A Few Good Plays

The Ravens won their home opener convincingly with a suffocating defensive effort vs an old friend.

In doing so, they overcame an uneven performance.  Let’s review:

  • They overcame the NFL which scheduled the Browns for the Ravens home opener, coinciding with the 30th-anniversary celebration
  • They overcame some outstanding young Cleveland talent
  • They overcame their own inability to put away close games
  • They overcame a Cleveland defense that stifled their run game for just 45 yards, the lowest total ever in a game started by Lamar Jackson
  • They overcame another lopsided loss of snap count (72-53) coming off a 78-50 thrashing from Buffalo
  • They overcame their own inability to sustain drives including a 3/12 performance on 3rd down and 8 drives of 4 or fewer plays
  • They scored 41 points with just 3 plays of 20+ yards
  • They continued their ability to bounce back from tough losses
  • They continued their ability to win as a big favorite (26-0 under Harbaugh when favored by 11+)

Best of the Back End

The Ravens had contributions from most of the secondary.  To summarize:

  • Wiggins (69 snaps) was outstanding (see Extended Treatment below).
  • Humphrey contributed to a drive-ending play (PD short of sticks), but also bobbled an easy interception into the hands of Tillman for the Ravens 2nd tipped TD allowed in 2 weeks.
  • Awuzie was picked on, but generally solid.  He overran the PL26 to Jeudy (Q2, 10:16) but allowed just 2 other catches for 17 yards among 5 targets.  He had a drive-ending pressure (Q2, 8:15) and altered the trajectory of another pass by leaping to obstruct Flacco (Q4, 9:15).
  • Hamilton made contributions vs the run, pass, and as a pass rusher (see Extended Treatment).
  • Starks was generally in position and contributed to a pair of drive-ending plays (Q2, 8:15; Q2, 0:40).  Because he had solid coverage of Njoku, Wiggins was able to undercut for his INT and 61-yard return (Q3, 11:46).
  • TJ Tampa delivered a drive-ending PD on 4th/10 (Q4, 6:22) and was used as the 4th CB in dime packages.
  • Keyon Martin played 22 snaps at SCB, all as a replacement for Humphrey and allowed completions of 5 and 6 yards in garbage time.
  • Sanoussi Kane played the final series at safety.
  • Reuben Lowery saw his first NFL action, entering for the last 5 snaps.
  • Tight coverage and brackets reduced windows and forced a number of throw aways.
  • As a unit, the defense had trouble covering (and shedding blocks by) TE Harold Fannin.

Jaire Alexander was a healthy scratch.  He had a difficult week 1 and in sharp contrast to the way Orr stuck with safeties Marcus Williams and Eddie Jackson in 2024, the coaches moved decisively to sit an underperforming vet.  Alexander had a nose for the football during training camp and I am still hopeful he’ll contribute this season.

WLB and use of Dime Remains in Flux

The Ravens have yet to settle what is now a competitive WLB position.  To summarize:

  • Teddye Buchanan started at WLB and played 59 snaps (82%) between there and MLB (final drive).  He was imperfect as a tackler and in coverage and did not contribute to a defensive win. 
  • Trenton Simpson played well in 15 snaps (see Extended Treatment).
  • The Ravens replaced the WLB just 5 times with their 4-CB dime on which the team allowed just 16 yards (3.2 YPP).  The success of the dime was a welcome recovery after its struggle vs the Bills in week 1.
  • The 31-yard run after Roquan left involved an unusual 3-player collision (Simpson, Tampa, Kane) where each probably deserved a share of a missed tackle.

I continue to expect the Ravens will revert to a 3-safety dime at some point to maximize Hamilton’s impact near the LoS.

