The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Green Bay Packers in a game played on Saturday evening to extend their playoff hopes for one more day. Here are some immediate takeaways following the 41-24 victory:
The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Green Bay Packers in a game played on Saturday evening to extend their playoff hopes for one more day. Here are some immediate takeaways following the 41-24 victory:
After the Ravens’ loss against the Patriots on Sunday, everyone was wondering where Derrick Henry was in the fourth-quarter. He didn’t return to the field after punching in his second score with 12:53 remaining in the game. This sparked the most vocal criticisms of Baltimore’s coaching team all year. It even raised questions (though rarely asked) about John Harbaugh’s job security. He explained the backfield rotations, the chaos that is an NFL game and finally acknowledged Henry should have been playing with the game at stake, especially when Lamar Jackson was on the sidelines.
Fast-forward to Saturday when the Ravens were on the brink of losing their season, with Jackson out again due to an injury. Henry, however, took 36 carries, a new career high. Other words, the message has been received.
Henry’s dominating 2024 season seemed to prove that running backs can still perform at high levels into their 30s. A number of poor performances this year made some question if the 2,606 career rush attempts and 10 seasons were taking their toll.
Henry didn’t seem to be punishing the defenders as much. There were other factors, too – a poor offensive line, a lack of read-option with Jackson and suspect play-calling. Henry looked just as good in December as he had done all year. He had 29 carries in Weeks 15-16 for 228 yard and two touchdowns, before he surpassed those numbers on Sat. night. In his career-high 36 attempts to rush, he scored four touchdowns and gained 216 yardage.
Zach Orr seemed to have found a way to create pressure when the Ravens were on a winning streak after their bye week, but in recent weeks it’s been lacking. This continued on Saturday. Baltimore only had three quarterback hits and one sack outside of garbage time. Malik Willis, the Packers’ quarterback, had plenty of pocket time despite Zach Tom being absent. Orr’s blitzes were not able to get back in time because the secondary was often off-coverage.
The Ravens have struggled with this lack of coordination between coverage calls and pass rushes. The problem is a lack of talent on the defensive line that can win consistently against offensive lines above average. Baltimore’s defensive line has had success this season in picking on weaker or injured offensive lines, but they have not been as successful against the Packers more reliable unit.
Baltimore’s offensive problems begin in the trenches, just as with its defense. In Green Bay, however, the Ravens smashed the Packers’ defense. The Ravens offensive line deserves praise, even though the unit has been weakened by the absence of Micah Parsons, Devonte Wyatt and others. The Ravens’ offensive line was consistently winning the battle at the point-of-attack and hitting their blocks with precision, opening up big holes for Henry. The team did an excellent job of pushing the pile whenever opportunities presented themselves.
The O-line was not asked to do much in terms of pass protection but they did it. In the game, they only had one sack and 3 quarterback hits. Their pass rush did not seem to bother Huntley at all. The unit had its best performance of the year, which was both fortunate and a bit unfortunate that Jackson was on the sidelines.
Cleveland Browns now control the fate of the Ravens. They had to beat Green Bay in order to maintain their playoff hopes, but the Ravens’ fate is in their hands. The Ravens will be able to steal the division title back if they beat the Steelers in Week 18.
Harbaugh, along with several Ravens, said that they will be watching the Browns-Steelers game on Sunday. The weather is expected to affect Cleveland. Baltimore Beatdown will also be watching, as well as the rest of Flock Nation. Tomorrow, we will have our Browns-Steelers Watch Party & Game Thread while we await to see if the Ravens still have a chance in the playoffs.