Questions:
Can anybody stop the Ravens?:
The short answer is no. Since the addition of Marcus Peters, Josh Bynes, and LJ Fort this defense has turned around drastically, with exception to our run defense which has looked shoddy of late. But I’ll get to that later.
Many teams have tried, and failed, to slow down Lamar Jackson and this Ravens offense. The 49ers undoubtedly gave us the toughest challenge, but in the end the birds came out on top. The Ravens gained 178 yards on the ground and held the ball for 32 minutes against the league’s top defense. They also, for the second week in a row, rendered a Defensive Player of the Year candidate ineffective. Nick Bosa had just one lone tackle, which is a smidge better than Aaron Donald’s assisted tackle last week.
Again I ask: Who is going to stop these Ravens?
What is the point of challenging defensive pass interference?:
I’m convinced the refs have no idea what pass interference is anymore. Furthermore, I’m convinced challenging pass interference is pointless. Just 15 of 77 P.I. challenges this year have been reversed as of Week 12.
Marlon Humphrey was flagged for P.I. on this play.
Woooooooooooow this is a very high-leverage pass interference call on 4th down pic.twitter.com/yZ0z6fannp
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) December 1, 2019
On the ensuing drive, Jimmie Ward launching himself into Mark Andrews was not called P.I. Even after further review.
Hmmmm. But this one isn't PI? pic.twitter.com/AfKig16Tz3
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) December 1, 2019
Calls, or no calls, like this have a direct impact on the outcome of the game. Thankfully it didn’t cost the Ravens. I’m not sure what exactly the refs are looking for in these reviews—or what they’ve been told is and isn’t pass interference—but something needs to change or the rule needs to go.