Baltimore’s comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons featured plenty of heroics, but what made this performance different from previous weeks was the impact of several role players stepping up in critical moments. Malaki Starks delivered arguably his best performance of the season, Justice Hill reminded everyone why his versatility and pass protection make him such a valuable piece of the offense, and Nick Vannett stepped into a larger role following Durham Smythe’s injury, providing some much-needed
stability as a run blocker.
S Malaki Starks
62 snaps | 23 run defense | 38 coverage | 1 pass rush | 10 tackles | 3 TFLs | 1 pressure
Starks entered Week 5 following an inconsistent start to the season, with some already questioning whether the former first-round selection would live up to expectations. Against Atlanta, Starks delivered arguably his best performance of the season, leading Baltimore with 10 tackles, including three tackles for loss and a pressure. One of the most interesting developments was how defensive coordinator Jesse Minter deployed him closer to the line of scrimmage. Starks operated from several different alignments, contributing as a run defender, underneath coverage player and occasional pressure threat.
On one rep, Starks aligned near the far edge of the formation and worked down the line of scrimmage to bring down the ball carrier in the backfield. On another, he aligned outside the tight end and attacked into the backfield, forcing Michael Penix Jr. into an early throw. His tackling ability was also on display throughout the afternoon. After missing an opportunity on Atlanta’s opening possession, Starks settled in and showed excellent closing speed and technique in the open field. On one rep, he made an impressive tackle against Bijan Robinson, while on another he ran the alley and closed downhill to secure another stop. His ability to diagnose plays and attack his landmarks with confidence was particularly encouraging.
Baltimore’s secondary has struggled with consistency through the early portion of the season, and Starks developing into a dependable presence would go a long way toward improving the unit. His versatility allows Minter to utilize him in several different roles without sacrificing personnel flexibility, particularly near the line of scrimmage. If Starks continues playing with the decisiveness and physicality he displayed against Atlanta, he has an opportunity to become a significant contributor to Baltimore’s defensive improvement as the season progresses.
RB Justice Hill
35 snaps | 24 receiving | 5 pass blocking | 4 rushing | 73 yards | 2 catches | 5 rec. yards
Hill made his impact felt in multiple phases of Baltimore’s victory over Atlanta, reminding everyone why the coaching staff continues to trust him in passing situations over Derrick Henry. Hill’s value extends well beyond his ability as a runner, and his performance in pass protection was particularly impressive. On one rep, Hill aligned as a wing attached to the offensive line and delivered a violent chip against an Atlanta edge defender, knocking him to the ground before releasing into his route. Later in the game, he executed another effective chip from a similar alignment. When working from the backfield, Hill consistently showed good timing and physicality, absorbing contact and redirecting pass rushers to provide additional support for his offensive linemen.
As a runner, Hill provided Baltimore’s longest rushing play of the afternoon. On that rep, he aligned as a fullback in the backfield and settled into a three-point stance, creating an interesting wrinkle for Atlanta’s defense. Hill exploded through the interior for a massive gain before eventually being brought down. He finished with 73 rushing yards on just four carries, adding two receptions for five yards. His ability to contribute as a runner, receiver and blocker gives offensive coordinator Declan Doyle flexibility in how he deploys Baltimore’s personnel.
Hill’s reliability in pass protection will become increasingly important as the season progresses, particularly against defenses that utilize more complex pressure packages. His ability to recognize blitzes, deliver effective chips and redirect rushers makes him an invaluable piece of Baltimore’s third-down offense. While his production as a runner was impressive, his contributions without the football were arguably just as important.
TE Nick Vannett
19 snaps | 2 receiving | 17 run blocking | 81.3 run-blocking grade (team-high)
With Durham Smythe suffering a season-ending Achilles injury the previous week, Baltimore needed someone to step into a significant blocking role at tight end. Vannett, who was promoted from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster, answered that call with an encouraging performance against Atlanta. His usage was relatively straightforward, with 17 of his 19 offensive snaps coming as a run blocker. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle clearly intended to utilize Vannett as an additional blocker in Baltimore’s rushing attack, and he executed his assignments effectively.
On multiple reps, Vannett worked in combination with the neighboring offensive lineman before climbing to the second level of the defense, sealing off linebackers and creating rushing lanes for Derrick Henry. His functional play strength was particularly noticeable, consistently establishing leverage and using his hips to turn defenders away from the ball carrier. Rather than simply attempting to overpower defenders, Vannett showed a good understanding of blocking angles and positioning, working to place his body between the defender and the intended rushing lane. His ability to transition from combination blocks to second-level assignments was another encouraging aspect of his performance.
With Smythe unavailable for the remainder of the season, Baltimore will need dependable contributions from its remaining tight ends, particularly in heavier personnel packages. Vannett may not offer much as a receiving threat, but his ability to execute blocking assignments and provide a physical presence along the line of scrimmage gives the Ravens another useful piece in their offensive rotation. As the season moves toward December and January, his ability to help establish the rushing attack and create running lanes for Henry could become increasingly valuable.
Snap counts and grades via Pro Football Focus.
