every-week partner in Ar’Darius Washington. “We took a step in the right direction, definitely, from early in the season,” Orr said, “but there’s still a whole lot we can get better at.” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has thrown 29 touchdown passes this season, second-most in the NFL. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) MV3? After two losses in as many weeks to start the season, a third NFL Most Valuable Player Award for Lamar Jackson didn’t seem likely. Now at the bye, his odds have sputtered from superhero-like frontrunner to a participation trophy for having his name on the ballot. That’s less a knock on him as it is indicative of how well Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Eagles running back Saquon Barkley have been. But for a significant stretch, it felt like every postgame locker room scrum included a Raven canvassing for their quarterback as a way to explain yet another mystifying performance. Jackson has thrown for 3,290 yards and 29 touchdowns — both second in the NFL behind Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow. Jackson has also only coughed up three interceptions, the second-lowest mark of any starting quarterback this year. His step forward has been the driver for a potential third MVP conversation. “Last year,” quarterbacks coach Tee Martin said, “it’s like when you first start dating somebody. Like, ‘Can I believe what they’re saying? Is that right? I don’t see it that way, but we’re going to work it out.’ And then the second year, you’re like, ‘Yes, [Jackson] really sees that. He really knows exactly what he’s thinking, exactly what he’s doing, and he’s acting on it.’ “Last year he wasn’t so comfortable with saying, ‘This is what I want.’ This year he’s like, ‘No, I want it this way. This is how I want to do it.’ That’s just growth and development. Really proud of that from him.” Even if Jackson doesn’t bring home the MVP trophy to show for it, he’s playing the most well-rounded football of his career. Plus, he’s more worried about another shiny trophy. Sigh, Justin Tucker It’s the discourse nobody enjoys. Harbaugh hates fielding questions about it, Justin Tucker hates trying to articulate answers he doesn’t seem to have found himself and fans are coming to grips with what could be the beginning of the end for who many consider the NFL’s greatest kicker. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Does the offensive line need a shake-up? | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | READERS RESPOND: Here’s what fans are saying about replacing Ravens K Justin Tucker Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 14 of 2024 NFL season: Bills vs. Rams, Chargers vs. Chiefs and more Baltimore Ravens | How ‘soul searching’ meeting helped Ravens’ defense live up to franchise standard Baltimore Ravens | The Ravens’ offensive line faltered against the Eagles. Have worries resurfaced? Tucker has missed a career-high eight field goal attempts and knocked a pair of extra-point tries off the uprights. Nine of the 10 have hooked left. The first PAT sent play-by-play announcer Al Michaels’ cadence spiraling. Is it possible Fresno State special teams coordinator John Baxter has the answer? In an interview with SB Nation, the veteran college coach was adamant Baltimore’s snap and hold operation is “the envy of the league.” But the minutiae of his aging mechanics are leading to a left-leaning strike. “Everybody always wants there to be a reason,” Baxter told SB Nation. “There comes a point for all of us where performance is going to fall off. The biggest question for me is are we at that point?” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article