Category: AFC Playoffs

Marlon Humphrey ruled out of Ravens divisional round matchup vs. Texans

The Baltimore Ravens have ruled out Marlon Humphrey for the divisional matchup vs. the Texans, while Mark Andrews is listed as questionable

The Ravens have ruled out Marlon Humphrey for the divisional round matchup against the Houston Texans on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium.

Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews is listed as questionable, along with four others.

With Humphrey out, Brandon Stephens and likely Ronald Darby are the likely starting cornerbacks against C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins and the Texans’ dynamic passing attack. Darby has made seven starts this season, as Humphrey will miss his eighth game.

Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney returned from an illness that kept him out of practice Wednesday and told reporters he’ll play. Wide receiver Zay Flowers (calf) and outside linebacker Odafe Oweh (ankle) also both returned to full practice and said they’ll suit up.

Mark Andrews is questionable for Ravens divisional round matchup vs. Texans

Mark Andrews is questionable for Ravens divisional round matchup vs. Texans

Mark Andrews got in his second full practice on Thursday and will be a game-time decision for Baltimore’s divisional-round matchup against Houston at M&T Bank Stadium.

The Ravens tight end, who suffered a major ankle injury on Nov. 16, said Wednesday that he’ll play if he feels he can help the team.

He would have to be activated off injured reserve Friday if he’s going to play.

Will Ravens QB Lamar Jackson finally silence the critics?

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson can redeem his post-season struggles and advance to the AFC Championship this weekend.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has played exceptionally in response to his five-year $260 million contract this spring. Will Jackson finally silence his critics by advancing to the AFC Championship?

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Jackson’s 1-3 record in the post-season is a stark contrast to his counterpart, Houston Texans quarterback C.J Stroud. Stroud is now 1-0, thanks to the Texan’s win in the AFC Wild Card.  Jackson complimented Stroud this week in the media but did so with an undertone that implied his aspirations.

Jackson knows that Regular season success won’t be enough for his critics to merit him the MVP award. The Ravens finished the season on a high note with locker-room celebrations and tons of raves in the media. It can be all for naught if they are one and done.

It is imperative that Jackson avoids turnovers and makes accurate passes against the Texans’ blitz. The Texans are allowing just 3.5 rush yards per carry this season. To counter the Texans’ run defense, Jackson may look for wide receiver Zay Flowers in 1-on-1 situations.

Ideally, the Ravens will want to avoid turning this game into an offensive shootout and sustain offensive drives to keep the home crowd engaged. Jackson must exemplify poise and precision to prevail. That is if he wants to advance to the AFC Championship.

Dalvin Cook to make his Ravens debut in divisional round matchup vs. Texans

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said RB Dalvin Cook “will be out there” on Saturday for divisional round matchup vs. Texans

After waiving Melvin Gordon III, the Ravens have signed Dalvin Cook to one of their three available roster spots ahead of Saturday’s divisional-round matchup.

Baltimore gave Cook two weeks to ramp up his conditioning after the New York Jets waived the four-time Pro Bowl running back before Week 18.

Ahead of the final practice of the week head coach John Harbaugh confirmed that Cook will play against the Texans.

The 28-year-old Cook had four straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Vikings (2019-22) but was used sparingly by the Jets this year before being released.

Cook logged 214 yards on 67 carries with the Jets this season, appearing in 15 games.

Lamar Jackson is confident ahead of the Ravens’ first playoff game

If there is one thing that detractors of quarterback Lamar Jackson can point to throughout his career, it is the relative lack of playoff success for the former MVP. Despite breaking record after record, becoming the second-ever player to win MVP by …

If there is one thing that detractors of quarterback Lamar Jackson can point to throughout his career, it is the relative lack of playoff success for the former MVP.

Despite breaking record after record, becoming the second-ever player to win MVP by unanimous decision, and having a record of 59-19 as a starter for the Ravens, Jackson is 1-3 in playoff games with three passing touchdowns to five interceptions. Succeeding in the playoffs is the final narrative Jackson has to slay, starting this Saturday against the Houston Texans.

In the four playoff games Jackson has started, Baltimore has yet to score more than 20 points. Jackson was asked about his confidence in the ability of the Ravens’ current offense to put up points if needed in the playoffs this year.

“[I’m] very confident,” Jackson said. Very, very confident. Extremely confident.”

Jackson has preached about staying locked in during Baltimore’s best season stretch, where they dismantled multiple playoff teams in December. He was asked if he felt more prepared entering the postseason this year compared to previous years.

“Yes, I believe so,” Jackson said. I believe so.”

Jackson is the favorite to win his second MVP award, along with earning first-team All-Pro honors for his incredible regular season. Jackson has the chance to finally hoist the elusive Lombardi Trophy that he promised to bring to Baltimore on draft night in 2018.

