Ravens showcased their roster depth in Week 14 win against Steelers

Not many teams can go down their QB1 and QB2 and still pull out a win, but that’s exactly what the Baltimore Ravens did against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14.

Losing Lamar Jackson last week was painful enough, but the Ravens suffered another stroke of bad luck and saw Tyler Huntley exit the game in the third quarter after a hard hit.

That meant Anthony Brown, an undrafted free agent quarterback, would take snaps under center for the second half of the game — Brown was so buried on the depth chart that one media outlet even called him “Unknown Player” on the stat sheet.

With the Ravens holding a tense 13-7 lead, Brown only went 3-of-5 for 16 passing yards and had three carries for -6 yards. Suffice to say, the former Oregon Duck was not expected to be the driving force of the offense, but the fact that the Ravens were still able to clinch the win speaks volumes about the depth of their roster entering the final stretch of the season.

Somehow, the Ravens are 6-1 in their last seven games, a true testament to their perseverance and composure.

Getting Ronnie Stanley back in the lineup was pivotal on Sunday as the Ravens’ run game regained its footing a little bit. J.K. Dobbins finished with an uber-efficient 8.0 yards per carry, and the timing of his return couldn’t have come at a better time.

Ravens can boast a deep roster after gritty Week 14 win

Down their top two quarterbacks, the Ravens leaned on their running game as Dobbins along with Gus Edwards helped secure the victory in the final quarter, getting crucial downs and taking time off the clock.

On the defensive side of the ball, even though a few Ravens defenders were at fault for missed tackles, Baltimore showed its talent all over the field: a pair of interceptions from their inside linebackers (that Roquan Smith trade is aging like fine wine), a pick from the previously injured Marcus Williams as well, Calais Campbell blocking a field goal — the only position that could use more juice is arguably the pass-rushing unit.

Even then, Odafe Oweh, Tyus Bowser, and a healthy David Ojabo should develop to form an elite group heading into the postseason.

Compared to last year’s injury-plagued campaign, the Ravens have put themselves in prime position for a deep playoff run, currently holding the third seed in the AFC.

Some may fear a devastating end-of-season collapse like last time, yet this isn’t the same Ravens team as 2021 — it’s deeper and it’s better.