The Baltimore Ravens didn’t get the win they wanted in Week 6. They suffered a disappointing defeat to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, faltering late in the game once again. That said, there were silver linings.
Ja’Kobi Lane was one of them.
Lane played in his first game since fracturing his wrist in Week 1, and he was one of the few offensive weapons who came to play. The 22-year-old looked comfortable, posting 4 receptions for 40 yards. Each catch went for a first down, too, including two third-down conversions.
He provided the exact element Tyler Huntley needed: a big target with strong hands who can work in the intermediate parts of the field. It didn’t lead to a win, but Lane’s efforts were certainly encouraging.
While he’s only six quarters into his NFL career, the third-round rookie looks promising.
Baltimore Ravens could give Ja’Kobi Lane another reliable target
It’s hard not to get excited about Ja’Kobi Lane. His energy and work ethic have been A1 since day one. You’ll always see him blocking downfield, and whenever he makes a play, he’ll have the whole team hyped. That in itself is impactful.
More importantly, his ability is showing up in the stat sheet. He’s making plays that suggest he might become a reliable target for Baltimore’s passing attack.
In the season opener, he only caught one pass for 11 yards, but he was targeted 3 times before leaving in the second quarter with that wrist injury. And if it weren’t for a holding call, he would’ve tallied his first career touchdown in his first career game.
In Week 6, Lane was targeted 5 times, tying with Josh Cuevas for second on the team. His offseason hype has carried into regular season action, and seeing him make such an impact after missing the last four games speaks to the player he is.
Lane also has a bit of a clutch factor to him. The plays made on Sunday weren’t necessarily splash plays, but they were timely and critical. The Ravens managed just 9 first downs through the air, and four came when targeting Lane.
I want to highlight the lone incompletion to Lane, too. Late in the second quarter, Tyler Huntley fired a deep ball down the sideline to Lane, who battled tight coverage from Denzel Ward. It was a contested catch situation, and while he didn’t come down with it, Lane showcased the astonishing blend of size and athleticism that could make him dangerous at the catch point.
When Lamar Jackson’s back out there, Lane could become a serious target. Jackson possesses supreme arm strength and ball placement, and can also extend plays. That extra time can help receivers work open, especially guys like Lane, who can struggle to create separation.
Whenever Jackson returns, Lane could be a massive beneficiary.
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