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Ravens vs Jets Week 1 Review

Ravens vs Jets Recap: First Half

FIRST QUARTER

Things got started the right way for Gang Green, as the first play went for 19 yards by running back Michael Carter on the outside edge. However, the Ravens would put pressure on Flacco on back-to-back plays, including forcing an intentional grounding to bring up the game’s first fourth down.

The Ravens didn’t fair much better on their first offensive drive. After a handful of short yardage gains, Kenyan Drake got stuffed on 3rd and 2, forcing the Ravens to punt. Rookie punter Jordan Stout booted a nice punt to put the Jets on their own 11.

The following Jets possession would create a spark for the Ravens. A deep pass by Flacco would be picked off by Baltimore’s big offseason acquisition, safety Marcus Williams, who would take the ball back to the New York 14.

Despite the positional advantage, the Ravens were unable to capitalize. Receiver Demarcus Robinson would shake a Jets defender for a gain of eight yards on 2nd down, but that’s as much offense as could be mustered by the Ravens. An incomplete pass on 3rd down would force the Ravens to take a field goal. One Justin Tucker attempt later and Baltimore would have the first lead of the game, 3-0, with 3:16 left in the 1st quarter.

SECOND QUARTER

The start of the 2nd quarter began with a pass to receiver Rashod Bateman that was dislodged by a Jets defender, forcing the Ravens to punt. The ensuing drive by the Jets looked promising for New York. The Jets would drive all the way to the Baltimore 27 before Greg Zuerlein missed a 45 yard field goal to keep the Ravens lead at 3-0.

Following a New York punt, Jackson would take a deep shot to Robinson that would fall incomplete. However, Robinson would draw a pass interference call that would move the Ravens up to the New York 30. The next play would see Jackson launch a 25-yard pass into the endzone to receiver Devin Duvernay for the first touchdown of the game. A Tucker extra point would give the Ravens a 10-0 lead with 3:45 left in the first half.

The Jets wouldn’t go quietly into the half. A 22-yard run by Michael Carter would put the Jets on Baltimore’s 48-yard line. The Jets would get down to Baltimore’s 28-yard line before a forced fumble on tight end Tyler Conklin, recovered by the Jets, would halt yet another promising drive. Greg Zuerlein would boot a 45-yard field goal to cut into Baltimore’s lead right before the half, 10-3.

“I feel like it was just us feeling it out, out there. We didn’t play in preseason. I didn’t play in six games last year. Not much really.” Jackson said of his play in the first half and the offense’s slow start during the post-game press conference. “We got back in the swing of things and came out better in the second half and started putting points on the board.”

Ravens vs Jets Recap: Second Half

THIRD QUARTER

Getting the ball to start the second half, the Ravens hoped to conjure up more offense than in the first. A shifty eight-yard run by Jackson on 3rd down would give the Ravens a first down. That would be as far as the offense would go. A run for no gain and two incomplete passes brought up a quick 4th down. A 65-yard punt by Stout would negate any hopes the Jets had of getting great field position.

A quick Jets possession followed by a short punt saw the Ravens with the ball at the New York 44 to start their next possession. A handful of chunk plays would put the Ravens in the redzone. On a 3rd and 10, Jackson would find Devin Duvernay yet again for their second scoring connection of the day. Halfway through the 3rd quarter, the Ravens found themselves up 17-3.

The next Ravens possession would be a whirlwind of emotions. Mike Davis would fumble the ball after a nice run for a first down. A lucky bounce would let the Ravens keep possession. The very next play, Lamar would throw a 55-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman. That would give the Ravens a 24-3 lead.

FOURTH QUARTER

Starting the 4th quarter, the Jets conjured up their best drive of the day. A handful of plays that went for 10-plus yards would put the Jets at the Baltimore 22. That would be as far as the drive would go. Safety Chuck Clark would force a fumble on rookie running back Breece Hall, and corner Marlon Humphrey would quickly recover. Unfortunately, the Ravens would be unable to turn the gift into points and punted.

Joe Flacco and the Jets would not go quietly into the night. Converting on 4th down twice, the Jets would drive down to Baltimore’s 6 yard line. Needing a touchdown to have any hope of staying in the game, the Jets lined up for a third 4th down attempt on this drive. This would not be the charm, however, as Flacco’s pass fell incomplete and the possession would switch.

Though the outcome of the game was a forgone conclusion, it wasn’t without its fireworks. Jackson would throw an interception to give the Jets solid field position. Flacco would then again drive the Jets to the Ravens redzone. The Jets would finally cross the goal-line, as Flacco found Tyler Conklin for a late touchdown pass. The ensuing extra point would be no good. Those would be the final points of the game, as the Ravens take a Week 1 victory over the Jets 24-9.

Speaking on Jackson’s play during the Ravens post-game press conference, head coach John Harbaugh had this to say: “Lamar [Jackson] played outstanding. He played a patient, veteran quarterback game. He was in control of everything, he did a great job at the line, handled the clock really well…He played a really veteran, winning quarterback type of a game.”

