That’s despite the powerhouse running back continuing to add to his own legitimate claim for the league-wide award with a dominant performance against the Houston Texans on Christmas Day. Henry rushed for 147 yards to underpin a 31-2 victory at NRG Stadium.

Yet, as has often been the case this season, Henry found himself upstaged by Jackson. The latter threw a pair of touchdown passes and surpassed Michael Vick as the most-prolific running quarterback in NFL history.

Henry was asked about fans chanting “MVP” to Jackson during a road game. The two-time NFL rushing champion responded, “He deserves it. He’s been doing this for a long time, and it’s only right for him to get a third one. The stats prove it,” per Ravens Vault co-host Sarah Ellison.

That’s a magnanimous statement. Especially considering Jackson is playing the best football of his career largely because he’s sharing the backfield with Henry.

Debate will rage about who is more valuable, but Henry is still deferring to Jackson.

Lamar Jackson Looks Unstoppable in MVP Race

It’s going to be difficult for anybody to surpass Jackson as a worthier candidate to be named MVP. No. 8 isn’t just setting records for his enduring ability to gash defenses on the ground. Jackson’s also added nuance as a passer with every game.

His 10 completions from 15 attempts against the Texans moved Jackson into second all-time in league history for highest passer rating in a single season, according to The 33rd Team.

Baltimore’s QB1 completed over 60 percent of his passes in a game for the 16th time this season. As if that wasn’t enough, Jackson is also averaging a career-high 8.9 yards per attempt.

He’s progressed in every meaningful areas as a passer. Generating improved accuracy, greater efficiency, increased yards per attempt and more points.

Add 852 yards as a runner, a tally buoyed by scampering 48 yards for a touchdown in Houston, and few would argue Jackson is the most valuable player in football.

If there are still any dissenters, they could do worse than endorse Henry. His prolonged brilliance has lifted Jackson and the Ravens entire offense to new heights.

Derrick Henry’s Impact Can’t Be Understated

An easy way to gauge Henry’s impact is to consider the recent, rough three-game stretch that culminated with working over the Texans. The Ravens were warned about overusing Henry during a demanding 10-day schedule, but offensive coordinator Todd Monken didn’t heed the warning.

Instead, Monken gave Henry 65 carries during the three games, including 51 in the last two against AFC contenders the Pittsburgh Steelers and Texans. Henry responded by hammering the Steelers for 162 yards, before averaging 5.4 yards per carry in Houston.

The veteran has stood up strong and done most of his damage via inside runs. A theme Henry continued by going “between the tackles on a season-high 81.5% of his carries, gaining 140 of his 147 rush yards,” according to Next Gen Stats.

Henry’s ability to stay this productive where the running is toughest is why seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady has a bold prediction about how long the 30-year-old will last.

It’s also why Henry is arguably just as valuable as Jackson. He’s given defenses another elite big-play specialist to try and contain.

Choosing who to focus on is a nightmare dilemma for defensive coordinators. Choosing who is MVP is a toss up.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Ravens Derrick Henry Ends Lamar Jackson MVP Debate vs. Texans appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Tucker is no longer trusted to handle kickoffs, and the 35-year-old is alright with the change, but he wouldn’t say no to more work. Instead, Tucker has been made to watch punter Jordan Stout handle a core part of his responsibilities.

To his credit, Tucker has taken a team-first attitude to help him cope with the change. The veteran admitted, “As a competitor, I wanna be out there all the time,” per Ravens Vault co-host Bobby Trosset, but Tucker also knows how Stout taking kickoffs can help the Ravens.

Specifically, the five-time first-team All-Pro conceded, “Jordan does have this ability to hammer the ball. If that gives us the best opportunity to spot the ball on the 30-yard line, then I’m all for it. … As a competitor, I wanna be out there for every single rep possible. But as a teammate, I wanna see us succeed. As a Raven, I wanna see the Ravens win. And that’s what’s important to me.”

Tucker’s right to ultimately defer to what works best for his team. Especially since his struggles converting kicks this season have left the Ravens searching for a new working formula in an area they had long been able to take for granted.

Justin Tucker Dealing With Change Amid Difficult Times

To say this hasn’t been the easiest season for Tucker would be an understatement. He’s made 21 of 29 field goals, for a 72.4 percent success rate, easiest the lowest of his career to date.

There have been other problems, like the 13-year pro also missing a pair of extra points. Tucker’s sudden bout of inaccuracy has cost the Ravens games. Notably, against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13, when No. 9 let seven points go to waste.

The aftermath of that bad day at the office saw prominent Ravens like head coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Lamar Jackson rush to defend Tucker. Even six-time Super Bowl-winning former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick shared his thoughts on how to fix Tucker’s problems.

Rather than make any specific technical changes, the Ravens have been content to let Tucker work through his issues on the practice field and in games. It’s why the decision to let Stout take charge of kickoffs makes sense.

The move has taken one thing off Tucker’s plate. Leaving him free to fully focus on correcting accuracy with kicks that yield points.

An added bonus has come from Stout’s ability to handle the new responsibility. He’s averaged 64 yards on four kickoffs and boomed three for touchbacks, per Pro Football Reference.

This switch has worked for the Ravens, and the special teams could be in store for another change.

Ravens Not Done Making Changes on Special Teams

That change could come in the return game. It’s an area boosted by the recent acquisition of a wide receiver with a proven track record for scoring runbacks.

The newcomer could be thrust into action sooner than expected. Particularly since the Ravens have been quiet about the status of cornerback Desmond King, who lost two punts during Week 16’s 34-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

King would need to be elevated from the practice squad for the Christmas Day game against the Houston Texans. Nothing has been officially announced, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, despite Harbaugh indicating King would continue to handle returner’s chores.

If the Ravens do make a change it will be a timely reminder they aren’t done tweaking a special teams unit that has gone from team strength to area of concern through 15 games.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Ravens All-Pro Justin Tucker Reacts to Losing Key Role appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Johnson finding a new home was confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He also reported “The Texans claimed former Ravens WR Diontae Johnson on waivers three days after the Ravens claimed former Texans WR/punt returner Steven Sims on waivers.

Those moves mean the Ravens might see Johnson again as soon as Christmas Day when they face the Texans at NRG Stadium in Week 17. That’s a quick turnaround after the Ravens waived the wideout on Friday, closing the book on a botched trade.

Acquiring Sims flew under the radar, by contrast, but he’s a smart pickup by the Ravens. The 27-year-old is a player they know well thanks to some painful recent experience.

He’s also somebody whose playmaking flair on special teams can make a difference in an area where the Ravens are still searching for solutions.

Steven Sims Jr. Solves Underrated Problem for Ravens

Finding competent  returners has been a problem for the Ravens all season. All-Pro cornerback Desmond King is the latest to try, but he hardly fared well against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16.

King put two punts on the ground, per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Yet head coach John Harbaugh intends to keep the veteran in the returner’s role for the trip to Houston, according to Ravens.com Editorial Director Ryan Mink.

That situation won’t last long if Sims stays healthy and proves himself. Especially since the Ravens already know what he’s capable of in the return game.

He gashed them for a 67-yard touchdown in last season’s Divisional Playoffs.

This was far from the first time Sims showcased a flair for the big play in football’s third phase. He also returned a kickoff 90 yards for a score while playing in Washington back in 2019.

Sims has bounced around, even having a spell with the Steelers, despite possessing triple-threat skills. He can make an impact as a receiver, returner and runner, rushing for 174 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries.

Ball security has been a problem for a player who’s fumbled 11 times, but if the Ravens can help Sims clean up his technique, he could be an asset during the business end of the campaign.

If nothing else, this move helps the Ravens move on from the saga involving Johnson.

Ravens Finally Done with Diontae Johnson Saga

From suspending him for refusing to enter a game, to eventually making a clean break, the Ravens will be glad to move on from Johnson. He never became the dynamic separator the team hopes it had acquired in trade.

At least the Ravens have gotten consistent contributions from their other wide receivers. Particularly Zay Flowers, who has eclipsed 1,000 yards in just his second season.

Flowers is receiving able support from fellow wideout Rashod Bateman, as well as tight ends Mark Andrews and roving pass-catcher Isaiah Likely. Johnson never became a factor and Sims may have as much trouble taking reps from any member of this group, but the Ravens will still be well-stocked with targets for quarterback Lamar Jackson and the league’s most productive offense.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Ravens Signed WR Before Diontae Johnson Made Texans Switch appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Both teams will meet at NRG Stadium on Wednesday, December 25, and Johnson will remain a talking point. The Texans were confirmed as his next stop by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.

In a related move, the Ravens actually claimed former Texans wideout and return specialist Steven Sims Jr. three days before Johnson made the switch, according to Schefter.

There may not be enough time for Johnson to take to the field for his new employers. Although anything is possible since the Texans claimed the 28-year-old after losing a key playmaker to a serious injury in Week 16.

Diontae Johnson Can’t Waste Texans Chance

Signing with the Texans provides Johnson with a chance he likely thought he wouldn’t get this season after his short and ill-fated spell in Baltimore. The Texans moved quickly because Tank Dell dislocated his knee and tore his ACL catching a touchdown pass against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, December 21, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Dell faces a “lengthy recovery,” meaning his “availability to begin the 2025 season is in doubt,” according to Rapoport.

Being without Dell for a prolonged period should make plenty of reps available for Johnson. A lack of playing time with the Ravens left him frustrated, but the former Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers pass-catcher could thrive in Houston.

Playing with a quarterback as gifted as C.J. Stroud and alongside a receiver as physical as Nico Collins will create the kind of opportunities Johnson craves. Provided he shows more patience than he did while a member of the Ravens.

Ravens Have Already Moved On From Botched Trade

Giving up a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft for one catch and four yards makes the deal to acquire Johnson from the Panthers one of the worst in Ravens history. Fortunately, the botched trade hasn’t harmed the most explosive offense in football.

Instead, the Ravens remain prolific through the air. Like when Lamar Jackson threw three touchdown passes to beat Johnson’s first team the Steelers in Week 16.

Granted, two of those throws landed in the hands of tight ends Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews, but it’s not as if the Ravens are lacking at wide receiver. Not when second-year pro Zay Flowers went over 1,000 yards after snagging eight catches for 100 yards against Pittsburgh.

Flowers isn’t the only wideout flourishing in Jackson’s passing game. So is Rashod Bateman, whose ability to stretch the field and find the end zone has made him the go-to receiver for the Ravens’ QB1.

Bateman, Flowers, Andrews and Likely give Jackson more than enough weapons for attacking defenses through the air. His own rushing skills, allied with the presence of two-time league rushing champion Derrick Henry, who is raising the bar every week, makes this offense a nightmare to stop.

There was room for Johnson to be a factor, but he didn’t seize the opportunity. Instead, he refused to take the field against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13 and earned a one-game suspension that ultimately ended his forgettable Ravens career.

Now Johnson gets a chance he simply can’t waste, but the Ravens shouldn’t be concerned either way.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Diontae Johnson Lands With Ravens Next Opponent: Report appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Speaking to FOX Sports NFL after watching Henry rush for 162 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16, seven-time Super Bowl winner Brady said, “This dude doesn’t look like he’s even slowing down. We show all those stats about how electric Derrick Henry is, he looks like he’s got another 5 years in him.”

The Ravens would gladly sign on now for another five years of Henry. Such has been the dominance of the two-time league rushing champion.

Henry’s performances have taken an offense led by two-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson up another level. Their prolific combination put the Steelers to the sword during a 34-17 win on Saturday, December 21.

The victory at M&T Bank Stadium gave the Ravens a chance to seize control of the AFC North from their bitter rivals. It also showed this year’s team could be unstoppable once the playoffs begin.

