Baltimore Beatdown - Ravens vs. Dolphins: Game HubA Baltimore Ravens Communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47159/baltimorebeatdown_fave.png2019-09-11T09:00:00-04:00http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/rss/stream/175460832019-09-11T09:00:00-04:002019-09-11T09:00:00-04:00The Desert Eagle Offense: Charting the Ravens offense against the Dolphins
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<img alt="NFL: Baltimore Ravens-Minicamp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zeMCBdkO9hKHFPD6iYoPyaQaimw=/0x0:4164x2776/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65222953/usa_today_12889141.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Ravens used a bevy of personnel and play designs to score 59 points</p> <p id="qsXL6P">This is my first time charting for BB, so here’s insight into how I chart offensively:</p>
<p id="IMxdTL">I look at personnel groupings first. Groupings are designated by the first number indicating the number of running backs, the second number indicating the number of tight ends. If a RB (Pat Ricard) lines up at tight end, I still group him as a running back. If a tight end lines up at fullback, I still count them as a tight end.</p>
<p id="FCfVDU">For instance, if the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> bring <span>Mark Ingram</span>, Pat Ricard and <span>Nick Boyle</span> into the huddle, that will be 21 personnel. If they bring <span>Mark Ingram</span>, <span>Nick Boyle</span> and <span>Hayden Hurst</span> into the huddle, that will be 12 personnel.</p>
<p id="XEju1b">Next, look at <strong>where</strong> the RB/TE line up. If a player comes in motion then resets before the snap, I tally them where they are when the ball is snapped. If a player comes in motion and the ball is snapped without them being set, I tally them where they came in motion from.</p>
<p id="tG98vR">Finally, I run my own tally on play designations. I started this week using five: run, pass, RPO, play Action and read option. I don’t overlap, so a <strong>play action doesn’t count as a ‘pass’.</strong> The Ravens are a little funky with the option, because <span>Lamar Jackson</span> will fake the option on a true run, so I only count read option plays as when there is a key defender for Jackson to read, or if Jackson rides the mesh point before handing the ball off.</p>
<p id="1l3amg">Finally, I don’t tally kneel downs. I <strong>do</strong> tally penalties, both pre-snap and post-snap. My numbers get a little funky, because I tally personnel groupings for pre-snap penalties, but won’t see the play designation. That is because the play is blown dead, so it’s not possible to know the play designation.</p>
<p id="hJiJUG">I will re-publish this article later this week with play designation by personnel, but I want to get to the defensive review first. Look out for that between Thursday and Saturday.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="uGVaqf">
<h1 id="Z2KTVV">Personnel Groupings:</h1>
<p id="x7ZlgB">The Ravens primarily stayed in three groupings: 11, 12 and 21. They also used 22, 13 and 23 at times.</p>
<p id="HrXhjW">I only charted the personnel groupings until the end of the 3rd quarter for this game (when the starters were pulled).</p>
<ul>
<li id="9oiCYr">11 personnel: 19 plays</li>
<li id="01hElJ">12 personnel: 13 plays</li>
<li id="xq09rz">21 personnel: 11 plays</li>
<li id="RrnSYC">22 personnel: 5 plays</li>
<li id="mECDmP">23 personnel: 4 plays (all goal-to-go)</li>
<li id="utpEUa">13 personnel: 2 plays</li>
</ul>
<p id="GCsRjM">The Ravens stayed exclusively in shotgun, but utilized ‘Power Pistol’ formations frequently. I will hereby be referring to Greg Roman’s offense as ‘The Desert Eagle’ because its a power pistol offense, seemingly.</p>
<p id="tjJ7hn">35 of 54 plays saw multiple backs, tight ends or both. They bullied the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> with Nick Boyle and <span>Patrick Ricard</span> consistently. The Ravens used three wide receivers on only 19 snaps. Roman didn’t deploy any snaps without a tight end on the field. </p>
<p id="Bxh7XJ">Roman also deployed motions on 34 of 54 plays, 62% of the time.</p>
<p id="acPsw6">The Ravens offense went empty (only QB in backfield) on six plays. Lamar Jackson is extremely dangerous in empty formations because of his escapability mixed with his downfield vision.</p>
<p id="Z2DU7V">Again, this is all through three quarters, only plays with Jackson behind center. I say behind, because the Ravens ran exclusively out of shotgun, with no snaps coming from under center that weren’t in 23, goal-to-go situations. There has been much made of Kliff Kinsbury running an exclusive shotgun offense, but the Ravens are now in year two of doing so.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="w8lGAO">
<h1 id="g5ZiTW">Alignments:</h1>
<p id="9H5biJ">The five players that I was interested in charting were <span>Mark Andrews</span>, Hayden Hurst, Nick Boyle, <span>Patrick Ricard</span> and <span>Justice Hill</span>. These were the five players that lined up all across formations. Later this week I will add slot vs. non-slot for receivers designations.</p>
<p id="BdkACr">Over the first three quarters, here is how ‘The Four Horseman’ lined up:</p>
<p id="b1wvzi">Mark Andrews:</p>
<ul>
<li id="CSUqNT">SWR- 10 snaps</li>
<li id="UkJMHS">TE- 11 snaps</li>
<li id="6Mko46">WR- 1 snap</li>
</ul>
<p id="NW0hjS">Hayden Hurst:</p>
<ul>
<li id="uFS7qQ">SWR- 3 snaps</li>
<li id="ualyfC">TE- 16 snaps</li>
<li id="Ti2Ada">WR- 5 snaps</li>
<li id="ZFIw60">FB- 1 snap</li>
</ul>
