Ravens Should Feel No Shame for Ugly Win

The win over the Cowboys was gut-wrenching coming on the heels of the loss to Las Vegas, several blown leads of the last few seasons, and the 0-2 start.  However, the Dallas comeback was essentially triggered by several key failures which did not undo the fact the Ravens outplayed the Cowboys on both offense and defense.  Let’s review the most important turns:

  • The Ravens held a 28-6 lead when Tucker’s missed FG from 46 yards wobbled wide left (Q4, 10:44).  Had that kick been made, the Ravens would have been up 31-6, a 4-score margin, and it’s easy to see the Cowboys not making any serious attempt to come back with a normal huddle and lack of offensive alacrity.  The miss set Dallas up at the 36 and they continued to try to play fast.
  • After they scored on 6 plays, the Cowboys thought the game was close enough to announce an onside kick (Q4, 8:57).  Disaster then struck the Ravens in the form of Flowers’ flub which put a gassed defense back on a short field.  The defense would go on to play 24 of 27 snaps between Q4, 10:41 and Q4, 2:58.
  • On the second TD drive, Nate Wiggins was forced back into action for 4 plays after Ar’Darius Washington was injured rushing the passer and gave up a 24-yard slant to Brooks (Q4, 7:35) after being benched for multiple misplays and the “cycle” of coverage fouls (defensive holding, illegal contact, and pass interference) in the first 3 quarters.  The Touchdown pass to Tolbert and subsequent 2-point failure left the Ravens with a 2-score lead at 28-18.
  • Flowers collected the eerily similar onside kick (Q4, 7:05, reminded me of this scene from The Waterboy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kskfb1kcTs) which started the Ravens drive at the Dallas 47.  The offense then came up short with a 3-play, 7-yard drive that forced a decision with 5:34 remaining.  In another time, the Ravens might have tried a game-sealing FG with Tucker from 58 yards but Harbaugh understandably passed on that option with the recent wolfpack struggles.  Given the limited available field-position pickup, they also could have kept the offense on the field to try to seal the win with a first down and provide their defense with additional rest.  Harbaugh chose to punt instead, and Stout pinned the Cowboys back to their own 9-yard line.
  • The defense returned to the field and delivered pressure on 4 of the 11 pass plays but were done in by a pair of penalties.  Marcus Williams was flagged for a marginal illegal contact foul that would otherwise have set up 4th and 5.  Odafe Oweh the recieved a roughing the passer flag that former NFL official Mike Pereira derided on air.  The touchdown drive covered 91 yards on 11 plays in just 2:33.
  • The pressure again fell to the offense to salt the game away and Lamar took matters into his own hands with a conversion each by run and pass in the last 3 minutes.

Why be Proud?

  • The Ravens built a big lead with dominant play on both sides of the ball for the game’s first 49 minutes.
  • The Offense found an identity and formula which can be successful versus many opponents.  If you have the under on Lamar Jackson’s passing yards this season, your bet looks much better after week 3 with the promise of a low-volume, high-efficiency passing attack. 
  • The team produced plenty of offense with virtually no contributions from their biggest pass weapons, Andrews, Flowers, and Likely.
  • Orr moved to much more dime (see Packages below) and it paid off both with outstanding play from Ar’Darius Washington and fine play from Trenton Simpson in a more focused role.  The willingness to make a big adjustment like this is also a positive sign.
  • The Ravens continued to get outstanding pass rush from Madubuike, Van Noy, Oweh, Pierce, and Jones.  They are proving they still have enough first-pressure juice without Clowney.
  • They denied a pair of huge 2-point tries with good team defense.
  • They overcame officiating issues with missed grounding/safety call (Q2, 8:42), ticky-tack illegal contact on Williams (Q4, 3:59), and roughing the passer on Oweh (Q4, 3:50)—just on the defense.  The Cowboys had 6 first downs by penalty to 0 for the Ravens and Lamar was overheard saying “Stop cheating us, Bro” to one of the officials as he walked on the field for the final drive.
  • Lamar put the team on his back again with 2 first downs in the last 3 minutes to deny the Cowboys another chance to tie or win.

