Ravens dominate Packers: The good, bad and the ugly
The Ravens beat the Green Bay Packers 23-0. There is a lot to talk about in this game so let’s get started with the good:
The good in this game is pretty much all about the defense. The Ravens defense forced five turnovers and sacked Brett Hundley six times in a shut out. It kind of felt like it was free sack day at Lambeau field. Willie Henry, Matt Judon and Terrell Suggs had two sacks each. The Packers sacked Flacco three times as well so that made a total of nine sacks in the contest. Baltimore dominated this game. It looked like the Packers would have a great start when they drove down the field with relative ease. Jimmy Smith put that thought to bed with an epic interception in the end zone. Smith read Hundley from the beginning, ignored assignment and made a huge play. That’s what you want to see from an elite cornerback.
No. 22 wasn’t the only Raven to get involved in the pick party. Eric Weddle and Marlon Humphrey both had an interception in this game. That was the first interception of Humphrey’s career. The Ravens’ first round pick is continuing to blossom. The Ravens have an incredible defense and their young talent was on display. In addition to Humphrey, Matt Judon and Willie Henry were young stars that dominated in this game. Henry may be the most improved player this season.
The Ravens won the game up front (at least when the defense was on the field). The Packers offensive line was completely outmatched. Nobody could block Matt Judon or Terrell Suggs throughout the 60 minutes of football. Baltimore’s defense was on the field for much of this game despite giving the offense plenty of extra possessions. They stopped the Packers at every turn.
Non defense compliments:
The Ravens special teams was superb in this game. Sam Koch punted seven times and he had a whopping five punts inside the 20. Koch would have had the Ravens defense set up at the one yard line if not for a questionable call by the officials. How John Harbaugh lost that challenge is still baffling. Michael Campanaro had a great punt return that set up a field goal. Chris Moore had a 35 yard kickoff return and that was nice to see. On offense, Woodhead made a clear difference. Mike Wallace had an incredible touchdown reception.