Ravens: 6 studs and duds following a dreadful loss to the Dolphins

DUD: Sammy Watkins, WR, Ravens

It’s safe to say that Thursday’s game wasn’t the long-awaited return that Sammy Watkins was hoping for.

Watkins finished with just one catch for seven yards on three total targets. On that only catch, Watkins fumbled the ball allowing Xavien Howard to return it for a scoop-and-score touchdown.

The Ravens were trailing by just six points at the time and had just crossed over into Dolphins territory before Watkins’ back-breaking mistake. In many ways, that play proved to be the final nail in the coffin.

Watkins also slowed up on a beautiful throw from Jackson in the first half when he appeared to lose the ball in the lights. Had Watkins found the ball, there’s a good chance he would have hauled it in for a highlight-reel touchdown.

It was a disaster of a day for Sammy Watkins who will look to quickly put this one behind him.

DUD: Ravens secondary

The Ravens’ secondary had their moments on Thursday. Marlon Humphrey showed flashes of the All-Pro cornerback that has been missing at points this season. Anthony Averett made a couple of strong pass breakups at key moments.

But this unit lands on this list for two very specific reasons, both of which were caused by completely coverage breakdowns.

First it was a 52-yard throw to the speedy Isaiah Ford that set up a Jason Sanders field goal late in the first half, giving the Dolphins a 6-3 lead going into halftime.

Then, with time winding down in the fourth quarter, Tua Tagovailoa found Albert Wilson streaking down the sideline with no Ravens defender within 15 yards of him. The play went for 64 yards and set up Miami’s final score of the game.

Miscommunication ruined what could have been a very good day for the defense. But alas, that inexcusable miscommunication cost the Ravens not once, but twice.