Tom Brady Saw Derrick Henry Impact Early vs. Steelers

From his role as an announcer for Fox Sports, Brady quickly observed why Henry was proving such a problem for a usually resolute Steelers defense. Specifically, Brady highlighted what Henry’s presence was doing to the edges of Pittsburgh’s front seven, per ESPN’s Mina Kimes.

As Kimes noted, Jackson was just as big of a factor. His threat to run had the Steelers rushing wide off the edges.

That let Henry attack inside running lanes on read-option handoffs. Jackson simply had to wait for the defensive end or outside linebacker to stay wide or crash inside.

If the edge defender slanted inside, Jackson could keep the ball and either throw or break contain and run to the outside of the pocket. Yet if the edge player stayed on the outside to cut off Jackson’s escape lane, Baltimore’s QB1 simply handed to Henry, who charged through the interior.

The effect was awesome for the Ravens, but devastating for the Steelers. Henry produced the “most explosive runs (7) by a player in a game this season,” per Next Gen Stats. He also “ran between the tackles on a season-high 62.5% of his carries, where he had 5 of his 7 explosive runs.”

Henry had the Steelers in a bind from which they never broke free. Few teams have been able to escape the trap Jackson and Henry have led them into this season.

Ravens Have Perfect One-Two Punch

Jackson might believe he should have played better, but the truth is he was close to flawless against the Steelers. Throwing three touchdown passes, to Isaiah Likely, Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews, showed Jackson was efficient when it counted.

Having Jackson be the closer who applied the finishing touches to drives powered by Henry showed the Ravens’ one-two punch is functioning perfectly. It’s a partnership that appears unbreakable because Jackson has stayed healthy this season, while Henry is defying father time and the narrative of running backs slowing down in their 30s.

Instead, Henry is going from strength to strength and playing his best football in the biggest games. He’s routinely dominated AFC contenders, improving the Ravens chances of going one better than last season and assuming supremacy of the conference.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Tom Brady Makes Bold Prediction About Ravens RB Derrick Henry appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Jackson spoke with reporters after the game at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, December 21. He was frank in admitting, “I feel like I could’ve played better. That interception, it really got me mad.”

Those words aren’t just mildly surprising, they rate as a shock after what Jackson did to a tough and resourceful Steelers defense. He’s playing the best football of his career and taking his game up a level each week, but Jackson’s quest for perfection won’t allow for even a single mistake.

Lamar Jackson’s Quest for Perfection Undone by Single Error

The isolated gaffe that still has Jackson annoyed was a critical pick thrown to Steelers All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in the fourth quarter. Pittsburgh trailed by just seven points at the time.

As Jackson pointed out, “we don’t turn the ball over, almost any game, we win the game.” Jackson had put the chances of another victory in jeopardy, but his blushes were spared by cornerback Marlon Humphrey’s 37-yard interception return for a touchdown two plays later.

Baltimore’s QB1 was more than grateful, saying “shout out to Marlo and the defense, ’cause those guys played lights out all game. Definitely.”

The defense was big in the clutch, but it was Jackson’s arm talent that truly undid the Steelers. He was helped by a few factors, including Derrick Henry rushing for 162 yards, another prolific output for a Ravens skill player who, like Jackson, has  rarely been satisfied by his performances this season.

Jackson also received excellent pass protection and he took full advantage of clean pockets, according to Pro Football Focus.

Numbers like these prove Jackson’s solved his biggest problem against the Steelers. He’s striving for perfection during a season when the two-time league MVP could win a third award, but what he really wants is a maiden Super Bowl title.

That’s the motivation pushing Jackson to never be satisfied. It’s also why the Ravens were able to finally get one over on the Steelers, who had won eight of the last nine meetings between the two AFC North rivals.

Ravens Ended Steelers Jinx

It took a team effort to finally overcome the Steelers, but the Ravens produced one when they simply had to have it against an opponent determined to thwart their title ambitions. The Steelers couldn’t do it because they couldn’t stop Henry on early downs, nor pressure Jackson in obvious passing situations.

Those failings meant the Ravens were always able to put together a drive and earn points when they needed them. One of the better examples was a six-minute march from their own eight-yard line that ended with a 23-yard field goal by Justin Tucker.

Those three points put the game beyond the reach of the Steelers, who faced a deficit of three scores with a mere three minutes and 10 seconds remaining. The drive was a reflection of how the Jackson-led offense controlled the game.

Jackson and Henry continuing to reset standards higher each week not only can move the Ravens ahead of the Steelers. It can also lift the Ravens above the final hurdle toward claiming that elusive Lombardi Trophy.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Ravens Lamar Jackson Has Shocking Reaction to Performance vs. Steelers appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Adam Schfter threw the Los Angeles Chargers into the mix as a potential landing spot, along with the Chiefs.

Both the Bills and Chiefs stand in the way of the Ravens and their ambitions for conference supremacy. Johnson has the raw talent to improve either team, provided he got along better than he did with the Ravens.

Not wanting to take the field earned Johnson a one-game suspension in Week 15. He was also made a healthy scratch for this week’s rematch with former team the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite a worrying list of injuries at receiver.

The writing was on the wall after those decisions, and the Ravens finally did the inevitable on Friday, December 20. They confirmed the decision to waive Johnson, along with revealing they promoted Anthony Miller from the practice squad.

Johnson left the Ravens with no choice, but the 28-year-old still has value for some of the AFC’s top teams.

Diontae Johnson Has Value for Chiefs, Bills

There are good reasons for both the Chiefs and Bills to pursue Johnson once he clears waivers on Monday. Starting with the Chiefs, those reasons are spelled out by TWSN’s Brent Hertzeneberg.

He thinks that “Although the Chiefs just reactivated Hollywood Brown from being injured all season, they are still extremely thin at receiver.  Ravaged by injuries to Brown, Rashee Rice, Skyy Moore, and Mecole Hardman, it would benefit them to add some talent depth at a very cheap price.  It’s unknown how quickly Hollywood will be back to normal and outside of Xavier Worthy, the only other options are aging veterans in DeAndre Hopkins and JuJu Smith-Schuster.  With this group, it would surprise no one to see another injury before the end of the season.”

Adding Johnson makes sense for the Chiefs because”it would cost the team very little to pay.” Finally, Hertzenberg thinks “it also would not hurt to have someone in team meetings who played for both the Ravens and Steelers very recently.  If they were to face them in the playoffs, Johnson would be able to help them prepare by knowing certain schemes and tendencies.”

All of those are plausible reasons, but the Bills have a similar need. Particularly for Johnson to help leading receiver Khalil Shakir, according to Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Massare.

He described how “Johnson’s speed and agility would open up opportunities for Shakir, allowing him to work more effectively against double coverage and freeing up space in the middle of the field for other offensive options.”

Those other options include veteran Amari Cooper and rookie Keon Coleman. As Massare put it, “the current window of opportunity for the Bills is open; acquiring a player of Johnson’s caliber can solidify their chances of making a deep playoff run. One of the bigger reasons would be for the Bills to keep him away from the Kansas City Chiefs, where he would be a perfect match for Patrick Mahomes.”

There’s a good case to be made for Johnson helping one of the Ravens’ main rivals. Yet, there’s an equally good case for why teams should steer clear of the unproductive and troubled wideout.

Diontae Johnson Gave the Ravens No Choice

The Ravens had little option but to cut ties with Johnson, even though they only traded for the pass-catcher back in November. Sending a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft to the Carolina Panthers now looks like folly, but it was worth paying a small price to add another potential playmaker to the passing game.

Things didn’t work out, with Carita Parks of Double Take Sports noting as early as November 26, Johnson had “gotten some opportunities to contribute over the past few weeks but he has not delivered. This time he tripped over his own feet. It’s been little things like that.”

Not making the grade in practice and beyond made it difficult for Johnson to earn the trust of the Ravens and offensive coordinator Todd Monken. The lack of trust cut into the wideout’s playing time and led to a dismal final stat line, per The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer.

Those numbers made it easier to waive goodbye to Johnson, but it won’t be so easy to replace him. Not when Miller has played on three teams in four seasons and hasn’t registered a catch since 2021.

The Ravens do have other options, including rookie Devontez Walker, who caught his first pro touchdown against the New York Giants last week. There’s also Tylan Wallace, but his greater value is measured in the return game.

One member of this trio needs to emerge to support second-year pro Zay Flowers and veteran Rashod Bateman, who is enjoying a breakout season. If that happens, the Ravens won’t care where Johnson finishes the season.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Diontae Johnson Tipped to Join AFC Rivals After Ravens Release appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, December 19 (h/t Ravens Vault co-host Bobby Trosset), Tomlin credited Pees with being a “quality, veteran defensive coach. We’ve competed against him a lot over the years, we’re highly familiar with his schematics. And to be quite honest with you, man, a lot of what they’re doing more recently, specifically since our game, looks a lot like Dean Pees football.”

Getting into the nuts and bolts of what Pees is doing, Tomlin said the Ravens “keep a lid on things. They mix up a variety of two-high safeties and so forth. They don’t give up big plays. They were 32nd in the league in the passing game going into our last game, and since our last game they’ve given up two passes of 20 yards or more.”

Tomlin has called the transformation of what was the worst pass defense in the NFL “a sea change.” He views Pees as a “significant component of it.”

A couple of things stand out from Tomlin’s detailed response. First, the obvious respect the Steelers have for the Pees-engineered Ravens defense.

That respect could influence the Steelers gameplan when the two teams renew hostilities with the AFC North title on the line at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, December 21. The Steelers won the first meeting, 18-16 at Acrisure Stadium in Week 11, the start of a run during which the Ravens have allowed less than 25 points in four-straight games.

Second, Tomlin’s omission of Baltimore’s first-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr from his over two-minute answer may resonate in the Ravens locker room.

Dean Pees and Position Switch Key to Ravens Defense

Pees’ experience can’t be undersold as a key factor behind the revival of the Ravens defense since he joined the staff in October. He’s a 20-year veteran of NFL coaching circles, 14 of those years spent as a coordinator, including a six-year stint with the Ravens that helped the 2012 team win a Super Bowl.

Few assistant coaches are as adept at disguising pressure and mixing up coverages. A great example of Pees’ creativity is this cornerback blitz from his days as DC for the Tennessee Titans in 2019, highlighted by Nate Tice of Yahoo! Sports.

Designer blitz packages were a feature of the Ravens league-leading defense last season, but Pees has restored some unpredictability to this year’s group. The Ravens are still near the bottom of the league’s standings with a 21.8 blitz percentage, per Pro Football Reference, but they are being more selective and more effective about sending extra rushers on Pees’ watch.

A more significant change has occurred in how the Ravens deploy their personnel since Pees was hired. Specifically in the formation of the defensive backfield.

Choosing new starters at safety inspired improvement against the pass. In particular, moving All-Pro Kyle Hamilton out of the box and into the deep third of the field.

Cornerback Marlon Humphrey has given the lion’s share of the credit to Hamilton moving back for the upturn in the Ravens’ pass defense. The numbers support Humphrey’s view.

Numbers like “Weeks 1-10: 0.036 EPA/Play Allowed (7th worst in the NFL),” compared with “Weeks 11-15: -0.085 EPA/Play Allowed (5th best in the NFL),” per Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus.

The Hamilton-led secondary should worry Tomlin and the Steelers ahead of Saturday. Especially when they’re likely to be without their most dynamic pass-catcher.

Mike Tomlin, Steelers Have a Problem

Wide receiver George Pickens is set to miss the game due to a hamstring problem, according to Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. Being without Pickens is a major blow for a Steelers offense reliant on the 23-year-old for big plays through the air.

To put Pickens’ impact into perspective, The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer cited numbers from TruMedia to show how the Steelers fare with and without the second-year wideout. The statistics make for welcome reading from a Ravens perspective: “Yards per play: 11th / 32nd Success rate: 18th / 32nd Explosive-play rate: 13th / 32nd.”