Leaning on the Dime/Big Game from Secondary

Despite a difficult game for Nate Wiggins, several members of the secondary played well in a game where Orr converted to more use of the dime package.  Let’s review:

  • The Ravens played 34 of 70 snaps with either 6 or 7 DBs on the field.  This was reminiscent of past Ravens teams (2000, 2019) which have leaned on extra DBs on obvious passing downs and with the lead.
  • The shift from big nickel to dime package was a substitution of Ar’Darius Washington for Trenton Simpson with Hamilton moving from SCB to dimeback.  Orr was a successful 3-down WLB and the Ravens have played a committed nickel for most of the Patrick Queen years, so this move may not come naturally, but Orr deserves praise for playing from the team’s biggest strength against a Dallas team with multiple receiving weapons.  Trenton Simpson also had his best game of the season in a more focused role.
  • Kyle Hamilton had his best game this year playing a combination of SCB, dime, and strong safety.  He made 12 tackles, flushed then chased down Prescott for a QH on an incomplete pass, and made a heads-up play to get off the field to avoid a 12-men penalty (Q3, 9:29).  On that play, Marcus Williams noted that both Eddie Jackson and Ar’Darius Washington were on the field and held him palms upward as he looked to the sideline.  Hamilton also noticed the problem and took action, sprinting for the sideline before Dallas could snap the ball.  This is a case where the substitution was clearly another player’s error (Hamilton never leaves the field under normal circumstances), but he found a way to fix it.  The Ravens stopped Elliott for RM2 and were off the field 2 plays later.
  • Brandon Stephens had a terrific game at LCB (detailed in Extended Treatment below) which was among the best of his Ravens career.  This game improved his chances for a big contract for next season.
  • Ar’Darius Washington was outstanding.  His play is detailed below (see Extended Treatment) and he has clearly earned an increased role.  In the absence of injuries, I expect he’ll continue to replace Simpson on more obvious passing downs but he could plug a hole at safety were one to occur.
  • Marlon Humphrey was targeted on just 5 of Prescott’s 51 passes and surrendered just 2 receptions (12 and 6 yards) while knocking down 2 passes.  He had a 3rd PD and near INT negated by Wiggins’ illegal contact.  He also delivered a QH when rushing the passer.  Perhaps most valuable is his versatility to play well both on the outside and at SCB which is key to unlocking Hamilton’s value.
  • In the midst of a very bad afternoon for Wiggins, he delivered one of the biggest plays of the game when he punched the ball free from CeeDee Lamb for the game’s only turnover (Q2, 14:40).  Marcus Williams, who was also having a tough game, recovered.
  • The Ravens minimized the damage from Lamb (7 targets, 67 yards, 1 fumble lost), the biggest Cowboys weapon, with brackets and safety help to deny his routes.  A good example is the 2nd/2 play (Q4, 5:03) when Eddie Jackson read the crosser to Lamb 4 yards between the right hash and numbers and was bearing down for the tackle when Lamb dropped the ball.  I would ascribe positive portent for Orr and the Ravens coaches for devising a plan to counter a specific weapon after the inability to stop Adams and Bowers torpedoed them in week 2.

Shutting down the Run with 4 Active DL

The Ravens shut down the Cowboys run game despite the choice to field just 4 DL and keep Brent Urban inactive.

Dallas averaged just 3.2 YPC on 16 carries with a long of 6 yards and just 2 first downs rushing.  The differential in rushing allowed the ravens to control the pace of the game and run out the last 2:53.

Failure to Convert

Want something to worry about?  The Ravens had 9 more PDs without an interception.

They came closest to a pick on the right sideline when Humphrey appeared to have the ball knocked free by Wiggins, but that play was negated by penalty.

For the year, the Ravens now have 16 PDs, tied for 3rd in the NFL but just 2 INTs (tied for 11th).  The only teams with more PDs are Min (20, 5 INT) and NO (17, 5 INT).

The 2023 Ravens were tied for 2nd in the NFL with 92 PDs and tied for 3rd in INTs with 18.  The 2024 results are in sharp contrast to both those 2023 results and the quality of defensive playmakers in the back 7.

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 Cowboys ran 70 such snaps.

Base (5): The Ravens used their base 3-4 defense with 2 ILB on 1st and 2nd down as well as a 3rd/1 play (Q1, 8:35).  These included 2 runs for 5 yards and 3 passes for 17 yards. 5 plays, 22 yards, 4.4 YPP.

Standard Nickel (22): The standard nickel includes 2 down linemen, 2 OLB, 2 ILB, 3 CB, and 2 S.  It is typically used as the primary response to 11 personnel.  Marlon Humphrey returned to be the primary SCB but Ar’Darius Washington took the role when Wiggins was benched after his 3rd penalty.  These plays included 6 runs for 15 yards, and 16 passes for 128 yards.  143 yards, 6.5 YPP, 1 sack, 1 TO.

Big Nickel (9): This version of the nickel included 2 down linemen, 2 OLB, and 2 ILB, 2 CB, and 3 S as a response primarily to multiple TEs or use of a FB.  Jackson was inserted as the 3rd safety for this package and saw action on the back end as Hamilton moved up to SCB.  These plays included 5 runs for 21 yards and 4 passes for 9 yards. 9 plays, 30 yards, 3.3 YPP.