DL Roles

  • Travis Jones and Nnamdi Madubuike played together on 42 snaps and provided a powerful pass rush battery.  Jones was double teamed by C Pocic and LG Bitonio on the bulk of snaps.  On 2 of those double teams (Q3, 6:40; Q3, 5:40), Jones created pressure himself.  On others, he provided opportunities for Madubuike and ROLB.  Bitonio maintained his double team on Jones, forcing LT Levestron to block the blitzing Starks and allowing Oweh to have a free run for pressure on Flacco (Q1, 2:26).
  • John Jenkins was inserted as a backup NT when the chance of a run was high but played just 6 snaps in the game’s final 41 minutes.  While he did not play poorly, his usage is sharply reduced from the last 2 seasons with Las Vegas when he had his 2 heaviest workload seasons.
  • Broderick Washington did not see action at the 5-tech because the Ravens never went to base defense despite a plethora of 12 personnel from the Browns.  He played 3 tech when paired with Jenkins and NT when paired with Peebles as the Ravens worked to close out the game.
  • Aeneas Peebles again looked good in limited duty (22 snaps).  Orr has minimized the use of Peebles early in games and conserved him as a rested interior pass rusher when the Ravens lead.  He contributed a pair of pressures (Q4, 11:40; Q4, 7:27), both by bulling RG Teller into the cone.  He also swam by Teller to contain then tackle Judkins RM0 (Q4, 4:04).  Through 2 games, he’s played 22% of snaps and has a role at which he’s had success.  That’s a great start to his NFL career.
  • Brent Urban has yet to be activated from PS.  It’s possible this could be a week where he is elevated for Peebles to face the Lions potent rushing attack.

The Ravens IDL has been overtaxed through 2 games with 150 defensive snaps played.  More sustained offense should improve the level of play for this unit which has nonetheless been solid to date.

Packages

Note: all snap totals exclude penalties resulting in no play, kneels, spikes, and specials team plays resulting in a run or pass.  As such, they will be lower than other published totals.

The Browns ran 72 such snaps.

Base (0): The Ravens did not use their base 3-4 defense with 2 ILB on any play.  On all but 1 jumbo snap, they had 5 or more DBs on the field.

Jumbo (1): The Ravens used 4 IDL on 3rd and 1 (Q2, 13:38).  John Jenkins, Travis Jones, Nnamdi Madubuike, and Broderick Washington lined up to stop a potential QB sneak but Judkins ran left for 6 yards to convert.  1 play, 6 yards.

Standard Nickel (66): The standard nickel includes 2 down linemen, 2 OLB, 2 ILB, 3 CB, and 2 S.  Orr used it as the primary response to 11 and 12 personnel.  These plays included 21 runs for 109 yards and 45 pass plays for 191 net yards (4.2 YPP).  66 plays, 300 yards, 4.5 YPP, 2 sacks, 2 TOs.

Dime (5): The Ravens again used their 4-CB version of the dime despite the activation of Reuben Lowery over Alexander which seemed to presage a return to 3-S/3-CB dime.  Each instance also included 2 down linemen, 2 OLB, and 1 ILB.  TJ Tampa replaced the WLB in this package.  These plays were all passes for 16 total yards (3.2 YPP) including 4 drive-ending plays and a 5th defensive win on 3rd/7.

Pass Rush

Orr used a spartan pass rush by numbers but spiced it up with blitzes from a variety of angles to harass Flacco and confuse assignments.  Despite limiting the rush by numbers, the Ravens generated a significant pressure including several free runs at Flacco.

For the game, Flacco and Gabriel had ATS on 16 of 50 drop backs (32%) which is higher than normal.  Those plays gained 122 yards (7.6 YPP).  However, they also delivered the ball before pressure could develop (BOQ) 13 times (26%) with an array of screens, slants, and swings for 63 yards (4.8 YPP).  The Ravens generated a pressure event on 21 plays (42%), including 2 sacks for a net of 21 passing yards (1.0 YPP) with 2 TOs.

Said otherwise, the Ravens held the Browns beneath standard expectations for each type of opportunity and were especially effective (even relative to the 3.5 YPP standard) when generating pressure. The Browns had expected net yards of 287 and actual of 207, falling short of expectation by 80 yards (1.6 YPP) relative to the standard for their opportunity set.

Summarizing by number of pass rushers:

3: 3 play, 33 yards, 11.0 YPP

4: 38 plays, 148 yards, 3.9 YPP, 2 sacks, 1 TO

5: 9 plays, 26 yards, 2.9 YPP, 1 TO

Total: 50 plays, 207 yards, 4.1 YPP, 2 sacks, 2 TOs

The Ravens rushed 5+ on only 9 of 50 drop backs (18%) on which the Browns averaged 2.9 YPP.

