The Baltimore Ravens suffered their third consecutive loss Sunday, falling 36-10 to the Buffalo Bills after injuries to Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley left rookie Joe Fagnano running the offense for much of the afternoon. Baltimore dropped to 4-4, and its problems on both sides of the ball became increasingly difficult to ignore. Here are five takeaways from the Ravens' Week 8 defeat.
1. Lamar Jackson's injury changes the season again
Jackson returned after missing three games with a high ankle sprain, only to suffer a right thumb injury on his first offensive snap.
The Ravens ruled him out, leaving immediate questions about his ability to grip and throw the football. Baltimore now has four days to prepare for Jacksonville without knowing how severe its franchise quarterback's latest injury is.
2. The quarterback situation could require outside help
Huntley suffered a toe injury and was ruled out. Fagnano later needed attention after taking several hits, while Justice Hill was identified as the emergency fourth quarterback. Baltimore cannot prepare for another game assuming every injured quarterback will recover in time.
General manager Eric DeCosta must evaluate the available options immediately.
3. Offensive line problems go beyond one injured starter
The Ravens allowed four sacks and 12 quarterback hits, with Greg Rousseau consistently creating pressure. Vega Ioane's absence hurt the interior rotation, but the problems extended to the tackles. Ronnie Stanley's holding penalty also erased a Derrick Henry touchdown.
Baltimore needs a more dependable protection plan, particularly if Fagnano is forced to start Thursday.
4. Roquan Smith remains Baltimore's defensive leader
Smith finished with 11 tackles, two passes defended and a forced fumble that T.J. Tampa Jr. recovered.
Broderick Washington also intercepted Josh Allen. The defense created enough opportunities to keep Baltimore competitive early, but Buffalo eventually pulled away behind Allen's explosive passing attack.
5. The second-half failures continue
The Ravens were outscored 20-3 after halftime Sunday, extending their three-game second-half scoring deficit to 68-3.
Baltimore managed just three points after halftime despite facing another critical opportunity to respond. The Ravens need more than Jackson's eventual return. Better protection, sounder defensive execution, and improved in-game adjustments are essential if they hope to recover from a disappointing first eight games.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 5 takeaways from Ravens' 36-10 blowout loss to Bills in Week 8
