On Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens achieved a remarkable victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, reminiscent of the comebacks opposing teams often stage against them. Overcoming a double-digit deficit, the Ravens tied the game and ultimately triumphed in overtime, aided by an impressive run from Derrick Henry. While Lamar Jackson and the offensive unit delivered a stellar performance, the defense struggled against Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and his supporting cast. Here’s a closer look at the key players who saw their stock change following this thrilling win.
Stock Up
Lamar Jackson, QB
Lamar Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, put on another impressive show on Sunday. After falling behind by ten points early in the third quarter, he responded by leading three touchdown drives, showcasing his dynamic skills. A defining moment came midway through the fourth quarter when Jackson, after fumbling the snap, stiff-armed defensive end Sam Hubbard and made a perfect throw to tight end Isaiah Likely while being pushed out of bounds. After five weeks, Jackson appears to be in even better shape than last season and is back in the MVP conversation.
Zay Flowers, WR
Wide receiver Zay Flowers had arguably the best game of his early career. His usage had faced scrutiny in prior weeks due to limited deep involvement, but offensive coordinator Todd Monken recognized an opportunity in the Bengals’ defense. Flowers excelled against the Bengals secondary, becoming Jackson’s primary target during critical moments. He aims to build on this performance to establish himself as the Ravens’ top wide receiver.
Tight Ends
The Ravens entered the season confident in their tight-end depth, which was on full display on Sunday. While Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews are regular contributors, third-string tight end Charlie Kolar also shined, recording three receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown. Likely added two more touchdowns to his tally, and Andrews had a solid bounce-back game with 55 yards on four receptions.
Todd Monken, OC
The Bengals aimed to neutralize Baltimore’s run game, but Monken quickly adapted the game plan by utilizing play-action effectively in the second half. Though the Ravens’ rushing attack may not always shine as it did against Buffalo, performances like this demonstrate their ability to adjust and succeed when opponents heavily focus on Jackson and Henry.
Stock Down
Zach Orr, DC
Following a strong defensive outing against the Bills, the Ravens’ defense had its toughest game since last year’s high-scoring affair with the Dolphins. While players on the field hold responsibility, the defensive coordinator must also be accountable. The Ravens defense struggled with positioning and recognizing offensive formations against Cincinnati. Although they had initial success blitzing Burrow, they failed to maintain pressure in the second half. With too much talent in their ranks, Orr’s defense must make significant improvements before facing QB Jayden Daniels and the Commanders next Sunday.
Marcus Williams, S
Marcus Williams has had a challenging start to the season after signing a five-year, $70 million contract before the 2022 season. While he was a standout in his early days as a Raven, injuries have hindered his performance over the past two seasons. Now, even healthy, Williams seems to be underperforming and is currently ranked as the worst safety in the NFL, reflecting concerns that Ravens fans have noted through the first five weeks.
Brandon Stephens, CB
Brandon Stephens enjoyed a breakout 2023 season, but this year has presented numerous challenges. He has been targeted frequently and has allowed significant yardage. Issues with locating the football have reemerged, leaving him vulnerable to back shoulder throws from opposing quarterbacks. While facing tough matchups, Stephens must elevate his game for the defense to improve.
Linebackers
The Ravens’ defense struggled to defend the middle of the field, placing heavy demands on Roquan Smith. Orr’s implementation of a dime defense against the Bills worked well but was ineffective against Burrow. The Bengals exploited gaps in the middle and found success with slant routes, especially in red-zone situations. The Ravens are hesitant to utilize Trenton Simpson in pass coverage, which has led to Kyle Hamilton taking on additional responsibilities that place immense pressure on both players. Despite the circumstances, they’ve allowed too many completions and given opposing quarterbacks easy passing lanes.