The Cleveland loss was a tough pill for Baltimore fans to swallow.
Looking back at the film did reveal some encouraging signs for future weeks, and also a key missed opportunity.
All of these plays were viewed using NFL Game Pass, which is available for fans to purchase.
Aiken Was Open For Touchdown
The Ravens had a chance to win Sunday’s game at the end of regulation before settling for a field goal and going into overtime. After getting into a first-and-goal situation from the 10-yard line, the offense was unable to finish the drive and get into the end zone. Reviewing their final play of that drive – a pass attempt from the 5-yard line – shows that wide receiver Kamar Aiken
was open for a touchdown. Aiken gained separation from the defensive back, but quarterback Joe Flacco didn’t have time to plant and throw his direction because a blitzing linebacker was right in his face.
Kelechi Osemele Has A Day
The Ravens found their running game against Cleveland and racked up 181 yards on the ground. Much of that work came when they ran to the left side behind left guard Kelechi Osemele and left tackle Eugene Monroe. Justin Forsett ran for 121 yards on the day, and 98 of those yards came on runs to the left side, according to Pro Football Focus.
In previous weeks, the Ravens tended to run more to the right side of the offensive line behind All-Pro guard Marshal Yanda. But they went the other direction this week when Monroe came back into the lineup. Monroe and Osemele have strong chemistry playing alongside each other, and they paved the way for Forsett. Osemele is known as a road grader in the running game, and he showed that ability in the two clips below.
T. Brooks Strong In Run Defense
Second-year defensive back Terrence Brooks was thrust into the lineup Sunday because of injuries to three cornerbacks. He played nickel cornerback after Lardarius Webb and Will Davis left the game, and Head Coach John Harbaugh said he liked how Brooks defended the run. This third-quarter tackle for loss is a perfect example of how Brooks shines in run defense. He shot through a gap in the offensive line and tackled the running back in the backfield.
Dumervil Steps Up Run Defense
When Terrell Suggs went down, fellow starting outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil had to take on a larger role in run support. Dumervil is known as a pass rusher first, but he has stepped up his play in run defense lately. He was the Ravens’ second-best run defender against Cleveland, and had absolutely dominated the line of scrimmage with this blocking attempt from tight end Gary Barnidge. Dumervil’s development as a run stuffer is even more reason to hope that his groin injury isn’t too serious.
Another Look At Shelton’s Dirty Play
Cleveland’s first-round pick Danny Shelton will likely get a lesson in the NFL fine system this week. The rookie defensive lineman was called for a pair of personal foul penalties Sunday, including this play where he twisted running back Buck Allen’s leg on top of a pile after the whistle. Allen is fortunate Shelton’s maneuver didn’t do any damage, and the penalty actually worked in Baltimore’s favor because it gave the offense a fresh set of downs that led to an eventual touchdown.
