The Baltimore Ravens need everyone on the roster for their Week 7 home matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. They're up next to host the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. The home team has several players who have given the team reasons to be optimistic. Some are beginning to make an impact after returning from injury.
Others are showing that they can contribute in ways that deserve a larger role moving forward. A strong showing in one game doesn't guarantee continued success. The challenge is turning encouraging performances into sustained production. That's how players build the foundation they can build on as the season progresses.
Through improved execution or growing confidence, these Ravens have a chance to carry their Week 6 momentum
into the games ahead. Each player can build on that momentum and become an even more important part of the Ravens' plans.
Ja'Kobi Lane, wide receiver
Ja'Kobi Lane made an immediate impression after returning to action, showing that his time away hadn't kept him from making tough catches and looking comfortable in the offense. His contributions were not built around explosive downfield plays. That isn't necessarily what is expected with Tyler Huntley leading the offense, but Lane still demonstrated an ability to compete for the ball and give the quarterback a reliable target.
The rookie finished with four receptions on five targets for 40 yards in Week 6,earning a 79.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, the highest mark among Ravens offensive players in that game. Don't forget he also came close to scoring earlier in the season, only for a Week 1 penalty to nullify the touchdown.
It is still early to project how high Lane's ceiling might be, but his talent and ability to contribute after missing time are encouraging. If he continues to build chemistry with Baltimore's quarterbacks and earns more opportunities, he could become a meaningful part of the passing game.
Marlon Humphrey
Marlon Humphrey has faced scrutiny for his performance at times, but let's give credit where it's due. His Week 6 showing offered a few positives worth noting.
PFF also credits Humphrey with one missed tackle, but he also recorded two tackles, including a defensive stop, and broke up two passes. The stop reflects a play in which he helped prevent the offense from making the progress it needed to sustain a drive or score.
Humphrey allowed just one 17-yard reception on three targets, limiting the production Deshaun Watson found when throwing his way. That is a useful response for a cornerback whose performance is often judged by whether he can consistently disrupt opposing receivers.
One game won't settle every question, but the veteran has shown encouraging signs. Baltimore will need that kind of coverage against offenses that can create difficult perimeter matchups.
The Nnamdi Madubuike-Trey Hendrickson combination
Nnamdi Madubuike has been back in the lineup for about a month, and his performances have offered encouraging signs for Baltimore's defensive front. He has passed the eye test since returning, showing why his presence can make a difference in the trenches.
Trey Hendrickson also made an impact in his Week 6 return. He has been generating consistent pressure and recorded his second sack of the season in Week 6.
This pairing is particularly exciting when both are healthy and producing because they can challenge an offensive line in different ways. Madubuike's interior presence can disrupt the pocket from the middle, while Hendrickson's ability to threaten the edge forces tackles to account for his pass-rush moves. Together, they give Baltimore reason to be optimistic about its pass rush.
Josh Cuevas
Josh Cuevas has already earned attention for his recent performance, and his first NFL touchdown gave the Ravens another reason to consider how he might fit into their offense moving forward. He caught four passes for 44 yards, with his longest reception covering 29 yards.
Cuevas and fellow tight end Matt Hibner give Baltimore additional options if Mark Andrews struggles to produce consistently. Cuevas has already shown he can stretch the field and contribute beyond short outlet routes, and continued involvement would give the Ravens another way to challenge opposing defenses through the middle.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Five Ravens who can carry Week 6 positives into game vs. the Bengals