With so many important pending free agents and offensive and defensive coordinators receiving Head Coach interest around the league, the best opportunity for the Ravens to win a Super Bowl in Jackson’s career may be right now.

 

Ravens sign RB Dalvin Cook to 53-man roster ahead of divisiional round matchup vs. Texans

The Baltimore Ravens signed Dalvin Cook to the 53-man roster ahead of divisiional round matchup vs. Houston Texans

After waiving Melvin Gordon III, the Ravens have signed Dalvin Cook to one of their three available roster spots ahead of Saturday’s divisional-round matchup.

Baltimore gave Cook two weeks to ramp up his conditioning after the New York Jets waived the four-time Pro Bowl running back before Week 18.

The 28-year-old Cook had four straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Vikings (2019-22) but was used sparingly by the Jets this year before being released.

Cook logged 214 yards on 67 carries with the Jets this season, appearing in 15 games.

Ravens waive RB Melvin Gordon III ahead of divisional round matchup vs. Texans

The Baltimore Ravens are waiving running back Melvin Gordon III ahead of the teams divisional round matchup agains tthe Texanns

Melvin Gordon’s fumble against the Steelers in the Week 18 season finale will be his final carry with the team this season after being waived on Wednesday.

Baltimore moved on from Gordon III after signing Dalvin Cook before the regular season finale against Pittsburgh.

Cook will have a chance to go from signing with the Ravens practice squad two weeks ago to becoming an impact running back in the postseason.

Baltimore’s current backs — Gus Edwards, Melvin Gordon III, and Justice Hill — have not created big plays, combining to average 4 yards per carry over the past seven games.

The Ravens signed Cook to the practice squad on Jan. 4 after he went unclaimed on waivers.

The New York Jets cut Cook after 15 games in which he had career lows in carries (67), rushing yards (214) and touchdowns (0).

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Ravens WR Zay Flowers may be the X-factor vs. Texans

Could Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers be an X-factor versus the Texans in the AFC Divisional?

The Baltimore Ravens rank No. 1 in rush yards per carry, and when opponents crowd the box, wide receiver Zay Flowers is often left guarded 1-on-1 on the outside. Could he be the X-Factor in the AFC Divisional?

After tallying a record-breaking 858 total receiving yards this season,  Flowers needs to transfer that season play-over into the playoffs. Surely, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans is thinking of ways to stop Flowers, but that’s easier said than done.

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Flowers recorded 77 receptions this season, averaging 11.1 yards per catch. Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken has done a terrific job getting Flowers into space on screens, quick slants, comeback routes, wheel routes, and more.

Flowers runs a  40-yard dash speed of 4.42 and has yielded 387 yards after catch this season to lead the team. His electrifying speed was displayed when he ignited M&T Bank Stadium the last time he took the field in week 17 with a 75-yard touchdown catch.

Monken should use Flowers over the top this week, as Ryans may be looking to crowd the line of scrimmage and neutralize the Ravens’ running game.

Monken should be looking to use every misdirection play he has in the playbook to get the Texans’ defense out of position to open up lanes for his skill players. The speed of Flowers can be the x-factor on offense, compromising any attempt for the Texans to press at the line of scrimmage.

Ravens release first injury report ahead of AFC divisional round matchup vs. Texans

Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers were among four Ravens to not practice ahead of Saturday’s divisional matchup vs. the Texans

An already dynamic offensive unit could get a massive jolt as Mark Andrews continues to ramp up his participation ahead of the team’s AFC divisional round matchup against the Houston Texans.

Wide receiver Zay Flowers (calf), outside linebacker Odafe Oweh (ankle), and linebacker Malik Harrison (groin) all returned to practice.

Andrews returned to practice on Friday, but it remains to be seen whether the talented pass catcher will be healthy enough to play in Saturday’s divisional playoff game against Houston.

Despite missing the final six games with a fractured fibula, Andrews leads the Ravens in touchdown receptions (6) and has the second-most catches (45) and third-most receiving yards (544).

Ravens who benefited the most from first-round bye in the AFC playoffs

We’re looking at the Baltimore Ravens who benefited the most from the first round bye in the AFC playoffs

The Ravens used the bye week to get even healthier ahead of the divisional-round matchup against the Texans. Head coach John Harbaugh is “optimistic” that injured players will gradually return to practice this week.

“We’re pretty optimistic about everybody, varying degrees of optimism with certain guys,” Harbaugh said. “It’s just like any week, you have to see it unfold. Some guys are good to go. Other guys are going to be more day by day.”

Baltimore has decisions on wide receiver/returner Devin Duvernay and defensive back Ar’Darius Washington, who are in the middle of their injured reserve practice window.

With preparation for the Texans underway, we’re looking at which Ravens benefited the most from the first-round bye.