The Baltimore Ravens earned a comeback win on the road in Week 5, defeating the Atlanta Falcons by a touchdown difference (30-23). The Ravens used a game-tying touchdown drive to force overtime and then took the lead with another score, erasing a prior eight-point deficit to come from behind.
Here are report card grades for each position group from the exhilarating victory.
Quarterback: B+
Tyler Huntley came alive late and delivered a clutch final two drives for the Ravens. Over the final game-tying
drive of the fourth quarter and overtime touchdown drive, Huntley completed 12-of-12 passes with multiple timely first-down throws. He capped both drives off with a touchdown via a back-shoulder throw and tough quarterback sneak. Huntley’s performance up to that point was not necessarily spectacular, but the way he came through when needed most. In relief of Lamar Jackson, the backup finished the game with a line of 24-of-32 completed passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns, along with 20 rushing yards and another rushing score. Most importantly, Huntley avoided committing any turnovers.
Running Back: A-
The Ravens ran for over 200 yards and averaged an efficient 5.9 yards per carry, led by Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. Henry was limited to a longest run of only 11 yards on the night but grinded out 102 yards in total and ran hard in the fourth quarter and overtime. He also an impressive 18-yard receiving score after a catch-and-run screen reception. Justice Hill exploded for 73 rushing yards on just four carries, ripping off a huge 47-yard run where he was lined up in the fullback spot.
Wide Receiver: B+
The Ravens’ downfield passing attack was limited for most of the game, but their wide receivers made big plays in the fourth quarter and overtime. Huntley connected with Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Devontez Walker for timely receptions that moved the chains. Walker reeled in the game-tying touchdown on a back-shoulder catch in the end zone. Flowers finished with a team-high eight catches and 66 scrimmage yards while Bateman had five catches for 62 receiving yards. The starting wide receiver duo combined for eight receptions over the final two drives of the game.
Tight End: D+
It was a forgettable performance for Mark Andrews, who had a few costly miscues. He dropped a wide-open pass at the goal line in the first quarter, then fumbled on the second drive of the game and it was returned by the Falcons for a touchdown. Andrews was unable to reel in a two-point conversion catch in the third quarter that would have tied the game. He did catch a couple first down grabs late in the game to help move the chains. Josh Cuevas had a season-high two catches for 26 yards and Matthew Hibner was not targeted after exiting with a hand injury early in the contest – although he did return later in the second half.
Offensive Line: B-
The Ravens surrendered four sacks and eight quarterback hits on the night. Huntley was not able to get comfortable in the pocket in the first half and was flushed out into a scramble drill on several occasions. However, the Ravens’ offensive line settled down in pass protection more as the game went along. They also did a good job getting push in the run game, springing Hill free for long breakaway run and Henry for multiple positive-yardage gains. Vega Ioane struggled with some low snaps but was strong as a blocker at center again. As a unit, the offensive line did a much better job with penalties as well.
Defensive Line: B
Bijan Robinson finished the game with 86 rushing yards on 17 carries (5.1 yards per carry), but the Ravens were able to control him at the line of scrimmage for most the night. A good chunk of Robinson’s damage came on two long runs. Calais Campbell, Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones all made plays up front. Madubuike and Jones each had a quarterback hit on Michael Penix, while Campbell recorded a tackle for loss.
Edge Rusher: A-
Mike Green’s strong run of play continued in Atlanta with another impactful showing. Green had a sack, quarterback hit and two tackles for loss. He set the edge well and made strong stops against the run. Tavius Robinson similarly had a high-level performance. Robinson stuffed the stat sheet, recording six tackles along with a sack, quarterback hit, pass defense and tackle for loss. The Ravens were disciplined on the edge for most of the game against the Falcons’ rushing attack and crashed inside well to close gaps. Ethan Burke played a good amount of snaps again with Hendrickson sidelined and had three tackles.
Linebacker: B+
Trenton Simpson’s career-best campaign marched along on Sunday night as he posted seven tackles with a sack, tackle for loss and quarterback hit. Simpson was party to a couple passes allowed in zone coverage but otherwise had another impactful all-around game. Roquan Smith had eight tackles, which ranked second among all Baltimore defenders. Smith and Simpson are pairing well together as a tandem. Teddye Buchanan added two tackles of his own as the third banana of the group.
Cornerback: B-
The Ravens had some difficulties covering star wide receiver Drake London, who racked up 118 yards on seven catches. He did most of his damage against zone coverage, though, but did get behind Nate Wiggins for a long reception. Jahan Dotson also beat the Ravens’ deep for a 36-yard catch. Wiggins had a tackle for loss and Marlon Humphrey recorded a clutch quarterback hit, pressuring Penix on a play action pass to force an incompletion. Chandler Rivers had a costly missed tackle on a short third-down throw in the flat.
Safety: A-
Malaki Starks had a strong performance against the Falcons, racking up a team-high 10 tackles with two tackles for loss. Starks had some timely wrap-ups in the open field and was very impactful versus the run, providing a lurking presence against Robinson. Kyle Hamilton’s game-sealing interception in overtime was textbook deception and high IQ, as he read the eyes of the quarterback perfectly. Hamilton had six tackles with a pass defense and missed a few plays after suffering an injury before returning. He remains the most indispensable player on the Ravens’ defense.
Special Teams: B+
Tyler Loop was a big factor in the Ravens’ win, as he accounted for all of the team’s points in the first half. Loop made two 51-yard field goals and another chip shot from 21 yards out. LaJohntay Wester’s lone punt return opportunity turned into a nice 11-yard gain. Rasheen Ali had a big tackle in the return game.