<p id="efm9j1">Nick Boyle:</p>
<ul>
<li id="U5a0ap">SWR- 3 snaps</li>
<li id="1iuINZ">TE- 23 snaps</li>
<li id="lbgizU">WR- 1 snap</li>
<li id="gW3FV9">FB- 3 snaps</li>
<li id="6I3ugb">OL- 3 snaps (unbalanced line, left tackle)</li>
</ul>
<p id="RByAVS">Pat Ricard:</p>
<ul>
<li id="YQmqim">SWR- 3 snaps</li>
<li id="PBSfCc">TE- 3 snaps</li>
<li id="AScuJo">WR- 1 snap</li>
<li id="28UhVN">FB- 13 snaps</li>
</ul>
<p id="hWtXpH">Ricard, Hurst, Andrews and Boyle are interchangeable. Hurst seems to be more advanced as a blocker than Andrews, although Andrews is no slouch. Boyle’s ability as an offensive lineman in unbalanced lines it remarkable. The Ravens were wise to invest in retaining Boyle and prevent him from hitting free agency.</p>
<p id="4AmoP8">Ricard most commonly came in motion as a lead blocker, or a kick-out blocker to secure the perimeter for inside runs. Teams will pick up on that.</p>
<p id="o2oOzj">Hurst is going to have a huge impact this season, and the Ravens have the best tight end room in the NFL hands down. </p>
<p id="D5q9C4">Justice Hill I didn’t fully ‘chart’, I was intrigued by his usage in empty formations. Hill was lined up as a WR in four of six empty looks. He lined up in the slot once. I would expect Hill’s usage as a wide receiver to increase throughout the course of the season. He will be in a similar role that the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> Tarik Cohen is deployed, although he should have a greater impact as a traditional running back.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="kLZSIg">
<h1 id="pc4LSB">Play Designations:</h1>
<p id="TZVZfu">Let’s start with the numbers:</p>
<ol>
<li id="KYxlBs">‘True’ run plays: 26</li>
<li id="kiifbZ">‘True’ pass plays: 13</li>
<li id="wvQ9FR">RPO plays- 4</li>
<li id="5VVd1O">Read option plays- 3</li>
<li id="ttfaLb">Play action plays- 7</li>
</ol>
<p id="yvoIi9">It has been widely reported that half of Lamar Jackon’s pass attempts were play action. I separate RPO from Play Action, which is why my numbers differ.</p>
<p id="RVxYip">For all of the mishegoss surrounding the Ravens triple option and option offense, Jackson only ran options on 7 of 54 plays. As I said months ago, John Harbaugh tricked the NFL world.</p>
<aside id="RIGuxR"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"John Harbaugh is deceiving the NFL","url":"https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.baltimorebeatdown.com/platform/amp/2019/8/2/20750579/john-harbaugh-is-deceiving-the-nfl-lamar-jackson-greg-roman-mark-ingram-gus-edwards"}]}'></div></aside><p id="tmssSS">The Ravens didn’t call a play action or RPO until <span>Marquise Brown</span>’s 47-yard touchdown catch on a backside slant in an RPO. They used true passing plays and true run plays to set play action up. </p>
<p id="WNqY4M">The Ravens pounded the ball, with 26 true run plays through the first three quarters. The RPO and read options as well brought that total to around 30. Jackson didn’t throw the ball in high volume, but he didn’t need to, clearly. </p>
<p id="ix4Xcs">I did chart the fourth quarter play designs which were as follows:</p>
<ol>
<li id="3TlPaJ">‘True’ run plays- 12</li>
<li id="r8cujJ">‘True’ pass plays- 3</li>
<li id="fuBL5V">RPO plays- 1</li>
<li id="ITdEYk">Read option plays- 4</li>
<li id="OPEwWa">Play action plays- 1</li>
</ol>
<p id="tDvHqp">The Ravens continued pounding the rock in the fourth quarter, but RG3 hit easy underneath targets when passing plays were called. Griffin showed life in his legs, pulling the ball on option plays a few times.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="SqPslj">
<p id="ZfQXnd">While the Ravens didn’t utilize too many bells or whistles, they showed an incredible number of different looks. They sent Boyle, Hurst, Ricard, Andrews and company all over the field. <span>Chris Moore</span>, Willie Snead and Hollywood Brown came in motion across the formation quite a few times. The <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> are going to have a tough time finding tendencies from the week one film. The Ravens “showed nothing new” according to Lamar Jackson, but their new look offense had one general theme. The Desert Eagle offense took course and is going to pound and pass all over defenses this fall.</p>
<div id="MBtbYJ"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/abB6sK_zXCI?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="KmMKIh">What from these numbers stands out to you?</p>
<p id="O2vkzn"></p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2019/9/11/20859259/charting-the-offense-baltimore-ravens-greg-roman-nfl-lamar-jackson-rg3-mark-ingram-mark-andrewsSpencer Schultz2019-09-10T10:00:00-04:002019-09-10T10:00:00-04:00Week 1 Film Review: How Greg Roman and Lamar Jackson destroyed the Dolphins
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<img alt="Baltimore Ravens v&nbsp;Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zVA88C3yw-BmSXDi8CfsKZWDe5s=/0x0:4228x2819/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65215886/1173196930.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Offensive review: RPO, PA, and good ole power football</p> <p id="E5WWPJ">Before getting into my YouTube video breakdown of some key aspects to Romans offense, first things first. . . </p>
<p id="la2GA3">The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> just extended <span>Xavien Howard</span>, who is an All-Pro cornerback, Reshad Jones is a Pro Bowl safety, and <span>Minkah Fitzpatrick</span> will be eventually. The Dolphins won’t make the postseason and will take their fair share of lashings, but they’re still an NFL team that will win games this year.</p>
