{"id":135813,"date":"2022-10-06T11:00:28","date_gmt":"2022-10-06T15:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=135813"},"modified":"2022-10-06T11:42:34","modified_gmt":"2022-10-06T15:42:34","slug":"baltimore-ravens-news-roundup-week-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/10\/06\/baltimore-ravens-news-roundup-week-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Baltimore Ravens News Roundup Entering Week 5"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Baltimore Ravens fell to 2-2 after the Buffalo Bills<\/a> earned a 23-20 win to go 3-1 on the season. It was the second time this season that the Ravens gave up a big lead to allow their opponent back into the game. After the frustrating loss, John Harbaugh\u2019s side faces the improving Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> in Week 5. Without further ado, here is the Baltimore Ravens news roundup heading into the divisional clash.<\/p>\n

ICYMI:\u00a0<\/strong>Last Week’s Baltimore Ravens News Roundup<\/a><\/p>\n

Baltimore Ravens News Roundup: J.K. Dobbins\u2019 Return, Odafe Oweh Developing, Injury Update<\/h2>\n

Week 4 Recap<\/h3>\n

The loss to the Bills was a grave disappointment for the Ravens. Baltimore dominated in the first half of the ball game, earning themselves a 20-3 lead. However, towards the end of the half, Josh Allen\u2019s offense found some rhythm and scored 20 unanswered points to take the victory. This marked the second time this season that the Ravens have given up a big lead. Against the Miami Dolphins<\/a> in Week 2, Baltimore gave up a 21-point lead<\/a> in the fourth quarter and lost the game 42-38.<\/p>\n

Overall Performance<\/h4>\n

While the defense was blamed for conceding the comeback against the Dolphins, this time the offense was blamed for not finishing the Bills off when they had the chance.<\/p>\n

On the game, Lamar Jackson completed 20 of 29 for 144 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He added 73 yards on the ground via 11 rushing attempts. Baltimore\u2019s reliance on Jackson\u2019s elite talent has led to many supporting his MVP campaign<\/a>. It was generally a solid performance against the Bills but was ultimately not enough. Jackson had Buffalo by the throat during the first half \u2013 they could not keep up with his arm or legs.<\/p>\n

Defensively, the Ravens were stout for most of the game. They had a superb start as Marlon Humphrey intercepted Allen early on. In total, the defense managed one forced fumble (and recovery) and one sack on the game and Kyle Hamilton showed some promise<\/a>. Perhaps the most impressive aspect was the fact that they even held the high-powered Bills offense to less than 25 points. The defense\u2019s strong start could not be sustained though as they ultimately crumbled after some big plays from Devin Singletary.<\/p>\n

Coaching Under Fire<\/h4>\n

What went wrong for the Ravens then? They simply failed to produce in the second half. Adjustments by the Bills proved too much for Jackson\u2019s offense, and they struggled to gain any offensive momentum. Their lack of execution ultimately saw the game rest on a final fourth down.<\/p>\n

The coaching staff has mostly come under fire for the loss due to their controversial fourth down call in the closing moments of the game. With the score tied at 20-20, the Ravens were given the chance to seal the game with a fourth-and-goal opportunity on the Buffalo 2-yard line. Unfortunately for Baltimore, Jackson\u2019s pass was intercepted by Jordan Poyer at the back of the endzone. With four minutes left, Allen was able to drive down the field and run down the clock, allowing Tyler Bass to seal the victory with a walk-off field goal.<\/p>\n

Why did the Ravens not take the field goal? The answer is simple: Josh Allen. Allen\u2019s Bills were moving the ball with ease on the Baltimore defense in the second half. Thus, there was little faith that, even if the Ravens had taken three points, the Bills could be held to anything less than six. Why did the Ravens not run the ball, considering they were on the 2-yard line? This is more unclear. It is speculated that, had Gus Edwards been available for the game, the Ravens would have trusted their short-yardage back.<\/p>\n

J.K. Dobbins Lifts Running Game<\/h3>\n

Jackson\u2019s lack of rhythm in the passing game through the second half against the Bills unsurprisingly impacted the receiving production too. Just one receiver had over 50 yards (Devin Duvernay). J.K. Dobbins was the only player that caught a touchdown. Mark Andrews, one of the league\u2019s premier tight ends, was limited to just two catches for 15 yards.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, the rushing game found a little more rhythm \u2013 though much of this was in the first half. Justice Hill ran for 45 yards on eight carries while Dobbins accumulated 41 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.<\/p>\n

Dobbins played against the New England Patriots<\/a> in Week 3\u2019s 37-26 victory but did not see anywhere the level of production that he had against the Bills. The young running back missed all of last season with a torn ACL. Back and fully healthy, it was expected that Dobbins would take a while to get back to NFL speed. While his 2022 debut was underwhelming, he showed fans just why the Ravens are so positive about him with a two-touchdown spectacular against the Bills.<\/p>\n

Dobbins\u2019 return has also improved the production of Hill. With Dobbins as the feature back, Hill occupies a more complementary role that he has excelled in.<\/p>\n

With Dobbins slowly resurrecting the lacklustre running game, the Ravens will surely look to give the former Ohio State Buckeye<\/a> more touches going forward.<\/p>\n

Odafe Oweh Showing Promise<\/h3>\n

Oweh has been criticized by many Ravens fans for his lack of production. Baltimore drafted the Penn State<\/a> product in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Many criticized the selection at the time due to Oweh\u2019s lack of college production. He did, however, flash elite athleticism. It was his explosiveness and unique size-speed-strength blend that made Eric DeCosta sold on his potential.<\/p>\n

Since entering the league, many fans have been unimpressed by Oweh\u2019s performances. He has struggled to beat offensive linemen and has also looked a little lost at times. Such is the expectation when dealing with young players. But Oweh\u2019s critics have pointed to the strong performances of Gregory Rousseau (Buffalo Bills) and Joe Tryon (Tampa Bay Buccaneers). Both were both edge rushers drafted either side of Oweh.<\/p>\n

Oweh has been far from perfect this season. He has shown promise though. Towards the end of the game, he was nearly able to generate a forced fumble to flip the game on its head, but the Bills were ultimately able to retain possession. Throughout the first few weeks of the season, Oweh has demonstrated his ability to rush the passer too, generating a lot of QB pressures.<\/p>\n

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Odafe Oweh leads all defenders with 15 QB hurries this season \ud83d\ude08 pic.twitter.com\/KTXIC9y8yf<\/a><\/p>\n

— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) October 4, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n