last thursday night

A timely fumble caused by Ravens cornerback Marlon Humprhey started a heroic comeback for the ages by Lamar Jackson and the Ravens against the Bengals last Thursday.

The MV3 candidate was 25/33, 290 passing yards (323 all-purpose yards), 4 touchdowns.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow also lost his mind, going 34/56, 428 passing yards and 4 touchdowns.

Ja’Marr Chase is probably still hanging around the Ravens’ secondary. The WR had 11 receptions for 264 yards and 3 touchdowns on Thursday night.

Somehow, through a couple of key stops on defense and some offensive magic, the Ravens pulled out the win, moving them to 7-3.

The question each week is, “Will this be the week that Raven High School can correct its communication problems?”

They are one of the worst defenses in the NFL at allowing explosive plays.

However, there may be some light at the end of the tunnel at least for this week.

According to published draft scout Spencer Schultz, Russell Wilson has struggled this season against zone coverage. This Ravens defense under Zach Orr never tires of playing in the zone. This may be a good omen.

To quote B Rabbit from 8 Mile, “If something’s going to happen… it has to happen now.”

Looking to the future

The road doesn’t get easier. The next three games are against the Steelers, Chargers and Eagles.

The old AFC North rivalry appears to be back. The Steelers have not one but two new quarterbacks. Pittsburgh’s 1 QB Russell Wilson appears to be a flashback to his days in Seattle.

He isn’t asked to do much as the black and yellow roster is loaded, not only with familiar faces like George Pickens but also newcomers like WR Mike Williams and LB Preston Smith.

In Wilson’s last three games, he has 6 touchdowns to 1 interception. The 13-year veteran simply takes his shots when necessary and keeps the ball out of harm’s way.

Ideally, Lamar and the offense can continue to score a lot and often with the hope that the defense can limit the explosive plays this Sunday.

The Ravens will also look to avoid what many fans have called “Steelers Dark Magic“.

Last year, when the Ravens played the Steelers on Oct. 8, their wide receivers had no throws before the game. However, the Ravens receivers dropped the ball a total of 5 times, sealing their fate.

Daggers

Nelson Aghlor dropped what would have been a 44-yard touchdown pass. Mark Andrews dropped a touchdown pass. Rashod Bateman dropped a touchdown pass.

As an aside, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has brought out the best in Harbaugh lately. The Steelers have won the last three meetings between these two teams.

He has been able to keep these games close or win with less talent. This year is different as these teams are more evenly matched than in previous seasons.