Deadline Ravens Week 2 Awards

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.

Game Balls

Lamar Jackson

After turning the ball over twice against the Texans, Lamar Jackson was able to show again why he is one of the highest paid players in NFL history. Jackson completed 24 of 33 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns, while earning 54 yards on the ground in 12 attempts. Jackson was able to get all ball carriers and receivers involved, even if they didn't catch a single target. Second half Lamar Jackson had some of the best decision making I've ever seen, including a 12-yard run on 3rd down to seal the deal in the final drive. If it weren't for some holding penalties, Lamar would have had close to 80 rushing yards and over 300 total yards.

Offensive Line

Lamar Jackson was able to thrive in the passing game, and a main factor of this came from the giant step the offensive line took. Jackson struggled last week, but it wasn't entirely his fault. With Tyler Linderbaum and Ronnie Stanley leaving early, center Sam Mustipher and Patrick Mekari were thrown into a scheme they had little practice with. This week, they looked a lot more comfortable and the line as a whole allowed little to no pressure and gave up zero sacks.

Nelson Agholor

Although this is the greatest wide receiver corps we've seen while Jackson is under center, Nelson Agholor is not who we initially think of. After Odell Beckham Jr. left the game in the first half, Agholor stepped into the role he knew he could play. He led the team in receptions and receiving yards, with 5 catches and 63 yards. He was also the recipient of the teams final touchdown, a beautiful 17-yard throw from Jackson right into Agholor's open arms. He proved that this offense has the capabilities to dismantle a good secondary, no matter who is going after the ball.

Gus Edwards

Gus Bus strikes again. He has proven time and time again why he is the top back for this strong running unit. Edwards had 62 yards on 10 carries and scored the games first touchdown. He had two massive plays where he gained 17 and 20 yards, and was crucial in the late stages of the game. I expect him to pass 100 yards in one of the next three games he plays.

Patrick Queen

Last week, inside linebacker Roquan Smith broke the franchise record for tackles in a Week 1 match with 16. Although neither were as dominant, Smith and Patrick Queen played great, yet it is Queen's play that deserves most recognition. Queen has struggle in his first few seasons with tackling and getting to players, but his pairing with Roquan Smith has squashed those doubters as Queen made some of the best tackles I've seen from any Raven in the last few years. They weren't perfect, but they got the job done and his 6.5 tackles prevented some heavy pressure decisions from gaining much more yardage.

Plays of the Game

Geno Stone Interception

Marcus Williams was another starter missing on the field Sunday afternoon, but all they needed was to get into the Stone Zone. Geno Stone has been filling in for missing players his entire career, but made a huge red zone pick off Pro Bowler Joe Burrow to show he has the playmaking to start in this league. My only criticism - he could have scored. There is nobody stopping Stone from taking this thing to the house, and outside linebacker David Ojabo set a perfect block for Stone to cut inside and go the distance. However, the second interception of this safety's career created another fantastic play for the offense.

Jackson 50 yards to Zay Flowers

There are three components to this play. 1. Zay Flowers showing everyone who he is capable of being. He made an excellent deep route look easy and was able to make the catch between two Bengals defenders. 2. Jackson may be the league's most underrated passer. He was able to read the field in just a few seconds and get this ball all the way to Flowers. This was a 50-yard throw, not just a 50-yard play. Jackson continuing to try these deep balls will get him and the receivers experience in 50-50 balls. 3. The offensive line allowed Jackson the perfect amount of time to find Flowers and get the perfect pass off. These successful plays for huge yardage early in the season can make a huge difference in the late stages of playoff contention.

Jadeveon Clowney gets huge sack

One of the more quiet plays the defense provoked was a six-yard sack by pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney on 2nd and 5. This play followed the the Jackson-Agholor touchdown drive and was key in another three and out for Baltimore's defense. Clowney was able to beat out offensive tackle Jonah Williams, getting behind Burrow and finishing off with the tackle.

Baltimore will play in M&T Bank Stadium against the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday, and will look to keep their undefeated season alive.