Tag: Justin Tucker

Projecting the Ravens depth chart for divisional round matchup vs. Texans

We’re looking at the Baltimore Ravens updated depth chart of ahead of the Divisional Round playoff matchup vs. the Houston Texans

We’re a little over five away from the Ravens (13-4) and Texans (11-7) kicking off the AFC divisional round of the playoffs on ESPN.

Houston advanced to the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs for the fifth time in franchise history with a 45-14 win over the Browns in Super Wild Card Weekend.

The playoff win earned the Texans a rematch against the Ravens, and they’ll return to M&T Bank Stadium hoping to avenge a 25-9 loss in Week 1.

Baltimore has ruled out Marlon Humphrey for the contest, while Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews won’t be active after being listed as questionable.

With Humphrey out, Brandon Stephens and 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.

With kickoff fast approaching, here’s a projected two-deep depth chart for Baltimore.

 

Ravens’ updated 53-man roster for AFC Divisional Round matchup vs. Texans

We’re looking at the updated 53-man roster for the Baltimore Ravens AFC Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans

After producing the NFL’s best record (13-4), the Baltimore Ravens return to M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday after earning a No. 1 playoff seed.

They will host the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round (Jan. 20, 4:30 p.m.).

The Ravens clinched the AFC’s top postseason spot for the second time (2019) in franchise history. The 2023 season also marked Baltimore’s first division title since 2019 and the fifth (2011-12, 2018-19) under head coach John Harbaugh.

Star tight end Mark Andrews is not expected to play after returning to practice, and he’ll join cornerback Marlon Humphrey on the list of inactives.

With kickoff a little over 24 hours, we’re looking at Baltimore’s updated 53-man roster for the divisional round matchup against C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans.

AFC Divisional Round picks: Who the experts are taking in Ravens vs. Texans

The NFL experts have made their picks, and the Baltimore Ravens are favored to defeat the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Round

We’re a little over 30 hours away from the Ravens (13-4) and Texans (11-7) kicking off the AFC divisional round of the playoffs on ESPN.

Houston advanced to the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs for the fifth time in franchise history with a 45-14 win over the Browns in Super Wild Card Weekend.

The playoff win earned the Texans a rematch against the Ravens, and they’ll return to M&T Bank Stadium hoping to avenge a 25-9 loss in Week 1.

With kickoff fast approaching, here’s the NFL expert picks.

Key takeaways and analysis from the 2023 NFL All-Pro teams

We’re looking at takeaways and analysis from the Associated Press’s 2023 NFL All-Pro Team

The Associated Press announced the 2023 NFL All-Pro team, and 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, linebacker Fred Warner, and Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill were unanimous choices for the roster, which was announced Friday.

The 49ers, who had the NFC’s best record, had three other first-team selections on offense: tight end George Kittle, left tackle Trent Williams and fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who was a first-team selection in 2019 when he won the NFL MVP, also got the selection this year after passing for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns, running for 821 yards, and scoring five times on the ground.

Here are the first-team selections for the All-Pro Team:

Offense

Quarterback — Lamar Jackson, Baltimore

Running back — Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco

Fullback — Kyle Juszczyk, San Francisco

Tight end — George Kittle, San Francisco

Wide receivers — Tyreek Hill, Miami; CeeDee Lamb, Dallas; Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit

Left tackle — Trent Williams, San Francisco

Left guard — Joe Thuney, Kansas City

Center — Jason Kelce, Philadelphia

Right guard — Zack Martin, Dallas

Right tackle — Penei Sewell, Detroit

Defense

Edge rushers — Myles Garrett, Cleveland; T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh

Interior linemen — Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams; Chris Jones, Kansas City

Linebackers — Fred Warner, San Francisco; Roquan Smith, Baltimore; Quincy Williams; New York Jets

Cornerbacks — DaRon Bland, Dallas; Sauce Gardner, New York Jets

Slot cornerback — Trent McDuffie, Kansas City

Safeties — Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore; Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay

Special Teams

Placekicker — Brandon Aubrey, Dallas

Punter — AJ Cole, Las Vegas

Kick returner — Keisean Nixon, Green Bay

Punt returner — Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans

Special teamer — Miles Killebrew, Pittsburgh

Long snapper — Ross Matiscik, Jacksonville

With the selections now complete, here’s an analysis and takeaways from the choices.

Key takeaways and analysis from the 2023 NFL All-Pro teams

We’re looking at takeaways and analysis from the Associated Press’s 2023 NFL All-Pro Team

The Associated Press announced the 2023 NFL All-Pro team, and 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, linebacker Fred Warner, and Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill were unanimous choices for the roster, which was announced Friday.

The 49ers, who had the NFC’s best record, had three other first-team selections on offense: tight end George Kittle, left tackle Trent Williams and fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who was a first-team selection in 2019 when he won the NFL MVP, also got the selection this year after passing for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns, running for 821 yards, and scoring five times on the ground.

