Stock continues to rise for multiple Ravens after 31-2 victory in Houston
The Ravens gave fans a nice Christmas present on Wednesday in the form of a 31-2 blowout victory over the AFC South champion Houston Texans. It was one of Baltimore’s most dominant performances of the year and now marks the team’s third straight victory to propel them into the AFC North lead with one game remaining. The combination of Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson wreaked havoc on a Texans defense that was No.1 in the NFL in defensive DVOA going into the game. As the Ravens prepare for their final regular season game against the Cleveland Browns, let’s look at some of the biggest risers after their Christmas victory.
Stock up
Lamar Jackson, QB
Lamar Jackson put together another brilliant performance on Wednesday, making a number of ridiculous highlight plays that only he is capable of. Before the half, Jackson made back-to-back plays that left everyone’s jaws on the floor. On 2nd and 10 Jackson scrambled and found TE Mark Andrews for 67-yard gain, breaking multiple tackles, and delivering pin-point throw to Andrews who did the rest. Two plays later, he once again scrambled for over eight seconds before finding TE Isaiah Likely for a highlight reel touchdown. Jackson is making an awfully strong case for his second straight MVP and could lock up the award with another great game against the Browns.
Derrick Henry, RB
King Henry continues to defy the laws of what a 30-year-old running back in the NFL should be able to do. From the jump, Henry took over the game, ripping off multiple big runs and scoring the Ravens opening touchdown. Henry finished the game with 147 yards on 27 carries, recording a 74.1% success rate, the highest by any player with 25+ carries in the Next Gen Stats era. Simply put, if the Ravens can continue to get Henry going like this, there shouldn’t be anything from stopping them mowing through the AFC playoffs.
Kyle Hamilton, S
Hamilton’s move from a nickel to traditional safety role has done wonders for the Ravens once putrid pass defense. On Wednesday, the All-Pro notched an incredible diving interception on Texan’s QB C.J. Stroud that broke the game open for Baltimore. Hamilton is ranked second in the NFL among all safeties with a 90.5 grade, per PFF and continues to be one of the best defensive players in the league.
Zach Orr, DC
Much has been made of the Ravens incredible defensive turnaround that started after their week 10 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals where the Ravens defense hit a low point, not only this season, but in the defensive history of their franchise. Since benching S Marcus Williams, LB Trenton Simpson, and moving Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington to play traditional deep safety roles, Zach Orr and the Ravens defense has performed a complete 180, flipping from one of the league’s worst defenses, to one of the best. Since the bye Baltimore is 4th in defensive EPA, per play, 2nd in EPA per drop back, and 1st in drop back success rate.
Justin Tucker, K
Justin Tucker converted on another 50+ yard field goal on Wednesday and now hasn’t missed a kick since the bye week. If Tucker can continue this through the playoffs, it will be a major advantage for Baltimore who would love nothing more than for their Hall of Fame kicker to return to his typical form.
Kyle Van Noy, EDGE
At the age of 34, Ravens EDGE Kyle Van Noy is having the best year of his career. After another sack Wednesday, Van Noy is now up to a career best 11.5 sacks with one game remaining. Baltimore has now registered at least two sacks in 20 consecutive games — an NFL record, thanks in part to Van Noy’s consistent play over the last two seasons. The veteran’s leadership and production will be an extremely valuable component for Baltimore’s defense as they head into the postseason.
John Harbaugh, HC
Playing three games in ten days is no easy feat in the NFL and major props should be given to HC John Harbaugh for keeping his team focused over their current stretch. Harbaugh continues to get the most out of his players and will hope to continue to do so as the team approaches the playoffs.