<p id="NX555i">Minkah Fitzpatrick allowed just <strong>one</strong> touchdown in coverage in 2018. Sunday he was targeted six times, allowing six receptions for 117 yards and three touchdowns receptions. The Dolphins aren’t a playoff capable team but they have Pro Bowl level talent, especially in their secondary.</p>
<p id="G4Ns93">Naysayers will say nay, and will say the same if the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> handle the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a>. Let them.</p>
<p id="9sbXAk">Moving along, let’s take a look at how the Raves dismantled the Dolphins. </p>
<div id="nBntAC"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/abB6sK_zXCI?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="VyjPbf">Lamar Jackson continues to work out of shotgun almost exclusively. The Ravens used ‘Power Pistol’ formations frequently, with 12 personnel and 22 personnel. </p>
<p id="eQ6noX">Greg Roman didn’t dive <em>too</em> deep into the playbook, but he still showcased his three pillars: <strong>Play action, RPO and power blocking schemes. </strong>The Ravens offense is truly multiple. They also incorporated a share of iso/lead runs and zone blocking. </p>
<p id="zqkeAR"><span>Bradley Bozeman</span> pulled on a significant amount of snaps, including on both of <span>Mark Ingram’s </span>touchdown runs. Pulling is the staple of power football, and power football is a staple of a Greg Roman offense. <span>Patrick Ricard</span> and Bradley Bozeman were the primary lead blockers who attacked linebackers to clear out gaps and lanes.</p>
<p id="QpvbGr"><span>Lamar Jackson</span> was determined to show his prowess as a passer, and did so with incredible efficiency. Jackson’s 99.4 QBR was the highest in the NFL since a former Raven with the initials JF annihilated the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> in 2014. </p>
<div id="r225aV">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lamar Jackson's 16.2 YPA today was the highest of any QB in a single game in the past 10 years.<br><br>Same goes for his 15.4 net yards per pass play (takes sacks into account).</p>— Sheil Kapadia (@SheilKapadia) <a href="https://twitter.com/SheilKapadia/status/1170887411624218626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="YMVb7c">The passing offense is predicated upon Jackson reading key defenders. Whether it’s a read option, play action, or vertical pass, Jackson is finding a linebacker, defensive end or safety and waiting for that defender to react to each plays “conflict.”</p>
<p id="GAzQMk">In an RPO, that’s reading whether the weak-side linebacker flows to stop the run, or drops into coverage. If he drops into coverage, let the RB take the ball. If he comes downhill to stop the run, Hollywood Brown will take a slant 47 yards to the house.</p>
<p id="YEJduW">Jackson was so mentally sharp Sunday that the Ravens only had one play stopped behind the LOS. It’s the Lamar Jackson show, and get your popcorn ready.</p>
<p id="Vz26K6">The left guard competition resulted in Bradley Bozeman getting the first start and he ran with it. Bozeman was a key player in the run game, constantly pulling and kicking out defenders. He was impressive, although against low level competition. Until the Ravens face the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a>, Bozeman won’t really be tested. He was rock solid Sunday, as was the rest of the offensive line.</p>
<p id="CffLPd">Roman didn’t deploy counters or misdirections, speed options, triple options, orbit motions among other bells and whistles that the Ravens will surely utilize in the near future against stronger opponents. They showed little more than they did during the preseason.</p>
<p id="UaRisz">Hollywood Brown is a young DeSean Jackson. Hollywood was only involved in 14 offensive snaps, and had over 140 yards. That’s over 10 yards per. . . <strong>play</strong>.</p>
<p id="6fPO5d">The carousel of offensive playmakers, who Greg Roman brings in motion on nearly every snap is dizzying. Good luck, Cardinals, trying to find a tendency based on personnel or motion, because they don’t exist. Roman was mysterious, multiple, and aggressive. A truly outstanding performance by offensive coaches and players alike.</p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2019/9/10/20857339/week-one-film-review-how-greg-roman-and-lamar-jackson-destroyed-the-dolphins-nfl-mark-ingramSpencer Schultz2019-09-06T13:52:33-04:002019-09-06T13:52:33-04:00Film Room Friday: Week 1
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<img alt="Miami Dolphins Training Camp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tx-yp6Gl1-6f8LfaUgqSRnJ_w0Y=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65194690/1166100978.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The first of the 2019-20 regular season</p> <p id="XleHFq">Welcome to Film Room Friday! As the 2019-20 NFL season kicks off, I will be breaking down the key matchup for the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> upcoming opponent. I’m excited to get the Film Room started, please share your thoughts, what you like or dislike and anything else in the comments. Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube page and follow me on twitter (@Ravens4dummies) for more film content!</p>
<p id="w5HYJz">This week I break down what I believe is the key matchup for the Ravens, containing the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> blazing receivers, <span>Albert Wilson</span> and <span>Jakeem Grant</span>. </p>
