The Baltimore Ravens are 0-2 after a disappointing 26-23 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2 at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson was 21-34 passing, for 247 yards (7.3 avg), one passing touchdown and one interception.
Jackson had four carries for 20 yards, while Derrick Henry rebounded in the second half, finishing with 18 carries for 84 yards (4.8 avg) and one rushing touchdown.
The Baltimore offensive line struggled mightily in the afternoon, as Jackson was sacked two times. Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby tormented Jackson and the Ravens, as the All-Pro logged six tackles, two sacks, four tackles for loss, one pass defended, and two quarterback hits.
Roquan Smith led all players with 11 tackles, and cornerback Marlon Humphrey logged 10 tackles, one pass defended, and one tackle for loss.
With the team set to start preparation for a must-win game against Dallas, here is a takeaway from the loss.
Ravens first second half drive set the tone
Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) calls a play during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Baltimore’s offense was sloppy in the first half but got all the critical contributors involved on the first drive of the second half. Overall, the Ravens amassed 353 total yards on 62 plays and were only 3-11 on third downs.
Odafe Oweh dominant performance
Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh (99) sacks Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
The Ravens are prepared to invest in Oweh, and he performed admirably in Week 2, logging 5 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two tackles for loss and 3 QB hits.
Davante Adams
Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after the catch during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Adams didn’t go off early on, but it wasn’t for lack of effort. The All-Pro wide receiver made up for it in the second half, logging nine catches for 110 yards (12.2 avg) and one touchdown.
The schedule won’t get easier
Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws looks to throw wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
After disappointing starts, Baltimore’s competition won’t get any easier, with matchups against the Cowboys, Bills, and Bengals all looming over the next three weeks.
Zach Orr’s growing pains
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Gardner Minshew II #15 of the Las Vegas looks to pass during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Orr is the defensive coach who was promoted when Mike Macdonald took the Seahawks head coaching job. He’s now in the hot seat after Baltimore blew a ten-point lead, and his defense folded down the stretch. The Ravens’ defense was stout against the run. Still, it only caused one turnover on the afternoon, allowing Gardner Minshew to efficiently carve up his defense to 30-38 passing for 276 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, with a 94.7 rating.
