Following Sunday night’s dramatic overtime game, national analysts focused on the Ravens’ resilience rather than the Falcons’ mistakes. It was understandable given Baltimore’s star power and status in the league. While the Falcons were unfortunate to fall short, the game still gave viewers a clear look at where Kevin Stefanski’s team failed to produce.
They were all over the place trying to contain a heavy zone-based running game. The Ravens will run over plenty of teams with Derrick Henry leading
the charge. It remains alarming how incapable the Falcons were at times of getting off blocks. The inability to convert pressure into sacks was frustrating against a backup quarterback. Missing several open-field tackles led to allowing more explosive plays.
For all their defensive struggles, fans believe the issues in the dropback passing game need to be addressed the most. Michael Penix Jr. looked rattled by Jesse Minter’s varied looks and didn’t come close to converting in pure dropback situations on third-and-long.
Although he started to connect with Drake London in the second half, the offense is too talented and well-coached to be completely overwhelmed. That forced the defense on the field for long stretches, leading to them collapsing late in the game.
Penix Jr. has played well in his return, but his tendency to panic in the pocket under duress and struggle to create out of structure leaves the passing game somewhat limited. That is where he’ll need to improve, as well as the coaching staff’s ability to get more on early downs when they can’t impose their will on the ground.
The disappointing loss hasn’t damaged the fanbase’s belief in the team’s direction, as they remain confident going forward.
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