3 players who led the Ravens to victory over the Vikings in Week 9
By Jihad Miller
Coming off a bye, the Baltimore Ravens were supposedly getting healthier for the final stretch of the season. However, that hasn’t happened yet.
Reinforcements in Latavious Murray, Sammy Watkins, Derek Wolfe, and Nick Boyle were hoping to be back by Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings.
None of them played, and now the Ravens have lost starting free safety DeShon Elliott for the season to a torn pec and torn biceps.
The Ravens fell into another big hole against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, falling behind 24-10 early in the third quarter. However, Lamar Jackson and co. were able to lead another double-digit comeback, winning the game in overtime 34-31.
Many players were needed to step up this game. Let’s take a look at three players who led the Ravens to victory in Week 9.
1. Josh Bynes, LB, Ravens
Since signing Josh Bynes off the practice squad, he has been a force in the middle of the Ravens defense. With Patrick Queen struggling, Bynes took over the MIKE linebacker spot and has flourished.
Just like in Week 5 of 2019, Bynes seemingly just comes out of nowhere to save the Ravens whenever they need him.
Bynes was huge on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. He led the team with 11 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and pass defended. But forget the stat sheet, Bynes played like a man who was possessed.
The Ravens defense started off flat allowing the long touchdown to Justin Jefferson and the 66-yard run to Dalvin Cook. But after that, the defense clamped down on the Vikings, thanks in large part to Josh Bynes.
He was all over the field and consistently crashing through running gaps. His ability to diagnose plays before they happen both in the run and pass game has been extraordinary.
His shift to MIKE linebacker has also allowed Patrick Queen to play better. With Bynes diagnosing the offense and getting the defense set up, Queen is playing more instinctively and with more force. Both linebackers are playing at an incredibly high level right now.
Once again, Josh Bynes has been a revelation on that Ravens defense.