<div id="MEl4YR"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ASyuvQ6Heow?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="PZbZGm">Do you think the Ravens will be able to exploit the key matchup that I’ve featured? Or do you think the Dolphins might be able to surprise the purple and black with their speedy attack?</p>
<p id="cGmAaJ">Also make sure to follow along with the Baltimore Beatdown Podcast, which typically airs twice between Monday-Friday. We will be bringing you all of the Ravens-centric in depth analysis that you crave. </p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2019/9/6/20852982/film-room-friday-ravens-dolphins-baltimore-miami-jakeem-grant-albert-wilsonSpencer Schultz2018-08-27T08:01:36-04:002018-08-27T08:01:36-04:00PFF: Lamar Jackson, Tim Williams and Stanley Jean-Baptiste highlight a 27-10 victory over the Dolphins
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<img alt="NFL: Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/moTcsRNsOS86bk_5iTOsE0_Beis=/430x278:3166x2102/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61030819/usa_today_10219415.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="XgOPau">An exciting game for <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> fans as they witnessed yet another dominant win over the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a>. Even better, the rookie quarterback, <span>Lamar Jackson</span>, buried two touchdowns and produced an overall impressive game.</p>
<p id="P8gDOo"><em><strong>OFFENSE</strong></em></p>
<blockquote><p id="JYU1iJ">Rookie QB <a href="https://profootballfocus.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a7d7800ecd0f50ac1f6427744&id=49ae0901af&e=ab456a464c">Lamar Jackson</a> had his strongest outing of the preseason so far, featuring among the best of the team with a 83.2 game grade. After an adjusted completion percentage of 52.6% through the first three games, his number boosted up to 77.8% against the Dolphins.</p></blockquote>
<p id="ajTtqM">What fun it was to watch Lamar Jackson on Saturday. He completed some good passes, found some running lanes, and, in the end, walked off the field with 14 points on the board.</p>
<blockquote><p id="irtqo2">Following a stellar first three games, RT <a href="https://profootballfocus.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a7d7800ecd0f50ac1f6427744&id=5d8d3189e2&e=ab456a464c">Orlando Brown Jr.</a> gave up a game-high four total pressures and posted a 53.3 game grade.</p></blockquote>
<p id="4kn8EV">Facing Robert Quinn will do this to a rookie. His preseason is one for the books and this felt more like an anomaly than the other three games with successful blocking. Also, I’m confident if <span>Marshal Yanda</span> was at right guard the task of protecting the quarterback would have lessened.</p>
<blockquote><p id="yNp6sG">Elsewhere across the line, probable Week 1 starters <a href="https://profootballfocus.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a7d7800ecd0f50ac1f6427744&id=119e5665f6&e=ab456a464c">Alex Lewis</a> and <a href="https://profootballfocus.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a7d7800ecd0f50ac1f6427744&id=0fcce90b3f&e=ab456a464c">Matt Skura</a> each combined to allow only two hurries on the 23 pass blocking snaps they were on the field for.</p></blockquote>
<p id="671OpJ">I’m excited to see this line gel from five players to a single unit. The regular season can’t come quick enough.</p>
<p id="brXSg2"><em><strong>DEFENSE</strong></em></p>
<blockquote><p id="a9Sd4g">CB <a href="https://profootballfocus.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a7d7800ecd0f50ac1f6427744&id=3b510ecc55&e=ab456a464c">Stanley Jean-Baptiste</a> led the defense with a 91.3 game grade. Targeted only once on his 27 defensive snaps, he converted that into an interception when covering Miami WR <span>Rashawn Scott</span>.</p></blockquote>
<p id="uZE4aL">Hard to think Jean-Baptiste won’t be on the roster come September 1. He’s played great in practice and this game really the right place, right time performance. Now, with <span>Jimmy Smith</span>’s suspension, I believe he’ll be the man to take over and contribute for the first four weeks.</p>
<blockquote><p id="gtchql">DE <a href="https://profootballfocus.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a7d7800ecd0f50ac1f6427744&id=e8790489e7&e=ab456a464c">Carl Davis</a> tallied three total pressures, the highest mark on the team. Second year OLB <a href="https://profootballfocus.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a7d7800ecd0f50ac1f6427744&id=66904c17bc&e=ab456a464c">Tim Williams</a> also had a productive game, recording one hurry, one sack and a batted pass on 20 pass rush snaps.</p></blockquote>
<p id="jYC4N5">I feel as if I’m boring the readers by continuing to praise Tim, but if PFF is mentioning them, I shall continue. Also, great work by <span>Davis</span>. I missed his play from focusing on other areas and it’s good to see nearly all players on the defensive line contributing to pressure-production.</p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/27/17785094/pff-lamar-jackson-tim-williams-and-stanley-jean-baptiste-highlight-a-27-10-victory-over-the-dolphinsKyle Phoenix2018-08-25T22:34:57-04:002018-08-25T22:34:57-04:00Ravens vs. Dolphins final recap: Defense dominates second half
