Ravens Insider: Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 56-19 win over Dolphins | COMMENTARY

ExtremeRavens · December 31, 2023

Here’s how the Ravens (13-3) graded out at each position after a 56-19 win over the Miami Dolphins (11-5) in Sunday’s Week 17 game at M&T Bank Stadium.

Quarterback

Lamar Jackson completed 18 of 21 passes for 321 yards and five touchdowns to finish with a perfect passer rating of 158.3 for the second time in his career. He was unstoppable on every type of pass imaginable, but a key for the postseason is his ability to connect on the deep ball. Jackson completed passes of 23, 75, 35, 33 and 19 yards Sunday. There were times when his receivers were wide-open, but that doesn’t make a difference. They’ve been open before and he couldn’t connect. On Sunday, that was a major difference in the game and it will be an even bigger one heading into the postseason. Grade: A

Running backs

The Ravens pounded the Dolphins’ defense with a steady dose of Gus Edwards, who had 68 yards on 16 carries. His success set up the play-action game, but the Ravens also took apart Miami with Justice Hill coming out of the backfield. Hill had 48 yards on three carries and five receptions for 64 yards. He also had a 78-yard kickoff return to open the second half that set up a touchdown. Miami never adjusted to Hill coming out of the backfield and running wheel routes. Grade: A

Receivers

The Ravens ran every route in the passing tree, from deep verticals to short crossing routes to slow drifters into the flats, and everything was open. They averaged 17.9 yards per reception. Hill led the team in catches, while Rashod Bateman had four receptions for 54 yards, rookie Zay Flowers had a 75-yard touchdown catch-and-run and Odell Beckham Jr. hauled in a highlight-reel 33-yard pass near the goal line. Tight end Isaiah Likely had two touchdown catches, including a brilliant one-handed grab for a 35-yard score in the second quarter. There were times when the Dolphins weren’t in the same zip code as the Ravens’ receivers. Grade: A

Offensive line

Jackson had time to eat lunch, have a drink and get his car from the valet service, and this was against one of the better pass rushing teams in the NFL. The Ravens were without starting right guard Kevin Zeitler, but replacement Ben Cleveland did well, especially getting into the second level. Both starting tackles, Morgan Moses and Ronnie Stanley, played well for the second straight week, and the Ravens kept Miami from getting inside pressure. Miami had only one sack and two quarterback hits. However, left guard John Simpson seems to average about two penalties per game. That has to stop. Grade: A

