Ravens rookie report: Week 12

There are only three guarantees in life: death, taxes, and Lamar Jackson gashing defenses every week. Well, not really, but that’s what it’s beginning to feel like.

The rookie got it done on the ground and through the air this week to lead Baltimore to their second-straight victory, this time over the listless Oakland Raiders. It was a great team win and Lamar wasn’t the only first year guy to get involved in the action; let’s take a look at the rookie performances for the Ravens in week 12:

Deja Vu all over again

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For the second week in a row, it was the two guys in the backfield leading the way for Baltimore. We already touched on Lamar who threw it for 178 yards and a touchdown as well as two interceptions off tipped balls from throws into right coverage.

Jackson still has a lot of room to grow as a passer, but the potential to do so certainly appears to be there, especially considering where he was in preseason. He also made his hay on the ground again after a close to the vest first half gave way to the first rounder busting a few big runs in the second, including a touchdown run and a long game clincher down the sideline (he finished with 73 total rushing yards).

If this week was a close facsimile to Jackson’s debut, Gus Edwards’ performance was an exact replica. The “Bus” had another huge afternoon, rushing for 118 yards and looking like every bit the every down back that Baltimore has been lacking this season.

The conversation surrounding who should start at quarterback moving forward should be a hot one, but there isn’t even an argument at RB anymore. Edwards should be the guy down the stretch.

Tight ends get loose

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Mark Andrews and Hayden Hurst each impacted this game in their own way, with both of them making plays in the same game for what feels like the first time all season. Andrews led the team in receiving yards with the 74 he picked up on a long shot down the sideline that he nearly housed, and Hurst chipped in 3 catches for 25 yards while making a key play on third down to keep Baltimore’s offense moving.

Hopefully we see more of this from these two as Baltimore need all the help they can get building the offense around Jackson (assuming he remains the starter). Regardless, today was a good look at what these two can do for him in the future.

Odds and ends

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Outside of the first four guys, the rest of the rookie class was relatively quiet. Orlando Brown Jr. got the nod at right tackle again, and while he played solid, he had some killer penalties that he’ll need to clean up moving forward.

The Bama boys, Anthony Averett and Bradley Bozeman, got a little bit of run in this one but nothing to write home about could be said of each. All in all, it was a very solid day for the rookie class as we may have gotten a look at the future of several positions for the Ravens in what was another important victory heading into the home stretch.