Standard Dime (32): This version of the dime included 2 down linemen, 2 OLB, and 1 ILB, 3 CB, and 3 S as a pass prevention defense on 2nd/long, most 3rd downs, and for nearly the entirety of the 4th quarter.  This package included Ar’Darius Washington indirectly replacing Trenton Simpson as Hamilton shifted to dime.  32 plays, 186 yards, 5.8 YPP.

Rush Dime (1): This version of the dime included 1 down lineman, 3 OLB, 1 ILB, 3 CB, and 3 S.  Orr deployed it just once on the near safety and drive-ending completion to Tyler Smith (Q2, 8:42). 1 play, 0 yards.

Quarter (1): This version of the quarter included 1 down lineman, 2 OLB, and 1 ILB, 4 CB, and 3 S and was deployed to defend against a pass that would get the Cowboys in FG range (Q2, 0:19).  However, Wiggins overran his coverage of Lamb on the right sideline to allow a 31-yard reception that stopped the clock.  1 play, 31 yards.

Pass Rush

Orr employed a pass rush with a little more in the way of numbers and mixed results in terms of deception. 

For the game, Prescott had ATS on 17 of 54 drop backs (31%) which is a little above average.  Those plays gained 160 yards (9.4 YPP, 1 sack).  However, he also delivered the ball before pressure could develop (BOQ) 16 times (30%), primarily with screens and slants for 134 yards (8.4 YPP, 1 TO).  The Ravens generated a pressure event on 21 plays (39%), including 2 sacks for a net of 67 yards (3.2 YPP).

Much of the Dallas success passing the football came in the 4th quarter when the defense was on the field for 24 of 27 plays between 10:41 and 2:53.  With the defense tired, the Cowboys generated ATS on 9 of 22 pass plays and rolled up 207 passing yards. 

Summarizing by number of pass rushers:

3: 1 play, 31 yards

4: 38 plays, 215 yards, 5.7 YPP, 2 sacks, 1 TO

5: 13 plays, 115 yards, 8.8 YPP, 1 sack

6:  2 plays, 0 yards

Total: 54 plays, 361 yards, 6.7 YPP, 3 sacks, 1 TO

The Ravens rushed 5+ on 15 of 54 drop backs (28%) on which the Cowboys averaged 7.7 YPP.

Orr used 8 individual blitzes (.15 per pass play) from off the LoS, including 3 doubles.  These 6 plays resulted in 3 pressures, 2 BOQ, 1 ATS, for 35 net yards (5.8 YPP). 

The Ravens stunted 10 times, including 1 double, on which Prescott completed 3 passes for 14 yards (1.6 YPP). 

The Ravens showed simulated pressure 6 times with 2 dropping from the LoS on each occasion.  6 plays, 86 yards (14.3 YPP).

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 5 deceptive rushes (9%) for 40 yards, 8.0 YPP.

Kyle Van Noy led the team with contributions to 8 pressure events, including: 2 sacks, 4.5 pressures, and 1 PD at LoS. Nnamdi Madubuike had contributions to 5 events, (1 QH, 4 full pressures).

Extended Treatment

Ar’Darius Washington

  • (Q2, 5:41): He drove back TE Ferguson on PM6 (6 + 0) solo tackle
  • (Q4, 15:00): He stripped WR Lamb 9 yards [4] for PD
  • (Q4, 14:55): He bore down 5 yards [2] but was unable to tip incomplete pass behind Ferguson
  • (Q4, 14:52): He was in position to collect Prescott’s pass 22 yards [1] but WR Cooks dragged him down by collar for OPI to deny INT, turnover on downs
  • (Q4, 9:49): Prescott overthrew RB Dowdle -4 yards [5] as Ar’Darius closed in
  • (Q4, 8:53): On the 2-point try, he separated Lamb from football at 1-yard line to deny conversion
  • (Q4, 5:00): He raced across field to tackle FB Luepke PR24 after MTs by Hamilton and Humphrey
  • (Q4, 3:59): He rushed unblocked off ORS for pressure negated by ticky-tack IC Williams
  • (Q4, 3:50): He had tight coverage of Lamb 11 yards [5] as Prescott threw INC behind but play negated by RTP Oweh
  • (Q4, 2:58): On 3rd/10, he was beaten for a back-shoulder PL16 TD by WR Turpin in EZ

Washington had a substantive number of highlights in just 30 snaps, primarily in the dime package.  Since he’s consistently made plays when he’s been on the field, a bigger role is possible and appropriate.  His solid tackling (of much larger players in this game) leaves open the possibility of more playing time at safety.

