The Baltimore Ravens got the win on Sunday, but at what cost? Their 24-18 victory over the Tennessee Titans saw them explode on offense in the first half, and the defense finally showed signs of the brand of football everyone was hoping to see.
The biggest story, though? Injuries, injuries, and more injuries.
Four key players left the game in Week 4 and would not return. Lamar Jackson (ankle), Andrew Vorhees (foot), Durham Smythe (Achilles), and Marlon Humphrey (calf).
Regardless, it’s a win the Ravens needed to have. They had really strong moments in all phases. While there are certainly some things they must clean up, it was a strong day after back-to-back questionable performances.
Here are 6 instant reactions to Sunday’s win.
6 instant reactions to Baltimore Ravens’ Week 4 win over the Tennessee Titans
Lamar Jackson has an injury scare
Lamar Jackson dazzled in the first half, completing 75% of his passes for 222 yards and 2 touchdowns. Unfortunately, he left with an ankle injury after getting rolled up at the end of the first half.
This is where Lamar Jackson looks like he hurt his ankle. pic.twitter.com/taxcN63kp4
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) October 4, 2026
In a perfect world, Baltimore kept Jackson out of action due to the score of the game — they were up comfortably, and the defense was doing its job. We’ll have to wait for Jesse Minter’s update, but obviously Jackson’s status is the story despite the win.
These penalties are getting out of hand
Penalties are something we talk about every week with this team. Sure, the Ravens looked dominant in this one, but the relentless flags were a disaster once again. They finished with 13 penalties for 131 yards.
You might be able to sneak away with those troubles and notch a win over the Titans. Against the likes of the Buffalo Bills, though? You’re going to get punched in the mouth.
Some communication issues were expected with Vega Ioane at center. We can deal with those. The penalties after splash plays and defensive stops are the real back-breakers. Turning a 3rd-and-short into a 3rd-and-long on offense, or a third-down stop into a fresh set of downs for the opponent is a trend that needs to stop.
Defensive line shows signs of life
Mike Green was firing off the edge with quickness, even showcasing a strong bull rush. Nnamdi Madubuike was bringing the heat and stepping up in the big moments. Calais Campbell was looking like the glue that’s making the defense look somewhat competitive. The defensive line finally had some life.
The pass rush still had moments where it looked like they completely shut down. In those moments, Cam Ward and company started to move the ball well. However, all it took was one man to step up and fluster Ward.
Ethan Burke even got his first career sack. The preseason hero is staying right on course in regular-season action.
It seemed like a lot of the pressures and run stops came at timely moments, too. The front seven played a huge role in limiting the Titans to just 2-for-10 on third downs. They finally strung together stops and got off the field.
Tyler Loop throws fans for a Loop
Tyler Loop had the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows.
After that game-winner against the Dallas Cowboys last week, Loop followed it up with an even better kick. He booted a new career-long through the uprights with a 64-yard field goal.
Unfortunately, his next kick was a disaster. He shanked one from 40 yards away, and it was one that wasn’t even close. It was a disgusting miss. The conditions were becoming sloppy in the fourth quarter, but it’s still a kick he needs to make.
Loop is showing signs of being the weapon the Ravens needed. Seeing that 64-yard make, the offense doesn't have to go too far before finding themselves in Loop range. However, he needs to stay consistent.
The confidence is there. Let’s hope that bad miss doesn’t ruin that.
Vega Ioane looks strong in his debut at center
There were a couple of low snaps throughout the game, but for the most part, Vega Ioane passed the test in his first career start at center. He held up fairly well in protection, and didn’t commit any punishing mistakes. He was consistent.
He was so good that it might be smart for the Ravens to keep Ioane at center for the rest of the season (or as long as Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic are on IR). There aren’t many better center options at this point in the year. He might be the right man for the job.
4th quarter ghost is still lurking, but conquered for now
No Lamar Jackson, and the Ravens survived. The offense wasn’t moving well enough, but the point is, Baltimore got across the finish line. They milked the clock and put the pressure on from the defensive side of the ball.
It didn’t come without scares. Tyler Loop had a horrible miss from 40 yards out, and the Titans scored on the ensuing possession thanks to a miraculous fourth-down conversion from Cam Ward. Luckily, they inched across the finish line this time around.
The key was dominating the time of possession, as the Ravens won that battle 33 minutes and 8 seconds to 26 minutes and 52 seconds. They got the job done… but they need to be way better. Granted, not having your two-time MVP quarterback didn’t help.
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