Baltimore Ravens Grades For Week One: It Ain’t Pretty

Sep 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak speaks quarterback Joe Flacco (5) during a time out in the the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Cincinnati Bengals defeated Baltimore Ravens 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Coaching: D-

I stopped short of giving the coaching an F, but rest assured there were a lot of questionable decisions made on Sunday.  The first was releasing Derek Cox and promoting running back Fitzgerald Toussaint to the active roster.  Then Toussaint was inactive for Sunday’s game, along with starting cornerback Lardarius Webb.

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OK, we thought, this means that Asa Jackson will start opposite Jimmy Smith.  But no, the human torch, a.k.a. Chykie Brown, drew the start.  And gave up the aforementioned game winning score, while being left in single coverage on one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.  Paging the real Dean Pees!

It’s arguable whether Gary Kubiak did a worse job on the offensive side of the ball, but it’s pointless to make this a competition.  Why in the world Joe Flacco attempted 62 passes is unknown to anyone, especially when the Bengals were never up more than two scores.  The Ravens had plenty of chances to establish the run, but Kubiak refused to do it.  Even with Justin Forsett averaging 6.4 yards per rush and sparking the offense.  And wide receivers dropping every other pass thrown their way.