Baltimore Ravens vs. Chicago Bears: 10 thoughts following the loss

10. The offense was offensive

It was an absolute putrid performance from the offense once again. After coming to life against the Raiders last week, they took a huge step back. There was no consistency in the run or pass game and the Ravens could not convert on two separate 1st and goal situations. Both led to a field goals and even a touchdown would have been the difference in the game.

Joe Flacco went 24 of 41 with 180 yards and two interceptions. He was outplayed by a rookie quarterback and now has double the interceptions than touchdowns this season. The run game was solid again, but neither Alex Collins nor Buck Allen were able to get into the end zone. Collins has been the offensive spark, but we’ve still yet to see him score a touchdown this season.

The Ravens’ first six offensive drives went as followed: Punt, punt, punt, fumble, interception and punt. Not exactly a recipe for success.

9. Jeremy Maclin’s absence was apparent

Staying on the offensive theme, the absence of wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was more than noticeable. Maclin has been a virtual non-factor in his last three games, but his presence alone garners attention from opposing defenses. Without him on the field, the Ravens don’t have an identity in the passing game and we know they already have a tough time with that in the first place.

Mike Wallace is a dangerous deep threat, but he isn’t a No. 1 wide receiver. Breshad Perriman and the rest of the Ravens receiving core are not anywhere close to being productive. Maclin is really the only receiver on the depth chart who can play the first-down sticks and pick up that crucial second or third-down for the offense. But even like Qadry Ismail eluded to yesterday, Maclin’s absence shouldn’t be this big if you’re a decent offense.

That shows exactly where the Ravens are at right now.