Ebony Bird
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NFL Week 1 Power Rankings: Baltimore Ravens in top 10

By Isaiah Stumpf

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: Marquise Brown #15 of the Baltimore Ravens catches a pass for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: Marquise Brown #15 of the Baltimore Ravens catches a pass for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 08: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against Janoris Jenkins #20 of the New York Giants in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 08: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against Janoris Jenkins #20 of the New York Giants in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

8. Dallas Cowboys

The one thing I learned in this game is, the Cowboys will be paying Dak Prescott sooner, rather than later. Prescott finished with over 400 yards and 4 touchdown tosses. Dallas dominated the Giants as they should have and put themselves in the discussion as a contender in the NFC.

7 Baltimore Ravens

Woah, baby! This was a game for NFL and Ravens history books. Lamar Jackson led a 59-10 rout of the Miami Dolphins. Jackson threw for 324 yards and 5 touchdowns. For all of the analysts and critics that said Jackson does not have the arm to compete as a quarterback in this league, please go watch Sunday’s game film. Jackson was able to place the ball exactly where it needed to be all game long.

Jackson was hitting receivers in stride, looking off defenders, and kept a poised, spread base in the pocket. The throws he made looked fluid and effortless, showing off his arm strength, the best example coming on a 83 yard connection to rookie Marquise Brown. Jackson became the youngest quarterback in NFL History to accrue a perfect quarterback rating (158.3), the first Ravens quarterback to accrue a perfect quarterback rating, and set a Ravens record for highest completion percentage in a game (85%). 

Baltimore also received plenty of contributions from first year players. The 83 yard touchdown was only his second career reception. His first was a 47 yard touchdown reception on the previous drive. Brown’s 147 receiving yards were the most by a player in his first game in sixteen seasons. Mark Ingram wasted no time, setting the tone with a 49 yard run on Baltimore’s first offensive play. He then capped off the same drive with a 1 yard touchdown run. Justice Hill was also active in the backfield, carrying the rock 7 times for 27 yards.

Earl Thomas III showed why he was worth every penny he signed for this off-season, picking off Ryan Fitzpatrick on Miami’s opening drive. Pernell McPhee had one sack in his return to the Ravens. The Ravens offense as a whole set franchise records for most points scored in the first half (42), the most points scored in franchise history (59), and most yards gained (643). Baltimore was running on all cylinders, in all three phases of the game. They showed that they have multiple ways to attack a defense and still have the dominant defense they are known for. Beware, the Ravens are coming.

6. Philadelphia Eagles

Carson Wentz looks like him old self again. After two years of fighting the injury bug, Wentz is finally healthy and looks primed for a huge season. The Eagles got off to a slow start, finding themselves in an earl 17-0 hole. However, a 25 point second half brought them all the way back and secured them a 32-27 victory over the Redskins. DeSean Jackson had himself a big homecoming tallying 8 receptions, for 154 yards, and two touchdowns. The Eagles are primed to battle it out all season with the Cowboys for that NFC East crown.

5. Los Angeles Chargers

No Melvin Gordon, no problem. Austin Ekeler had himself a day, totaling 154 total scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. The Colts had no answer for third year running back as he contributed both out of the backfield and in the receiving game. Philip Rivers is still dealing, finishing the game with over 300 yards, 3 touchdowns, and an interception. The defense struggled a bit but was able to play just good enough to secure the victory. Los Angeles once again, looks like a top contender in the AFC.

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