That combination of a pass attack missing its best playmaker and a defense making strides in coverage and pressure will be vital for the Ravens. It should prove decisive in ending a miserable run against the Steelers, who’ve won eight of the last nine meetings.

Add in extra motivation from Tomlin’s omission of Orr’s role in the unit’s success, and the Ravens defense could dominate in Week 16.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Mike Tomlin Names the Secret Behind Ravens Success appeared first on Heavy Sports.

That game takes place on Saturday, December 21 at M&T Bank Stadium, but the Ravens could be without Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor. Both wideouts appeared on the same injury report as Johnson.

The report showed Johnson is out, while Agholor didn’t practice on Thursday because of a concussion, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Bateman’s name was also in the mix, with one of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s favorite targets dealing with a foot issue and listed as “questionable,” along with Agholor.

Perhaps the Ravens are confident one or both of Bateman and Agholor will be good to go on game-day. That would explain keeping Johnson out of the fray, despite his return from a team-imposed, one-game suspension, out of the fray.

The Ravens will regret this thinking if they are down even one veteran wide receiver against an opponent who has frequently had their number in recent seasons.

Diontae Johnson Still Not Making His Way Back

Any thoughts of Johnson quickly being reintegrated into the Ravens offense were dashed when his suspension ended after Week 15. That’s when head coach John Harbaugh contradicted a report from an NFL insider by confirming Johnson would be held out of team activities this week.

Harbaugh had left the possibility open for Johnson to still return later in the week, but that won’t happen now. A return would have been timely with the Ravens set to face Johnson’s former team, a Steelers outfit that’s won eight of the last nine meetings between the two familiar foes.

Johnson had helped the Steelers maintain their recent dominance in the rivalry by scoring a 71-yard touchdown at the Ravens expense in Week 18 last season.

The Ravens were hoping for plays like this when they sent a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft to the Carolina Panthers to acquire the 28-year-old before this season’s trade deadline.

Things haven’t work out as planned, but Johnson’s issues have been offset by Bateman’s emergence.

Ravens Need Rashod Bateman Healthy for Steelers

A lack of playing time has left Johnson frustrated, but getting on the field is bound to be tough when Bateman has been thriving. The 31st player drafted in 2021 has dealt with a myriad of injuries, including worryingly, foot problems, but Bateman has retained the faith of Jackson.

That support has been repaid by Bateman cementing himself as one of the league’s most prolific deep threats. His status as a vertical playmaker was confirmed by a 49-yard touchdown grab against the New York Giants last week.

It was one of two scores credited to Bateman, but this particular touchdown gave him “three receiving TDs this season of 40+ yards,” trailing only Cincinnati Bengals Pro Bowler Ja’Marr Chase, per The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer.

That number shows Bateman’s value in this offense. Agholor can work between the numbers and knows how to get open in the red zone, but Bateman gives Jackson sudden-strike capability.

It’s something he’ll need against a Pittsburgh defense that’s consistently managed to make the two-time NFL MVP appear ordinary.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Ravens Make Diontae Johnson Decision vs. Steelers Amid WR Injuries appeared first on Heavy Sports.

The 28-year-old told reporters, including ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, on Tuesday, December 17 how the record “bothers me. When I found out it was surprising. I know the guys in the locker room, we wanna win this rivalry. Eight out of the last nine, it’s not a good number at all, so I think focus has got to be at a premium this week.”

Humphrey knows the Ravens need more intensity to finally get one over on their AFC North rivals. Now is the ideal time with the two teams set to renew hostilities at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, December 21 with the division crown at stake.

The stakes were obvious during what Humphrey revealed was “a fiery meeting today,” per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. As Humphrey put it, “This (rivalry) is big. This means a lot to a lot of people.”

Upping their aggression is one thing, but the Ravens need to play smarter, more controlled football if they’re going to finally reverse the tide against their familiar foe.

Steelers Have Had Ravens Number

The Steelers have had the Ravens number for a variety of reasons. Not the least of which has been self-inflicted wounds.

Mistakes like dropped passes plagued the Ravens in their last two meetings with the Steelers. Those drops have hamstrung two-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has consistently been made to look ordinary by Pittsburgh’s defense.

The Steelers know how to keep Jackson under pressure. They also know how to force turnovers in key moments.

A Jackson interception and fumbles by Derrick Henry and tight end Isaiah Likely doomed the Ravens during Week 11’s 18-16 defeat at Acrisure Stadium.

Protecting the football is one key for the Ravens in Week 16. So is the performance of an improving defense that owes its turnaround to a key member of the Humphrey-led secondary.

Improved Defense Gives Marlon Humphrey, Ravens a Chance

The Ravens have allowed less than 300 yards passing and 24 or fewer points in three of their last four games, per Pro Football Reference. It’s hardly the stuff of last season, when Baltimore’s defense led the league in points allowed, sacks and turnovers forced, but this year’s unit is making strides.

Charting the origin of the turnaround is easy. Performances got better once head coach John Harbaugh named two new starters at safety. One of those was hardly new, but Kyle Hamilton moving from playing close to the line of scrimmage to operating deep has made a difference.

Humphrey agrees, telling the press, “It’s been really a group effort to get things right. So not trying to give Kyle all the credit, but he deserves a big amount for sure.”

Hamilton will need to form and maintain a formidable last line of defense against Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson. The latter loves to attack defenses vertically and a few big plays is likely all either team will need to win on Saturday.

It’s high time the Ravens were on the right side of those big plays against the Steelers.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Ravens All-Pro Speaks Out About Record vs. Steelers appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Johnson served a one-game suspension when the Ravens beat the New York Giants 35-14 in Week 15. Yet, it seemed as though the 28-year-old would make a swift return to the team he only joined at this year’s trade deadline on November 5.

That was according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. He reported on Sunday, December 15 (h/t NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport) how Johnson’s suspension “is not like the De’Vondre Campbell situation with the 49ers from a couple of days ago. The hope is that Johnson, who is expected to return to the building on Monday, will find his way back into the good graces of this team and be a key contributing factor for them down the stretch.”

All of that sounded good, but things took another negative turn when Johnson rocked up at M&T Bank Stadium as expected on Monday. Player and team “have mutually agreed to excuse the veteran wide receiver from team activities this week,” according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.

The report from Hensley also included comments from head coach John Harbaugh that hardly clear up what Johnson’s role with the Ravens will be for the rest of the season.

Diontae Johnson’s Status Remains Uncertain

Harbaugh didn’t give anything away when asked how he sees the standoff with Johnson being resolved. The coach instead kept focus on Week 16’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers: “What I foresee really, to be honest with you, and all I’m really thinking about right now is Pittsburgh and getting our team ready for Pittsburgh. So, he won’t be here this week and next week will take care of itself,” per Hensley.

A natural question for the Ravens is why not simply release Johnson? As Hensley noted, Harbaugh was vague about the reasoning: “There’s a lot of moving parts. There are reasons for doing things that are front office type reasons. Do I want to sit here and get into all the different calculations that Eric makes? I really don’t. I want to think about Pittsburgh and our team get ready for Pittsburgh and the guys who are going to be here playing against Pittsburgh. That’s my focus 100%.”

Those words suggest there will be yet more twists and turns to what’s become a saga involving a disgruntled wide receiver unhappy about playing time. Johnson’s frustration boiled over when he refused to enter Week 13’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

His frustration has been shared by key Ravens players including quarterback Lamar Jackson. He’s been joined in speaking out about Johnson’s situation by second-year wideout Zay Flowers.

Ironically, the Ravens’ passing game is operating at a high level without Johnson.

Ravens Dominant Through the Air Without Diontae Johnson

Serving suspension meant Johnson missed an aerial show against the Giants in Week 15. One involving Jackson throwing five touchdown passes and helping receiver Rashod Bateman enjoy an overdue breakout game.

Bateman’s strides this season have given the Ravens the other field-stretching playmaker they needed alongside Flowers. Speaking of stretching the field, 2024 NFL draft fourth-round pick Devontez Walker showed off his vertical skills by snatching this 21-yard score for his first touchdown in the pros.

Things are trending upwards for the Ravens wide receiver room, with or without Johnson, but there’s still room for another capable pass-catcher. Fortunately, the Ravens could reunite with a big-name Pro Bowler.

Perhaps the Ravens make a move, which would surely mean they’re comfortable moving on from Johnson.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Ravens Latest Diontae Johnson Update Contradicts NFL Insider appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Jackson told reporters after the game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, December 15, how “Bate is that guy. We call him ‘Batman’ for a reason, you know? That’s just amazing, it was long overdue I believe. There’s been plenty of times I felt he should’ve had multiple-touchdown games, but things happen in the backfield, you know, can’t get to him sometimes.”

A more prolific connection has been forming between Jackson and Bateman this season. Baltimore’s first-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft has now reeled in seven of Jackson’s 34 touchdown passes after making grabs of 49 and 20 yards against an overwhelmed Giants defense.

The two scores are tangible proof Bateman is coming into his own as Jackson’s go-to wideout.

Rashod Bateman Living Up to Billing as Ravens WR1

It wasn’t too long ago Jackson felt confident enough to declare Bateman the Ravens’ new WR1. The pressure of that label appears to be bringing out the best in an oft-injured but gifted playmaker.

Bateman has responded to praise from his quarterback by taking core parts of his game up a level. Specifically, the speedster is adding nuance to what were already impressive route-running skills.

Those skills were personified by some nifty moves that set Bateman free for his first score. Moves highlighted by Ravens Vault co-host Sarah Ellison.

Bateman has long been one of the better separators in the league against certain types of coverage. Now he’s adding a true knack for getting into the end zone.

The latter quality took Bateman to a career-best tally for touchdowns when he displayed strong hands and neat footwork to haul in this Jackson throw from the edge of the red zone.

Bateman starting to put it all together is a timely development for the Ravens. The Jackson-led passing game needs another wideout to support dynamic second-year pro Zay Flowers.

It’s a vacancy that’s still unfilled because of a messy situation elsewhere in the rotation.

Lamar Jackson Looking For Other WR

Bateman dominated the Giants while in-season trade acquisition Diontae Johnson served a one-game suspension. The veteran was sat down by the Ravens for refusing to enter Week 13’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, amid mounting frustration over his lack of playing time.

Johnson’s curious decision to express his unhappiness about playing time by refusing available reps shone a spotlight on a hidden problem for the Ravens. Namely, the lack of another credible game-breaker alongside Flowers in the wide receiver room.

Perhaps Johnson won’t fill the void, despite costing the Ravens a fifth-round pick in next year’s draft when he arrived from the Carolina Panthers in October. Yet, a familiar Pro Bowler could become the other receiver Jackson needs.

That need will diminish the more Bateman continues to dominate coverage. He’s healthy, improving his chemistry with Jackson every week and meeting the signal-caller’s growing expectations.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Lamar Jackson Says Ravens WR ‘Long Overdue’ Breakout Game vs. Giants appeared first on Heavy Sports.

How the Ravens use workhorse running back Henry will largely determine how the team fares across its next three games. It’s worrying then the Ravens have been overloading their leading rusher even when games have been all but won.

That’s something the Ravens “absolutely cannot do” against a 2-11 Giants team they are expected to beat with room to spare. The argument comes from Sharp Football owner Warren Sharp.

He pointed out how “when the Ravens are leading by 14-plus points in the second half of games, they have given 80 percent of their rushing attempts to Derrick Henry. That absolutely cannot happen in this game. It cannot happen in this game.”

Sharp explained how the Ravens need to manage the schedule because they “will not earn a first-round bye” in the playoffs, so face the likelihood of “seven-straight weeks of football” en route to a Super Bowl berth.