Brandon Stephens

  • (Q1, 2:41): He made fast tackle of WR Cooks PL9 (9 + 0) [1]
  • (Q1, 1:37): He had step-for-step coverage of WR Tolbert 38 yards [1] as Prescott’s pass was overthrown
  • (Q2, 5:46): He had step-for-step coverage of Cooks 41 yards [1] as Prescott’s pass was overthrown
  • (Q4, 9:45): He was soft in zone behind Tolbert but made tackle on PM19 (16 + 3) [2]
  • (Q4, 8:30): He hit the leaping Tolbert on PL8 (8 + 0) [1] but did not dislodge ball
  • (Q4, 4:26): He made fast inbounds tackle of TE Schoonmaker on PL5 (5 + 0) [1]
  • (Q4, 3:55): He delivered vicious inbounds hit on Lamb 10 yards [1] as Prescott overthrew
  • (Q4, 3:10): He had inside position on Cooks 22 yards in EZ and was credited with PD without touching ball

Brandon had one of his best games as a Raven.  He allowed 4 catches on 8 targets for 41 yards (5.1 YPT) but with only 3 total YAC.  He looked like a different player from just last week in terms of maintaining tight coverage without contact.

Nnamdi Madubuike

  • (Q1, 8:03): He drove back RT Steele to blow up RB Vaughn RL1
  • (Q2, 15:00): He forced LG Smith to clothesline him for hold which negated RM2 on 1st/9
  • (Q2, 8:42): He beat RT Steele outside for QH in EZ as Prescott shoveled to ineligible LG Smith PM0. No IG flag for safety. Illegal touch was declined so reception stood, forced punt.
  • (Q2, 0:25): He bulled RG Martin to flush Prescott RR6
  • (Q4, 9:45): He bulled LT Guyton into Prescott from knees on PM19
  • (Q4, 5:26): He bulled RG Martin into cone for pressure on PM8
  • (Q4, 5:00): He bulled RG Martin into Prescott on PR24 (1 + 23) [4]
  • (Q4, 3:41): He was blocked by LT Smith as part of screen to RB Dowdle PL18 (-4 + 22) [2]
  • (Q4, 3:05): He worked outside of RG Martin then RT Steele to flush Prescott on eventual INC thrown away

Nnamdi was the Ravens most effective pass rusher during the 4th quarter when the defense was tired.  He has continued a fine season of pressure but unlike 2023, he’s finding new ways to lose sacks and QHs (see Q2, 8:42 above) but creating additional value with penalties drawn.

Kyle Van Noy

  • (Q1, 12:59): On 3rd/5, Prescott completed PR7 (6 + 1) [5] to Cooks threaded between Van Noy and Hamilton in zone
  • (Q1, 8:03): He contained right edge as Smith tackled RB Vaughn RL1
  • (Q1, 7:21): On 3rd/9, he stunted through right A-gap and beat C Beebe for fast S-3 to force 65-yard FG attempt
  • (Q2, 8:45): He beat RT Steele inside for pressure as Prescott threw INC for Ferguson
  • (Q2, 8:42): On 3rd/10, he stunted through the left A-gap to phonebooth pocket in EZ as Prescott shoveled to ineligible LG Smith to force punt
  • (Q3, 10:18): He was not fooled by boot right and pressured Prescott for INC -1 yard [4]
  • (Q3, 8:50): On 3rd/18, he spun past LT Guyton for fast S-11 as Jones contained escape left to force punt
  • (Q4, 14:52): On 4th/14, he rushed unblocked off ORS for pressure shared with Smith on drive-ending INC to Cooks, near INT by Washington
  • (Q4, 8:02): He leapt for PD at LoS while blocked by RT Steele
  • (Q4, 7:07): On 2-point try, he had late pressure to force Prescott backwards as he overthrew RB Dowdle in EZ to deny
  • (Q4, 3:45): He bulled RT Steele into cone as Prescott’s pass 3 yards [3] to Luepke was dislodged by Smith
  • (Q4, 3:05): On 2nd/10, he followed up on initial pressure from Madubuike to force OOB throw away

Kyle was the most effective Ravens pass rusher for the game and he’s impacting the QB both with 1-on-1 wins and by scheme while maintaining alertness for screens and boots.  He was party to 4 drive-ending plays as well as a denied 2-pont try.

Defensive MVPs

  1. Kyle Van Noy
  2. Brandon Stephens
  3. Ar’Darius Washington

Honorable mention to Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, Travis Jones, Nnamdi Madubuike, and Roquan Smith.