Ravensxe2x80x99 Trenton Simpson, right, runs back a Dolphins fumble in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
$Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Trenton Simpson picks up a Dolphins fumble in the...$
Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Trenton Simpson picks up a Dolphins fumble in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Ravens Melvin Gordon III, top, dives into the end zone over Dolphins\xe2\x80\x99 DeShon Elliott for a touchdown n the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
$Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, runs against Dolphins\xe2\x80\x99 David...$
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, runs against Dolphins\xe2\x80\x99 David Long, right, in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh sacks Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the fourth quarter Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
$Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Justice Hill runs for 41-yards against the Dolphins in...$
Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Justice Hill runs for 41-yards against the Dolphins in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens Melvin Gordon III runs for a gain in the 4th quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Dolphinsxe2x80x99 Zach Sieler, top, strips the ball from Ravens running back Gus Edwards for a fumble in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa slides into a bunch of Ravens in the 4th quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa slides into a bunch of Ravens in the 4th quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens Melvin Gordon III pushes through for a gain in the 4th quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens Melvin Gordon III pushes through for a gain in the 4th quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
$Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Justice Hill, left, catches and runs for 23-yards against...$
Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Justice Hill, left, catches and runs for 23-yards against Dolphins\xe2\x80\x99 Duke Riley in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens Melvin Gordon III pushes through for a gain in the 4th quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker adds the point after try to the board as outside linebacker Tavius Robinson and Miami Dolphins defensive back Elijah Campbell watch during the fourth quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards looks for a hole as he picks up yardage in the 4th quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
$Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Justin Madubuike , top, sacks Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa...$
Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Justin Madubuike , top, sacks Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens Odafe Oweh, left, and Justin Madubuike celebrate after sacking Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the 4th quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, left, catches a 25-yards pass for a first down against Dolphins\xe2\x80\x99 DeShon Elliott in the first quarter. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Musical group All Time Low perform during halftime of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Baltimore Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of the Miami Dolphins. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce drags down Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa who throws the ball away to avoid being sacked during the second quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens Justice Hill breaks free for a 41-yard run in the 4th quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely dives into the end zone dragging Miami Dolphins DeShon Elliott for a touchdown in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman catches a deep pass from Lamar Jackson before dropping the ball against the ground in the first quarter. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce reacts after stopping Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) during the second quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
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\\tpbalhc\\ applauds the team offense against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers catches a pass by quarterback Lamar Jackson for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith ruturns an interception between Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (23) and wide receiver Braxton Berrios during the second quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh reacts when replays show that wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. made a successful catch against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar sprints onto the field after the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Miami Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar is congratulated by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after Baltimore Ravens defeated the Miami Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar is congratulated by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after Baltimore Ravens defeated the Miami Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson looks at a stadium edition of the Baltimore Sun following the Ravens win over the Miami Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson congratulates Charlie Kolar on the sidelines after he scored in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Miami Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
$Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Patrick Queen, top, wrestles the ball away from Dolphins\xe2\x80\x99...$
Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Patrick Queen, top, wrestles the ball away from Dolphins\xe2\x80\x99 Jeff Wilson for an incomplete pass in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
$Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Ronald Darby, left, upends Dolphins\xe2\x80\x99 Jeff Wilson after a...$
Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Ronald Darby, left, upends Dolphins\xe2\x80\x99 Jeff Wilson after a catch in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
$Baltimore Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Ronnie Stanley, right, celebrates teammate Isaiah Likely\xe2\x80\x99s touchdown...$
Baltimore Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Ronnie Stanley, right, celebrates teammate Isaiah Likely\xe2\x80\x99s touchdown against the Dolphins in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
With a successful afternoon of scoring under his belt, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson leaps for joy as backup quarterback Tyler Huntley connects with rookie tight end Charlie Kolar for his first professional touchdown during the fourth quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers scores a 75-yards touchdown in front of Dolphins\xe2\x80\x99 DeShon Elliott in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
With a successful afternoon of scoring under his belt, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson leaps for joy as backup quarterback Tyler Huntley connects with rookie tight end Charlie Kolar for his first professional touchdown during the fourth quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers scores a 75-yards touchdown against the Dolphins in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8), taking the rest of the game off with wide receiver Zay Flowers (4), celebrates with backup quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) who connected with tight end Charlie Kolar for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Ravens defenders celebrate in the end zone following an interception by Ravens Geno Stone in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Miami Dolphins 56-19 on at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
With the game in hand, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) and wide receiver Zay Flowers react after quarterback Tyler Huntley connects with tight end Charlie Kolar for his first career touchdown during the fourth quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Ravens fan Shawn Means holds up a stadium edition of the Baltimore Sun following the Baltimore Ravens 56-19 win over the Miami Dolphins on New Year\xe2\x80\x99s Eve at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens Patrick Ricard takes a selfie with fans following the Baltimore Ravens 56-19 win over the Miami Dolphins on New Year\xe2\x80\x99s Eve at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Ravens fan Keon Fisher holds up a stadium edition of the Baltimore Sun following the Baltimore Ravens 56-19 win over the Miami Dolphins on New Year\xe2\x80\x99s Eve at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
$Baltimore Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Patrick Ricard, right, catches a 4-yards touchdown pass...$
Baltimore Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Patrick Ricard, right, catches a 4-yards touchdown pass against the Dolphins in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson reacts at the conclusion of the game against the Miami Dolphins during an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh holds a newspaper that reads "AFC\'s Best" during an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson (30) holds the football, celebrating his interception of a Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa pass with cornerback Ronald Darby (28) and outside linebacker Tavius Robinson (95) during the fourth quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
$Baltimore Ravens fans chanted \\MVP" while one held a sign...$
Baltimore Ravens fans chanted \\MVP" while one held a sign calling for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson to win most valuable player during the fourth quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) gets sacked by Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh during the fourth quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens fans react to an interception of a pass by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during the fourth quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson makes a completion against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones (98) and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike celebrate a sack by outside linebacker Odafe Oweh (right) of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, behind, during the fourth quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore. The Ravens became the AFC North champions, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 56-19 drubbing of Miami. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens Patrick Ricard celebrates his 4th quarter touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Miami Dolphins 56-19 on New Year\xe2\x80\x99s Eve at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Dec. 31, 2023: The Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson throws a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens Patrick Ricard and quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrate a 4th quarter touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Miami Dolphins 56-19 on New Year\xe2\x80\x99s Eve at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens Patrick Ricard and quarterback Lamar Jackson celebrate a 4th quarter touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Miami Dolphins 56-19 on New Year\xe2\x80\x99s Eve at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens Patrick Ricard celebrates his 4th quarter touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Miami Dolphins 56-19 on New Year\xe2\x80\x99s Eve at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens Patrick Ricard scores a 4th quarter touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Miami Dolphins 56-19 on New Year\xe2\x80\x99s Eve at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
$Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, left, shows the AFC\xe2\x80\x99s Best...$
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, left, shows the AFC\xe2\x80\x99s Best headline newspaper to Rashod Bateman, right, after beating the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium.
$Ravens head coach John Harbaugh shows the AFC\xe2\x80\x99s Best headline...$
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh shows the AFC\xe2\x80\x99s Best headline newspaper after beating the Dolphins 56-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., #3, hauls down a pass just yards from the end zone as Miami Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou defends during the second quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore Sunday Dec. 31, 2023. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Patrick Queen, #6, watches inside linebacker Roquan Smith haul in an interception of a Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa pass during the second quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore Sunday Dec. 31, 2023. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith returns an interception past Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr., #23, and wide receiver Braxton Berrios during the second quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore Sunday Dec. 31, 2023. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers reacts after a touchdown reception against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore Sunday Dec. 31, 2023. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, #4, cuts behind a stumbling Miami Dolphins cornerback Eli Apple to score a touchdown during the second quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore Sunday Dec. 31, 2023. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., #3, hauls down a pass just yards from the end zone as Miami Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou defends during the second quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore Sunday Dec. 31, 2023. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8, scrambles for yardage as Miami Dolphins linebacker Duke Riley (45) pursues during the second quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore Sunday Dec. 31, 2023. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, #80, dives to the pylon, scoring a touchdown in front of Miami Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott (21) during the second quarter of an AFC matchup of NFL football in Baltimore Sunday Dec. 31, 2023. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely dives into the end zone dragging Miami Dolphins DeShon Elliott for a touchdown in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
The Baltimore Ravens wide receiver ..Rashod Bateman dives for a pass but was unable to make a catch in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
The Baltimore Ravensxe2x80x99 Lamar Jackson throws a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
The Baltimore Ravensxe2x80x99 Justice Hill catches a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Ravens running back Justice Hill catches a touchdown pass in the first quarter Sunday against the Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
The Baltimore Ravensxe2x80x99 Justice Hill catches a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
$The Baltimore Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Justice Hill catches a touchdown pass in...$
The Baltimore Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Justice Hill catches a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
The Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald is with Roquan Smith before a game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
The Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is on the field before a game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
The Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald looks on before a game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
The Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh runs on the field before a game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
The Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson warms up before a game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
The Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson warms up before a game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
The Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson warms up before a game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo)
Eric DeCosta, executive vice president and general manager of the Baltimore Ravens during pregame for an AFC matchup of NFL football against the Miami Dolphins in Baltimore Sunday Dec. 31, 2023. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Still unable to play because of an injury, Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews chats with fullback Patrick Ricard during pregame for an AFC matchup of NFL football against the Miami Dolphins in Baltimore Sunday Dec. 31, 2023. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens fans shout for quarterback Lamar Jackson who enters to practice during pregame for an AFC matchup of NFL football against the Miami Dolphins in Baltimore Sunday Dec. 31, 2023. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Nursing an injury, Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews watches pregame for an AFC matchup of NFL football against the Miami Dolphins in Baltimore Sunday Dec. 31, 2023. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout poses for fans during pregame for an AFC matchup of NFL football against the Miami Dolphins in Baltimore Sunday Dec. 31, 2023. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice seen during player introductions before an NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and the Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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Defensive line