He isn’t guaranteeing the Ravens will win or even contest this season’s Super Bowl, but Sharp is saying they must take advantage of a unique opportunity to rest Henry and snap a curious trend.

Heavy Favorite Ravens Have Terrific Opportunity vs. Giants

Sharp explained the Ravens “are not gonna to get another opportunity to be a 16 and a half point favorite against the New York Giants.” To put that into perspective, the odds “make the Ravens the sixth-largest road favorite in the last 30 years and make the Giants the NFL’s largest home underdog since 1966, according to ESPN Research,” per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.

The Giants aren’t built to play catch up against the Ravens, so the road team should keep Henry fresh for facing the Pittsburgh Steelers “on Saturday, on a short week,” according to Sharp.

Finding a solution for preserving Henry means the Ravens “must get Justice Hill involved” against the Giants. It’s a reasonable strategy against Giants defense allowing 4.9 yard per rush, the second-most in the NFL. The Giants will also be missing natural run defenders like nose tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches and middle linebacker Bobby Okereke, according to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News.

Hill could work the Giants over, but the problem with Sharp’s argument is Henry’s different to most backs around the league.

Ravens Can’t Waste Derrick Henry

While the majority of runners wear down during the business end of games, Henry is usually at his strongest. The 30-year-old has ripped off some of the longest and best runs of his career against battered and bruised defenses softened up during the first and second quarters.

That trait made Henry and two-time NFL rushing champion with the Tennessee Titans. It’s also maintained his star status since he signed with the Ravens last offseason.

You only need to look at a snapshot of Henry’s brief but brilliant Ravens career to see examples of his enduring talent as a closer. Examples like this 81-yard scamper late in the third period against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7, highlighted by SportsCenter.

Or when Henry powered for 27 yards on 4th-and-1 in the dying stages of the third quarter during a dominant performance in a win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 12.

It makes sense Henry’s at his best later in games. The 247-pounder’s brute force simply wears opponents down.

Hill isn’t the same type of runner, and the Ravens don’t possess another punishing back. It doesn’t help somebody like exciting speedster Keaton Mitchell hasn’t figured much since returning from a knee injury.

Mitchell was inactive for Week 13’s 29-14 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles and “didn’t have an offensive snap” vs. the Chargers, according to Hensley.

The Giants present the Ravens with an opportunity to get Mitchell, 2024 NFL draft fifth-round pick Rasheen Ali or Hill more involved. Yet it might be simpler to continue letting Henry do what he does best.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Ravens Receive Warning About Derrick Henry Usage vs. Giants appeared first on Heavy Sports.

That’s the view of CBS Sports’ Shanna McCarriston and Tyler Sullivan. They put together a list of “logical fits” for Beckham after the former second-team All-Pro parted company with the Miami Dolphins on Friday, December 13.

Beckham’s exit from Hard Rock Stadium was reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. He detailed how the 32-year-old will become a free agent if he clears waivers on Monday.

Pelissero also named the Ravens and another of OBJ’s former teams, the Los Angeles Rams, as playoff contenders who could use the wideout’s talents.

It’s a view shared by McCarriston and Sullivan, who named three good reasons why Beckham returning to M&T Bank Stadium makes sense.

Odell Beckham Jr. Return Can Work for Ravens

There’s an opening for a proven playmaker in the Ravens receiver corps. They acknowledged as much by trading a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft to the Carolina Panthers for Johnson back in October.

The Ravens didn’t know what they were getting from that deal. As McCarriston and Sullivan put it, “the Diontae Johnson trade has absolutely blown up in Baltimore’s face, with the wideout now enduring a team-issued suspension for Week 15 after refusing to enter the club’s game against Philadelphia. Even before this, Johnson was a non-factor in the offense, catching one pass in four appearances.”

Uncertainty about Johnson’s status means “the Ravens could still use some depth at receiver. Beckham is familiar with the offense after spending last season with the Ravens, catching 35 balls for 565 yards and three touchdowns. Baltimore is in the thick of the playoff race, so bringing in a pass catcher who is already up to speed with the offense could be worthwhile.”

There aren’t many flaws in this logic, but bringing OBJ back wouldn’t exactly be free of risk. Not after the veteran has snagged just 44 receptions in the last two seasons. He also hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 13 of the 2023 campaign.

It’s fair to wonder if Beckham is the same receiver who was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2014 and earned three Pro-Bowl berths. He’s torn his left ACL twice and can’t seem to stop an alarming decline in production.

So why might things be different for OBJ during a second tour with the Ravens? Perhaps because this season’s offense leads the NFL with 4,519 yards, per Pro Football Reference.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson is playing well enough to win a third league-wide MVP award. He’s being helped by the bulldozing talents of two-time NFL rushing champion Derrick Henry, while second-year receiver Zay Flowers is also thriving.

This dynamic trio needs a credible supporting act. A role Johnson hasn’t been able to assume.

Diontae Johnson Situation Still a Problem

Johnson’s lack of playing time has left key players, including Jackson, frustrated. The frustration is understandable since the former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout could make an impact thanks to field-stretching speed and natural after-catch skills.

There’ll be no impact from Johnson while he serves a one-game suspension in Week 15. Even so, Flowers has talked up what the 28-year-old could contribute if he’s welcomed back into the fold.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh won’t need to make amends with a player who refused to take the field during Week 13’s defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles. Not if they give Beckham another chance to turn back the clock and add another viable big-play threat among Jackson’s targets.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Ravens Urged to Reunite With Pro Bowler to Fix Diontae Johnson Mess appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Orr compared rookie Nabers to another former LSU great, Cincinnati Bengals Pro Bowler Ja’Marr Chase. The comparison was made when Orr spoke to reporters, including ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, on Thursday, December 12.

He told Hensley Nabers is “an explosive player. He kinda, you know he’s not there yet, but he kinda remind me, just from his college tape, kinda like Ja’Marr Chase from the sense of he’s explosive, he can make contested catches. He gets the ball in his hands, he’s a good RAC guy.”

Why should Orr’s take on Nabers worry the Ravens before their game against the Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, December 15? Well, because Chase has long been a thorn in the side of the Ravens, notably humiliating Orr’s defense for 264 yards and three touchdowns in Week 10.

Malik Nabers Needs the Ball

The Giants are committed to getting Nabers the ball, but the task is made difficult by the team’s carousel at quarterback. Popular third-stringer Tommy DeVito is set to return to the starting lineup in place of expensive backup Drew Lock, according to Hensley’s colleague Adam Schefter.

Neither passer is likely to scare the Ravens, but Nabers can create big plays against an overly generous pass defense. He’s still making an impact, like this after-catch run against the New Orleans Saints in Week 14, highlighted by Dan Schneier of CBS Sports.

This type of play should have the Ravens concerned. Particularly since Orr’s unit has already given up 1,493 yards after the catch this season, per Pro Football Reference.

There have been improvements in recent weeks, but Orr will need to adjust his schemes to prevent Nabers from running wild the way Chase has done against Baltimore this season.

Ravens Need New Plan for Ja’Marr Chase-Style WR

Chase’s Bengals are only 3-5 against the Ravens, but the wideout’s individual numbers are a different story. He’s burned the Ravens for just 38 yards shy of 1,000 in eight games, including 193 back in October, followed by 200-plus in November, per StatMuse.

If Orr is seeing the same traits in Nabers then he needs a new plan because what the Ravens have done against Chase hasn’t worked. Specifically, Chase shredded zone coverage in Week 10, like when he scored from 70 yards against Cover 4, according to Next Gen Stats.

The Ravens should employ more physical, press-man coverage against Nabers. Finding the right one-on-one matchup will be tough, even though Orr has Marlon Humphrey and Tre’Davious White available among a host of All-Pro cornerbacks on the back end.

Bolstering the cornerback room with veteran talent is starting to pay dividends. So is reshuffling the deck at safety.

Orr’s best plan for Nabers might still be to rattle and confound DeVito with pressure. The Ravens have one of the lowest blitz percentages in the league at 21.4, but this is a game to increase the number.

Increasing the pressure on an already struggling quarterback operation will prevent Nabers getting the targets he wants. That will leave the often outspoken receiver frustrated enough not to harm the Ravens too much.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Zach Orr’s Malik Nabers Comparison Should Worry Ravens Defense appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Selecting the 10 best running backs in Ravens history was no easy task, but we focused on those who made a significant impact during their time in Baltimore. We considered their performance in both the regular season and the playoffs.

Here’s a look at who made the list:

Note: All titles, awards and stats listed below are from each player’s tenure with the Browns only. All stats are from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise stated.

10. Alex Collins

GettyAlex Collins.

• Years as a Raven: 2017-2018
• Career regular season stats:
  • 25 games
  • 1,384 rushing yards
  • 13 rushing touchdowns
• Iconic performance: December 10, 2017, when Collins rushed for 120 yards on 18 attempts in a 39-38 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Alex Collins made a notable impact during his two seasons, rushing for 1,384 yards and 13 touchdowns across 25 games. He ranks 10th in Ravens history for rushing yards and seventh for rushing touchdowns, earning him the No. 10 spot on our list.

9. Bam Morris

GettyByron Bam Morris.

• Years as a Raven: 1996-1997
• Career regular season stats:
  • 22 games
  • 1,511 rushing yards
  • 8 rushing touchdowns
• Iconic performance: December 8, 1996, when Morris rushed for 117 yards on 21 attempts in a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Over 22 games, Byron Bam Morris rushed for 1,511 yards and 8 touchdowns. Alongside Earnest Byner, Morris was one of the Ravens’ first running backs, and in 10 fewer games, he rushed for 564 more yards than Byner, securing his spot on our list.

READ NEXT: 10 Most Overrated NFL QBs of All Time – Ranked

8. J.K. Dobbins

GettyJ.K. Dobbins.

• Years as a Raven: 2020-2023
• Career regular season stats:
  • 24 games
  • 1,347 rushing yards
  • 12 rushing touchdowns
• Career postseason stats:
  • 3 games
  • 147 rushing yards
  • 1 rushing touchdown
• Iconic performance: On January 3, 2021, Dobbins rushed for 160 yards on 13.21 yards per attempt with 2 touchdowns in a 38-3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

J.K. Dobbins, despite missing the 2021 NFL season due to injury, rushed for 1,347 yards and 12 touchdowns in 24 games. After the Ravens signed Derrick Henry in 2023, Dobbins was let go and signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he is experiencing a resurgence. Had he not been injured in 2021, he would likely rank higher on our list.

7. Chester Taylor

GettyChester Taylor.

• Years as a Raven: 2002-2005
• Career regular season stats:
  • 62 games
  • 1,599 rushing yards
  • 4 rushing touchdowns
• Career postseason stats:
  • 1 game
• Iconic performance: On December 5, 2004, Taylor rushed for 139 yards on 23 attempts with a touchdown in a 27-26 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

In 62 appearances with the Ravens, Chester Taylor largely served as Jamal Lewis’s backup, rushing for 1,599 yards and 4 touchdowns. His role as a change-of-pace back complemented Lewis’s powerful style, effectively wearing down defenses. This contribution secures him the No. 7 spot on our list.

6. Justin Forsett

GettyJustin Forsett.

• Years as a Raven: 2014-2016
• Championships & Awards:
  • 1-time Pro Bowl
• Career regular season stats:
  • 29 games
  • 2,005 rushing yards
  • 10 rushing touchdowns
• Career postseason stats:
  • 2 games
  • 169 rushing yards
• Iconic performance: November 24, 2014, when he rushed for 182 yards on 22 attempts with 2 touchdowns in a 34-27 win over the New Orleans Saints.

