Tag: Zay Flowers

5 Ravens players to watch in Week 12 vs. Chargers

The Ravens pose several problems for the Chargers in Week 12, led by their dominant rushing attack.

With four straight victories, the Chargers are now set for a huge primetime matchup against the Ravens. Baltimore is coming off a close loss to their division rival, the Steelers, so they’ll be coming in fired up.

Here are some players to watch from Baltimore’s side of the ball on Monday evening:

WR Zay Flowers

Flowers is the Ravens’ best wideout and most dangerous pass catcher. His 727 receiving yards rank fifth, and he’s particularly potent after the catch. In that aspect, he ranks 10th in the NFL, with 362 yards coming after the catch. The Chargers secondary will need to keep tabs on him at all times, as he could pose them with some serious problems.

C Tyler Linderbaum

Linderbaum has developed into one of the best centers in all of football. According to Pro Football Focus, he dominates opposing defensive lines and has an elite 83.2 overall grade this year. If the interior part of the Chargers’ defensive line allows him to dominate, it may be a long night, particularly in the run game. The Ravens are second in the NFL in rushing with 177.3 yards per contest, and Linderbaum is a big reason for that.

DT Nnamdi Madubuike

Madubuike has a similar effect on the defensive line as Linderbaum does on the offensive line. He’s quietly one of the most underrated defensive lineman in football. His $98 million contract extension in March has proved its worth thus far, as he has racked up 5.0 sacks, a forced fumble, and 26 total tackles. Center Bradley Bozeman is the weakness of the Chargers’ offensive line, and they may be exposed on Monday against Madubuike.

EDGE Odafe Oweh

Oweh, a former first-round pick out of Penn State, is coming off a stellar performance. He tied his career high with 2.5 sacks against the Steelers in Week 11, as he was disruptive all game long. In 2024, he’s up to 7.0 sacks, already the most he’s had in a season. The Chargers’ elite offensive tackle duo must keep Oweh away (get it?) from Justin Herbert.

S Kyle Hamilton

No one understood how he fell to the Ravens at No. 14 overall in the 2022 NFL draft. He was an All-Pro honoree in 2023 and seems well on his way to another appearance this season. His 81 total tackles already match his career high, and he’s added two sacks, seven pass deflections, a forced fumble, and three tackles for loss. Herbert must always monitor Hamilton on the backend.

Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 12 opponent: Ravens

Here are some important things to know about the Ravens ahead of the Week 12 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers are at home to face the Ravens in primetime on Monday, Nov. 25, at 5:15 p.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 12 bout, here are a few key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

How things are going…

The Ravens are 7-4 on the season, with their most recent game being a loss to the Steelers.

Harbowl II

Jim and John Harbaugh will meet for the second time. Harbowl I occurred in Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 when John’s Ravens beat Jim’s 49ers 34-31.

Running up the scoreboard

The Ravens have been a problem to opposing defenses this season. Baltimore is averaging the second-most points in the NFL (30.4).

Lamar is legit

One of the main reasons the Ravens’ offense is impactful is Lamar Jackson’s play. Jackson has thrown for 2,876 yards and 25 touchdowns with three interceptions. He ranks first in EPA/play and success rate. Along with being a prolific passer, Jackson is lethal with his legs. He’s carried the ball 95 times for 584 yards and two scores.

All hail King Henry

The Ravens’ acquisition of Derrick Henry this past offseason has paid dividends. The former Titan has run wild this season, leading the league in yards (1,185), rushing touchdowns (13), and 20+ yard rushing plays (13). Between Jackson and Henry, Baltimore is averaging a whopping 177.3 yards per game on the ground.

Uneven defense

The Ravens have been stout against the run, allowing just 77.5 yards per game, which ranks No. 2 in the league. However, Baltimore has been torched through the air. They’ve given up the most passes (39.5) and passing yards per game (284.5).

Look out for…

Zay Flowers. Flowers, the second-year wide receiver, has established himself as Jackson’s top target. He has the fifth-most receiving yards (727) and is nearly always bound to make a big play.

