The Baltimore Ravens got back on track with a massive win in Week 8, defeating the Chicago Bears, 30-16. They moved to 2-5 with the win.
Baltimore’s season was on the line in this one, and with quarterback Lamar Jackson out, many thought their playoff hopes were dead in the water. However, backup quarterback Tyler Huntley had something to say about that.
Huntley was given the starting nod on Sunday after the offense struggled in two games under Cooper Rush. It proved to be the right choice.
3 Tyler Huntley observations
Huntley looked far more comfortable than Cooper Rush
After a slow start, Huntley settled in nicely on Sunday. He finished the game completing 17 of 22 pass attempts for 186 yards and one touchdown. He also added 53 rushing yards on eight attempts. He commanded a steady offense throughout the game, moving the ball well through the air and on the ground.
Huntley even made some splash plays, showing off his underrated arm and the acceleration to take advantage of open lanes when running the football. He used his mobility to keep plays alive, and his threat as a scrambler opened up plays for running backs Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell.
He also helped control the clock, as Baltimore barely won the time of possession battle with 30 minutes and 30 seconds with the ball.
Offense takes strides in red zone opportunities
The floodgates did not necessarily open, but Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken finally found some success in red zone opportunities. After scoring just 13 points in two weeks with quarterback Cooper Rush under center, Huntley and company seemed to find a rhythm.
The lanes opened for Henry inside the 20, as he found paydirt in the second quarter to put the Ravens on top. Later in the contest, after an interception by cornerback Nate Wiggins deep inside Chicago territory, Huntley found a wide-open Charlie Kolar for a touchdown to put the team up two scores.
Even on drives where Baltimore only came away with short field goals, the plays were there to be made. The questionable play calls still lingered, but they are starting to find success in the red zone at the perfect time.
Rushing attack feasts, big plays return
Just as it had in Week 6, the rushing attack feasted in Week 8. The Ravens totaled 177 rushing yards and gashed Chicago’s defense for some big gains in the process. Huntley had a rush of 29 yards, Mitchell took on for 25, and Henry had a decent day with 71 yards and a long of 10.
Unlike prior weeks, the rushing attack had some creativity. They bounced several plays outside for big gains, and Huntley played a big role in that, always posing as a threat to tuck it and go. He did just that on the game-sealing drive, rushing one inside the five to set up Henry for a touchdown to put the icing on the cake.