Orr used 14 individual blitzes (.28 per pass play) from off the LoS, all singles.  These plays resulted in 8 pressures, 4 BOQs, and 2 ATS for 26 net yards (1.9 YPP), including 1 INT (returned 61 yards).

The Ravens stunted 10 times on 8 plays which Flacco completed 4 of 8 for 53 yards (6.6 YPP). 

The Ravens showed simulated pressure on 7 occasions with 2 or 3 dropping from the LoS.  These plays resulted in 44 net yards (6.3 YPP), including SF-4 returned 63 yards.

I define a deceptive pass rush as incorporating 2 or more of the above elements (off ball blitzes, stunts, and simulated pressures).  The Ravens ran 7 deceptive rushes (14%) including 3 drive-ending plays and the tipped TD on 4th/3.

Nnamdi Madubuike led the team with contributions to 6 pressure events, including: S-7, 1 other QH, and 4 full pressures. Tavius Robinson had an SF-4, 2 full pressures, and 1/3 share of another pressure.  Odafe Oweh had 2 QHs, 1 pressure, and drew offensive holding. Mike Green had 1 QH, full pressure and another 1/3 pressure.

Extended Treatment

Roquan Smith

  • (Q1, 13:49): He penetrated through right C-gap to tackle RB Judkins RM-2
  • (Q1, 3:06): He recognized swing pass to Judkins and triggered quickly for PL-4 (-4 + 0) [1]
  • (Q2, 14:52): He was blocked by TE Fannin as part of Judkins RR7
  • (Q2, 12:21): He blitzed, blew up RB Sampson, and delivered fast QH as Flacco threw away 4 yards [3]
  • (Q2, 9:36): He penetrated behind pulling LG Bitonio and pulling C Pocic to tackle RB Sampson RL-1 with Simpson
  • (Q2, 4:45): On 2nd/6, he quickly tackled RB Ford PL2 (2 + 0) [2]
  • (Q3, 12:26): He was blocked by LG Bitonio in L2 as part of Judkins RR6 but recovered to make tackle
  • (Q3, 11:46): On 3rd/4, he blitzed through left B-gap, steamrolled RB Sampson, and chased down Flacco for QH by right sideline as throw was intercepted by Wiggins
  • (Q3, 9:25): He triggered quickly to tackle Judkins PM3 (3 + 0) [3]
  • (Q3, 7:18): On 2nd/10, he and Buchanan contained RB Ford PM6 (3 + 3) [4]
  • (Q4, 11:08): Flacco completed PM8 (3 + 5) [2] between Starks and Smith in zone and Roquan assisted on tackle
  • (Q4, 10:32): On 3rd/1, he pursued quickly for tackle of Sampson RL2 conversion to prevent longer run
  • (Q4, 8:33): On 4th/6, he scooped Flacco’s fumble forced by Robinson and returned 63 yards for TD

Roquan led the Ravens with 15 tackles, including defensive wins on 7 plays (3 run, 4 pass) and contributions to 2 drive-ending plays.  He had 2 QHs, 3 TFLs, and returned Flacco’s fumble 63 yards for a TD.  It was easily his greatest game as a Raven and stands well with the greatest performances of Ray Lewis’ career.

Mike Green

  • (Q2, 4:00): On 3rd/4, he delivered late QH off initial pressure from Madubuike as Flacco threw away 17 yards [1]
  • (Q3, 5:40): He bulled LT Jones to phonebooth pocket with Robinson and Travis Jones as Flacco threw away 12 yards [5]
  • (Q4, 10:32): On 3rd/1, he was sealed by LG Bitonio as part of Sampson RL2 conversion
  • (Q4, 9:58): He blitzed unblocked off OLS to force Flacco throw away OOB 15 yards [1]
  • (Q4, 6:29): On 3rd/5, he stunted to bull RG Teller into cone to flush Flacco right where Madubuike pursued to force grounded pass
  • (Q4, 4:43): He rushed himself out of play vs. LT Jones on Judkins RL31

Mike was too much for the Browns tackles including his first career QH.  I’m sure his run defense will be a point of emphasis as he should have much more playing time in the coming weeks with Van Noy out.

