NFL · 1 year ago

5 Things We Learned About the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

Kyle Hamilton is Good, Ravens Secondary Still Needs Humphrey's Back
If you've watched the Ravens, you know the importance of Marlon Humphrey to their defense. He was inactive in the Divisional Round against the Houston Texans, but there's some optimism his return is close. With Humphrey out, a key to the Ravens' secondary has been safety Kyle Hamilton. The former Notre Dame product helped limit the Texans' attack through the air and finished with three tackles.
Lamar Jackson Can Ball in the Playoffs
By all accounts, Lamar Jackson has the MVP locked up this season, and he continued to show why with his performance in the Divisional Round against the Houston Texans. Some have questioned his playoff resume, but with more performances like this, Jackson will continue to quiet his critics. Jackson threw for a pair of touchdowns while rushing for 100 yards and two scores on the ground. Talk about dominance.
Todd Monken was the Right Hire
When the Baltimore Ravens hired Todd Monken to be their offensive coordinator, some wondered if the move would pay off. Monken helped lead the Georgia Bulldogs to a pair of national championships, and that success has carried over into the NFL. The playcalling that Monken has brought to the table for Lamar Jackson can't be understated. The Ravens are humming on offense and a big reason for that is Monken.
Return of Mark Andrews Can't Come Soon Enough
There wasn't a lot of optimism that tight end Mark Andrews would return this season from injury, but after opening up his practice window, all signs point to him closing in on a return in the AFC Championship Game. Lamar Jackson didn't need to use his arm a lot against the Texans with how well he was rushing the football, but there's no doubt that Mark Andrews is essential to their passing game and is a target that Jackson is missing. Without Andrews on the field, there's a lot less cost certainty with the Ravens passing game.
Roquan Smith is the Leader on Defense
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the NFL's top defenses, highlighted by a strong defensive line. The Chicago Bears dealt Roquan Smith to the Ravens in 2022, and Smith has been a major part of their defense since. That trend continued against the Texans, where Smith tied for the Ravens lead with seven combined tackles and made C.J. Stroud uncomfortable in the pocket. Smith has helped take this defense to another level.
Kyle Hamilton is Good, Ravens Secondary Still Needs Humphrey's Back
If you've watched the Ravens, you know the importance of Marlon Humphrey to their defense. He was inactive in the Divisional Round against the Houston Texans, but there's some optimism his return is close. With Humphrey out, a key to the Ravens' secondary has been safety Kyle Hamilton. The former Notre Dame product helped limit the Texans' attack through the air and finished with three tackles.
Lamar Jackson Can Ball in the Playoffs
By all accounts, Lamar Jackson has the MVP locked up this season, and he continued to show why with his performance in the Divisional Round against the Houston Texans. Some have questioned his playoff resume, but with more performances like this, Jackson will continue to quiet his critics. Jackson threw for a pair of touchdowns while rushing for 100 yards and two scores on the ground. Talk about dominance.

5 Things We Learned About the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round

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