🏈 Back from the Brink: Lamar Jackson Sparks Ravens’ Second-Half Charge After Rousing Win Against the Dolphins
Just when it felt like the Baltimore Ravens were ready to be written off, they’ve clawed their way back into the conversation. The return of Lamar Jackson has been the spark they desperately needed, especially after their convincing victory in the Dolphins vs Ravens matchup, and suddenly, this team looks like a serious contender again.
Rising from the Canvas
It was a scary few weeks. As recently as last weekend, with Jackson still sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Ravens were staring down a possible 1-6 record. But credit goes to backup Tyler Huntley, who held the line and secured the win against Chicago. Then came the big one: Jackson returned on Thursday night and lit up Miami for four touchdown passes in a convincing 28-6 victory over the Dolphins.
Coach John Harbaugh didn’t mince words about the last two games. “They were absolute must-wins,” he said. He praised the team for stepping up with their “backs to the wall—on the canvas,” and getting back up. The damage isn’t entirely erased—they’re still 3-5—but as Harbaugh pointed out, “we were four games under .500,” and now they’re only two.
They’re now creeping up on AFC North leader Pittsburgh (4-3) and, crucially, their next four opponents are a combined 9-22. The schedule is a gift.
The Cavalry Has Arrived
Not long ago, Baltimore’s injury report was a nightmare, with All-Pros like Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, Ronnie Stanley, and Patrick Ricard all out alongside Jackson. Now, almost every cornerstone player is back and healthy, making the situation look significantly brighter.
Even Jackson knows they’ve been in a hole. “Usually, we start off winning games,” he admitted. “But right now, we’re behind, and we all have to step it up.”
What’s Cooking on Offense
With Lamar at the helm for four full games, the offense has exploded for 139 points. Jackson’s passer rating is a blistering 136.7, and he’s got a deep arsenal of weapons. The tight end trio of Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar had a massive day against Miami, combining for 105 yards and three touchdowns. The success in the Dolphins vs Ravens game highlighted the effectiveness of getting the tight ends the ball on play-action plays behind the linebackers, as Harbaugh noted. Rookie wideout Zay Flowers has also been stellar, sitting third in the AFC with 550 receiving yards.
Where They Still Need Help
The major concern lies in the trenches. The Ravens haven’t been dominant on either the offensive or defensive line. Despite Derrick Henry being on pace for over 1,000 rushing yards, the team has sometimes struggled to take control of games on the ground, and short-yardage situations have been a baffling problem.
On defense, they’re feeling the loss of defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, who is out for the season with a neck injury. His absence has hurt both their run defense and their ability to rush the passer. These two must-win performances might just give the front office the push they need to be aggressive at the trade deadline for some help.
Quick Takes
- Punter Power: Punter Jordan Stout’s stock is way up, ranking second in the league with 46 net yards per punt, including some clutch kicks in tight spots.
- Missing the Ball: Wide receiver Rashod Bateman hasn’t been a major part of the passing game this year, with only 15 catches so far (down from 45 last season), though he did score a touchdown against Miami.
- The Turnover Truth: The simplest key to their season is turnovers. They are plus-6 in their three victories and a dismal minus-9 in their five defeats. If they want a playoff spot, they have to show they can avoid game-changing mistakes against top competition.
- Injury Watch: Tackle Ronnie Stanley’s ankle continues to be a worry. While he’s missed only one full game, his effectiveness is crucial and his injury history makes it a lingering concern.
The Ravens now get a brief rest before hitting the road for two more games: at Minnesota on November 9th and at Cleveland on November 16th.
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