The Baltimore Ravens are starting to find their groove. After having very close/dramatic games in consecutive weeks, the Ravens handled business on the road in Denver.
With a 23-7 victory over the undefeated Broncos, the Ravens improve to 3-1. That ties for first in the AFC North with the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals.
This game was huge for the Ravens because, in case they are fighting for a wild card spot later in the season, having the tiebreaker over the Broncos could prove to be crucial.
Let’s take a look at the multiple Ravens who stepped up this week.
1. Anthony Averett, CB, Ravens
Anthony Averett landed on the injury report this past week due to an ankle injury. There was some concern that he could miss the Week 4 matchup with the Broncos.
If he missed the game, it would’ve been a huge blow to the Ravens defense, whose secondary is already thin on depth due to injuries.
However, not only did Averett play in the game, he played lights out. He was stout in coverage and even recorded his second career interception when the Broncos reached the goalline at the very end of the game.
This is especially impressive because the Broncos have several big receivers who are at least 6-foot-2. At 5-foot-11, 178 pounds, it is difficult to be left on the island with those types of receivers, but Averett proves to be up to the task.
This game was another example of how well he has been playing this season. In a contract year, he already has recorded the first two interceptions of his career and multiple pass breakups.
After Marcus Peters went down, the Ravens needed Averett to step up next to Marlon Humphrey and he has delivered.
Anthony Averett is playing the best football of his career and has allowed the Ravens’ defense to continue to be aggressive with their playcalling.