Ravens' loyalty to failing starter backfires in comically bad first half vs. Browns

The Baltimore Ravens have had a significant issue on the offensive line all season. Since their season-opening loss to the Buffalo Bills, the line has somehow steadily gotten worse and worse.

While the Ravens are rolling on a three-game winning streak, and the defense has made stark improvements since their historically bad start, the offensive guard play continues to haunt the offense on seemingly every single down.

Guards Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele have had horrific seasons, and while Vorhees has shown flashes of somewhat starting-caliber play in recent weeks, Faalele is still making highlight reels for all the wrong reasons.

Credit where credit is due, Faalele helped running back Derrick Henry find the end zone for Baltimore’s first touchdown of the game. However, outside of that, it was a struggle fest in the first half.

Daniel Faalele is once again failing to show improvement

Cleveland’s All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett effortlessly racked up three sacks, and the rest of their defensive front had relentless pressure on superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson for the entirety of the first two quarters. Faalele’s lack of protection was a big reason for that.

Garrett’s third sack of the day put an end to a Ravens’ two-minute drill at the end of the half. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley actually held his own against the 29-year-old, but a rough rep from Faalele allowed Garrett to make a play from behind.

See the full play below.

Like usual, Faalele has failed to hold up at the point of attack. He is failing to hold blocks, failing to recover, and failing to help give Jackson time to make plays. The 26-year-old seems to lack a sense of urgency, standing with his hands by his side, with no one to block, far too often.

Backup linemen Ben Cleveland and Corey Bullock could get a shot soon if this continues. Rookie third-round selection Emery Jones Jr. could also see reps in the coming weeks.

Yes, the Ravens have found a spark recently, but it has not been due to the offensive line play. They are sitting at 4-5 after starting 1-5, and if they are serious about making the playoffs this year, they must bench Faalele.

Faalele began the second half with another terrible play, allowing Browns’ rookie defensive lineman Mason Graham to swiftly beat him and stuff Henry at the line of scrimmage.