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hko_b7VkZeUw4YuNYmj1v3TFcqg=/51x0:3281x2153/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61022403/usa_today_11130239.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Baltimore improves to 4-0 in the preseason</p> <p id="8ajBJl">The <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> elected to sit quarterback <span>Joe Flacco</span> and several other key starters against the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> in their Week 3 match up. <span>Robert Griffin III</span> received the start for Baltimore, but he was unable to get much going behind the struggling Ravens offensive line, which was without several starters. </p>
<aside id="cFQIXP"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Ravens vs. Dolphins: Who’s playing, Who’s not","url":"https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/25/17782278/ravens-vs-dolphins-whos-playing-whos-not"}]}'></div></aside><p id="MMdW8y">The Ravens offense left much to be desired in the first half, only scoring three points. Tackle Greg Senat suffered an injury early on, leaving <span>Jermaine Eluemunor</span> to play left tackle. Eluemunor, who is fighting for a roster spot, struggled immensely, giving up consistent pressure from the left tackle position. <span>Matt Skura</span>, who is projected to be the starting center, noticeably faltered as well.</p>
<p id="Lc1XEp"><span>Justin Tucker</span> missed a 51-yard field goal and had another blocked. Robert Griffin III finished the night 9/15 for 66 passing yards and 41 rushing yards. </p>
<p id="TdthD9">Baltimore’s defense looked strong for most of the half, but allowed a touchdown from <span>Ryan Tannehill</span> to <span>Danny Amendola</span> when <span>Tavon Young</span> and <span>Tony Jefferson</span> both failed to tackle him after the catch. <span>Tannehill</span> finished 11/16 for 115 yards and a touchdown. </p>
<p id="l81BIc"><span>Patrick Onwuasor</span>, who is currently in a heated competition with rookie <span>Kenny Young</span>, allowed a long reception to running back <span>Kenyan Drake</span>.</p>
<p id="A2QrgI">Safety DeShon Elliot left the game to begin the half with an arm injury and was later seen on the sideline with his arm in a sling.</p>
<aside id="dbcVSy"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Ravens rookies DeShon Elliott and Greg Senat both injured vs. Dolphins","url":"https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/25/17782588/ravens-rookies-deshon-elliott-and-greg-senat-both-injured-vs-dolphins-week-3-preseason"}]}'></div></aside><p id="ON1IH0">The Ravens defense took over in the second half of the game and absolutely dominated Miami’s backups. <span>Tim Williams</span> continued his excellent preseason with a batted pass and a shared sack with Kamalei Correa. <span>Chris Wormley</span> and Kenny Young both collected sacks, while <span>Stanley Jean-Baptiste</span> and <span>Chuck Clark</span> each grabbed an interception. This is the second week in a row that Jean-Baptiste has recorded an interception. With Jimmy Smith suspended for the first four weeks of the season, Jean-Baptiste could earn a spot on the final roster.</p>
<p id="NPtZ1n"><span>Lamar Jackson</span> had an impressive game, going 7/10 for 98 yards and a touchdown. Jackson also rushed for 39 yards and a score. Jackson bounced back nicely from a down game against Indianapolis, showing poise in the pocket and good decision making. <span>Josh Woodrum</span> closed the out the game, going 3/5 for 47 yards. </p>
<p id="Ip8ROA">Several players fighting for roster spots had big performances against the Dolphins. Undrafted rookie running back DeLance Turner ripped off a 65-yard touchdown and finished the night with 75 yards on five carries. <span>Tim White</span> caught three passes for 70 yards, <span>Jordan Lasley</span> caught three for 30 yards and <span>DeVier Posey</span> caught two for 31 yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p id="y0cUTe"><span>Janarion Grant</span> received the bulk of the snaps at returner and had a solid night, averaging 22 yards per kick return, with a long of 29. Grant seemingly has the upper hand in the returner competition over White.</p>
<p id="pNboOS">Baltimore’s preseason win streak now goes to 12 with a 27-10 victory over Miami. The Ravens only have one preseason game remaining now.</p>
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https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/25/17781886/ravens-vs-dolphins-final-recap-defense-dominates-second-half-tim-williams-lamar-jackson-tannehillDustin Cox2018-08-25T22:26:21-04:002018-08-25T22:26:21-04:00Ravens vs. Dolphins final: MVP, stock-up & stock-down
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<img alt="Baltimore Ravens v Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DjWgLXXORM6YK_EhTh8VXYu5Rro=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61022371/1023457686.jpg.0.jpg" />
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<p id="GLW2PQ">Well, what do you know? The <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a>, per usual, beat down the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a>. <span>Lamar Jackson</span> added film to his preseason highlights and the defense forced more turnovers.</p>
<h3 id="rgHMn2"><strong>MVP: Lamar Jackson</strong></h3>
<p id="QVDe3h">The rookie whupped up on the Dolphins, scoring both a rushing and passing touchdown.</p>
<p id="QYUUYr">Lamar Jackson final stats: 7/10, 98-yards, TD, 3 rushes, 39 yards, RTD</p>
<p id="UuWH2m">The ceiling for Jackson is incredibly high. I can’t wait to watch this kids’ career unfold.</p>
<h4 id="aVUKZM">Stock-up</h4>
<p id="MirAXn"><span>Tim Williams</span> — I’ve wrote about him every preseason game this year. He’s ready to contribute.</p>
