The Baltimore Ravens lost 42-38 to a Miami Dolphins side that overcame a 21-point deficit for the win. The loss means that the Ravens now sit at 1-1, having beaten the New York Jets in Week 1. Here is a roundup of all the Baltimore Ravens news from Week 2 as John Harbaugh’s side looks to rebound against the New England Patriots in Week 3.
Baltimore Ravens News Roundup: Week 3, Injuries and Jason Pierre-Paul
Week 2 Recap
The Ravens gave up a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter that allowed the Dolphins to steal a win. Most fans have criticised the defense for the late collapse, as they allowed Tyreek Hill to exploit blown coverage on multiple occasions in the closing quarter.
The secondary was a particular point of concern for the team. Though Marcus Williams has now accrued three picks in two games, his fellow defensive backs have yet to see the same production. With Marlon Humphrey injured and Kyle Fuller landing on IR in Week 1, Marcus Peters was the only starting-calibre cornerback on the field. Rookies Jalyn Armour-Davis and Damarion ‘Pepe’ Williams also played but were no match for Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
The pass-rush was also weak. It was a concern during the offseason due to the lack of depth at the position. However, Week 1’s solid performance from the defensive line suggests promise. Through the season, a better picture will be painted of the young group.
Offensively, Lamar Jackson did all that he could. To the benefit of his fantasy owners, Jackson was 21-of-29 for 318 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed nine times for 119 yards and a touchdown. Through the air and ground, the 2019 MVP was a threat, and has only increased his value in contract talks through his performances so far.
Rashod Bateman led the team in receiving yards while Mark Andrews led the team in targets and receptions. Bateman has shown good route-running ability so far and is carving out a good role as the WR1 on this team. Andrews, meanwhile, once again demonstrated why he is an elite tight end, bouncing back from a disappointing Week 1. Both players caught for over 100 yards, and each snagged a touchdown too.
J.K. Dobbins’ Expected Return
The run-game against the Dolphins was malnourished yet again. It was the main disappointment for the otherwise-productive offense. Most of the team’s rushing yards came from Jackson, while the team’s running backs managed just 33 yards between them (over 15 carries). Part of this is to do with the weak interior of the offensive line but part of it is also down to the absence of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. Dobbins is expected to finally be back in action in Week 3.
Dobbins missed the entirety of the 2021 season but had shown promising flashes in his rookie year. The team are relying on Dobbins to be the feature back in the offense, with Edwards expected to take short-yardage situation when he returns.
Injury Roundup: Lamar Jackson, Steven Means and Josh Ross
During the open portion of practice on Wednesday, it was sighted that Jackson was wearing an elbow brace on his throwing arm. After the practice, he told the press that he was fine. It is alleged that Jackson injured his elbow during a throw against the Dolphins as he hit a helmet. He was listed as a limited participant in training on Wednesday but a full participant on Thursday. Expect him to play in Week 3.
The Thursday injury report also saw Devin Duvernay and Marlon Humphrey return to training. Humphrey is a particularly welcome return after the Ravens struggled against the Dolphins receivers last week.
In other injury news, both Steven Means and Josh Ross landed on IR. Means injured his Achilles, while Ross injured his foot after playing 18 special teams snaps against the Dolphins.
Ross was the only undrafted rookie that made the Ravens’ 53-man roster after a standout preseason and training camp.
With the Ravens already thin at outside linebacker, the loss of Means leaves a rotational roster spot. The Ravens signed Jason Pierre-Paul to a one-year deal to provide extra depth. He had a solid year for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and could be a candidate to start in Week 3 or 4 if he performs well.
The Ravens also signed Brandon Copeland to the practice squad after releasing Kyler Fackrell. The 31-year-old has served as an inside and outside linebacker throughout his NFL career. He grew up as a fan of the Ravens and started his career with them too.
Week 3 Preview
Week 3 sees the Ravens take on the Patriots. The Patriots are currently 1-1. They lost 20-7 to the Dolphins in Week 1 but were able to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-14 in Week 2.
Truthfully, this seems to be a good matchup for Baltimore. The Patriots have a weak receiving corps that will likely be unable to test the tough Baltimore secondary. In fact, very little has been going well for Bill Belichick’s team on the offensive side of the ball. The fact that the team have not scored over 20 points in both matchups is alarming.
Defensively, the Patriots have been solid. They managed three sacks and an interception against Mitch Trubisky. They also sacked Tua Tagovailoa three times in their Week 1 loss. With the Ravens’ weak offensive line play of late, the Patriots could have a good time generating pressure on Jackosn. Sacking Jackson is a different story than sacking Trubisky and Tagovailoa, however…
Given the matchup and the calibre of the teams, most pundits and fans expect the Ravens to come away from this game with a win. Never count out Belichick though.
