Biggest risers after Ravens 34-17 win over Pittsburgh
The Ravens handled business on Saturday, defeating their archrival, the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-17. The final score was more lopsided than most Ravens vs. Steelers games and was much needed for a Ravens team that had lost eight of its last nine games against Pittsburgh. As Baltimore gears up for a Christmas day matchup with the reeling Houston Texans, let’s look at which Ravens are trending up after their big win against the Steelers.
Stock up
Derrick Henry, RB
As the weather gets colder, and the stakes get bigger, the value of having a player like Derrick Henry becomes bigger and bigger. Henry ran for 162 yards and had seven runs of over 10 yards, finding gaps in the Pittsburgh run defense all game. The Ravens ran more zone read run plays than usual as the duo of Lamar Jackson and Henry kept the Steelers edge defenders guessing, allowing for larger running lanes and more explosive plays. As the season winds down, and the playoffs draw closer, the Ravens should continue to lean on their superstar running back.
Marlon Humphrey, CB
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey has been an extremely clutch playmaker on a Ravens defense that has struggled to generate turnovers throughout the year. After a Lamar Jackson interception in the fourth quarter. Humphrey undercut a Russell Wilson bootleg pass and took it back 37 yards for the game sealing touchdown. Humphrey has been one of, if not the best cornerback in football this season and should be staring down an All-Pro nod at the end of the year.
Roger Rosengarten, OT
Right tackle Roger Rosengarten has come on in a big way for the Ravens. The rookie out of Washington was quickly thrown into the fire this season and has had his fair share of struggles. However, Rosengarten has gotten better almost every week and over the last four weeks has been one of the Ravens most consistent offensive linemen. All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt was extremely quiet on Saturday, which can be largely attributed to Rosengarten’s play on the right-hand side of the line.
Lamar Jackson, QB
Aside from a miscommunication with WR Rashod Bateman that led to an interception, Lamar Jackson was once again sensational. He made countless tight window throws, managed the game extremely well, and made a few great passes in the red-zone that led to touchdowns. Jackson is playing the best football of his career and is gearing up to lead Baltimore on what will hopefully be a deep playoff run. Per PFF, Jackson led all Ravens offensive players with a 90.2 grade.
Ar’Darius Washington, S
Ar’Darius Washington made what could have been the most important play of the game. Late in the first quarter, Washington jarred the ball from Russell Wilson at the Ravens 2-yard line, preventing a touchdown and giving the ball back to the Ravens who promptly answered with a 98-yard touchdown drive. Washington’s play continues to be a revelation for Baltimore’s once putrid pass defense.
Justin Tucker, K
Going into the bye week, there was serious doubt surrounding the future of Justin Tucker as a Baltimore Raven. Since the bye, Tucker is 11/11 on field goals and XP’s and drilled a 51 yarder against Pittsburgh to put the Ravens up 17-7. While it’s a small sample size, Tucker has looked sharp since the bye and will hope to build on his recent success going forward.
Rashod Bateman, WR
On Thursday, Ravens fans received word that wide receiver Rashod Bateman was seen in a walking boot in the locker room. It was terrible news considering the season Bateman was having and immediately sparked concern that the receiver could be out for an extended period. However, Bateman was able to put those concerns to rest by not only playing but scoring yet another touchdown from Lamar Jackson in the second quarter. Bateman has been terrific this season and has solidified himself as a great WR2 for the Ravens.