Justin Forsett earns the No. 6 spot on our list after playing 29 games for the Ravens, where he accumulated 2,005 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. His versatility as both a runner and receiver was crucial, especially during his Pro Bowl selection in 2014. Although he was traded during the 2016 season after starting three games, Forsett left a lasting impact on the franchise with a total of 2,005 rushing yards and 452 receiving yards.

READ NEXT: The Top 25 Most Overrated NFL Players All Time (Offense)

5. Priest Holmes

GettyPriest Holmes #33 and O.J. Brigance of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate after defeating the New York Giants 34-7 in Super Bowl XXXV.

• Years as a Raven: 1997-2000
• Championships & Awards:
  • 1-time Super Bowl Champion (2001)
• Career regular season stats:
  • 48 games
  • 2,102 rushing yards
  • 10 rushing touchdowns
• Career postseason stats:
  • 4 games
  • 45 rushing yards
• Iconic performance: On November 22, 1998, Holmes rushed for a franchise-record 227 yards in a 20-13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. That record stood until it was broken in 2003.

Priest Holmes rushed for 2,102 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Ravens, making significant contributions to the offense in the late 1990s and helping establish a strong ground game. While he achieved greater success with the Kansas City Chiefs, his time in Baltimore laid the foundation for his career and shaped the Ravens’ identity. Holmes’s impact earns him the No. 5 spot on our list.

4. Willis McGahee

GettyWillis McGahee.

• Years as a Raven: 2007-2010
• Championships & Awards:
  • 1-time Pro Bowl
• Career regular season stats:
  • 59 games
  • 2,802 rushing yards
  • 31 rushing touchdowns
• Career postseason stats:
  • 7 games
  • 271 rushing yards
  • 4 rushing touchdowns
• Iconic performance: On January 3, 2010, McGahee rushed for 167 yards on 16 attempts with 3 touchdowns in a 21-13 win over the Oakland Raiders.

During his four seasons with the team, Willis McGahee tallied 2,802 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns, ranking fourth in franchise history in rushing touchdowns behind quarterback Lamar Jackson and fifth in rushing yards. McGahee was the feature back for most of his time with the Ravens and had a Pro Bowl season in 2007, nudging him past Holmes for the No. 4 spot on our list.

READ NEXT: The 10 Best Ravens Quarterbacks of All Time, Ranked

3. Gus Edwards

GettyGus Edwards.

• Years as a Raven: 2018-2023
• Career regular season stats:
  • 69 games
  • 3,395 rushing yards
  • 26 rushing touchdowns
• Career postseason stats:
  • 7 games
  • 222 rushing yards
• Iconic performance: November 17, 2019, when Edwards rushed for 112 yards on 14 yards per attempt with a touchdown in a 41-7 over the Houston Texans.

Gus Edwards was a vital contributor to the Ravens’ ground game, consistently making impactful plays alongside fellow back J.K. Dobbins. Over five seasons with the team, he has totaled more than 3,300 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, demonstrating his potential as a key asset when healthy. While injuries have hindered both his and Dobbins’s time in Baltimore, Edwards’s contributions, coupled with his ranking among the top five in several key statistical categories in franchise history, earn him the No. 3 spot on our list of the best Ravens running backs.

2. Ray Rice

GettyRay Rice.

• Years as a Raven: 2008-2013
• Championships & Awards:
  • 1- time Super Bowl Champion (2012)
  • 3-time Pro Bowl
• Career regular season stats:
  • 92 games
  • 6,180 rushing yards
  • 37 rushing touchdowns
• Career postseason stats:
  • 12 games
  • 750 rushing yards
  • 5 rushing touchdowns
• Iconic performance: On December 19, 2010, Rice recorded a career-high 233 yards from scrimmage, marking the third-highest total in Ravens history.

A key piece to the Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII victory, Ray Rice excelled in clutch moments during his time in the league. He recorded 6,180 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns, ranking second in franchise history in both categories. His All-Pro honors and over 3,000 receiving yards showcase his dual-threat ability. Rice’s impact on the field cements his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats, earning him the No. 2 spot on our list.

1. Jamal Lewis

GettyJamal Lewis.

• Years as a Raven: 2000-2006
• Championships & Awards:
  • 1- time Super Bowl Champion (2000)
  • 1-time All-Pro
  • 1-time Pro Bowl
• Career regular season stats:
  • 91 games
  • 7,801 rushing yards
  • 45 rushing touchdowns
• Career postseason stats:
  • 6 games
  • 426 rushing yards
  • 4 rushing touchdowns
• Iconic performance: On September 14, 2003, Lewis set the NFL record for rushing yards in a single game with 295 yards. This record has since been surpassed by Adrian Peterson, the current record holder with 296 yards rushing in a single game.

Jamal Lewis is widely recognized as the best running back in Ravens history. A pivotal player in the team’s first Super Bowl victory in 2000, he set the tone for what the franchise looks for when selecting or signing running backs. As the franchise’s all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns, his impactful runs in critical moments solidified his legacy as a cornerstone of Ravens football, earning him the No. 1 spot on our list.

The list isn’t over yet! See our pick for Number 11 HERE. Sound off to let us know who we missed!

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post 10 Best Ravens Running Backs of All Time, Ranked appeared first on Heavy Sports.

A second-year pro who leads the Ravens in receiving, Flowers told reporters he considers Johnson as “one of my guys; he’s one of our guys,” per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. The latter noted Flowers also said “Johnson would be welcomed back by the team.”

While he’s eager for Johnson to return after a team-imposed suspension, Flowers was careful not to undermine the Ravens disciplinary procedures. Instead, Baltimore’s first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft expressed an understanding for how his team has dealt with Johnson.

As Flowers put it, via Hensley, Ravens players “understand both sides and there are consequences that come with this game. I know he’ll be back soon and that’s all we worry about.”

Flowers chose his words well and injected some timely diplomacy into a tense and unwanted situation for the Ravens. Yet, Flowers also hinted at a desire to finally get Johnson onto the field more often.

Diontae Johnson Problem Not Going Away for Ravens

Playing time is at the heart of Johnson’s fall out with his coaches. The wideout’s frustrations boiled over when he refused to enter the game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13.

Head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta naturally reacted. They suspended Johnson for Week 15’s game on the road against the New York Giants.

Harbaugh isn’t giving away about when Johnson will return. Instead, he defiantly referred any questions about the players status to the team’s original statement about his suspension, per Hensley: “I think the statement said there would be no further comment on that. We’ll kind of leave it at that and we’ll see where it goes.”

DeCosta and Harbaugh had to act, but the Ravens being on the wrong end of a 24-19 scoreline against the Eagles brought home the need for another playmaker in the passing game. That’s exactly what the Ravens hoped to get when they traded a fifth-round choice in next year’s draft to the Carolina Panthers to acquire Johnson.

He was supposed to create separation and give quarterback Lamar Jackson another viable, after-catch game-changer. It hasn’t happened, and the Ravens can’t ignore the obvious frustration of Jackson and Flowers.

There’s an acceptance among important players the Ravens need Johnson in the lineup. Flowers certainly could use the help.

Zay Flowers Needs Help

Jackson has been content to talk up other receivers as his go-to targets, but this passing game still goes through Flowers. He’s gotten six or more targets in each of his last five games, while also tallying double-digit targets on four occasions earlier in the season.

The Ravens need to help ease Jackson out of his reliance on Flowers. It will only happen if other receivers step up and assume the responsibility.

Perhaps Rashod Bateman will do it, but he needs to stay healthy. Fortunately, Bateman is back practicing this week, according to Ravens.com Editorial Director Ryan Mink, a possible indication the pass-catcher won’t miss time after suffering a knee problem against the Eagles.

Bateman gives Jackson a legitimate field-stretcher, while Nelson Agholor is useful between the numbers and in the red zone. What’s missing is another speedster able to attack defenses at multiple levels of the field the way Flowers can.

Johnson has that potential, but he must be willing to prove himself to coaches and adhere to the Ravens plan for him. The rewards for both player and team include making the NFL’s highest-scoring offense even better and powering a playoff push.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Ravens WR Has a Lot to Say About Suspended Teammate Diontae Johnson appeared first on Heavy Sports.

From their inception in 1996 until the emergence of Joe Flacco in 2008 — and then Lamar Jackson a decade later — the Ravens spent over a dozen years in the wilderness trying to find their franchise quarterback, starting just 12 seasons with a whopping seven signal-callers.

Still, there have been a number of excellent starting QBs in the Ravens’ short history.

Here are 10 of the best:

10. Eric Zeier (1996 – 1998)

GettyEric Zeier.

A five-year NFL backup who performed pretty well in seven games of backup duty with the Ravens during the 1996 and 1997 seasons, going 3-4, Eric Zeier actually put up some reasonably good numbers: He registered an 11:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio for 2,270 yards with an impressive quarterback rating of 90.1. Will there be poems written and songs sung about his contribution to the Baltimore Ravens franchise? Perhaps not. Was Zeier a more than capable, accurate backup who executed his job with a great attitude? Absolutely.

9. Anthony Wright (2002 – 2005)

GettyAnthony Wright.

Another mobile, undrafted free agent backup who outperformed his initial expectations on the team. Anthony Wright was a very serviceable player in his two seasons of play, going 7-7 for 2,781 passing and 131 rushing yards in his 14 games. While Wright’s quick-thinking, off-schedule play never quite got to the level as to really threaten the future position of incumbent starter Kyle Boller, it certainly kept the franchise afloat in Boller’s absence and makes Wright a worthy name on this list.

8. Tyler Huntley (2020 – 2023)

GettyTyler Huntley.

Lamar Jackson’s primary deputy prior to his departure at the expiration of his rookie contract, the undrafted Tyler Huntley proved once more that good quarterbacks are not always drafted. Very much a mirror image of Jackson, Huntley’s similar dual-threat skill set allowed the Ravens to easily adapt their offensive scheme to him during Jackson’s injury absences. Huntley filled in admirably for Jackson during his time as the starter, most notably coming within a fourth-quarter 98-yard Bengal fumble return from beating the mighty Joe Burrow and Cincinnati Bengals in the 2022 playoffs.

READ NEXT: The 10 Best Dual-Threat QBs of All Time, Ranked

7. Kyle Boller (2003 – 2008)

GettyKyle Boller.

A rare case of a quarterback winning the starting job, losing it for more than an entire season, and then regaining, Kyle Boller’s story demonstrates his patience and determination in not giving up on himself, despite having taken a brutal ego knock after being replaced by ex-NFL co-MVP Steve McNair in 2006. Boller never quite filled the billing of his No. 19 overall draft position, and despite some strong performances — such as in a December 2005 win against the Minnesota Vikings — and a 9-7 season in 2004, he was never thought of as the team’s long-term future after his first couple of years. Nevertheless, Boller continued fighting for the starting position, eventually winning it back in 2007 after some unimpressive Steve McNair performances. But his renaissance did not last long, as the Ravens selected Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco with the 18th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

6. Tony Banks (1999 – 2000)

GettyTony Banks.

A Super Bowl winner! Just not with him as the quarterback. Initially started out as a backup, Tony Banks was inserted into the lineup during the 1999 season and managed a 6-4 record, throwing for a career-best 17 touchdowns. While his play in 2000 was certainly short of terrible — keeping the Ravens very much in contention at 5-3 — it left at least something to be desired; thus the Ravens replaced him with backup Trent Dilfer, and the rest is history.

5. Vinny Testaverde (1996 – 1997)

GettyVinny Testaverde.

The big armed veteran quarterback was the Ravens’ first in franchise history. And despite a difficult 4-12 debut year in the league, Vinny Testaverde had an excellent Pro Bowl season, throwing for 4,177 yards and rushing for another 188 for a combined 35 total touchdowns. However, a poor follow-up year eventually led to the bringing in of Jim Harbaugh, which signaled the end of Testaverde’s Ravens career. A long time starter in the league both prior to and after his time in Baltimore, Testaverde was a safe pair of hands for Ravens to start their NFL journey with.

