Davis Trax Columns and Game Stories

From PressBox Online It was an ugly day for Baltimore Ravens football. The defense played well, but the offense could not create anything after the first two drives, and if that wasn't enough, Justin Tucker couldn't even seem to find his rhythm missing a crucial game-winning field goal well within his range. Tucker has done too much to bail this team out, so it felt like the offense would step up in overtime, but the play calling was atrocious. Lamar Jackson - although he fumbled the ball TWICE - was the leader in rushing yards, the only player who could get touchdowns, and was able to make crucial first down conversions in this game and last week against Cincinnati.  After a somewhat successful day for him - 202 passing yards, 101 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs - it made the most sense to clinch this trap-game win with a few ankle breakers from their highest-paid player, but not once did he run the ball in OT. They had two total possessions in overtime after the defense player t...

From SB Nation This team is different. All across the board. Their play against Houston was shaky at times, but the Ravens came out with a different force in their 27-24 win against AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals. My apologies for being a week late on my game thoughts, but these will occur every week until the end of the season - even during the bye week. The Ravens came into Paycor Stadium as an underdog on Sunday. They were projected to lose and were missing four starters, but as soon as they got the football, the offense had a different light. Baltimore was able to score on all but two drives and punted only once.  The defense played just as well, sacking quarterback Joe Burrow, forcing a turnover near the end zone and allowing less than 300 total yards. The game got close towards the end, but unlike the Ravens from last season, they were able to extend their final drive and close out the game, giving themselves a 1-0 start in the division and a 2-0 start in the conference. ...

From NBC News American football is the most viewed sport in the country and it is not close. Anticipation for the very first week of the NFL season is like no other. Fans of every team believe that this can be their year if everyone on their roster stays healthy. That is a major "if". Week 1 of the 2023-24 season started last Thursday night with a thrilling 21-20 victory for the Detroit Lions over the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Kansas City Chiefs. A few players from both sides were held out from that game, including Pro-Bowler tight end Travis Kelce. Injuries during the game were non-existent. Sunday was a different story. Injuries have always existed. It is just a part of sports, especially in a high-contact game like football, but before Monday Night Football, there were 16 teams that reported major injuries from Week 1. That is half of the NFL. Players had chest injuries, like Ravens' safety Marcus Williams and Steelers' tight end Pat Freiermuth. Others endure...