Ravens fall to 7-4 as offense sputters in 18-16 loss to Steelers in Week 11

Ravens fall to 7-4 as offense sputters in 18-16 loss to Steelers in Week 11

Lamar Jackson will have to wait a few weeks to get that much-needed win over the Steelers after the Ravens sputtered in neutral for most of the afternoon in an 18-16 loss to Pittsburgh at Acrisure Stadium.

The NFL’s No. 1 ranked quarterback in QBR, Jackson was 16-33 passing for 207 yards (6.3 avg), one touchdown, one interception, and a 66.1 rating, the lowest of this season.

Jackson had four carries for 46 yards, while Derrick Henry was held to 65 yards (5.0 avg) on 13 carries and one rushing touchdown, tying the single-season franchise record for touchdowns.

Zach Orr’s maligned defense held Pittsburgh to 4-16 on third downs and 303 total yards, but Pittsburgh held the football for 36:22, compared to Baltimore’s 23:38.

The Steelers held the Ravens ‘ top-ranked offense to 329 yards and just 124 yards rushing. Justin Tucker’s two missed field goals will further magnify the two-point loss. On the day, Tucker was 1-3 on field goal attempts, while Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was a perfect 6-6, including a 57-yard field goal.

Baltimore will quickly regroup before a massive Monday night matchup against Jim Harbaugh and the 6-3 Los Angeles Chargers.

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Top photos from the Ravens 35-34 win over the Bengals on Thursday Night Football

Top photos from the Ravens 35-34 win over the Bengals on Thursday Night Football

Underused pass catcher Tylan Wallace had three catches for 115 yards (38.3 avg) and one touchdown, including an 84-yard catch and run that resulted in Lamar Jackson’s longest touchdown pass of his career, as Baltimore held on for a 35-34 win at home on Thursday night. Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase almost spoiled the Purple Rising party, as the former LSU star logged 11 catches on 17 targets for 264 yards (26.4 average) and three touchdowns, with a long of 70 yards for a touchdown.

In another near-perfect performance, Jackson was 25-33 passing for 290 yards (8.8 avg), four touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a 141.4 rating. His AFC North rival, Joe Burrow, did his part for the Bengals, hanging in the pocket as he went 34-56 passing for 428 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

The Ravens defense allowed 470 yards, as Cincinnati was 8-16 on third downs.   Baltimore was sloppy on the night, with 11 penalties for 81 yards.

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Ravens QB Lamar Jackson on WR Zay Flowers: ‘He’s one of a kind’

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson on wide receiver Zay Flowers: “He’s one of a kind”

The Baltimore Ravens have seen quarterback Lamar Jackson and wide receiver Zay Flowers establish an immense amount of chemistry over the course of the last few seasons. Baltimore has gotten everything and more after selecting Flowers with the No. 22 pick last year, and the second-year pro has grown each and every week.

When asked about Flowers, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said it was hard to pinpoint exactly where he’s made changes to be even better. However, he called the second-year pro “one of a kind”, listing off a number of qualities that make Flowers so unique.

“It’s hard to pinpoint to speak on what [Zay Flowers has] changed to make him even better. He’s one of a kind. He’s just that type of player – getting open, making guys miss after he catches the ball, scoring from anywhere on the field – that’s just him.”

Flowers has quickly become the No. 1 receiver in the Baltimore offense, and dominates opposing defense with his unique blend of speed, separation ability and route running. He will look to continue his fast start to his career, as the Ravens need him to keep getting better and growing with Jackson as a duo.

Ravens HC John Harbaugh gushes over WR Zay Flowers after Week 9 win

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh raved about wide receiver Zay Flowers after the team’s Week 9 win

The Baltimore Ravens have seen great returns on their investment of selecting wide receiver Zay Flowers in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft. He has turned himself into a star No. 1 wide receiver, making opposing defensive backs struggle mightily in the process.

On Sunday against the Denver Broncos, Flowers put together another incredible performance with 127 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Head coach John Harbaugh couldn’t stop raving about Flowers, referencing his incredible 2nd touchdown play.

“That play at the end of the half – that play was [an] unbelievable play. I mean, the throw and the protection; the throw, the catch and then the little stop-and-stutter [move] – and sometimes, I’ll admit, I’ll tell them, ‘Just go; just get upfield and get as many [yards] as you can.’ [Zay Flowers] is thinking about scoring every time, so that was just a phenomenal football play.”