READ NEXT: The 10 Most Underrated NFL Quarterbacks All Time, Ranked

4. Trent Dilfer (2000)

GettyTrent Dilfer.

Were it not for the Super Bowl ring currently residing in the Dilfer household, the Cal State alum would be significantly lower on this list. Riding the perfect storm of a dominant defense and an offense that hummed through few mistakes and routine gameplay, Trent Dilfer went 7-1 in the back nine of the regular season before bringing home the Lombardi Trophy to the Baltimore Ravens for the very first time. Not the flashiest player, and now carrying the curse of being the point of reference for those arguing against the need for an elite QB to win a Super Bowl, Dilfer managed the game well and kept the Ravens in good positions in what was a fruitful, if short-lived, spell in the Northeast.

3. Steve McNair (2006 – 2007)

GettySteve McNair.

The former MVP with the Tennessee Titans had just two short years in Baltimore, only 1.5 of which he was starting — due to both injury and performance. But Steve McNair had about as good a first season with the Ravens as he could have had, going 13-3 with good but perhaps not elite passing statistics. McNair bought all the impressive qualities he had shown as a former AFC champion to the Ravens but sadly had his stay cut short through injuries picked up during the 2007 season that ultimately led to him losing his starting spot to Kyle Boller and gave him good reason to throw in the towel and retire at age 34, just two years prior to his very sad and sudden death in 2009, killed by his mistress in a murder-suicide.

READ NEXT: The 10 Best Titans Quarterbacks of All Time, Ranked

2. Lamar Jackson (2018 – Present)

GettyLamar Jackson.

Many will claim Lamar Jackson should have the No. 1 spot on this list. But despite two MVP awards and three Pro Bowls, the former Heisman Trophy winner has failed to convert his spectacular regular season play into postseason success, going 2-4 despite being favored in all but one of those contests. Yet, outside of the playoffs, Jackson is the most electric, dynamic dual-threat playmaker of his generation, becoming the first player to throw for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in 2019 and lighting up the NFL in the process.

1. Joe Flacco (2008 – 2018)

GettyJoe Flacco.

The great debate is finally settled: Joe Flacco is elite. Or at least, was (and perhaps now is again?). Flacco’s early years of success — a five-year streak of winning seasons that fittingly concluded with Super Bowl run in what was one of the great quarterback postseason performances in 2012 — did not translate to a career of void mishaps or criticism. Flacco’s abilities seemingly started to diminish after his big money deal following the 2012 Super Bowl triumph, until he was eventually replaced by Lamar Jackson and traded to the Denver Broncos. Yet, despite some up and down times and some weariness with Flacco’s lack of mobility and inconsistency in the later years, the New Jersey native’s run in Baltimore will always be remembered fondly, and in bringing the Ravens’ second ever Lombardi Trophy he has cemented himself (for now) as the Baltimore Ravens’ best ever quarterback.

The list isn’t over yet! See our pick for No. 11 HERE. Sound off to let us know who we missed!

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post The 10 Best Ravens Quarterbacks of All Time, Ranked appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Johnson has been suspended for “one game without pay for conduct detrimental to the team. He will miss the game against the #Giants after the bye,” per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

A statement from Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta revealed “Diontae’s suspension stems from refusing to enter our game against the Philadelphia Eagles. We will have no further comments on this matter going forward.”

That’s the what, but why Johnson was frustrated enough to not want to play has also been explained.

Diontae Johnson Had 1 Reason to Be “Frustrated” With Ravens

The 28-year-old “has been visibly frustrated in locker room after recent games. As a trade acquisition in a contract year, he’s wanted to be involved. Yet, he has just one catch (on five targets) for six yards in five games as a Raven. His offensive snap counts: 17, 5, 11, 6, 0,” according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.

His lack of playing time is surprising since Johnson joined a Ravens offense lacking an obvious field-stretcher in the wide receiver room. Second-year pro Zay Flowers can win underneath and across the middle, while veteran Nelson Agholor also works well between the numbers.

What the Ravens and two-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson lack is a speedy deep threat on the perimeter. Johnson appeared to tick both boxes as a 5-foot-10, 183-pounder who had averaged more than 10 yards per catch every season since entering the pros as a third-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2019.

The trade with the Carolina Panthers was supposed to give the Ravens a dynamic separator, but Johnson has been strangely overlooked, much to the frustration of Jackson. His suspension clears up some of the mystery and perhaps explains why the Ravens were able to acquire Johnson for the lowly compensation of a fifth-round pick in next year’s draft.

Now the Ravens must look for different in-house alternatives to their lack of receivers capable of taking the top off defenses.

Ravens Need a Deep Threat

The problem is there aren’t many obvious solutions on the depth chart. Veteran Tylan Wallace is more useful as a special teams contributor, while rookie Devontez Walker has also struggled for reps.

Walker suffered a rib injury during preseason and has spent most of his debut campaign inactive. That’s a surprise since the 2024 fourth-rounder is a natural straight-line speedster who can beat coverage vertically.

Taking more deep shots would help Jackson and an erratic offense get back on track after some recent struggles in two of their last three games. The Ravens lead the league in yards and rank third in points, per Pro Football Reference, but Jackson’s unit scored less than 20 points during defeats to the Steelers and Eagles.

Expanding the passing game can change the fortunes of the offense. Jackson has averaged 8.3 intended air yards per attempt, but a burner who can go long would boost that number.

Finding one of those to replace Johnson before Week 15’s game against the New York Giants would be timely. Especially since the Giants “are the only team that has not had an opposing receiver gain at least 100 yards,” per Sports Illustrated’s Patricia Traina.

The Ravens can use Derrick Henry to bulldoze a run defense that’s giving up a league-worst 5.1 yards per carry, but a true deep threat among Jackson’s receivers would be invaluable for the run-in to the playoffs.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Suspended Diontae Johnson ‘Frustrated’ With Ravens for 1 Reason appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Speaking on an edition of “The Pat McAfee Show,” six-time Super Bowl winner Belichick addressed what might be causing All-Pro Tucker’s suddenly inability to make simple kicks. Belichick also gave his opinion on how the Ravens are handling the situation.

When asked how he’d handle things, Belichick admitted, “probably about the way coach Harbaugh’s handling it. When I look at Tucker, I don’t see a lack of talent. He still has great height on the ball, the ball travels with plenty of distance. “Clearly there’s some fundamental technique thing that he’s not doing consistently and that’s causing him to miss both to the left and the right.”

Belichick wrapped things up by explaining what steps he would take to get Tucker back on track: “What I would do is keep working on the fundamentals and just the technique of the kick. I don’t think there’s a lack of talent, I think it’s fundamentally there’s just something that’s not quite right here.”

The idea of Tucker simply going back to basics has been echoed by his position coach and a former NFL kicker. Belichick’s overall point about how “there’s nobody else out there that has more experience or has mentally been in more situations than Tucker has, I think I would go with Tucker,” echoes the view of Harbaugh, who along with two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, has already backed the faltering Pro Bowler to rebound.

Many Agree With Bill Belichick About How to Fix Ravens Kicker

Belichick isn’t the only one endorsing the way Harbaugh and the Ravens are reacting to Tucker’s malaise. Ex-Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants (among others) kicker Jay Feely also believes what Tucker needs is consoling words, not a tirade and threats to his job.

Feely was quoted by 106.7 The Fan’s Glenn Clark as saying, “Bringing in competition will do nothing to fix him. Harbaugh going up and hugging him, telling him how much he believes in him, that will help him… Having a bye week, getting fresh, healthy. Some guys like to get away, I think he’ll practice more.”

The notion of Tucker upping his practice schedule was also mentioned by Ravens special teams coordinator Chris Horton. He told reporters, including ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, “Me knowing Justin, he’s going to be somewhere kicking and trying to figure this thing out.”

Former and current coaches and players are all in agreement. Tucker must get back to what he once did best.

Kicking his way through the problem is one way to go, but a veteran who has been overthinking things in recent weeks, may want to resist forcing the issue.

Justin Tucker Needs to Simplify Things

Tucker has fallen on hard times primarily because he’s changing strategies, according to Feely. The latter broke down how “The thing that is different is the ball flight. It’s not straight end-over-end, but more of the oblong, butterfly ball… And bc it’s hooking left, he’ll aim right and then hits it end-over-end… He’s hoping, not knowing.”

Flip-flopping between techniques is naturally translating to an erratic conversion rate. The problem proved fatal agains the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13, when three misses by Tucker cost the Ravens seven points.

Each wayward kick was highlighted by Ravens.com Editorial Director Ryan Mink.

The film shows Tucker’s challenges with accuracy and trajectory. All facets of the game that helped make him a five-time first-team All-Pro, seven-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion have deserted the 35-year-old at the same time.

There’s no quick fix, but addressing the growing mental block seems like a logical starting point before leaning on technical details.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Bill Belichick Reveals How Ravens Can Fix K Justin Tucker appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Jackson was blunt about the Ravens trading to acquire Johnson from the Carolina Panthers for a reason. The quarterback used strong words after Johnson didn’t see the field for the Ravens 24-19 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13.

Speaking to reporters, Jackson said, “QB Lamar Jackson on Diontae Johnson: “We want him out there. He’s a great receiver. We didn’t get him from the #Panthers for nothing,” per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Significantly, Garafolo also included comments from head coach John Harbaugh that added to the mysterious nature of Johnson’s lack of involvement. As Garafolo put it, “Harbaugh declined comment on #Ravens WR Diontae Johnson’s lack of playing time, saying he needs to gather more information first. Interesting comment.”

There was still a sense of mystery when Harbaugh addressed the media on Monday. This time, the coach was clear but cautious, telling Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, “At this time, I’m going to have to wait. There are some moving parts there that we’re going to have to figure out and explore and see where we’re at. It’s the best I can do in fairness to everybody.”

It’s not at all clear what’s going on with Johnson, but his absence has meant the Ravens haven’t added to the corps of pass-catchers around Jackson.

Ravens Missing Diontae Johnson’s Vertical Potential

Sending a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft to the Panthers for Johnson back in October looked like a bargain. The perceived value of the trade was based upon Johnson’s ability to separate from coverage.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Johnson had also showcased dynamic after-catch skills. Those traits could take coverage away from versatile second-year pro Zay Flowers, along with Rashod Bateman, Jackson’s chosen WR1.

That was the theory, but things have played out differently. Harbaugh teased more involvement for Johnson for his return to Pittsburgh in Week 11, but all the 28-year-old had to show for his reunion with the Steelers was two targets and zero catches.

Just a single target followed for Johnson a week later against the Los Angeles Chargers. The two games showed a theme developing.

A theme that’s left Jackson frustrated.

Lamar Jackson Frustrated After Struggles Passing vs. Eagles

Jackson endured a day to forget against a sophisticated and powerful Philadelphia defense. The Eagles confused No. 8 with pressure and coverage, forcing 13 incompletions and holding Jackson to a 6.6-yard average through the air, his second-lowest tally of the season.

The many missed connections between Jackson and his receivers left a playmaker like Flowers “visibly frustrated,” per NFL on CBS.

What the Ravens and their two-time league MVP signal-caller needed was a big-bodied field-stretcher to challenge the Eagles vertically. A few deep shots would have loosened up the disciplined zone shells the Eagles were showing Jackson.

Showing off some big-play potential would also have opened up the underneath passing lanes for Flowers and others. Without Johnson, the Ravens lacked this necessary balance when taking to the air.

