Baltimore Ravens Grades, Carolina Panthers Edition

Sep 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) catches a pass in front of Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Offense: A+

Steve Smith promised blood and guts, and he delivered. But not only did Smith enact his revenge on the team that cut him this offseason like a washed up has been, but the rest of the offense put on a clinic in what was their best performance of the young season.

Joe Flacco thus far has gotten very little press for what was his best game in quite a long time. Flacco finished 22 of 31 for 327 yards (10.5 avg), 3 touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a 137.4 rating. It was basically a flawless performance.

Granted, 139 yards and 2 of those touchdowns came from Steve Smith. But Flacco did a fantastic job of spreading the ball around as he completed passes to seven different receivers. He enjoyed a clean pocket the entire game and capitalized as he proceeded to pick apart the Panthers defense.

The run game wasn’t as spectacular as it was in previous weeks, but it was still darn good. Justin Forsett and Lorenzo Taliaferro combined for 29 carries and 124 yards (4.3 avg) with two touchdowns. The average is down a bit but much of that can be attributed to the Ravens running down the clock late in the game as they nursed a huge lead.

The offensive line was again the star of the show as they dominated the Panther’s defensive line, opening big holes in the running game and allowing zero sacks with only a handful of pressures. It was quite simply stunning considering the fact that undrafted rookie James Hurst was making his first start at left tackle.

Next: Defense