Even though the Baltimore Ravens haven’t won a single game yet, there’s a lot of reason to be hopeful about the current season. According to the latest NFL analysis by ESPN, there’s one aspect of the team’s game that will steadily get better.
In a thrilling Week 2 matchup, the Las Vegas Raiders edged out the Ravens with a final score of 26-23, marking the Ravens’ first 0-2 start since 2015. Quarterback Gardner Minshew played a pivotal role, demonstrating impressive chemistry with wide receiver Davante Adams and tight end Brock Bowers in the second half.
Adams shone particularly bright, contributing significantly to the Raiders’ game-tying touchdown drive. Bowers also made his mark, catching all nine of his targets for 98 yards, including 46 yards after the catch. His ability to secure contested catches underscored his potential as a valuable asset in the Raiders’ offense.
Defensively, edge rusher Maxx Crosby was a standout performer, helping to disrupt the Ravens’ offensive flow. Baltimore, despite a strong effort, managed only 374 total yards compared to the Raiders’ 261, highlighting the effectiveness of Las Vegas’ defensive strategy.
When it comes to defense, the Ravens are having a hard time this early into the season. According to an NFL analysis by ESPN’s Janison Hensley, though, that won’t be a concern for long.
The early surprise: The Ravens rank last in pass defense.
The verdict: Mirage. Baltimore has allowed the most passing yards in the NFL (514) though two weeks. This is a major surprise considering this is essentially the same secondary that finished No. 6 against the pass last season. The Ravens are too talented in the defensive backfield, which is led by All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, to struggle like this. “I think the secondary overall is on track, but we’re not consistent,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. The Ravens will get to prove themselves over the next three weeks when they face Dak Prescott, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow.
The statistics reveal a competitive game, with the Raiders executing their plays efficiently. They achieved a third-down conversion rate of 42%, while the Ravens lagged at 25%. Additionally, both teams had similar red-zone efficiency, but the Raiders excelled in scoring touchdowns when it mattered most.
The victory not only boosts the Raiders’ confidence but also raises questions for the Ravens, who will need to regroup after a challenging start to the season. This game set the stage for what could be a defining season for both teams as they strive to improve in the coming weeks.