It’s a problem Harbaugh, Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Monken must resolve during the upcoming bye week. Yet it doesn’t sound likely the solution is going to involve Johnson.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Lamar Jackson Makes Blunt Statement About Ravens WR Diontae Johnson appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Yet, somehow, when Henry came up against 6-foot, 198-pound Philadelphia Eagles rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean in Week 13, it was Henry who ended up flying through the air, backwards, off his feet, and slammed into the turf midway through the fourth quarter.

It was a viral moment that punctuated the Eagles’ 24-19 win — Philly’s eighth consecutive victory to improve them to 10-2 on the season and keep them firmly in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.

“That’s insane!” Sports Illustrated’s Alexis Chassen wrote about the tackle. “Defenders don’t usually just pick Henry up while trying to stop him from running them over, and there’s a reason for that.”

DeJean’s tackle of the former NFL Offensive Player of the Year and 2-time NFL rushing champion seemed to be the signature play of the game for the Eagles, who cemented themselves as Super Bowl contenders with the victory.

“The Eagles out-toughed (the Ravens) and not just in terms of, OK, they beat them but even looking at some of these plays,” said The Ringer’s Sheil Kapadia on “The Philly Special” podcast. “I mean, the play that’s going to always stick out to me in this game is Cooper DeJean picking up … he picked up Derrick Henry. Who does that? Who picks up Derrick Henry? He’s a rookie.”

DeJean Called One of ‘Biggest Steals’ of ’24 Draft

The Eagles selected DeJean out of Iowa in the second round (No. 40 overall) in the 2024 NFL draft after he was named an All-American, Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year in 2023.

The 33rd Team’s Jeff Diamond put DeJean on his list of the “Biggest Steals” from the 2024 NFL draft ahead of the Week 13 game against the Ravens.

“DeJean is the Eagles’ starting nickel corner and has contributed 30 tackles and five passes defensed to the team’s top-ranked defense,” Diamond wrote. “He was picked in the second round (No. 40 overall) as the fourth cornerback off the board. DeJean is one of the big contributors (along with first-round corner Quinyon Mitchell) to the massive improvement in Philadelphia’s pass defense that is ranked third after falling to 31st last season when they were a major cause of the team’s late-season collapse.”

DeJean Dropped to Eagles After Run on Offense

DeJean dropped to the second round as a byproduct of a record-setting run on offensive players in the 2024 draft. An NFL record 23 offensive players were taken in the first round, including a record number of quarterbacks (6) and wide receivers (7).

NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein had DeJean projected as a surefire first round pick in his pre-draft evaluation even though he wound up going in the second round and signing a 4-year, $9.28 million contract.

“DeJean is big and bundled for a cornerback, with muscular arms and tight hips,” Zierlein wrote. “… His best football is played with his eyes forward, using his instincts to challenge quarterbacks and his big downhill burst to smack whatever needs smacking.”

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Eagles Rookie CB Goes Viral For Body Slamming 2-Time NFL Rushing Champion appeared first on Heavy Sports.

The latter’s miserable 2024 NFL season continued with a vengeance during a 24-19 defeat at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday, December 1. Tucker naturally cut a dejected figure after the game, but he still has the faith of his quarterback.

Jackson told reporters, including Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, about Tucker: “I believe he’s still the GOAT. Hell yeah, I have confidence (in him).”

Rather than blame Tucker for yet more inaccuracy in front of the goalposts, Jackson even fronted up and assumed responsibility for making the beleaguered kicker’s job harder. The two-time NFL MVP said he “felt like we left stuff out there. We shouldn’t even put Tuck in those situations,” per Zrebiec.

Jackson highlighted the missed opportunities he and an erratic offense were guilty of, but there’s no escaping Tucker’s plight. The seven-time Pro Bowler’s struggles are now much more than a quirk.

Tucker’s problems are something the Ravens can no longer afford to carry.

Justin Tucker Remorseful After Latest Sketchy Game

Few kickers in league history can match Tucker’s credentials. He’s a five-time first-team All-Pro and Super Bowl champion, so it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what’s going wrong for one of the best ever at his position.

Tucker looked out of answers when questioned by reporters after the game. All the 35-year-old could do was fall back on some familiar sporting platitudes, per Baltimore Banner Sports.

He said, “The only thing that we can do, that I can do, is just continue to work, move forward, take one kick at a time.”

There’s little else for Tucker to say when both his technique and nerve appear to have deserted him at the same time. No easy fix is in sight for a suddenly fragile veteran who has made only 19 of 27 field goals and 42 of 44 extra points.

What Tucker can do is take heart from Jackson’s leadership. Tucker also retains the backing of head coach John Harbaugh.

The former special teams coordinator for the Eagles still believes Tucker’s “definitely capable of making every kick,” per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Harbaugh is “not really planning on” changing his kicker, probably because the coach knows there are other problems. Like an offense that misfired in key moments against Philly.

Lamar Jackson Also Missed Opportunities vs. Eagles

Tucker wasn’t the only one who missed opportunities for points this week. Jackson also struggled to find his radar.

No. 8 missed tight end Isaiah Likely for what looked like a certain touchdown. Jackson also threw short of Zay Flowers on a pivotal third down.

Those misses contributed to Jackson being “6-for-15 on third down & was a garbage time touchdown away from being shutout in the second half,” according to “Ravens Vault” co-host Bobby Trosset.

The Ravens aren’t in sync for clutch situations during big games. It’s enough of a problem to derail what should be the most explosive offense in football.

This level of inconsistency demands the Ravens are at least efficient in other areas. Especially the kicking game.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Lamar Jackson Speaks Out About Ravens K Justin Tucker vs. Eagles appeared first on Heavy Sports.

The Eagles gave Smith more time to heal when they announced he would be out for a second consecutive game with a hamstring injury and wouldn’t play in a marquee matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13.

The Eagles are 9-2 and on a 7-game winning streak, with the top seed in the NFC playoffs still in their sights.

Smith was one of 7 Eagles declared inactive against the Ravens, along with fellow wide receiver Johnny Wilson, NFL All-Pro cornerback and 6-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay, offensive linemen Darian Kinnard, Nick Gates and Trevor Keegan. Quarterback Tanner McKee was designated as inactive but has the designation as the team’s emergency third quarterback.

“Smith did not participate in Wednesday and Thursday practice sessions due to the injury, and Eagles coach Nick Sirianni told reporters earlier Friday he was still waiting to see how Smith was feeling before determining the receiver’s status for the prime-time affair,” Around the NFL’s Nick Shook wrote before the Week 12 road win over the Los Angeles Rams. “Smith didn’t practice Friday, either, and was the only Eagles player ruled out for Sunday.”

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Eagles’ $75 Million WR Suffers Another Injury Setback Before Week 13 appeared first on Heavy Sports.

When asked about Bateman, Jackson confidently declared “I look at him as WR1,” per The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer.

That’s quite a vote of confidence in an oft-injured former first-round draft pick who hasn’t always made the grade. Bateman has been healthy and delivering this season, earning the respect of the undisputed leader of the Ravens offense along the way.

Rashod Bateman Justifying Lamar Jackson Praise

The Ravens originally selected Bateman with the 27th overall pick in 2021 hoping he would quickly become a true No. 1 receiver for Jackson. Fate and circumstances conspired to ruin those best laid plans, with Bateman’s lengthy injury record a major problem.

He missed time with groin, lisfranc and hamstring injuries before working his way back into the mix this season. Bateman’s vertical speed made him an intriguing prospect, but he didn’t always fit the run-heavy schemes designed around Jackson’s dual-threat skills.

Fortunately, the Ravens have become more proactive throwing the ball since Todd Monken replaced Greg Roman as offensive coordinator in 2023. Bateman has been one of the main beneficiaries of the schematic shift, emerging as a premier separator against press coverage.

Bateman’s also started to win against other types of coverage as the season has progressed. He entered Week 12’s games against the Los Angeles Chargers with “0.9 yards per route run versus man coverage and 2.4 against zone coverage,” according to ESPN’s Seth Walder.

As Walder predicted, Bateman proved a problem against a Chargers defense heavily reliant on zone coverage shells. His best play was this 40-yard touchdown catch.

Bateman made the tough grab under pressure to help a risky throw by Jackson pay dividends. That’s what a WR1 can do for his quarterback, but Bateman isn’t the only quality weapon at Jackson’s disposal.

Ravens Have Core of Playmakers for the Passing Game

This is probably the first time Jackson has a core of genuine playmakers to aim for through the air. All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews is still a dependable safety valve, while roving understudy Isaiah Likely is more dynamic with the ball in his hands.

When Jackson throws to his wideouts he can look for reliable veteran Nelson Agholor. The latter can still win between the numbers and in the red zone.

Finally, second-year pro Zay Flowers is the player many would have called Jackson’s WR1. Flowers is terrific after the catch and somebody capable of winning at multiple levels of the field.

He’s still pacing all Ravens receivers with 87 targets and 57 catches. Bateman is still some ways off those numbers with 55 targets and 35 receptions, but he’s been targeted at least four times in all but two games so far this season, per Pro Football Reference.

The Ravens have surrounded Jackson with a contingent of complementary pass-catchers. What the group needs is an Alpha, somebody who can win individual matchups against the best defenses from around the league.

Bateman isn’t there yet, but Jackson clearly believes the 25-year-old is finally on his way.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Lamar Jackson Names New ‘WR1’ for the Ravens appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Instead, Ravens running back Henry had a brilliant two-word answer to Mack’s disrespect. Speaking to reporters, including ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, on Wednesday, November 27, Henry simply replied, “I don’t care. That [expletive] doesn’t matter. We won.”

It’s those last two words that should sting Mack and the Chargers most. They were on a hot streak when they hosted the Ravens at SoFi Stadium on Monday Night Football, but Henry brought the Bolts crashing back to earth.

He did it in the same blunt, no-nonsense way he’s been running over defenses since signing with the Ravens in the offseason. Acquiring the two-time league rushing champion in free agency is surely looking like one of the best moves general manager Eric DeCosta has ever made.

Derrick Henry Answered Khalil Mack on the Field

Mack might think Henry presents no challenge, but that’s not how it looked on the field in California. Not when Henry tamed what had been a ferocious Chargers defense by stomping his way for 5.8 yards per rush, en route to a 140-yard effort.

Those yards put Henry in select company among those at his position. In fact, only Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles has more rushing yards than Henry this season.

They have both set a prolific pace by exceeding 1300 yards already, per Sunday Night Football on NBC.

Barkley and Henry will make their two-man tussle for this year’s rushing crown personal when the Ravens host the Eagles in Week 13. If Henry can dominate another team with a burgeoning defense, he’ll push the Ravens closer to reaching their ultimate goal.

Ravens, Focused on Wins, Not Compliments

Henry is playing no-frills football and he has no time for compliments from his fellow pros or to stop and applaud himself. What the 30-year-old is focused on more is wins and team-wide accolades.

The Ravens hope those accolades take the form of a championship. Hardware has proved elusive in recent years, despite the obvious talent on the roster.

Henry was signed to be the closer. The player two-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson needs to split a team’s focus in the biggest games.

This Jackson and Henry double act is helping top the league’s rushing charts. Baltimore’s offense has amassed 2,162 yards and 5.8 yards per carry on the ground.

Henry’s impact is also showing up in the passing game, where Jackson has thrown 27 touchdown passes. That’s good enough for a tie for the most in the league with his AFC North rival, Cincinnati Bengals passer Joe Burrow.

Jackson knows what it means to share the backfield with a playmaker on Henry’s level. As No. 8 put it, “I can’t give him enough credit. I really can’t. He’s that guy,” per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.

The leader of the Ravens knows as long as Henry is running rampant, this team can finally make good on its title potential.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Ravens Derrick Henry Has Brilliant 2-Word Response to Khalil Mack Snub appeared first on Heavy Sports.