Nnamdi Madubuike

  • (Q2, 12:17): On 3rd/8, he was underneath on stunt and chased down Flacco for QH off pressure from Van Noy as he threw incomplete to force punt
  • (Q2, 4:00): On 3rd/4, he stunted to bull LG Bitonio for initial pressure cleaned up by Green QH as Flacco threw away to force punt
  • (Q2, 1:16): On 2nd/6, he bulled then shed RG Teller for S-7
  • (Q3, 12:26): He was blocked by TE Fannin to help lead Judkins RR6
  • (Q3, 7:18): He bulled RG Teller into Flacco for pressure as he threw PM6 to RB Ford
  • (Q4, 11:08): On 2nd/9, he bulled RG Teller into cone as Flacco threw PM8 to WR Jeudy
  • (Q4, 8:33): On 4th/6, he bulled RG Teller into Flacco for initial pressure leading to Robinson’s SF-4 and Smith’s FR TD
  • (Q4, 6:29): He chased down Flacco off initial pressure from Green to force grounded pass for Ford 0 yards [5]

Nnamdi was the Ravens most impactful pass rusher (see above).  He and Travis “I dare you to single me” Jones played together on 42 of Madubuike’s 43 snaps which helped create lots of opportunity for Nnamdi to go 1-on-1 vs RG Teller.

Nate Wiggins

  • (Q1, 7:06): He (under) and Hamilton (over) bracketed WR Bond to force throw away 17 yards [5]
  • (Q1, 2:26): He was bearing down -3 yards [5] as Bond was unable to collect Flacco’s pass
  • (Q1, 2:22): On 3rd/14, he and Hamilton bracketed WR Tillman 19 yards [5] to force throw away, punt
  • (Q2, 11:08): He delivered PD from behind vs. Tillman 13 yards [4]
  • (Q3, 11:50): He forced an extended bobble by WR Jeudy on right sideline which he was unable to control inbounds, INC, PD
  • (Q3, 11:46): He broke off his own assignment to undercut pass intended for TE Njoku 12 yards [5] and returned it 61 yards
  • (Q4, 6:59): He triggered quickly to tackle RB Ford PR-1 (-1 + 0) [5]

Nate delivered 2 drive-ending plays and allowed 15 yards on 9 targets (1.7 YPT) in what was one of the 3 best games of his Ravens career.  The passer rating throwing to his targets was 12.0.  On a day where the Ravens suffered some attrition at CB, it was good to see their number 1 step up.

Trenton Simpson

  • (Q2, 9:36): He assisted Smith on tackle of Sampson RL-1
  • (Q2, 8:56): On 2nd/11, he quickly tackled TE Njoku PL3 (2 + 1) [2]
  • (Q4, 6:29): On 3rd/5, he had tight coverage of Ford 0 yards [5] as Madubuike forced Flacco to ground pass
  • (Q4, 4:43): He, Tampa, and Kane collided for MT at 10 yards as part of Judkins RL31

Trenton had a large share of his snaps apportioned to Buchanan and played just 1 full series in each half.  He outplayed Teddye in this game, however, and may earn a larger snap share moving forward.

Kyle Hamilton

  • (Q1, 14:23): He cleaned up tackle of TE Fannin PL12 (6 + 6) [2] after MT by Buchanan
  • (Q1, 13:10): On 2nd/12, he diagnosed screen to RB Sampson from L3 and tackled PR-3 (-4 + 1) [4]
  • (Q1, 7:06): He had the back end of bracket on Bond as Flacco threw away 17 yards [5]
  • (Q1, 2:22): He had the back end of bracket on Tillman as Flacco threw away 19 yards [5]
  • (Q3, 5:33): On 3rd/7, his strip of TE Fannin was reversed on review for PR4 (4 + 0) [4]
  • (Q4, 7:27): He cleaned up Jeudy on PM6 (5 + 1) [2] after he beat Buchanan
  • (Q4, 6:59): He blitzed unblocked off the ORS for pressure/elevation to slow the pass from Flacco to Ford, allowing Wiggins to trigger downhill to tackle PR-1

The Ravens did not insert an extra safety to use Kyle closer to the LoS or in man coverage of either Njoku or Fannin.  Nonetheless, he continues to make plays and generated tight brackets with Wiggins.

Defensive MVPs

  1. Roquan Smith
  2. Nate Wiggins
  3. Nnamdi Madubuike

Honorable mention to Chidobe Awuzie, Kyle Hamilton, Travis Jones, Odafe Oweh and Tavius Robinson