It was the second NFL win for the rookies, and it wasn’t a small one. They are back in the game after a possible momentum-turner, coming out of their bye. Miami is just ahead on Thursday. Let’s first look at how Sunday went.
It was the second NFL win for the rookies, and it wasn’t a small one. They are back in the game after a possible momentum-turner, coming out of their bye. Miami is just ahead on Thursday. Let’s first look at how Sunday went.
I hoped that a self-scouting week during the bye would improve Starks’ impact on the team. PFF didn’t think so. He received a grade of 50.7 for his overall performance and 52.7 for coverage. You may have read my other rookie reports and noticed that I don’t usually argue with PFF’s grade, but instead try to provide context and offer hope for the future. This week, I feel very comfortable in saying that I disagree with the grade. Starks once again was trusted to cover deep and keep things under control. Starks was given a lot cover two assignments with Alohi Gillman. He also played some deep centerfield coverage one assignments, and occasionally man coverage snaps. He had a few plays in zone that made me feel uncomfortable and worried that he might be lost. Another two or three were in the middle. The rest ranged from good coverage to excellent coverage. He has lost some reps but also had his best reps for man coverage to date. This was the first time this season that he did not play all snaps. He played 58 out of 63.
I’m here today to tell you not to give up on the first round pick. He looks great athletically. He has smooth feet and hips, and his backpedal looks near-perfect and quick. He is usually in the right spot and covers other people’s mistakes, making more than one tackle that saves a touchdown. If what all draft analysts and coaches, Raven-affiliated or not, have said is true and he is really this advanced IQ player then the game would slow down for him, and he would make plays. He’s doing what he has to do right now to help this defense, which is still figuring things out this season.
We are finally here. Mike Green’s first sack was on Sunday, and it was beautiful. Green won the game with a cross-cut move and a skip. He had a clear path to his quarterback, and he was finally able to convert – on a crucial third down, to force a kick. It’s not a breakout performance for the rookie but I feel like it is a game which helps him build up to that moment. Green showed off a variety of moves, including the ghost move, bull rushes and cross chops. He did stunts and crossed tackles with explosiveness in order to crash into guards. This allowed Travis Jones to loop. He is also very good in the running game.
Green is under a lot more pressure now that he’s suddenly working as the starter. He played the most snaps of any player in front of seven players yesterday (except for Roquan Smith). He will need to be replaced by a replacement player soon, before he burns out and hits that infamous rookie wall.
Jones was added to the 53-man list for the first in his career. Jones was scratched this week but it won’t be long until we see him get his first activation, and maybe even his first snaps or start.
Buchanan’s snaps dropped from 100% to 70% after Smith returned to the lineup. This also appeared to be his best game. He was able to apply pressure during the pass rush, and he also played a good game in coverage. As it has been all season, the run game is still a weaker part. Buchanan’s development and improvement will be able to continue with Smith now that he is back in a more manageable position. It’s admirable and impressive how Buchanan has kept other linebackers like Trenton Simpson or Jay Higgins from stealing snaps.
Loop is the clear MVP of this game. While Tyler Huntley, Nate Wiggins and others had flashes today, it’s fair to say that Loop was the most impressive player. Loop’s fifth perfect day in place kicking, he went 3/3 extra points, and 3/3 field goals. This was the only scoring for the Ravens after their first touchdown. Loop’s three field goal attempts, from the middle of the second quarter to the end of the third quarter, helped the Ravens score go from 7-6 up to 16-6. He was also not penalized for kickoffs once again, a problem that seemed to be resolved after the first few weeks. Loop’s squib kicked allowed the Bears special teams to also pin them back near the 20 yard line.
Wester had a quiet day. He did not take any snaps in the offensive and he also didn’t punt.
Peebles missed the game for a second time in a week. The Ravens seem to be focusing on a rotation of run-defenders because they do not trust Peebles. This will force them to third-and longs. One Jones was included in a large number of specially designed pressure plans. As the Ravens continue their defensive re-design and improvement, hopefully they will find a new role for Peebles. Peebles’ athleticism and speed would make him a great looper for stunts. Nnamdi madubuike was a master at this.
Keyon Martin has played no snaps in defense this week. His role seems to have dried up. Martin did not take any snaps when Marlon Humphrey was injured. Jay Higgins III is also not seen on the field as a defensive player, but he did force a fumble while kicking off. Zach Orr, who became an All-Pro after playing on special teams for UDFAs, earned his first opportunity on the field by playing on those teams. Higgins may still play a part in the future, possibly as a platoon early down for Buchanan.