The Ravens will host their Week 2 home opener for the second consecutive season after going 0-1 in the first match. Cleveland Browns will be in town, and the storyline that is most likely to grab attention is Joe Flacco’s return to Baltimore. This will be the first time he has played there since being traded by the Ravens.
The Ravens cannot repeat last year’s 0-2 record after a massive collapse in Buffalo. They lost to the Raiders Week 2 following a loss to the Chiefs. Let’s look at what the Ravens need to do in order to reach 1-1, and maintain their hopes of the AFC No. The Ravens’ hopes for the AFC No. 1 seed are alive.
Last week I announced that the theme for this week would be “Stay Calm”. I also said I would repeat it frequently. Now, I’m changing it from calm to composed. If they make no mistakes, the Ravens will win every game. They dropped interceptions, let points close the half, fumbled and allowed the Bills to march down the field several times to end game. Another mental mistake was the tackle near the endzone with time running out. It was a result of a lack in situational awareness, and a loss of calm. The Bills won the game because they panicked, as has been their usual approach the past couple of seasons. The Bills must stay calm, avoid mistakes and take the opportunities that present themselves. Talking of which, . .
The Ravens were defeated by the Browns in a road game last year. Multiple receivers dropped the ball on offense. The secondary missed no less than five interceptions, which could have ended the game or changed it. Joe Flacco’s style of playing is not known as the interception machine Jameis Winston is. Flacco’s recent years have seen him become more loose with the ball, flinging it about the yard, and taking greater risks. Even though it was only five games, his first stint in Cleveland was the most interception-prone period of his career.
It is likely that the Ravens defense will have more than one opportunity to intercept the ball. Last week, they missed two interception opportunities against the Buffalo Bills. They need to seize the opportunities that come their way.
The pass rush was disappointing last week. Could it have been a plan to try and fill up rush lanes while corralling Josh Allen into the pocket? The Ravens must get after Flacco this week. Flacco is no longer as mobile as he once was. He was sacked two times last week. The Ravens’ front seven will have a rare opportunity to pin their ears and go after the quarterback. This is not something that happens often against quarterbacks these days. I expect Odafe Oweh to be all over Flacco, along with Kyle Van Noy and Mike Green. Look out for defensive players like Marlon Hamilton and Kyle Humphrey to put pressure on the backfield.
Last week, i said that staying calm was the key to this team’s success. The Ravens coaches must have read that and taken it too seriously. The Ravens led by 15 points at the end of the fourth quarter. They played conservatively for the remainder of the game and let the Bills come back. This is not the way this team should play. The team is not supposed to play a prevent-defense or stop the offensive that scored 40 points against Buffalo before the match ends.
The Ravens should instead remain aggressive. The Ravens should aim to triple their lead if they get a double digit lead. A cement brick should be taped on the gas pedal. They need to convert on fourth downs that could seal the game. Bring back 2019’s aggression. This was a team who dominated opponents throughout the regular season. Seattle, New England, Houston, Los Angeles, Buffalo ; the Ravens made plays, forced turnovers in these games late to seal the game or simply buried the opponents for the full 60 minutes. Bring it back.