Mink Although the box score says the Ravens went 2-for-5 on red zone attempts in Minnesota. It was actually 2-for-4, because they scored a field-goal on the first down at the end the first half.

Baltimore still ranks 27 ^th among the league’s red zone offense, with a touchdown scored on 50% of their attempts. The Ravens were the league leaders last year with 74%. There are many areas where the Ravens offense can improve, but red zone is likely to be the most important.

The Ravens’ inability to run the ball efficiently at short distances is a part of the problem. You need to be able run when you are near the goal because the field becomes more compact. Patrick Ricard was absent, which made it harder. The Ravens’ winning streak is not a coincidence.

This season, the Ravens’ inconsistent play at guard has been a major factor. Andrew Vorhees’s failure to block a run on a first down from Minnesota’s 4 yard line stymied a successful first-down. The guards weren’t at fault on a previous third-and-2 play from the 10 yard line, when several Vikings smashed down on Derrick Henry.

Todd Monken’s arsenal of tricks was likely the reason he pulled out his “tricks bag” on Sunday. Mark Andrews’ “Tush Push”, a toss from Andrews to Lamar Jackson, was a red-zone twist they had been practicing for several weeks. Jackson’s sprint to the left in a subsequent series was also a new red-zone wrinkle they had been practicing for a few weeks. This led to a 2-yard touchdown throw from Andrews that again featured a creative alignment, and a faked Jackson running. Rashod Bateman was wide open for the Ravens’ two-point conversion play.