Here are the first-team selections for the All-Pro Team:

Offense

Quarterback — Lamar Jackson, Baltimore

Running back — Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco

Fullback — Kyle Juszczyk, San Francisco

Tight end — George Kittle, San Francisco

Wide receivers — Tyreek Hill, Miami; CeeDee Lamb, Dallas; Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit

Left tackle — Trent Williams, San Francisco

Left guard — Joe Thuney, Kansas City

Center — Jason Kelce, Philadelphia

Right guard — Zack Martin, Dallas

Right tackle — Penei Sewell, Detroit

Defense

Edge rushers — Myles Garrett, Cleveland; T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh

Interior linemen — Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams; Chris Jones, Kansas City

Linebackers — Fred Warner, San Francisco; Roquan Smith, Baltimore; Quincy Williams; New York Jets

Cornerbacks — DaRon Bland, Dallas; Sauce Gardner, New York Jets

Slot cornerback — Trent McDuffie, Kansas City

Safeties — Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore; Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay

Special Teams

Placekicker — Brandon Aubrey, Dallas

Punter — AJ Cole, Las Vegas

Kick returner — Keisean Nixon, Green Bay

Punt returner — Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans

Special teamer — Miles Killebrew, Pittsburgh

Long snapper — Ross Matiscik, Jacksonville

With the selections now complete, here’s an analysis and takeaways from the choices.

Ravens have six players named to the 2023 Associated Press All-Pro Teams

Lamar Jackson and Patrick Queen were among six Baltimore Ravens named to the 2023 Associated Press All-Pro teams

The Ravens finished the regular season with the NFL’s best record, 13-4, and they were adequately rewarded with six players on the Associated Press’s 2023 All-Pro Team.

Lamar Jackson and Roquan Smith have been named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press for the second time, while Kyle Hamilton is a first-team All-Pro for the first time.

Three Ravens were named second-team All-Pro for the first time in their careers – defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, linebacker Patrick Queen, and fullback Patrick Ricard.

The Associated Press 2023 NFL All-Pro balloting results were compiled by a national panel of 50 media members.

The Associated Press voted for 12 players on offense and defense this year, adding fullback and slot corner to the voting.

Former Texas K Justin Tucker named to his seventh career Pro Bowl

The Texas Longhorns legend now is tied for the most Pro Bowls for a kicker in NFL history.

There isn’t a better kicker in the history of the NFL than Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens. The former Longhorn was named to his seventh career Pro Bowl on Wednesday, tying Morten Anderson with the most all-time for a kicker.

The NFL’s best kicker for quite some time has been a legendary Texas ex backed up by impressive statistics.

In 2023, Tucker is 86.1% when kicking field goals and 98% on extra points. He has the third-most field goals made in the AFC this year, 31, and the second-most extra points made in the AFC with 50.

The Super Bowl champion, who is only 34 years old, is ranked 15th all-time in field goals made and 38th in extra points made. With many seasons ahead, there is plenty of opportunity to climb the ranks.

Ravens must attack Rams pass defense in Week 14

The Ravens will need Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. to play well Sunday.

Will the Baltimore Ravens opt for the pass attack versus the Los Angeles Rams in week 14?

The Ravens rank No. 1 in rush yards per game but may have their rushing attack nullified if the Rams turn this game into an offensive shootout. Rainy weather may have its impact on this game as well.

When Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken opts for the pass this weekend, he will want to use misdirection and play-action to move the Rams’ defense up front. Monken must neutralize defensive tackle Aaron Donald and allow time for quarterback Lamar Jackson to get some quick throws off. Ravens’ wide receivers Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. must win outside to give Jackson quick reads.

With the Rams sitting at 6-6, they would love to upset the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in pursuit of an NFC wild card. Monken must be prepared to counter Rams head coach Sean McVay with his own dynamic passing attack.

The Ravens need to stay ahead of the chains, away from third-and-long, and avoid the Rams pass rush to win in week 14.

Where the Ravens currently rank in 2024 Pro Bowl voting

Where the Baltimore Ravens currently rank in 2024 Pro Bowl voting

Early results for the ongoing voting process for the 2024 Pro Bowl were revealed on Wednesday.

The Baltimore Ravens are looking to be well-represented in the Pro Bowl with the fourth-most votes among all 32 teams with 16 players in total making the top 10 of their position in the AFC.

Where does each player rank in the AFC?

Justin Tucker is having the worst season of his career

Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has made 80.8% of his field goal attempts in 2023. That’s a career low for him.

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has been one of the most dominant kickers in NFL history, ensuring three points when the offense stalls out or, more importantly, when a game-winning kick is needed. Yet, at 80.8%, Tucker’s success rate on field goals this season is a career low.

In 2022, Tucker led the NFL in field goals made. This year, he ranks No. 12 with 21 made kicks. Tucker also led the NFL in field goal attempts last season, and his sure leg has taken some expected decline this year. At age 34, Tucker has been asked to make five field goals from 50-plus yards this season, and he has only connected on one.

These stats explain why quarterback Lamar Jackson’s mediocrity in the passing game must be fixed. The Ravens must continue finishing drives with touchdowns and detach from the idea that Tucker will be perfect.

Tucker’s perfection has been a luxury for the Ravens in the past, but now they must be realistic about their expectations of him. With the NFL’s No. 1 ranked defense in points allowed, the Ravens should enter the next few games with fair optimism. Their timely Week 13 bye may be precisely what they need to recalibrate before the final stretch of the season.