<div id="RrSaU7">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm losing count on the amount of sacks <a href="https://twitter.com/JaYbOi225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JaYbOi225</a> has racked up this preseason.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ravens?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ravens</a></p>— Baltimore Beatdown (@BMoreBeatdown) <a href="https://twitter.com/BMoreBeatdown/status/1033522093734785024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2018</a>
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<p id="aYACR7"><span>Stanley Jean-Baptiste</span> — Hard to make final roster cuts and keep him off the final 53. He’s come on strong this preseason and with <span>Jimmy Smith</span>’s four-game suspension I expect Stanley to stay on the team this year.</p>
<p id="fjdHkC"><span>Patrick Onwuasor</span> — He is fighting with everything he has to stay the starting linebacker. In limited snaps tonight, Peanut sacked the quarterback.</p>
<p id="3UVIya"><span>Kenny Young</span> — Just as Patrick is fighting, Young is responding. He also tallied a sack in this game and played well in coverage.</p>
<p id="KwyDFx"><span>Anthony Averett</span> — Another endzone pass breakup for the rookie cornerback out of Alabama. The depth for the Ravens at corner is thrilling.</p>
<p id="SpWjvd"><span>Chuck Clark</span> — He did suffer a broken tackle, but the interception and his coverage has more than made up for it. He’s looking great as a rotational player with room to develop.</p>
<p id="W3YMub"><span>Janarion Grant</span> — He’s looking more like the Ravens starting return man. He’s looked more explosive than <span>Tim White</span>.</p>
<p id="G8MtPJ"><span>Tim White</span> — Though he’s taken a back seat to Grant in the return game, he shined in the receiving game with three catches for 70 yards.</p>
<p id="zeOBr5">De’Lance Turner — A 65-yard touchdown run catches the eyes of not only your team, but clubs around the league.</p>
<p id="tWm5dj"><span>Kaare Vedvik</span> — A 58-yard punt, a 24-yard field goal and 2-2 on PAT’s. He’s kicking and punting very well.</p>
<h4 id="437LW0">Stock-down</h4>
<p id="PkXfbk"><span>Tony Jefferson</span> — I didn’t see positive play from Tony this game. They ran cover zero, a blitz where it is 1-on-1 across the board, and for some reason TJ is playing off-coverage. It was a short-yardage passing situation with the tight end split out wide and I don’t get the purpose of him being off the line of scrimmage. Maybe it’s the play call and not on Jefferson, but it did give <span>Mike Gesicki</span> his first preseason catch and a Dolphins first down.</p>
<p id="vaC4st"><span>Jaleel Scott</span> — Not impressed with the rookie. He hasn’t demonstrated much in camp besides being a big receiver.</p>
<p id="FJmPeO"><span>Jordan Lasley</span> — Both White and Grant are out-playing these rookies.</p>
<p id="roG6kO"><span>Breshad Perriman</span> — Nothing flashed on tape. Just two catches for 13 yards.</p>
<p id="YuwG4n">Second-string offensive line — Bad blocks. Bad blocks everywhere. Yes, Turner broke off a 65-yard touchdown run with some great blocking, but he only added another 10-yards with the other four carries. Also, look at the rushing totals for the following, <span>Kenneth Dixon</span> (5 rush, 2-yds), <span>Gus Edwards</span> (16 rush, 38-yds). One play can’t make up for the poor performance for the rest of the night.</p>
<p id="ANmDSa"><span>Robert Griffin III</span> — A rough night for the backup quarterback as he was stuck with the second-string offensive line against the strength of <span>Cameron Wake</span> and Quinn. He couldn’t get any rhythm going and as a result I don’t believe he’ll be a trade asset.</p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/25/17782678/ravens-vs-dolphins-final-mvp-stock-up-stock-down-lamar-jackson-touchdown-tim-williams-sack-sjb-intKyle Phoenix2018-08-25T22:22:58-04:002018-08-25T22:22:58-04:00Injury news: S DeShon Elliott broke his forearm and Greg Senat to undergo more testing
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<img alt="NFL: Combine" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xUPcso9bgqYwS-xuB-KjcTM8gB0=/0x387:3648x2819/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61021987/usa_today_10681571.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="I0vYlF">Two rookie <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> exited the field against the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> with injuries. Earlier in the game, <span>Greg Senat</span> walked off the field and into the locker room. Later on, Elliott left to the locker room holding his left arm.</p>
<p id="T0Y4y5">Initially, Greg walked back from the locker room and returned still in uniform and carrying his helmet. Later on, he limped back to the locker room a second time.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The latest in the Greg Senat watch: he's now limped back to the locker room with an athletic trainer.</p>— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeffzrebiec/status/1033505673848479749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2018</a>
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<p id="EMWQae">Last preseason game, the Ravens lost starting left tackle <span>Ronnie Stanley</span> to a knee sprain which pushed Senat into the starting role for this preseason game. Now, they’ve lost their second tackle in the second-straight game.</p>
