Ravens rookie report: Week 14

Well, that was heartbreaking. In a hard-nosed shootout, the Ravens dropped an overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, bringing their unbeaten streak of three to a screeching halt.

Those three-straight wins corresponded directly with the great play of a couple of rookies, namely Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards. So how did they and their fellow first years fare in this one? Let’s have a look:

His first true test

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Jackson’s first three wins weren’t always pretty, but there was reason to believe he’d be able to build off what he was doing, and his rushing ability already looked to be on a different level. If there’s anything positive to take out of what was a tough loss, it’s that your young quarterback was able to raise his game in what was maybe the most hostile environment he’ll see against the best team on offer within the conference.

Again, Jackson wasn’t perfect but the fact that he was able to facilitate things and keep his team in the game against Kansas City and their high flying offense is certainly encouraging. He’s had some big moments this season but his third down dime to John Brown to go ahead late in the game may be the biggest one yet.

Conversely, his ball security still needs a little work as the strip sack with the clock ticking down in the game nearly lost the game for Baltimore if not for a lucky miss. Moral victories do nothing for the Ravens wild card chances this season but looking at the macro perspective, Lamar was once again pretty solid.

Rounding out the rest

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The Ravens may have found their quarterback of the future, and that may also be true at the running back position. Gus Edwards chipped in another solid outing with 67 yards on 16 attempts, and continues to run with a full head of steam alongside Kenneth Dixon.

Orlando Brown Jr. seems to be the right tackle of the present as he’s well established within the lineup at this point and didn’t have any major gaffes today. On defense two first year guys got in the mix a bit as Anthony Averett and Kenny Young each had a couple of tackles.

Outisde of the usual mainstays it wasn’t a huge week for Ravens rookies, which will need to change. Baltimore faces a crucial three game stretch with their playoff hopes hanging on by a thread; here’s hoping the young guns step it up over that period and the Ravens finally make a return to the postseason.