Risers and fallers after Ravens 35-14 win in New York
The Ravens came out of their late bye in impressive fashion. The New York Giants are a shell of an NFL team, and a dominant Ravens win was expected by everyone, highlighted by the absurd 16.5 point spread going into the match up. However, the Ravens, who have notoriously played down to inferior competition this year, handled business with an offense that looked more like the unit that walked teams up and down the field through the first ten weeks of the season. With a massive divisional clash with the Steelers approaching, let’s look at some of the biggest risers and fallers after the Ravens’ dominant win.
Stock up
Lamar Jackson, QB
With all of the MVP talk surrounding Bills QB Josh Allen, Jackson is *quietly* putting up an absolutely dominant season. With another Jackson 5 on Sunday, Jackson is now up to 34 TDs on the season to just 3 interceptions, good for a 120.7 passer rating. If the season finished today, he would be fourth all time in passer rating for a single season, trailing Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers (who holds the top two passer rating seasons). If Allen does end up winning the award, Jackson will be, statistically, the biggest MVP snub in NFL history.
Rashod Bateman, WR
Rashod Bateman has been a great WR2 for the Baltimore Ravens and added two more touchdowns on Sunday, bringing his season total to seven. He has been the premier deep threat for Lamar Jackson and has clearly gained chemistry with him as the season has progressed. With Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews commanding the majority of the attention in the passing game, Bateman has consistently found openings in the defense, particularly on Jackson scramble drills.
Ar’Darius Washington, S
It’s difficult to explain how big of an impact Ar’Darius Washington has made for the Ravens defense. Since replacing Marcus Williams with Washington, the Ravens pass defense has now held their last four opponents to under 220 pass yards. The Ravens players and coaches have raved about the young safety and have clearly respond to his effort and level of tenacity on defense. Washington had another interception against the Giants and has consistently been flying around the ball, making his impact felt all around the field.
Justice Hill, RB
Justice Hill continues to be one of the most underrated players on the Ravens. Despite Derrick Henry deservedly receiving the bulk of the carries and recognition, Hill has consistently provided Baltimore with a spark in the passing game whether it be as a receiver or in pass protection. The Oklahoma State product added 61 yards and a touchdown on Sunday to bring his season total to 383 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Devontez Walker, WR
The Ravens fan base had been clamoring for the chance to see rookie North Carolina WR Devontez Walker in action. On Sunday, Walker got on the field and certainly made the most of his first NFL catch with a 31-yard toe dragging touchdown from Lamar Jackson. While it’s a bit late in the season to expect any major impact from Walker down the stretch, he seems to be gaining momentum. Per John Harbaugh and Mark Andrews, the rookie wideout has impressed in practice recently, leading to his opportunity on Sunday.
Mark Andrews, TE
Andrews had a relatively quiet day but reached a major milestone after his first quarter touchdown reception from Lamar Jackson. With the score, Andrews passed Ravens legend Jamal Lewis for the most touchdowns in franchise history (48). Andrews has been surging over the second half of the season and will continue to be Lamar Jackson’s go-to-guy as long as he’s on the field.
Stock down
Trenton Simpson, ILB
Sophomore linebacker Trenton Simpson has unfortunately been one of the starters on the Ravens defense who recently has lost playing time amidst the team’s defensive struggles. On Sunday, Simpson didn’t see the field for most of the game and was instead replaced by a rotation of Chris Board and Malik Harrison. Simpson’s athletic gifts are undeniable and after the preseason, looked primed for a breakout. However, the sophomore has struggled in zone defense and run fits. Much like the insertion of Ar’Darius Washington, the Ravens defense has looked better with Board and Harrison next to Roquan Smith.
Brandon Stephens, CB
Brandon Stephens continues to be a weak spot for the Ravens defense. Stephens is a sticky cornerback and very good at preventing separation. However, for much of his career, Stephens simply hasn’t been able locate the football. This year has been particularly bad for Stephens who now has a 52.9 player grade per PFF, ranking 167/216 qualified corners. On Sunday, Stephens committed a few penalties and catches as a result of him not turning around and locating the football.