The Ravens (1-0) have their home opener next week (09-18). They host the Miami Dolphins (1-0) in a pivotal early season tilt.

Baltimore Ravens Position Battle: WRs in Training Camp

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It’s time to look at another Baltimore Ravens position battle! The Ravens have a tremendous opportunity to have a big bounce-back in the 2022 season with the help of new coaching techniques, returns from injury, critical free agents, and fresh rookies. With training camp inching our way, it’s time to start looking at some expectations we may have going into the season

With all that being said, the Ravens training camp is also an essential piece of position battles, where certain players will shine their brightest. In the most recent episode of Around The Flock, we talked about the center and left guard position battle. In this article, it’s time to talk about other positions.

The first one up for discussion? Wide receivers.

Rashod Bateman is going to be WR1. His skill set is not only being able to be the big body guy who fights for the ball but also a technician of a route runner, speedster ability, and just overall a guy we can trust to be the face of the position on the Ravens team. His rookie stats and film can show you the proof, too.

WR2 at this moment in time is a toss-up.

It could be Devin Duvernay, who is and can be the Ravens’ version of Deebo Samuel or Cordarrelle Patterson, utilizing not only key receiver routes but also as an RB/Jet sweep ball carrier. There is so much you can do with Duvernay at this point with the correct play calling. There’s also a reason he was voted as an All-Pro and Pro Bowler, even if it was as a returner.

The other contender for WR2 at this point would possibly be — and yes, I’m ready for the heat — James Proche II. Even though he didn’t have a stellar first two seasons, and the rest of the fans make it very clear to our faces and Twitter feeds of that fact, he still has a lot of potential to have a breakout season in his third year. He was trying to show us that he’s getting better with his hands and footwork during this off-season, but can it translate to camp and in-game?

I believe Devin Duvernay will win the WR2 slot by the time week one comes around.

The Baltimore Ravens WR3 position battle is going to be heated.

If Duvernay does indeed win the WR2 position, then we’ll see James Proche compete with a young second-year player out of Oklahoma State, Tylan Wallace. Wallace has only played a couple of snaps in the regular season on offense, but has started to become an excellent player on special teams.

Special teams are where many players get going, then, out of nowhere, bloom into something extraordinary. I’ve got a feeling Wallace will be just that. They are going from just two snaps to being a key WR3 making grabs in the open when Bateman and Duvernay are doubled up.

Honestly, I’m tied with these two as WR3 so we can move on to the fourth.

The one and only Alabama legend himself, Slade Bolden. An undrafted free agent, this guy has all the potential to be that diamond in the rough. His time at Alabama was a shadow behind Jameson Williams and John Metchie.

Still, with the coaching and schemes of the Ravens organization, there isn’t any reason this guy can’t show that he will be a key rotational player for this team.

I’m all in on Slade becoming the last or second-to-last wide receiver on the active roster. Some folks in the Ravens fan base believe that Mr. Bolden is the official WR2 of the team, and I’m not saying that he couldn’t be, but I’m comfortable with him being a WR4 or WR5 now. Eventually he could be in that second spot. We’ll just have to wait and see.

What about the position battles for the rest of the Baltimore Ravens?

The next set of guys will be basically of a 6th man or practice squad quality — if they make the team at all. It’s going to be fun to watch them through camp and the preseason, but outside of that have high hopes but low expectations. This list includes:

Shemar Bridges
Trevon Clark
Jaylon Moore
Makai Polk
Raleigh Webb
Devon Williams

Out of all these guys, I’d like to see Jaylon Moore or Makai Polk be added to the practice squad, but only time will tell. Each of these young guys has an opportunity to show that they earn the position they deserve. Training camp is the perfect time to show off.

Some of you may be asking, “what about Binjimen Victor?” Well, I would include him as WR4 or 5, but he was recently placed on the non-football injury list. There isn’t much indication of how long he’ll be out. I had such high hopes for Mr. Victor, but this injury, unfortunately right now, has him on a pending list.

We’re all excited about these competitions, and we’re just days away from the beginning.

My pre-camp final answer to the Ravens WR position battle is as follows the order:

Active Roster

Rashod Bateman
Devin Duvernay
Tylan Wallace/James Proche
Slade Boldin

Practice Squad

Makai Polk
Jaylon Moore
Binjimen Victor(Pending injury timeline)

Enjoy this prediction, tear it apart, whatever you fans need to do! This year is going to be exciting either way. Here’s to an enjoyable 2022-23 Ravens season!

Ravens Report: Preseason Week 1 Roster Preview

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Ladies & Gentlemen, you’ve seen this author & title across multiple websites, but it’s now here at the hottest up and coming sports news network. We’re all excited to be here for you all the fans, no need for introductions cause that was done on Twitter. With that being said let’s get down to business.

