We are now halfway through the NFL season and it remains difficult to decide which teams are actually good. There are a lot of middle-of-the-road teams this year, but one team performing better than the rest is the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens defeated the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday and have been named Gates’ top team from Week 9.
A Dual-Threat Offense
The Ravens are one of the best dual-threat offenses in the league. Something that’s common among good teams in the NFL is they can beat you more than one way. For the Ravens, it’s with their rushing attack, passing attack, and defense. Baltimore can even beat you with Justin Tucker, for that matter.
Baltimore currently leads the league in rushing with 300 attempts, 1,443 yards, and 17 touchdowns. Their 160.3 yards per game also ranks first in the NFL. At the forefront of this rushing attack is Gus Edwards, who has emerged as the lead back following a season-ending injury to J.K. Dobbins. He rushed just five times last Sunday but totaled 52 yards and two touchdowns. His 10.4 YPC suggests that he could have earned a first down every time he touched the ball. Furthermore, he now has six scores over his last three games.
This video goes SO hard
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) November 9, 2023
Gus Edwards gets introduced by his offensive line (and fullback) as the Week 9 Angry Runner of the Week as he wields his scepter from the throne pic.twitter.com/gyhk9kgqgl
Undrafted free agent Keaton Mitchell is also looking like a diamond in the rough for the Ravens after totaling 138 yards and one touchdown in just his second career game on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Ravens’ passing attack may not be quite as good as their rushing game, but they can still beat you through the air. Lamar Jackson had over 150 yards on the day (he went 21-for-26 with 187 yards) while Odell Beckham Jr. totaled five catches for 56 yards and a touchdown.
Quick Shoutout to the Ravens’ D
The Ravens’ defense was able to get pressure on Geno Smith. They sacked him four separate times (one by Odafe Oweh, one by Justin Madubuike, and two by Kyle Van Noy). We also witnessed a Geno-on-Geno crime as Geno Stone picked off Geno Smith.
Baltimore seems to be one of the most balanced teams in the NFL. They are playoff contenders and, at this rate, could be eventual Super Bowl winners.
Geno Stone picks off Geno Smith pic.twitter.com/LkLckHN0QL
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) November 5, 2023
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