The Baltimore Ravens faced off against the New England Patriots in a Week 3 match-up that left many fans chanting “MVP” at Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. As Jackson kneeled out the final seconds of an important victory at Gillette Stadium, the chants rang loudly.
Patriots quarterback Mac Jones had a forgettable showing: tossing three interceptions, no touchdowns, and limping off the field with an ankle injury. On the contrary, Lamar Jackson added another reel of highlights to his impressive MVP campaign. Although Jackson was the star of the show once again, his co-stars deserve some recognition as the Ravens bested the Patriots in a hard fought 37-26 victory and looked great in all three phases of the game.
Harbaugh’s Ravens Take Care of Business Against the Patriots
Offense Like a Well-Oiled Machine
Lamar Jackson looked stellar. In Week 2, Jackson set the record for the most 100 yard rushing games by a quarterback, passing Michael Vick (10) with 11 all time. In Week 3, he added another game to the record, pushing his total to 12. Jackson, who is officially the greatest rushing quarterback of all time, ran for 107 yards on 11 attempts, while completing 18 of 29 passes and throwing for 219 yards. Ravens tight end Mark Andrews looked like a premier pass catcher, finishing with eight receptions for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Andrews looked unstoppable at times, leaping for balls and eluding defenders handily.
ANOTHER ONE 🔥🔥🔥
Tune in on FOX! pic.twitter.com/oFXuWYJfVh
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 25, 2022
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman also caught for a crucial 59 yards, the longest being a 35 yard reception. Promising young running back J.K. Dobbins carried the ball seven times for 23 yards in his season debut, one year after tearing his ACL, LCL, meniscus, and hamstring in the 2021 preseason. All in all, Jackson and the Ravens offense looked spectacular.
The Defense Could Use More Consistency
The Ravens defense looked stout at times and flimsy at others. Although giving up 156 receiving yards to DeVante Parker, Baltimore was able to force Patriots quarterback Mac Jones into throwing three big interceptions. Marcus Peters, Josh Bynes, and Marlon Humphrey all came away with an interception on the day. Rookie safety Kyle Hamilton was able to force a fumble, and Peters was able to do the same.
As far as the ground game goes, Baltimore gave up 145 yards rushing, but made stops when necessary. The Ravens’ defensive line was able to keep steady pressure on Mac Jones, forcing him to leave the pocket on multiple pass attempts and collecting three sacks. There were big improvements on the defensive side of the ball from Week 2 to Week 3, most notably playing until the final whistle.
ALL-PRO MARLO!!!!!!!!!!!
Tune in on FOX pic.twitter.com/jZgh4WRxg0
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 25, 2022
Special Teams Is Great Yet Again
Ravens wide receiver Devin Duvernay has been an electrifying player on special teams. After not having an opportunity to return a kickoff in Week 1, he returned the opening kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. Every time Duvernay touches the ball, expect fireworks. He has quickly become a fan favorite, and because of his dual-threat contributions as a wide receiver and a punt/kick returner, it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a regular part of the offense.
Devin Duvernay : 2 catches for 25 yards & a TD; 1 kick return for 25 yards & 2 punt returns for 55 yards pic.twitter.com/cbhRklNVrL
— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) September 25, 2022
In Week 3 against the Patriots, Duvernay had 55 punt return yards, including a thrilling 43 yard scamper. He only had one kick return opportunity for a total of 25 yards. Duvernay is already becoming a legitimate weapon because of his sure-hands in addition to his return skills. Even though he only caught two passes in Week 3, one of them was a beautiful grab in the back right corner of the end zone. Duvernay is playing at a level that will surely move him up the depth chart, and Lamar Jackson seems to be taking notice.
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