<aside id="ip6E78"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Report: Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley suffered only a ‘mild sprain,’ further tests concluded earlier today","url":"https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/21/17767078/report-ravens-lt-ronnie-stanley-suffered-only-a-mild-sprain-further-tests-concluded-earlier-today"}]}'></div></aside><p id="kp4i1K">As I mentioned, Senat wasn’t the only rookie to exit the field, safety Elliott left the field holding his left arm.</p>
<div id="DSfCIC">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ravens rookie safety DeShon Elliott getting led to the locker room by medical personnel. He's holding his left arm.</p>— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeffzrebiec/status/1033516922166542336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2018</a>
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<p id="Kf4So1">Update: <em>The Athletic’s </em>Jeff Zrebiec reporting Elliott’s left arm is in a sling.</p>
<div id="NL15gR">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">DeShon Elliott had his left arm in a sling as he walked back to the locker room with a member of team's medical staff</p>— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeffzrebiec/status/1033531295769481216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2018</a>
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<p id="Tc7vdi">Reports now indicate Elliott has broken his forearm. It is uncertain if he will miss the full season. Greg Senat will undergo more testing for his foot/toe injuries.</p>
<div id="zLOd05">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ravens rookie safety DeShon Elliott fractured his forearm, according to coach John Harbaugh. “I don’t know what that means, the entire season or part of the season,” Harbaugh said.</p>— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamisonhensley/status/1033539211050328064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2018</a>
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<div id="R19wsm">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Elliott broke his forearm. Could be season ended. Starting DT Willie Hernia had hernia surgery. Will miss some time. Senat will have more tests to determine severity of foot/toe injury.</p>— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeffzrebiec/status/1033538984058736640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2018</a>
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https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/25/17782588/ravens-rookies-deshon-elliott-and-greg-senat-both-injured-vs-dolphins-week-3-preseasonKyle Phoenix2018-08-25T16:38:24-04:002018-08-25T16:38:24-04:00Q&A with the enemy: 5 questions with The Phinsider
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<img alt="Miami Dolphins v Carolina Panthers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xJClHSvNpWnyfJQTnzqIrblvHvg=/0x0:2816x1877/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61020553/1018386532.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="ZFa5l7"><strong>1. The </strong><a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/"><strong>Dolphins</strong></a><strong> are sticking with </strong><span><strong>Ryan Tannehill</strong></span><strong> another year. There’s a saying, “It’s never as good as it seems, nor as bad as it seems.” Is this the case with Ryan? Is he better than NFL fans know but a bit worse than Dolphins fans believe? How’s this situation panning out?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p id="8Tz5zK">I almost feel like it is the other way around. Tannehill is not an elite level quarterback, but he is really a good one, which a lot of times it feels like people not near the Dolphins realize, but Dolphins fans do not. Now, that is generalizing from a probably very vocal, very minor group of Dolphins fans, but it seems like since 2012, there have always been Dolphins fans who wanted him replaced. I think Tannehill will be fine. He was playing his best football in 2016 just before the injury. The offense appeared to be on track and everyone was getting on the same page in Adam Gase’s offense. So far this summer, Tannehill has looked good - at times a little rusty but ready to look like he did in 2016 - and the offense is working to (finally) add the uptempo piece that has been talked about through the last two head coaches.</p></blockquote>
<p id="LmDvgp"><strong>2. Looking over the draft for Miami, it’s hard not to be jealous. </strong><span><strong>Mike Gesicki</strong></span><strong> was a tight end on the </strong><a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/"><strong>Ravens</strong></a><strong> radar and </strong><span><strong>Minkah Fitzpatrick</strong></span><strong>, an Alabama player, is always a possibility for the Ravens with Ozzie Newsome at the helm. Along with the full Dolphins 2018 draft class, how are these two playing in particular?</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="BY3DXf">With Ozzie’s track record in drafts, that is a huge confidence boost for the fact that Miami may have drafted really well this year. Fitzpatrick has looked like exactly what he is, a defensive Swiss Army knife who can do just about anything asked of him. He started working primarily as a free safety, with some play in the box looking more like a linebacker/strong safety, but in the last couple of weeks, the Dolphins have moved him to the nickel cornerback position as <span>Bobby McCain</span> moved outside to try to find someone to take control of the position battle for the second starting corner. Fitzpatrick immediately seems to fit with whatever role Miami asks him to play. I would think the team will use him as a cornerback and in three-safety sets this year, getting him on the field as much as possible, even with safeties <span>Reshad Jones</span> and <span>T.J. McDonald</span> on the field at the same time.</p>
