Ravens Week 8 Power Rankings roundup
OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens held steady in the various Week 8 Power Ranking after a 41-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which extended Baltimore’s winning streak to five games.
Here’s the roundup
This week: 2; Last week: 3
Analysis: “In a prime-time showdown at The Pirate Ship, the Ravens played the hits. Lamar Jackson was terrific, Marlon Humphrey had his first two-pick game, Derrick Henry came on late to close it out, and, as it turns out, Mark Andrews’ demise was greatly exaggerated. Baltimore’s defense showed some signs of trouble prior to Mike Evans leaving the game, but the Ravens clamped down hard with interceptions on back-to-back Buccaneer drives. We say it all the time, but NFC teams that don’t regularly face Jackson always look shell-shocked at some point by the electric signal-caller. For a moment in the second half, I considered whether Baltimore should rise all the way to No. 1. But the late-game defensive breakdowns, plus the early miscues, held me back enough.”
This week: 4; Last week: 5
Analysis: “Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta targeted Rosengarten, 22, in the second round of this year’s draft, and it’s evident why. He is the first second-round pick to start this early for Baltimore since offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele in 2012. After Rosengarten became the starting right tackle in Week 3, the Ravens’ offensive line began to click and helped Baltimore rank in the top five in total offensive yards. Rosengarten has excelled in opening up lanes for running back Derrick Henry, ranking second among right tackles with a 83.3 percent run block win rate.”
This week: 3; Last week: 5
Analysis: “Lamar Jackson looks unstoppable right now. He is the MVP as of this moment. His passing in this offense has been outstanding.”
This week: 3; Last week: 3
Analysis: “We’re splitting hairs trying to find the difference between the Ravens and the Lions. Baltimore went on the road — same as Detroit — and smacked a division leader by racking up 41 points. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are laying waste to every opponent they face. I’m not sure how many defenses in the league are equipped to stop these guys.”
This week: 2; Last week: 5
Analysis: “For arguably the first time in his career, quarterback Lamar Jackson is surrounded by all the right players to maximize his skill set. Tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely are good enough blockers and receivers to cause defenses real conflicts in how to manage run-pass conflicts. Receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are better than just fast; they’ve improved as route runners and can create offense after the catch. Finally, Derrick Henry has a gravity in his own right when he hits the field, and he seems to strike a big run every time the box isn’t stacked. With all these contributors around Jackson—and his playing as well as he ever has—the only thing keeping Baltimore from achieving its goals is itself.”
This week: 5; Last week: 6
Analysis: “The Ravens’ offensive line was ravaged by offseason departures, with three starters leaving via free agency or being traded. Lamar Jackson’s protection wasn’t very good in the first two games. It was better against the Cowboys and Bills, but both teams struggled to stop the run. Baltimore’s pass defense was also exposed against the Bengals. They had a nice victory against the Redskins, but Washington is a young team with a terrible defense. They crushed the Buccaneers, but Tampa Bay couldn’t score once Mike Evans got hurt.”