The Baltimore Ravens' 41-17 demolition of the Cleveland Browns in their home opener wasn't just about the star players. While Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry's performances were somewhat muted, the Ravens' depth shone brightly, showcasing the team's remarkable resilience and ability to overcome adversity. This convincing win highlighted the contributions of several unsung heroes who stepped up to deliver a resounding victory.
Wide receivers Devontez Walker and Tylan Wallace emerged as unlikely offensive stars, combining for three of Jackson's four touchdown passes. Wallace's performance was particularly noteworthy, showcasing his versatility by recovering a fumble and excelling in kick return duties following an injury to Rasheen Ali. His 15-yard touchdown reception opened the scoring, setting the tone for the game.
The special teams unit also played a pivotal role. Jake Hummel's blocked punt, leading directly to a touchdown, and LaJohntay Wester's impressive punt return, setting up a field goal, demonstrated the team's commitment to excellence across all three phases of the game. This dominance on special teams proved crucial in securing the win, echoing the Ravens' historical prowess in this area under Head Coach John Harbaugh.
Meanwhile, the Ravens' defense delivered a dominant performance, silencing Joe Flacco's Baltimore homecoming. They held the Browns to a meager 323 total yards, forcing two turnovers that directly resulted in touchdowns. Tavius Robinson's strip sack, in particular, exemplified the defensive intensity that defined the game.
Despite a relatively low offensive yardage total (242 yards), the Ravens' explosive plays kept the scoreboard ticking over. Four of Jackson's touchdown passes targeted receivers over 10 yards downfield, showcasing the team's ability to strike quickly and effectively. This offensive strategy, combined with the stellar defensive and special teams performances, resulted in a convincing victory, even surpassing previous team records for points scored with such a low yardage output. The win puts the Ravens in elite company, making them one of only six teams since 1980 to score 40 or more points in their first two games of the season.
Off the field, the Ravens faced some roster adjustments. Veteran outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney signed with the Dallas Cowboys, while Kyle Van Noy sustained a hamstring injury. While Harbaugh confirmed the injury is not season-ending, the team's depth will be tested. Meanwhile, the Ravens' decision not to draft Shedeur Sanders, who chose the Browns instead, sparked debate among analysts. While some questioned Sanders' decision to bypass a chance to learn from Jackson in a stable organization, others argued that his desire to compete for a starting position is understandable. This highlights the ongoing dynamics within the NFL player market.
The Ravens' Week 2 victory showcased more than just offensive firepower; it highlighted a team's unwavering commitment to excellence across all aspects of the game. From standout individual performances to exceptional team synergy, the Ravens proved that their path to success transcends individual statistics and embraces a collective effort, solidifying their status as a formidable force in the NFL.
---
Originally published at: https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/late-for-work-under-the-radar-players-boost-ravens-in-win-over-browns
