Ravens report card: Week four verse New York Jets
Quarterback– Joe Flacco started off playing very well, but got out of sync in the second and third quarters. Give credit to the New York Jets cornerbacks and to Rex Ryan’s blitzing schemes as they really had Flacco rushing his throws. Also, blame the receivers for dropping some passes- Ed Dickson in particular.Grade C
Running backs– Ray Rice and Ricky Williams had a rough game rushing the ball. Later in the game, they got on track, but Rice only averaged 2.6 yards per carry. Rice had a big reception, but also stopped running his route on the interception that Flacco threw. Williams had his second fumble of the season- something he has been prone to do throughout his career. Although the run game got back on track towards the end, the run-blocking clearly needed to improve. The return of injured left guard Ben Grubbs will certainly help. Grade C
Receivers– The wide receivers went up against one of the best secondaries in football and got shut down. Rookie Torrey Smith actually found some openings on a few plays, but Flacco missed him. Smith also had some great blocks, especially on Ray Rice’s big reception. Tight-end Ed Dickson dropped some easy catches which, which made Flacco look bad and ended drives. Anquan Boldin was hardly heard from. Grade D
Offensive line– This group really needs Grubbs back. Andre Gurode has filled in decently thus far, but does not come close to the level that Grubbs plays at. It was obvious why the Ravens chose to run to the right side late in the game, where Marshal Yanda and Michael Oher were blocking. Flacco got hit way too many times; the offensive line needs to improve before Flacco gets hurt. Grade D
Defensive Line– This group caused havoc all day. They did not give Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez the time of day to throw. Complete domination, from Haloti Ngata to Paul Krugger. Everyone played great. They were the reason why the Ravens won this game. Grade A++
Linebackers– Jameel McClain had the first defensive touchdown of the day. Ray Lewis played like he was a younger man, and the Jets run game never got started. Grade A
Secondary– Ed Reed got the Ravens started with a forced fumble that Jameel McClain recovered for a touchdown. The secondary came in banged up, but played oustandingly. This was the best game Cary Williams has played so far. Lardarius Webb made a great play on his interception by taking it back for a 73-yard touchdown. Danny Gorrer played exceptionally well considering how he started the season on the practice squad. Credit the defensive line for putting pressure on Sanchez. Grade A+
Special teams– The special teams unit allowed a big kickoff return immediately following the defensive touchdown by Jameel McClain. LaQuan Williams was looking like a rookie on returns. The only positive was Billy Cundiff being perfect on his kicking chances. Grade C
Coaching– The coaches had the defense ready to play. The offense looked good on the first drive, but the remainder of the game looked sloppy. However, some credit goes to the Jets defense; they are tough to play against. Grade A
