The Baltimore Ravens were impressive in their Week 2 win over the Cleveland Browns. It was a complete all-around performance that saw many step up after a disappointing season opener.
From offense to defense, to even special teams, Baltimore turned things around, and Pro Football Focus (PFF) recognized the team's progression.
The Ravens earned a team grade of 78.5 on Sunday, an improvement from their Week 1 performance (76.4). Let's look at the outstanding individual performances.
Best and Worst PFF Grades
Top Offensive Grade: DeAndre Hopkins (96.5)
It was a vintage performance from the three-time All-Pro. DeAndre Hopkins only played 10 snaps, but he made the most of them. He earned a ridiculous 95.1 receiving grade. He turned two targets into two catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. Both targets were contest-catch opportunities.
Hopkins has the highest grade of any player in the NFL right now - a whopping 94.3 season grade. His 93.6 receiving grade also leads the NFL. He is three-for-three in contested catch opportunities, a feat only matched by Stefon Diggs.
Even in a small role, Hopkins has been a huge boon to the offense. It's evident he has already earned a tremendous amount of trust from Lamar Jackson.
Worst Offensive Grade: Andrew Vorhees (32.6)
On the other end of the spectrum, Andrew Vorhees struggled mightily. On 20 run-blocking snaps, Vorhees earned a less-than-stellar 49.0 grade (an improvement over Week 1). However, his pass-blocking was among the worst of the week as he earned a 5.3 grade on 36 pass-blocking reps. He surrendered two pressures - both hurries.
Through Sunday's games, Vorhees ranks 151st (out of 153 linemen) in overall grade. He is tied for 123rd in run-blocking grade and second-to-last in pass-blocking grade.
Through two weeks, Vorhees has an overall grade of 35.4. He has a 42.4 pass-blocking grade and a 23.1 run-blocking grade.
Top Defensive Grade: Roquan Smith (91.9)
Roquan Smith had a dominant performance Sunday. His 91.9 individual game grade was his highest since Week 13 of the 2022 season. He earned an 84.2 run-defense grade, 84.9 tackling grade, 67.4 pass-rush grade, and 90.3 coverage grade. He recorded two pressures (both hits), 11 PFF tackles, three assisted tackles, zero missed tackles, and six defensive stops.
Among linebackers who played 10 snaps, Smith's 91.9 overall grade was only surpassed by the incomparable Fred Warner (95.1 grade).
Smith has had a strong start to the season. He has an elite 90.0 overall grade, particularly shining with a 90.4 run-defense grade. He has a solid 69.9 tackling grade, 65.6 pass-rush grade, and 79.7 coverage grade.
Worst Defensive Grade: Broderick Washington (28.8)
Broderick Washington struggled particularly in run defense in Week 2. His overall 28.8 grade was brought down by his 28.6 grade in 13 run-defense snaps. His 13 pass-rush reps were slightly better, earning a 52.5 grade.
Washington's sixth season in Baltimore has been a step in the wrong direction. He has a 41.7 overall grade through two games with a 30.0 run-defense grade.
Other 90+ Grades: Devontez Walker (93.1)
Devontez Walker hauled in both of his targets for touchdowns. He earned a 90.4 receiving grade, boosting his overall grade to 93.1. Only Hopkins earned a higher overall grade among pass catchers.
Walker is somewhat buried on the depth chart, but he is the best pure deep threat on the roster. He should be hyper-efficient with his targets as the No.4 receiver.
Quarterback Spotlight
While Lamar Jackson had a dominant statistical game, PFF gave him more of a modest grade. He earned a 64.6 offensive grade with a 62.0 passing grade and 67.6 rushing grade. He was credited with one big-time throw and one turnover-worthy play. Regardless, he has been on a tear to start this season, and like usual, was a leading factor in Sunday's blowout.
Extraneous Stats
Missed Tackles Forced
The Ravens were largely held in check by the Browns from a tackling perspective. Derrick Henry forced Baltimore's only missed tackle as a rusher. Receivers combined to force one missed tackle, courtesy of Rashod Bateman.
While forcing missed tackles helps in creating yards-after-the-catch opportunities, the Ravens often create enough separation to dominate after the catch. Zay Flowers already has 117 yards after the catch in two games despite not forcing a missed tackle.
Contested Catches
Of six contested catch opportunities, only Hopkins was able to succeed. Hopkins was two-for-two. Zay Flowers, Zaire Mitchell-Paden, Mark Andrews, and the aforementioned Bateman went zero-for-one in their chances.
The return of Isaiah Likely should help here. Likely's 6-foot-4 frame is a major asset to the passing attack, particularly over the middle of the field.
Pressures Allowed
OL | Sacks Allowed | Hits Allowed | Hurries Allowed | Total Pressures Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LT - Ronnie Stanley | 2 | 0 | 3 | 5 |
LG - Andrew Vorhees | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
C - Tyler Linderbaum | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
RG - Daniel Faalele | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
RT - Roger Rosengarten | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The Ravens' line struggled in both phases. As a unit, they earned a 39.8 pass-blocking grade and 52.1 run-blocking grade. Roger Rosengarten earned the best overall grade of the bunch with a 68.6 mark.
Obviously, a sub-40.0 pass-blocking grade is not a good outcome, but the Ravens can take solace in the fact that Myles Garrett is not on their schedule again until Week 11. A handful of elite pass rushers are coming to town in the next few weeks, but Garrett is a future Hall of Famer for a reason.
Defensive Pressures
The Ravens recorded 21 pressures in Week 2. Nnamdi Madubuike led the team with five pressures, including a sack and a hit. Mike Green, Tavius Robinson, and Odafe Oweh each recorded three pressures. Travis Jones, Kyle Van Noy, and the previously mentioned Smith had two pressures each. Even Chidobe Awuzie got in on the action with a pressure.
With Van Noy dealing with an injury, watch for Green and Robinson to have more of a role. Green, in particular, should pop in a bigger sample size of snaps as he learns how to string pass-rush moves together against NFL offensive tackles.
Defensive Stops
The Ravens had 23 defensive stops, led by Smith's six. Green, Robinson, Malaki Starks, Nate Wiggins, and Kyle Hamilton had two defensive stops. Oweh, Jones, Madubuike, Awuzie, Van Noy, Aeneas Peebles, and Trenton Simpson notched a defensive stop.
While rookie Teddye Buchanan got the start, Simpson notably flashed in only 15 defensive snaps. He looked more decisive, particularly in coverage, using his athleticism to make plays. He could be best served in a part-time role.