Ravens highest and lowest rated players, week 2

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September 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a pass against Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) and free safety Charles Woodson (24) during the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 37-33. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Highest rated offensive players

Justin Forsett (3.5), Steve Smith (3.4), Marshal Yanda (2.6), Jeremy Zuttah (1.2), Lorenzo Taliaferro (1.0)

The old guys came to life this week, sparking an offensive explosion that resulted in 33 points on the board.  Forsett lost a good bit of work to Taliaferro, but he was extremely efficient when given the chance.  The Ravens figure to split the load going forward to help keep Forsett fresh.

Steve Smith was the best player on the field for the Ravens, however, fighting and scrapping his way to a huge day.  There’s no telling how long he can keep it up, but the Ravens desperately need somebody else to step up and make plays.

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Speaking of Taliaferro, he immediately reclaimed the #2 running back job after disappointing rookie Buck Allen failed to impress during his absence.  Allen received only one carry this week and played a mere 6 snaps, compared to Taliaferro’s 31 snaps and 7 carries.  There is no competition here.

Marshal Yanda continues to be the Ravens’ best offensive lineman and is by far the most consistent.  He has been particularly good in run blocking, an area where the rest of the Ravens’ line has struggled so far.  That includes fellow contract year guard Kelechi Osemele.

Jeremy Zuttah bounced back from a tough week against the Broncos’ front and posted a nice, balanced effort across the board.  It’s an encouraging sign for a team that needs their supposedly elite offensive line more than ever.

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