The Baltimore Ravens stumbled into a win over the Cleveland Browns last Sunday. The team showed a ton of fight in the second half, but it was far from pretty, as they endured a first half littered with self-inflicted errors.
Defensively, it was as close to a perfect game as you can get. Sure, Cleveland scored 16 points, but really only three of those can be blamed on Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr’s group. A blend of turnovers and penalties gifted the Browns 13 of those points. It was honestly a miracle that they were not able to score more.
Evidently, it was the offense that was at fault for this ugly showing. Sure, Cleveland’s defense is a top unit in the NFL, but the Ravens’ significant offensive line issues were more pronounced than ever. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was sacked five times and was made uncomfortable all day, and the rushing attack, especially in red-zone scenarios, failed to find success in between the tackles consistently.
Right guard Daniel Faalele was undoubtedly the weakest link on Sunday, and after a year of bad rep after bad rep, it is unthinkable to believe he still deserves that starting spot over rookie Emery Jones Jr.
Emery Jones Jr. must prove ready for NFL action soon
Yes, the Ravens are on a four-game winning streak. Yes, they have looked better than they have looked all year. The tide is certainly shifting, but the offense has taken a hit due to the protection problems, and the Ravens will not be able to hide those against more complete teams.
It is unfair to put so much pressure on Jones, but that is the state of Baltimore’s offensive line. He was a highly touted prospect coming out of the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Ravens used some substantial draft capital on him with their third-round selection.
The 21-year-old finally returned to the field in October after dealing with a labrum injury for months. He was activated to the 53-man roster on October 22, so while he has been eligible to take the field, it seems clear he has needed just a bit more time before he gets on the field in in-game action. He has been a healthy scratch in four games since returning from injury.
Throwing a rookie into the fire might not be the smartest idea, but at this point, it could not hurt. Faalele has posted three straight games of below-average grades, per Pro Football Focus, and has just two games out of 10 with above-average grades. (On their grading scale, an "average grade" is 60.0)
Baltimore’s Week 12 matchup with the New York Jets might be the best chance to give the rookie an opportunity. His first taste of the NFL will more than likely be rotational reps if it does come in 2025, and a 2-8 Jets team seems like the perfect setting to give Jones some reps.
You can never underestimate any opponent, especially in the craziness of the 2025 season, but the coaching staff should definitely ponder the idea of Jones getting some snaps on Sunday.