Although they faced a quarterback playing in only his fourth career NFL game, the Baltimore Ravens continue to make strides on the defensive side of the ball.
It was an awful start to the season for the Ravens after two-time MVP Lamar Jackson was out several weeks with an injury. But the defensive side of the ball has been the main concern, having taken a significant step back from last season.
The Ravens’ defense has looked better in recent weeks and stayed strong on Sunday to help defeat J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings, 27-19. The Ravens had two defensive takeaways and a third takeaway on special teams.
John Harbaugh Has Zach Orr’s Back
Since acquiring Alohi Gilman last month, defensive coordinator Zach Orr has been able to utilize a three-safety scheme that better highlights Kyle Hamilton’s versatility — and the results have been dramatic. After surrendering more than 35 points per game through their first five contests, the Ravens have tightened up considerably, allowing fewer than 15 points per game over their last four.
Although their aggressive coverage led to a few costly pass-interference penalties late in the game, the Ravens limited Vikings star Justin Jefferson to just four catches for 37 yards on 12 targets.
Head coach John Harbaugh faced questions all single long about Orr, but wanted to make a point after Sunday’s game in Minnesota.
“Zach called a magnificent game,” Harbaugh said. “The coaches and Zach put together a fantastic gameplan.”
“The turnovers, the fourth down stops, the two-point play stop and even overcoming some crazy stuff,” Harbaugh said of the successes of his defense. “Our guys didn’t crack.”
Harbaugh shouted out linebacker Kyle Van Noy for his play.
“We still have a lot of work to do, a lot of games left, but we’re enjoying the process of getting better, and I don’t think we’re taking what we’re doing lightly,” Van Noy said post game, according to ESPN.
“I think we’re starting to hit our stride,” Hamilton said. “It’s not a surprise to us. I think we’re playing to our potential now, and that’s got to be sustained.”
Lamar Jackson Has Quiet Performance by His Standards
On offense, this marked Jackson’s 100th regular-season start. With 73 wins in those games, he ranks fourth in NFL history for victories in a quarterback’s first 100 starts, trailing only Patrick Mahomes (78), Tom Brady (76), and Roger Staubach (76). Only Aaron Rodgers boasts a higher passer rating over his first 100 games. In this outing, Jackson completed 17 of 29 passes for 176 yards, including a fourth-quarter touchdown to Mark Andrews, and added 36 yards on nine rushes.
Despite the milestone, Jackson was not satisfied with his performance.
“A lot of confidence,” Jackson said of the Baltimore defense, “but I’d have even more if we were putting points up on the board like we should.”
Jackson was sacked just once and remained composed throughout, handling both the loud crowd and Minnesota’s tricky defensive schemes with poise.
“That’s what won the game for us — the poise under pressure,” said Harbaugh, who notched his first win in three trips to Minnesota, completing a remarkable feat in his 18-year career by securing at least one victory in every current NFL city.
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