The Ravens handed Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow his first shutout last week. This week, they'll try to throw cold water on Drake Maye's sizzling second season.
The young Patriots quarterback has enjoyed a breakout campaign that has thrust him into the MVP conversation and put New England (11-3) back atop the AFC East.
The Ravens had many epic battles against Patriots quarterback Tom Brady over the years. Will Maye usher in the next chapter of the Ravens-Patriots rivalry?
"I think he is playing on a high level, on an elite level," Ravens safety Alohi Gilman said.
"He's just really calm. You can tell he's gotten really comfortable back there, makes good decisions. He isn't in a hurry to make splash plays when he doesn't need to – he just makes the right reads. I think that's the biggest thing that you can see. He's playing really well, and [I have] a lot of respect for him."
Maye has the fifth-most passing yards in the NFL (3,567) and the third-best quarterback rating (109.1). He leads the NFL in adjusted yards per attempt (9.08) and yet is also first in completion percentage (70.9).
When Head Coach John Harbaugh turns on the tape, he sees a quarterback and offense that wants to take big-play shots, similar to what the Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers did against the Ravens two weeks ago.
"He will throw the ball downfield. They'll do it with designed play-action passes sometimes; sometimes drop-back passes that are designed. But, as often as not, they'll just throw a nine-route out there against the press – you have to defend that," Harbaugh said. "And then the extended plays where he'll step up into the pocket – up and out of the pocket sometimes – and makes some throws, but he'll also run."
Maye isn't the only reason why the Patriots have turned things around so quickly from last year's 4-13 season. The arrival of Mike Vrabel changed the culture, and the Patriots were aggressive in free agency, adding wide receiver Stefon Diggs, defensive lineman Milton Williams, outside linebacker Harold Landry III, and others.
Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins spent the 2023 season playing for Vrabel in Tennessee and isn't surprised by the Patriots' rapid rise under his watch.
"They play Vrabel ball. That's solid football, not going to make mistakes, they're going to go out and try to dominate you," Hopkins said. "That's the switch from last year to this year with those guys. Having a coach like Vrabel out there coaching you, you're going to compete and play hard."
Gilman-Odafe Oweh Trade Was a True Win-Win
Gilman won AFC Defensive Player of the Week after his touchdown return sealed the Ravens' shutout win over the Bengals last week.
It's the first time the sixth-year veteran has taken home such honors, and it's more evidence of how Baltimore has been a good fit after the Ravens traded for him in early October.
Gilman spoke to why it has worked out so well for him in Baltimore.
"I was a sixth-round pick of the Chargers six years ago, and you kind of always go through a narrative – coming into the league – kind of 'only a special teams player, or not this or not that,'" Gilman said.
"But for me, I've always found a way to be versatile, meaning I can play deep or play in the box, covering people. I think [the Ravens have] allowed me to be here and just be the best version of me. So, they're putting me in the closest positions to control the backend and just help make as many plays as I can. Shoutout to the Ravens. I'm really appreciative of them for just having faith and trust in me and not having to restart again. They just allowed me to come in and just be me, and that's helped me a lot and the team."
On the other side, the Chargers' acquisition of Odafe Oweh in the trade has also worked out for them. Oweh didn't have a sack in the Ravens' first five games but has seven in nine games with the Chargers. He has unlocked their pass rush.
Harbaugh said Oweh was rushing the passer well before he left Baltimore and predicted that he could go out and "make a statement" in a contract year. Oweh has done that, and Gilman has too.
Their defenses have both benefited, too. The Ravens have allowed just 15.8 points per game since Week 8 (third-fewest in the NFL), and the Chargers have won seven of their past nine games in large part thanks to a strong defense.
Tyler Linderbaum Still Isn't Worried About a Contract Extension
With Mark Andrews and Travis Jones agreeing to contract extensions this month, Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum is the Ravens' most prominent pending free agent.
The 25-year-old Linderbaum has been a starter from Day 1 of his career, missing just two games in four years while making the Pro Bowl the past two seasons.
Instead of worrying about negotiations, Linderbaum is making Baltimore's battle to reach the playoffs his priority.
"I'll let my agent, Neil [Cornrich], handle that," Linderbaum said. "My focus is on football."
Rasheen Ali Finds His Rhythm With More Playing Time
After playing just five offensive snaps through Baltimore's first nine games, Rasheen Ali has played 75 snaps over the last five games.
The second-year running back enjoyed a special moment in Cincinnati, scoring his first NFL touchdown on a 30-yard catch and run. Ali made sure he kept the football after he scored and had the perfect place for it.
"It's in my shrine at home, the man cave in the basement," Ali said.
Getting regular playing time has helped Ali find a comfort zone as the No. 3 back behind Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell, with Justice Hill (neck) on injured reserve.
"Game speed is a different speed and tempo than preseason and practice," Ali said. "I'm definitely getting more comfortable as far as spacing with the routes, understanding the protections. It's all coming together."