Miami averaged 6.2 yards on 25 carries. The Dolphins stayed with their philosophy of running off the perimeter and using a lot of toss plays. The Ravens didn’t get much help from end Jadeveon Clowney and tackle Justin Madubuike in slowing Miami down. Madubuike finished with five tackles, including a sack, and nose tackle Michael Pierce had three tackles, including one pressure, before exiting to be evaluated for a head injury. Miami finished with 154 rushing yards, but the Ravens were able to make adjustments after being gashed early. De’Von Achane had just 21 rushing yards in the second half. Grade: C

Linebackers

Middle linebacker Roquan Smith led this group with seven tackles and had a great one-handed interception. The Ravens always seemed to be a step behind the Miami receivers or tight ends over the middle in the first half but adjusted well in the second. Weakside linebacker Patrick Queen finished with six tackles. Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy had a sack and so did Odafe Oweh, but overall it was a strong game by this usually stellar group. Grade: C+

Secondary

The Ravens gave up 237 passing yards and 375 yards of total offense, but they were missing injured safety Kyle Hamilton and cornerback Brandon Stephens. They were also without cornerback Marlon Humphrey after he exited with a calf injury in the first half. The Ravens were forced to play with reserves such as safety Geno Stone and cornerbacks Rock Ya-Sin and Daryl Worley, though Stone led the team with eight tackles and recorded his sixth interception of the season. Cornerback Arthur Maulet, another reserve, finished with five tackles. Grade: B-

Special teams

Jordan Stout averaged 35.5 yards on two punts, and the Ravens didn’t have to use kicker Justin Tucker except for extra points. Hill had a 78-yard kickoff return to open the third quarter and averaged 50.5 yards on two returns. The Ravens allowed three kickoff returns for a total of 74 yards, including one of 32 by Braxton Berrios. Baltimore won this phase of the game as well. Grade: B+

Coaching

There was concern about a letdown after the Ravens had a short week following such a physical game against San Francisco on Monday night, but they were even more dominant against Miami. This was their best game of the year. Defensively, they got off to a slow start, but coordinator Mike Macdonald made adjustments in the second half, especially with the linebackers in coverage. Offensively, coordinator Todd Monken was way ahead of his counterpart, Miami defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. The Dolphins privately complained about the Ravens running up the score, but that’s on them. Make a stop. Grade: B+

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Ravens Insider: Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 56-19 win over Dolphins | COMMENTARY

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