Ravens Unsung Hero of Week 5

In Week 5, the Baltimore Ravens lost the turnover battle, were out-gained by 1.5 yards per play, allowed four more sacks than they recorded and were penalized 11 times for 92 yards. Yet they earned an overtime road victory over their arch rivals due to a clutch punch and recovery from Marlon Humphrey and a pair of clutch kicks by Justin Tucker.

Several unsung heroes also contributed to the winning effort:

Maurice Canady

After an inconsistent preseason, Canady did not make the initial regular season roster. Promoted to the active roster and currently a starting role after injuries and ineffectiveness at cornerback, he has stacked two impressive games together.

Following a strong performance in Week 4, Canady played on 92-percent of defensive snaps and led the Ravens in tackles in Pittsburgh. His coverage was stellar for the majority of the afternoon. Maurice’s highlights included a forced fumble on what should have been an incomplete pass ruling and drawing an offensive penalty on a near interception that eventually caused a fourth quarter punt.

Willie Snead IV

Snead entered Week 5 with just eight receptions this season after pacing Baltimore with 62 catches last year. But with Lamar Jackson’s primary targets Mark Andrews and Marquise Brown battling injuries, the veteran slot man stepped up with four catches for 51 yards.

The Ravens scored on each drive that involved Snead. His 14-yard gain on a crossing route before the two minute warning helped set up the Tucker field goal that forced overtime. Willie also did an admirable job in the run blocking department.

Michael Pierce

Shoring up the run defense was a priority for the Ravens in Week 5 after Nick Chubb gashed them for 165 yards on the ground in the previous game. The returns of Brandon Williams and Josh Bynes certainly helped hold James Conner and Jaylen Samuels to 57 yards on 17 carries.

But Pierce was also a key run stopper, notching five total tackles. He also disrupted a handful of passing plays by collapsing the pocket, providing the lone interior threat against a Steelers blocking unit that routinely stonewalled the pass rush.