The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night in Baltimore 34-20. Here are the grades that I am giving each major category of the offense. For the full recap, check out John Pfiefer’s full recap here: Ravens Handle Bengals in Primetime
Quarterback: B+
Lamar Jackson was very much impressive again vs. the Cincinnati Bengals as he has been his whole career. Notching an 8-1 record vs the Bengals in his career. On Thursday night, Lamar went 16-26, throwing for 264 yards, also rushing for 54 yards on 9 carries. Quarterback rating of 121.3. There were times in Thursday game where Lamar wanted to prove the media wrong about his pocket presence completing passes down the field to Odell Beckham, and Nelson Agholor for huge gains down the field. But, however Lamar still does show his tendencies to stay in the pocket for too long. Being sacked 3 times. The defense is playing lights out this year but this Ravens team will be determined on how amazing Lamar can be while staying healthy. Plus, continuing taking this Todd Monken offense to heights nobody can reach. Overall, Lamar B+ was for proving again his domination of the Bengals notching an 8-1 record in a game which the Ravens needed to have coming off a disappointing comeback lost to the Cleveland Browns.
Running Back: C
The Baltimore Ravens running back room is the most unpredictable position group of this football team. It’s hard to go higher the C grade giving because even though they rushed for 157 yards. Lamar Jackson had the second most yards (54) and carries for this team (9). Todd Monken and John Harbaugh have to figure out a way to get this running back room going outside of Lamar Jackson. If you are fan, you know come January the running game is going to be a large factor in a deep playoff run. Now, Keaton Mitchell once again showed that he can be the lead back while JK Dobbins is out for the remainder of the year. Keaton Mitchell is much of an explosion waiting to happen as this offense can be taken to the next level with him getting more carries. Gus Edwards is an absolute red zone threat that the Ravens can rely on to get in the end zone or get yards to wear down the opposing defense. The C grade is for just not knowing week in and week out what running back room you will be getting on any given Sunday.
Wide Receiver: A
I can’t say anything about this group other than what a difference 6 weeks make since they dropped the ball in Pittsburgh. It seems as though they got the message. The Ravens Wide receivers on Thursday were consistently open time after time causing issues for the Bengals secondary. Many fans would say, they are very excited for this group moving forward. The Ravens got a flashback game from Odell Beckham Jr (4 REC, 116 yards). They all played for each other and having fun torching this Bengals secondary. Zay Flowers continue to put the league on skates with his impressive route running and speed with the ball. His touchdown was negated by a questionable holding call on Odell Beckham Jr. Lastly, Nelson Agholor flipping into the end zone after having a 37 yard house call. The A grade is for the much improved Wide receiver group. Also, taking the will to be better to help this offense grow.
Offensive Line: C
The same reasoning behind the running back received a C grade. A lot of inconsistent play on the offense line. This Offensive line has trouble stopping speed rushers for the opposing teams. The Bengals defense tallied 3 sacks, 5 Tackle for Loss, and 5 quarterback hits. Lamar takes many hits as is for this Ravens team and with this offense line allowing the quarterback to get as many times as Lamar is getting hit. Granted Ronnie Stanley didn’t play because of an ankle injury. But, Stanley haven’t been great this year himself. C grade for the offensive line simply for being very inconsistent.
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