<p id="YtIro9">Mike Gesicki has looked really good in practices so far, but he is without a catch in the two preseason games. He did not get targeted last week, but he is playing as the starting tight end, and likely will stay there all year. The Dolphins seem to be calling plays that keep Gesicki in to block more than they are worried about him being the primary receiving option right now. Adam Gase said after last week’s game that he is not calling some of the red zone plays we would expect to see with Gesicki (and the rest of the offense) simply because he does not want them on film yet. The catches for Gesicki will come, and they are coming in practice, including Thursday when <span>Ryan Tannehill</span> and Gesicki spent a segment of practice when the twos were getting work down by themselves just running play after play to work on timing. </p>
<p id="r0I30F">As for the rest of the rookie class, third-round linebacker <span>Jerome Baker</span> looks like he will be starting outside next to his former Ohio State teammate <span>Raekwon McMillan</span> in the middle and <span>Kiko Alonso</span> at the other outside spot. Fourth-round picks, tight end <span>Durham Smythe</span> and running back <span>Kalen Ballage</span>, both should have impacts this year, with Ballage having had strong preseason performances. He will likely work as the third running back behind <span>Kenyan Drake</span> and <span>Frank Gore</span>, but he is also currently in the concussion protocol, so he likely will not play on Saturday. Sixth-round pick <span>Cornell Armstrong</span> and seventh-round pick <span>Quentin Poling</span> both could be depth or practice squad options, and seventh-round kicker <span>Jason Sanders</span> is currently about dead even with undrafted kicker <span>Greg Joseph</span> in a battle for that role.</p>
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<p id="MmiJlJ"><strong>3. Miami’s roster is looking sharp with household names such as </strong><span><strong>Josh Sitton</strong></span><strong>, </strong><span><strong>Robert Quinn</strong></span><strong>, and </strong><span><strong>Danny Amendola</strong></span><strong> all joining the Dolphins this offseason. Is this team capable of clinching a post-season berth?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p id="ReDl6p">The way I look at this season is, the Dolphins were 10-6 in 2016 with <span>Ryan Tannehill</span> then the <span>Jay Cutler</span>/<span>Matt Moore</span> debacle led the team to 6-10. Tannehill has to be two to three games better than that, so somewhere around 9-7 this year would make sense to me. Could they be better than that? Sure. Could they be worse than that? Sure. But, I think this team is a team making a push for a Wildcard berth at the end of the year. Unless something unforseen happens in New England, I do not think Miami is unseating the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> from that top spot in the AFC East, but I do think they are at least in the discussion for a Wildcard spot.</p></blockquote>
<p id="ZNOf9e"><strong>4. Once the starters exit the field, who are Dolphins fans watching for on offense? Defense?</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="rDjCSi">On offense, hopefully one of the two competitors for the backup quarterback position steps up. This seems like it should be <span>David Fales</span> at this point, but he did not do anything last week to lock down the role, and <span>Brock Osweiler</span> seems to be doing just enough to keep himself in the competition. There is also an interest to see if a wide receiver not named <span>DeVante Parker</span>, <span>Kenny Stills</span>, Danny Amendola, <span>Albert Wilson</span>, or <span>Jakeem Grant</span> can make an argument to stay on the roster in September. Isaiah Ford, <span>Leonte Carroo</span>, and <span>Francis Owusu</span> all could make a play, but right now, nothing is guaranteed for them.</p>
<p id="z6kJvi">On defense, the starters will be the main thing to watch. Who will be the second cornerback and how are the linebackers playing? Once they are out, the defensive tackles will be interesting to watch, especially as <span>Kendall Langford</span> returns to the Dolphins and some of the younger guys get some playing time. </p>
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<p id="IX6bBT"><strong>5. Where is the weakness on this Dolphins team and are you worried it could withhold the team from a playoff game in 2018?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p id="edxnJl">Those linebackers and defensive tackles right now. The run defense is not yet up to where it should be, and the team needs to figure that out. A lot of people point to the loss of <span>Ndamukong Suh</span> as to the reasoning behind the early preseason struggles, but it is not like Miami was great against the run with <span>Suh</span>, finishing 14th last year with 110.5 yards per game allowed. The middle of the defense has to find its groove - and when you are playing what are essentially two rookies (Baker and second-year-but-missed-all-of-his-true-rookie-season <span>McMillan</span>) at linebacker, there are going to be mistakes, but they have to fix them quickly.</p></blockquote>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/25/17780582/q-a-with-the-enemy-5-questions-with-the-phinsider-ryan-tannehill-minkah-fitzpatrick-mike-gesickiKyle Phoenix