The All-Pro defensive end watched Henry tear through his Chargers defense for 140 yards to key a 30-23 win for the Ravens on Monday Night Football. Nobody on L.A.’s defense had an answer for the two-time NFL rushing champion, but Mack wouldn’t give Henry his props.

Instead, the veteran is keen to see the Ravens again because he’s confident he’d stop Henry the next time. Speaking after the game on Monday, November 25, Mack told reporters, including NFL Network’s Bridget Condon, “That’s the thing, man. I don’t think it’s hard to play against that guy, and hopefully we see this team again. That’s all.”

Those are bold words after Henry averaged 5.8 yards per carry, rushed for nine first downs and twice converted on fourth down, but Mack wasn’t done talking. Instead, the 33-year-old told ESPN’s Kris Rhim, “It’s not hard for me to play against that guy. I love playing against the greats and this was no different. When I say ‘hard,’ I mean in the sense of playing against him. If I’m on the field, I know if he come to my side I got him.”

Neither Mack nor any other member of the Chargers’ defensive front seven “got” Henry on Monday night.

Derrick Henry Ran Through Chargers

Henry spent the whole night in California swatting defenders aside as if they were minor annoyances, rather than genuine threats. A great example of the way he toyed with the Chargers was this double stiff-arm move on the same run, highlighted by NFL on CBS.

The play summed up how the Chargers were bludgeoned by Henry and Co. on the ground. Third-down back Justice Hill and quarterback Lamar Jackson also got in on the act to help the Ravens amass 212 yards on 37 rushing attempts.

Everybody played their part, but Henry was the closer who got the ball in clutch situations. Like when the 30-year-old turned a 4th-and-short in Ravens territory into this 27-yard gain late in the third quarter.

Going for it on fourth down in your own half of the field is usually a no-no. Especially when only leading by a point, but Ravens head coach John Harbaugh knows the risk is reduced when Henry is in the backfield. Baltimore’s ultimate finisher was responsible for another of the three fourth-down conversions Harbaugh’s team managed on the night.

Henry has taken his game up a level since joining the Ravens in free agency. He’s never been satisfied, even when topping 1,000 yards rushing as early as Week 9.

This was vintage stuff from the dominant running back of his era. A performance worthy of more respect than Mack offered.

Khalil Mack Has Given the Ravens Bulletin-Board Material

Not that they needed any, but Mack has provided the Ravens with extra motivation to earn their respect come playoff time. His comments should be pinned to every bulletin board in the halls of M&T Bank Stadium.

If Mack doesn’t rate Henry’s 140 yards this week, how about the King breaks 200 if the two teams meet again in the postseason? That would surely be worthy of a more gracious reaction from a player who finished with just three solo tackles, none for loss, in Week 12.

For now, Henry and the Ravens should simply view Mack as one more doubter they can prove wrong. The ultimate rebuttal will come from winning a championship, and it would be foolish to dismiss the Ravens’ chances as long as Henry stays upright.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Ravens RB Derrick Henry Disrespected by All-Pro After Dominating Chargers appeared first on Heavy Sports.

All-Pro defensive tackle Campbell explained why the offer the Ravens made to the Miami Dolphins went nowhere. A conversation with Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel convinced 38-year-old Campbell to stay put.

Campbell, who spent three seasons in Baltimore from 2020-22, revealed the Ravens “wanted to have a conversation with me to see where my mind was at. We had a great conversation. Me and Mike talked about where we are as a team. We came to the conclusion that this team still has a lot of fight left and we have a chance to do something special,” per C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald.

Although Campbell offered a measured reaction to the possibility of switching teams during his 17th season in the pros, McDaniel was a little more emotional. The coach who’s just three years older than Campbell described how he would have reacted to losing the lineman.

McDaniel said he “may or may not have thrown an adult temper tantrum” in front of general manager Chris Grier. As McDaniel explained, “Chris has to look longterm and short-term… and we rely on each other for things I need to be on top of, and one of that is locker room and what 1 individual does for the entire team,” per the Herald’s Barry Jackson.

Those words speak to how well Campbell is playing for the Dolphins. They also show why the Ravens wanted a reunion.

Calais Campbell Made Leap of Faith for Dolphins

Campbell’s enduring dominance is best summed up by the four sacks and nine pressures he’s registered already this season. The veteran also remains a force against the run, having made nine tackles for loss.

His ability to still be a game-wrecker is helping Miami’s defense key a late-season revival and push for the playoffs. Yet things didn’t look quite so rosy when Campbell opted to stay in the AFC East.

The Dolphins were “2-6 and without a lot of hope for a turnaround” when the Ravens offered a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Campbell could’ve swapped the uncertainty surrounding the Dolphins for the upward trend of a 6-3 Ravens team. The group was powered by an awesome offense, but undermined by defensive frailties, a disparity that still exists.

Ravens Still Searching for Identity on Defense

What are the Ravens defensively in 2024? That’s tough to answer since this season’s unit isn’t outstanding in any one area.

While the Ravens are giving up 3.4 yards per rush, the lowest average in the league, that number is inflated by team’s rarely wanting to run against the worst pass defense in football.

A secondary still being made over remains vulnerable but the Ravens aren’t creating as much pressure as when they led the NFL with 60 sacks last season. The latter problem is showing up in key moments.

Adding a natural pocket-collapsing force with Campbell’s track record would have boosted the pass rush. Instead, the Ravens had to settle for dealing for an All-Pro cornerback.

How the rest of the season plays out will determine if the Ravens fixed the right end of a struggling defense before the trade market closed.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post All-Pro Calais Campbell Reveals Why He Turned Down Ravens Trade appeared first on Heavy Sports.

The report comes from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He revealed on Sunday, November 24 how the Ravens and “Minnesota Vikings are two of the likeliest teams to land Jones, sources said, but they are hardly the only ones. Jones wants to sign with a playoff contender, and what happens Sunday and Monday is expected to influence his decision, sources said.”

This isn’t the first time the Ravens have been named as an ideal suitor for Jones after his recent release by the Giants. Yet Schefter’s report does add more tangible reasons for why the Ravens would make a move to alter the depth chart behind two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.

Ravens Have Extra Reasons to Acquire Daniel Jones

Some of the more compelling reasons for signing Jones concern on-field, football benefits. Things like Jones being battle-tested by 69 career starts and leading the Giants to the playoffs and a postseason win in 2022.

There’s also the 27-year-old’s mobility to consider. Jones is a dual-threat signal-caller who fits what the Ravens like to do with their Jackson-led offense. Perhaps most important, Jones is a younger, more dynamic deputy for Jackson than 38-year-old incumbent Josh Johnson.

All of those are valid reasons representing the short-term benefit of acquiring Jones, but the Ravens could also make this move with one eye on the future. Specifically, the 2026 NFL draft.

As Schefter’s colleague Jamison Hensley pointed out, “the team that signs Jones would likely get a comp pick in 2026 if he signs elsewhere this offseason.”

Signing Jones for the remainder of the season then letting him test free agency in 2025 would be a smart strategy from general manager Eric DeCosta. He’d get a future draft pick he could use in ’26 or as part of a trade a year earlier.

Getting that level of flexibility for their annual team-building process at a cheap cost would be a win-win for the Ravens. Provided they act quickly once Jones clears waivers.

Ravens Must Move Fast for QB Reinforcements

Schefter explained how “No team is expected to claim the balance of Jones’ contract — $11,833,333 for this season in addition to the $23 million in injury guarantees for after this season — making him free to sign with another team after 4 p.m. ET Monday.”

Once Jones lands on the free-agency market, the Ravens and any other suitor will need to move swiftly. That’s because “Jones, who was officially waived Saturday by the Giants, is expected to have multiple options but likely will prefer to finish the season on a playoff contending team, where he will be involved in big games, rather than going to a meandering quarterback-needy team not remotely in playoff contention, according to sources,” per Schefter.

Acting in a hurry makes sense for the Ravens. They are still in the playoff mix in the AFC, but ambitions are higher for a team that fell at the Conference Championship hurdle last season.

Those ambitions rest on Jackson staying healthy. It’s a risky proposition considering he missed 10 games through injury across the 2021 and ’22 seasons.

Bringing Jones on board would give the Ravens a greater level of comfort about their options at football’s most important position.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Ravens Among ‘Likeliest’ to Sign 69-Start Quarterback: Report appeared first on Heavy Sports.

The comparison was put to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic after the Ravens officially waived Jackson on Saturday, November 23. Zrebiec revealed “Jackson wasn’t pleased by reduced role. Frustrations boiled over Steelers week and he didn’t accompany team on trip. He’s now released.”

One ‘X’ user responded, “Sounds like earl Thomas 2.0.” The comparison was inevitable because both Jackson and Thomas were All-Pro defensive backs when they joined the Ravens, but each endured brief tenures that suffered abrupt endings.

Despite the similarities, Zrebiec rejected the comparison. He pointed out how “One was signed to a 1-year, vet minimum type deal. The other got multi year and a lot of money. Wouldn’t put Jackson in Thomas’ category in terms of behavior unbecoming either.”

Zrebiec’s right. Parting ways with Jackson was more about the changing picture of the Ravens secondary.

Ravens No Longer Had Room for Eddie Jackson

Change is afoot for the NFL’s worst pass defense. Head coach John Harbaugh has already taken action by trading for an All-Pro cornerback and adding another All-Pro corner to the practice squad.

Those moves didn’t directly impact Jackson, but another switch made his position untenable. Harbaugh named two new starting safeties, precisely because more heralded veterans like Jackson and Marcus Williams weren’t delivering.

The change was enough for Jackson not to travel for Week 11’s 18-16 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Perhaps too much was expected of Jackson after the 30-year-old was acquired as a late replacement for Geno Stone back in July.

Stone led last season’s league-leading defense with seven interceptions, but Jackson looked like a more than able alternative. He eared a pair of Pro Bowl berths with the Chicago Bears and developed a reputation as a ball-hawking free safety. Sadly, Jackson proved nothing of the kind in a Ravens uniform.

Instead, he was responsible for numerous coverage breakdowns, notably getting beat for two touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. Including the game-winner to Cedric Tillman.

Overall, Jackson allowed 16.2 yards per completion and a quarterback rating of 132.2, per Pro Football Reference. Yet while his performances were mediocre, Jackson didn’t run into the same problems Thomas encountered.

Ravens Avoided Earl Thomas Repeat

The Ravens will always be keen to avoid a repeat of their gaffe with the Thomas. A gaffe involving handing $32 million to the ex-Seattle Seahawks star back in 2019.

Things unravelled quickly when “Thomas acknowledged the Ravens’ defense was complex compared to the one run in Seattle. Instead of playing Cover 3 exclusively like he did with the Seahawks, Thomas was trying to adjust to a Ravens scheme that makes calls on the fly. “I haven’t really enjoyed it that much, to be totally honest,” per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.

More problems followed when “Thomas gave up chasing running back Nick Chubb on an 88-yard touchdown. Thomas slowed up around midfield. He later explained he didn’t want to pull a hamstring. After the game, Thomas confronted nose tackle Brandon Williams in the training room for not suiting up for the game. The argument didn’t get physical because players and staff members quickly stepped in.”

Thomas also skipped team meetings following a win over the Seahawks, according to Hensley. The final straw was when Thomas punched teammate and fellow safety Chuck Clark during training camp ahead of the 2020 campaign.

Thomas is still saying things sure to make the Ravens frown. Things like telling NFL Insider Josina Anderson, “I’m better than Ed Reed.”

That’s bold talk wasn’t anything close to Reed’s Hall of Fame levels during his ill-conceived stint with the Ravens Their union came to an all-too public and ugly end, but Jackson’s release is in sharp contrast as a move best for both sides and set to fly under the radar.

Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Released All-Pro Ravens S Wasn’t Another Earl Thomas appeared first on Heavy Sports.