Flowers has established a trusted connection with quarterback Lamar Jackson, one that continues to improve with every passing week. Both players will be looking to continue their momentum moving forward, especially with the year they’re having so far.

Zay Flowers or “Footwork Flowers?” Ravens flock over Broncos 41-10

Flowers accounted for 127 of Jackson’s 280 passing yards on the afternoon, on a day where the Ravens only needed 19 pass attempts.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers averaged 25.4 yards per catch on just five receptions in Sunday’s 41-10 win over the Denver Broncos.

Flowers possesses impeccable footwork, allowing him to shake the shoes off defenders in the open field, turning the most basic intermediate pass plays into touchdowns.

Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph could’ve studied coaching film on Flowers all summer long, but he still can’t scheme for Flowers’s undisputable fundamentals and finesse.

The Broncos presumed that man coverage would allow their pass rush to be somewhat disruptive for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Instead, Joseph left his defensive backs on an island with the quick feet of Flowers and teammate wide receiver Nelson Agholor.

Flowers accounted for 127 of Jackson’s 280 passing yards on the afternoon, on a day where the Ravens only needed 19 pass attempts.

As long as offensive coordinator Todd Monken prioritizes the run, the Ravens offense will force defenses to play more man coverage, allowing them to target Flowers in coverage voids.

Ravens HC John Harbaugh on Week 9 win: ‘Our offense came to play’

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that his team’s offense came to play in Week 9 vs. the Denver Broncos

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Denver Broncos in Week 9 by the final score of 41-10. It was absolute domination for Baltimore, who improved their record to 6-3 in the 2024 season.

One of the many reasons the Ravens won so handily was the stellar play of the team’s offensive unit. Head coach John Harbaugh raved about quarterback Lamar Jackson while saying that his offense came to play in Week 9.

“Yes, Lamar [Jackson] played really good. I believe it’s his fourth [game with a] perfect passer rating, and I believe that’s an NFL record – isn’t it? Tied for the NFL record, OK. I’m betting on Lamar at some point to break it. I thought he played great, but also, the team around him – the pass protection – that’s a really good pass rush team [and] a real aggressive defense [and] a really highly-ranked defense. Our offense came to play as a group.”

Jackson finished the contest going 16-for-19 for 280 yards and three passing touchdowns, making the Denver defense miserable at every turn with his play. He is having a historic season, and the rest of the Ravens offense is following in his footsteps.

Ravens vs. Broncos: Top photos from Baltimore’s 41-10 win in Week 9

Top photos from the Baltimore Ravens 41-10 win over the Denver Broncos in Week 9 at M&T Bank Stadium

Denver entered the game 5-3 with the NFL’s third-ranked defense, but the Baltimore offense shredded them, as Vance Joseph’s defense surrendered 396 yards and five touchdowns on the afternoon.

The Ravens are 6-3 after a 41-10 win over the emerging Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium.

Here are the top photos from the win.

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Lamar Jackson finished with perfect passer rating as Ravens demolish Broncos 41-10

Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson finished with a perfect passer rating in Week 10 as the Ravens defeated the Broncos 41-10

The Ravens spent all week talking about removing the taste of an ugly loss to the Browns in Week 8. John Harbaugh’s team responded solidly, dominating the upstart Broncos 41-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.

Denver entered the game 5-3 with the NFL’s third-ranked defense, but the Baltimore offense shredded them, as Vance Joseph’s defense surrendered 396 yards and five touchdowns on the afternoon.

With talk about Josh Allen potentially winning MVP, Jackson completed 16 of 19 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday, marking his fourth perfect passer rating.

Derrick Henry finished with 101 yards rushing and two touchdowns, moving past Barry Sanders for 10th on the all-time touchdowns list and going over 1,000 yards for the sixth time in his career.

Zay Flowers had another 100-yard game, finishing with 127 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

On defense, Zach Orr’s unit surrendered 319 yards, including 197 passing and, most importantly, just ten points.

Baltimore will now prepare for Cincinnati on a short week and Amazon’s Thursday Night Football.