Ravens were efficient in Week 1
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
It wasn’t all doom in Week 1. The Ravens were efficient on offense, thanks to Lamar Jackson’s timely escapes.
Isaiah Likely has been dominant
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 05: Isaiah Likely #80 of the Baltimore Ravens makes a touchdown reception against Nick Bolton #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 05, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Should Mark Andrews be worried?
John Harbaugh is NFL royalty
Aug 17, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh walks the sidelines during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
In his 17th season with the Ravens, Harbaugh is the NFL’s second-longest-tenured coach (Mike Tomlin – 18). Under Harbaugh, Baltimore (11) is one of four teams (NE – 12, GB – 12 & KC – 11) to earn a playoff berth in at least 11 of the past 16 seasons. Baltimore (5) is also one of four teams (KC – 6, Buf. – 5 & Phi. – 5) to make the playoffs in at least five of the past six seasons (2018-23).
Mark Andrews can make history
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) runs with the ball against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Andrews (40 receiving touchdowns) needs one touchdown reception to tie Todd Heap (41) for the most all-time in Ravens history. Andrews (nine games with multiple touchdown grabs) needs one game with multiple touchdown receptions to become the fourth tight end in NFL history to reach the mark in 10 outings within the first seven years of a career, joining Rob Gronkowski (14), Jimmy Graham (13) and Antonio Gates (11). In producing a multi-TD receiving game, Andrews will surpass Todd Heap for the most such games in franchise history.
Zay Flowers quickly ascending
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 05: Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens makes a reception against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 05, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Flowers (895 receiving yards in 17 games played) needs 105 receiving yards to become
the fastest player in Ravens history to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a career, putting him ahead of
current record-holder Torrey Smith (19 games played).
Raiders D-Line is much improved
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Christian Wilkins #94 of the Las Vegas Raiders waits during a 22-10 loss to the Las Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Brock Bowers rookie debut
Sep 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs for a first down before he is stopped by Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton (7) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Raiders drafted Bowers with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the Georgia product finished the Week 1 game against the Chargers with six catches for 58 yards on eight targets. Bowers finished with the third-most receiving yards and most targets on the team, and his longest gain of the afternoon went for 26 yards.
Ravens improved defense
Sep 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Raiders defense dominated the Chargers in Week 1, allowing just 83 yards of offense on 23 plays, two first downs, and zero third-down conversions (0-7). The Chargers finished just 4-of-15 on third down.
The 83 yards are the fewest allowed in a first half by the Raiders since 2019 (75 yards vs. Jacksonville; 12/15/19).
Maxx Crosby is dominant
Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA;Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) is brought down by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive end Quinton Jefferson (77) during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In Week 1, Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby added five total tackles (two solo), 1.0 sacks, one tackle for loss, and four and three quarterback hits. Crosby is now tied with Bill Pickel (53.0) for the fourth most sacks in Raiders history. Crosby also logged his eighth consecutive game with at least one tackle for loss, extending the longest active streak in the NFL.
Alexander Mattison
Sep 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers safety Alohi Gilman (32) and linebacker Daiyan Henley (0) stop Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) after a short gain in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
In the Week 1 loss to the Chargers, Mattison became the second running back to have a 30+ yard TD catch in his Raiders debut, joining Jack Larscheid in the Raiders’ first-ever game as a franchise (46 yards on September 11, 1960).
After the conclusion of Sunday’s games, Mattison is one of 12 NFL running backs that recorded 4+ receptions in Week 1 and one of seven running backs that finished with 40+ receiving yards.
Raiders road struggles
Sep 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) throws the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Since 2000, the Raiders are 8-85 (.086) in regular season road games when they lose the turnover battle and 0-14 when they finish with a turnover margin of -3. When they win the turnover battle or finish with an even margin in regular season road games, the Raiders winning percentage jumps up to .584 at 59-42.
