Team Grades: Ravens Rally To Defeat Browns With Game Winning Field Goal By Justin Tucker
By Samuel Njoku
The Baltimore Ravens have found themselves right in the middle of one of the biggest controversies in the history of the NFL. With the Ray Rice saga reaching a critical stage, Baltimore could have succumbed to the distractions around them. Instead, the Ravens rallied back from a resilient Cleveland Browns team and pulled a 23-21 victory to move to 2-1 on the season.
Offense Grade: B-
The Ravens would play this game without their starting running back Bernard Pierce as he was inactive with a thigh injury. But what they got instead could make the ordeal worth it. Rookie RB Lorenzo Taliaferro had his coming out party against the Browns as he would rush for 18 carries, 91 yards and a touchdown. His style of play was reminiscent of Jamal Lewis when he would routinely rush for over 200 yards a game against the Browns. Whether his play on the field today was a sign of things to come remains to be seen. But the Ravens definitely liked what they saw from him.
Another newcomer who looks to be making an impact is Steve Smith. He's been a consistent threat for opposing defenses and has become a much needed spark for the Ravens offense. He finished with over 100 yards for the second time this season and will look to continue this trend when he faces his former team next week.
Defense Grade: D
In Week 2, the Ravens suffocated the Steelers with a relentless assault that one would think would carry over into their game against the Browns. But nothing of the sort took place as Cleveland exposed some serious holes in the Baltimore defense. Brian Hoyer would pick on the young secondary as their offense focused on isolating second year safety Matt Elam. The Ravens didn't get much else going with their cornerbacks as Lardarius Webb struggled in his first game back following back spasms that date back to the beginning of the preseason.
The Ravens defensive front did an admirable job of stopping former Towson running back Terrence West but their inability to generate any kind of pass rush against Hoyer almost cost Baltimore their first road game. With Terrell Suggs and Chris Canty both dealing with injuries they suffered in this game, Baltimore will need to do a better job overall of rushing the passer if they hope to succeed as a unit moving forward.
Quarterback Grade: B
One of the surprising developments of this season has been how well Joe Flacco has adjusted to the West Coast Offense implemented by Gary Kubiak. But one again Flacco has shown to be fully capable of operating the offense. He spent a fair amount of the game under heavy pressure against a strong Browns defensive front, but he managed to get the job done and put Baltimore in position to hit the game winning field goal. As the season continues, Flacco will get more comfortable with the offense. That's great news for Baltimore and bad news for opposing defenses.
Special Teams Grade: A
Billy Cundiff was a blast from the past for the Ravens as he missed 2 field goals for the Browns that cost them the game. Justin Tucker was far more exceptional as he would hit 2 field goals including the game winner. Tucker remains one of the best place kickers in the NFL.
For more Ravens news and updates, visit Ravens Central.
Samuel Njoku was born and raised in Baltimore, MD and is a graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Samuel has covered the Ravens for Examiner.com since 2010. Prior to 2010, Samuel was an avid blogger and radio personality in Salisbury, MD. Samuel Njoku is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @Ravens_Examiner.