Ravens report card: The offense 10/26/2014
The Baltimore Ravens fell to the Cincinnati Bengals 27 to 24 on a late drive by the Bengals. The Ravens had a late lead after the defense forced two turnovers but the Ravens were not able to hold onto it. The offense was good for most of the game but two interceptions by Joe Flacco and a failure to score on the opening drive really hurt.
Quarterbacks: Flacco finished with a 43.1 quarterback rating because of his two interceptions and no touchdown passes. Flacco’s first interception was all his fault trying to push the ball down field. On the second interception Torrey Smith was knocked out of the play and their should have been a penalty but none was called. Overall it was a tough day for Flacco who needed to run the ball more. Grade D
Running backs: Lorenzo Taliaferro had two touchdown’s on only seven carries and a really good special teams tackle which may have gone unnoticed. Taliaferro also had a big reception for 29 yards and surprisingly led the Ravens in receiving yards with only two receptions. Justin Forsett was solid once again. This unit was not the problem. Grade A
Receivers: Steve Smith Sr. had a good game but an offensive pass interference call on what would have been the game winning touchdown pretty much ended the game. The call on Smith Sr. was right at first glance but at second glance it was a huge flop by the defensive back. Torrey Smith was nowhere to be found on the field and really needed to step up. Michael Campanaro had a solid first half but left with a hamstring. Grade C
Offensive line: The running lanes and protection was there. This unit had to have some patch work as players rotated in and out with minor injuries. The line only allowed one sack but did allow Flacco to be pressured. Grade B
Overall: If the offense ended drives with touchdowns and not field goals which they did three times and another drive they ended on the one yard line, then the Ravens would have won this game. Flacco did not have his best game but neither did the receiver. Owen Daniels was clearly missed. Grade C
