Team Grades: Justin Forsett Runs Over New Orleans Saints
By Samuel Njoku
The Ravens have a habit of winning after the bye, a trend that the New Orleans Saints found out the hard way on Monday Night Football when they lost their third straight game.
Offense Grade: A
What Ravens fans saw last night was exactly what the front office envisioned when they brought over Gary Kubiak to become their offensive coordinator. The Ravens needed to get back to running the ball this season and they’ve done so in a huge way with RB Justin Forsett. He’s simply tearing up the league and has become a top five running back in the NFL. Not bad for a journeyman who was almost done with football. He ran all over the Saints front 7 on Monday night. The Ravens zone blocking scheme did a masterful job of creating lanes for Forsett to run through. Kelechi Osemele and Marshal Yanda played their best games of the season. Along with Jeremey Zuttah, Baltimore’s interior lineman are playing at a Pro Bowl level.
The Ravens receivers did an admirable job of getting separation from the Saints secondary. Most notably, Steve Smith took it upon himself to take over the game for the Ravens. He had 89 yards and a touchdown as well as some extracurricular activities with safety Kenny Vacarro. His attitude on the field set the tone for the entire offense. Torrey Smith continues to excel after his slow start to start the season leading the team in receiving yards.
Defense Grade: C+
Drew Brees threw for 420 yards on Monday night with three touchdowns. So the defense wasn’t going to get an A for their game ,but they certainly didn’t play horrible football. They made plays all over the field against the Saints. A 4th down stop on the goal line was a crucial momentum shift for Baltimore. And the pick six hauled in by safety Will Hill sealed the game for the Ravens. Of course, Baltimore still has problems preventing the big play as we routinely saw cornerbacks get beat deep for scores. Terrence Brooks misplayed a ball that was taken in for a touchdown by Marques Colston. Dean Pees failed to call a play to at least shadow Jimmy Graham when he brought in a score himself. Plays like this are what keeps Baltimore from truly excelling on the defensive side of the ball.
Quarterback Grade: B+
We don't know what the Ravens worked on during the bye week, but are pretty sure Flacco wants more of this offensive scheme from Gary Kubiak. Flacco looked more comfortable than he has in weeks against the Saints defense. He was precise in his passes and didn't make the big mistake. If he didn't see an open receiver, he threw the ball away. That's not to say Flacco didn't take his shot downfield. He made the Saints pay when they brought more defenders in the box to defend Forsett. It was an excellent game plan by the Ravens coaching staff and Flacco capitalized.
Special Teams: A
Sam Koch continues to be one of the most reliable punters in the game. Justin Tucker knocked in two field goals himself. And Jacoby Jones seems to have gotten out of the habit of muffing punts. Good showing from this group.
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.