Week 4, Ravens @ Broncos

Ravens win week 3 on the leg of Justin Tucker kicking an NFL record 66 yard FG as time expired. Tucker's historic night overshadows something scary. No, not the belief that the clock expired and Baltimore wasn't called for a penalty. The scary thing that many likely didn't notice was that Lamar Jackson was throwing accurate lasers all game long. Yes, he had a bad INT on a play he forced, but anybody that watched that game saw a ridiculous level of accuracy not seen from a Ravens QB since......ever. If you don't believe it, I challenge you to go back and watch that game. Lamar is sitting at over 350 passing yards and another 2-3 TDs if his receivers hold on to passes that hit their hands. Lamar playing like he did Sunday, with his receivers actually holding on to the ball, with his ability to run and a Greg Roman run scheme will make this offense incredibly hard to stop.

And they will get a chance to prove their ability this weekend against a Broncos defense that's currently considered the best my some. #2 in yards allowed, #1 in points allowed, and at home. This will be a tough outting for the Ravens offense. On the other side, Teddy Bridgewater has been very efficient so far this year. Throwing a ridiculous 76% completion or better in all three games played so far, with 4 passing TDs and 0 INTs, Bridgewater is getting the job done without hindering his team at all. Against a Ravens defense that has been struggling to get stops on defense, and shooting themselves in the foot on offense, this might be a great matchup for Denver.

But Baltimore will be getting some reinforcements. On defense, Justin Houstin, Justin Madubuike, and Brandon Williams, and Jaylon Ferguson should all be available to return by Sunday, which is great since Daelin Hayes will be the next Ravens player going to IR.. On the other side, rookie WR Rashod Bateman and Miles Boykin have will return to practice this week and have a chance to play Sunday. Bateman was widely considered the best WR in training camp and Boykin is the best downfield blocking WR on the team, and both will be decent redzone threats. Of course there's no guarantee either player is available this week, but I hope they are ready to go.

My prediction on who wins is obvious, but I'll say one thing. If Baltimore needs a a FG of 66 yards or less to win, I'll have complete faith in Justin Tucker, especially in the Denver altitude.

LET'S GO, RAVENS

 

Don't be fooled by the fact that the Broncos are undefeated. They're 3-0 against three winless teams.

You won't need Justin Tucker this week.

 

I actually agree with you, but you know what they say about only being able to play the teams on their schedule. The question will be just how good is their defense and how does our o-line hold up against their d-line. This will be the most important matchup imo. Lamar has been pushing the ball downfield this year. In fact, according to next gen stats he leads the league in average air yards and thr #2 QB isn't close. But if he doesn't get the time to throw it could be a long day for the passing game

 

That's the most relevant question in any football game. One of the oldest cliché's in football is, "Games are won or lost in the trenches." It was true 100 years ago and it's still true today.

YTD, The Ravens are averaging a little over 185 yds/game rushing and have surrendered 8 sacks. The Broncos average 127 yds/game and have surrendered 7 sacks (again against 3 winless teams).

I repeat: You won't need Justin Tucker this week.

 

This makes me wonder whether or not I need to change my pick ems up and take the Broncos...

 

Go ahead !!! I could use some company off of the Leader Boards.

 

lol

I'm doing alright in the pick ems, but my handicapper year has been a disaster so far. I think I've only hit on three out of 9 picks.

Unless I get some wins stacked up soon I'll be buying the beer again at the next draft.

 

Here's an interesting article on Lamar's first 1000 passes vs other QBs, historically and currently, first 1000 passes. For anyone that wants to read a different perspective of Lamar Jackson. EDIT: the below part should be a link. If it doesn't work, let me know

Lamar Jackson’s FIRST 1000 passes mark NFL’s greatest QB start ever — seriously

 

Well, Bateman and Boykin won't be activated for tomorrow's game, but Le'Veon bell will be there. Bell has been brought up from the practice squad

 

Not sure if I mentioned it previously somewhere, but a win today will mean Lamar has beaten every other AFC team as a starter

 

Oweh looks like such a promising player. People had a lot to say about his 0 sacks last season in college, but ignored the pressures he got. Those have became sacks and turnovers this season.

Also not sure how Ty'son ends up being the RB that inactive. Giving too much respect to vets just because it seems

 

the catch that hollywood made, was the result of pure speed, he ran that thing down

 

I am surprised that the yellow hankie didn't come flying on Chuck's hit on that receiver. He absolutely DESTROYED him.

 

Honestly, probably should have been a penalty. You could hear the helmets hit.

Also Bridgewater in concussion protocol.

 

Backup QB's seem to hurt us, and Teddy was being smacked around in the 1st half. Let us see if this D can take advantage.

 

Villenueva hurt actually sucks

 

Ravens in jeopardy of not getting 100 rushing yards for the first time in 40+ games. They are currently 1 game shy of the all time record

 

Ravens with 97 rush yards on the 2 yard line lol. Unless there's an offensive penalty, the 100 rushing yards per game streak ends today.

Meanwhile, Lamar averaging over 14 yards per completion

 

Wow. An INT with 3 seconds left and Baltimore runs it for the record! Getting 102 yards and tying the record

 

Lamar now has the record for fastest QB to beat the other teams in his conference. He has qlso beaten every NFC opponent He's faced but has 5 he hasn't played. He plays 3 this season and the last 2 next season. Has a chance to be the fastest to beat every team outside of the one he was drafted by.