Sport

Baltimore Ravens Humble Despite Dominance as NFL's Highest-Scoring Offense

2024-10-14

Author: Wai

BALTIMORE

After clinching a hard-fought 30-23 victory against the Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens' running back Derrick Henry playfully evaded questions about a pivotal 27-yard run he made, insisting, “Shush, shush, shush.” While he might be keeping some details under wraps, there is no denying the Ravens' offensive prowess.

With this latest win, the Ravens have secured their fourth consecutive victory, improving their record to 4-2, and solidifying their position at the top of the AFC North alongside the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their offensive performances have been nothing short of spectacular, exhibiting a newfound grit and confidence that has allowed them to score on their final five drives in Sunday’s game.

But how good is this Baltimore offense? Henry insists they are remaining humble, repeating the phrase when pressed about their success. Despite their modesty, the stats speak volumes — the Ravens are leading the NFL with a staggering total of 2,722 offensive yards after six games, marking a franchise record.

Lamar Jackson continues to elevate his game, showcasing another MVP-caliber season. He has achieved over 300 passing yards in back-to-back games for the first time in his career, while rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers is emerging as a key offensive weapon, achieving a career-high of 132 receiving yards in just one half of play. Tight end Mark Andrews is also making waves, contributing 66 receiving yards and scoring his first touchdown since last year.

Henry has joined elite company, becoming only the second player in NFL history — after Eric Dickerson — to amass over 600 rushing yards and eight or more touchdowns with a new team in the first six games of the season. Clearly, Baltimore’s arsenal is deep, and offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley is confident in their capabilities: “We have all the pieces necessary. Smart physical guys who can do their job at a high level.”

While the Ravens have historically been known for their formidable defense, they have transformed into one of the league’s most potent offenses since Jackson took over as starting quarterback during the 2018 season. Remarkably, he has established himself as the only player in NFL history to produce over 1,500 passing yards and 400 rushing yards within the first six games of a season — an achievement he has accomplished twice.

Jackson has proven to be a dual-threat, able to distribute the ball effectively among his receivers. With nine players catching passes and seven contributing touchdown receptions, his approach is versatile and unpredictable. As Jackson aptly put it, he’s often contemplating, “Who am I going to throw it to?” when facing man coverage.

The Ravens’ formidable ground game has facilitated their aerial assault, maintaining a running streak that hasn’t been matched since the 1971 Raiders, with 150 rushing yards in each of their first six games. This relentless rushing attack has allowed playmakers like Henry to shine in critical moments, exemplified by big runs in recent tight games.

Despite their offensive explosion, both Jackson and Henry maintain a grounded attitude. Jackson stated, “We’re just proving we can win games. I don’t think that really proved anything like we are the best offense. There’s always room for improvement.”

As the Ravens aim to solidify their stance as contenders, their humble approach paired with undeniable success makes for a thrilling combination heading into the latter half of the season. Fans are left wondering — can the Ravens maintain their momentum and continue to dominate this season? Only time will tell, but for now, they are a team to be reckoned with.