The Ravens earned the result they needed. The performance left plenty to address.
Baltimore’s 24-18 victory over Tennessee began with explosive offense and ended with Malaki Starks securing an onside kick. Between those moments, Lamar Jackson’s ankle injury changed the game, and the Ravens repeatedly made their own assignment harder. Jackson threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. Baltimore scored touchdowns on all three red-zone possessions and did not turn the ball over. Those are winning contributions.
The Ravens also committed 13 penalties for 131 yards, handing Tennessee six first downs through flags. That is far too much assistance for an opponent that arrived without a victory. Without Jackson in the second half, Baltimore
scored no points and opened with four consecutive punts. Tyler Huntley’s eight completions in nine attempts show why the explanation has to extend beyond the backup quarterback. Protection, penalties, and the running game all belong in the discussion.
The defense forced two turnovers and limited Tennessee to two third-down conversions in 10 attempts. It also allowed a late touchdown that made the finish uncomfortable.
Baltimore is 3-1. That matters. Whether Jackson can play in Atlanta will matter even more.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Instant analysis: Ravens survive Titans with bigger questions ahead