Starting out understanding the opponent. As most of us know already that they’re playing the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium. I know this is usually one of my favorite preseason games to watch, whenever they play. Seeing the Saints go through a change at QB with an ongoing position battle & now some WR controversy. It’s definitely going to be something to watch. Game time is at 7pm EST.

While they have everything they got going on, the Ravens have some QB battles of their own. Yes, that’s right, QB2 battle. Tyler Huntley & Trace McSorley.

Both of these guys are great with what they do, Trace brings his own kind of cool balance of pocket passer & scrambler. Seeing them bring in Mr. McSorley was pretty awesome thinking back to it. At first when it happened I thought to myself “Why are they drafting another QB when they have LJ8 & RG3?” Well then remembered they duo need the depth for camps & after further research this guy was the real deal & has proven to be a solid back up since.

Mr. Tyler Huntley, the man who beat the one, the only, the Lamar Jackson back on the High school gridiron. Well technically it was the defense that he beat but that’s a whole other discussion for a later date. This guy as we all have seen in flashes of, is more a true copy cat of LJ8 vs any other mobile QB we’ve seen. This backup QB battle is easily the best in the league. It’s a sight to see to say the least. P.S. a main reason why I’m going into depth with this is because I don’t expect to see our beloved starter much suited up to play.

Let’s move onto one of my favorite pieces of the puzzle in this depth chart release. The Offensive & Defensive Lines! Starting out with the starting OL we have:

LT: Ronnie Stanley
LG: Ben Powers
C: Bradley Bozeman
RG: Kevin Zeitler
RT: Alejandro Villanueva

The only true shock but not shock to this is at LG. The Ravens’ Public Relations Dept put this depth chart together and as my understanding they put some of the more veteran/guys who have been with the organization longer first. I still feel like that spot is up for grabs with any of the other guys throughout the entire preseason. Whether it’d be Bredeson, Phillips, Cleveland, Mekari, or Powers. Any of them can take it and perform well.

As far as the center position goes, Bozeman was a killer at the spot in college & there is no doubt in my mind that he’ll succeed in it. but as far as who will be his backups. I cannot emphasize this enough. Keep Mekari healthy & ready to go but also have T.C.C. ready to go as well. Mr. Colon is the only dedicated center on this roster as far as we know of.

With the defensive line/rush LB, we have starting out a massive & monstrous unit coming after the backfield:

DT: Calais Campbell
NT: Brandon Williams
DE: Derek Wolfe
Rush: Pernell McPhee
SAM: Tyus Bowser

This set is a solid go to, and you can’t argue it. All these guys are dominant veterans who have the knowledge & skill sets to get the job done.

But the talk of the town has been that Rush position and who is gonna be the quality guy(s) to take over.

Well let’s look at who is in the running for starting & rotations shall we? *Note: this also includes our depth SAM LB*

Justin Houston
Jaylon Ferguson
Chris Smith
Odafeh Oweh
Aaron Adeoye
Darlin Hayes

All of these guys are key impact/rotational players in one way or another & we’ll get to see a lot of our draft picks in action in this game coming up especially Oweh & Hayes.

Next up is another huge position group that’s been talked out in the offseason: the wondrous WR.

According to a lot of the fan base on both Facebook & Twitter, the team’s WRs weren’t getting the job done or missing the X-Factor in the position. Well Ravens Flock, you all got your wish in Rashod Bateman & Sammy Watkins. Picking up Batman.. I mean Bateman in the draft was a mean steal. The guy has size, route running abilities, speed, and everything you want in a young receiver to compliment what the team already has. Expect to see alot of playing time against the Saints so he can get used to things.

As far as Sammy goes, we may see him in the first quarter only because he’s a NFL vet. Yes, even though it’s his first year with the team & a way for a fresh start to get more his stats under the belt over making room for Travis Kelce or Tyreek Hill.

Both of these guys will be an immediate compliment to Hollywood Brown.

These two guys are great additions but my eyes will be on these four guys: Miles Boykin, James Proche, Devin Duvernay, & Tylan Wallace. All young & hungry wideouts looking to make themselves household names. It’s going to be a straight up brawl for the final spots with these gentlemen.

Now with everything being said, there are plenty of other position, rotation & backup battles going on. Everyone above listed in depth aren’t the only ones we’re going to be watching & evaluating. In the secondary we have names such as Nigel Warrior, Shaun Wade, Brandon Stephens(Who has officially been moved from college CB to NFL Safety), Geno Stone, & Ar’Darius Washington.

At FB/TE(Since the team has been doing dual roles with both or flip flopping them), we have a heated battle for TE 3 & 4/FB2. Josh Oliver, Ben Mason(my current favorite), Eric Tomlinson, Eli Wolf, etc.

So much fun & excitement going on right now in preseason that this preview of the team. Be prepared & have your jerseys, hats, tumblers, etc ready.

Wrapping this up, just want to say thank you to everyone who has made it to the end of this article & read ever bit of it. Means more than any of you all could imagine. Don’t forget to check out everything Around The Block, here on the website or on your favorite social media platform. Till next week have a great day!

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