The Baltimore Ravens had a chance to solidify their status as one of the AFC’s top contenders with a Week 8 matchup against a struggling Cleveland Browns team. Instead, they suffered a shocking 29-24 loss that left fans and analysts alike wondering what went wrong.
Baltimore's defense, which came into the game ranked last in passing yards allowed, was once again exposed, and their issues on third down persisted. Despite facing a backup quarterback in Jameis Winston and a Browns team that had lost five straight games, the Ravens couldn’t close the deal.
While Lamar Jackson did everything he could to keep the Ravens in the game, it wasn’t enough to overcome several mistakes and a lackluster defensive effort. This defeat raises serious questions about Baltimore’s status as a true contender, especially with the same problems continuing to haunt them week after week.
To solve some of the problems (dropped passes), Baltimore made a massive move and acquired wide receiver Dointae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers. He'll give the Ravens' offense some much-needed consistency.
And they'll need to be consistent because the Denver Broncos are coming to town, looking every bit like a playoff contender.
First Ravens injury report for Week 9 against the Denver Broncos
The Ravens are coming off their worst loss of the 2024 season and will look to bounce back against a surging Denver Broncos team led by a rookie quarterback who's starting to find his footing. The matchup has serious playoff implications, so Baltimore must be healthy and ready for a dogfight.
When looking at the initial injury report, one massive name sticks out: Lamar Jackson.
Jackson's inclusion on the list almost sent Ravens internet haywire, but head coach John Harbaugh cleared up the mystery. He's listed with back/knee issues, but Harbaugh explained he was giving Jackson some much-deserved rest and his inclusion isn't injury-related.
Ravens' fans had a collective sigh of relief after the news broke that Jackson was fine.
In other good news - cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins returned to practice today, albeit in a limited capacity. After Winston's 334-yard and three-touchdown performance, they need their starting CBs back more than ever.
Funny enough, the Ravens' defensive backs stayed an hour after practice doing catching drills. At least they're trying?
As Ar’Darius Washington told me after the game, the Ravens DBs *know how to catch* It’s just a matter of actually doing it.
— Giana Han (@giana_jade) October 30, 2024
Some new catching drills we don’t usually see during availability featured a diving Stephens catch and 1-handed Hamilton grab. pic.twitter.com/hO3rlLTYdS
Did not participate:
- QB - Lamar Jackson (back/knee)
- RB - Rasheen Ali (Ankle)
- DT - Travis Jones (ankle)
- DE - Brent Urban (concussion)
- CB - Arthur Maulet (neck)
- DT - Michael Pierce, placed on IR (calf)
Limited participation:
- CB - Marlon Humphrey (ankle)
- CB - Nate Wiggins (shoulder/illness)
- DT - Broderick Washington (knee)
The return of Humphrey and Wiggins was awesome, but practice really popped today with newly acquired wide receiver Diontae Johnson making his first appearance in Ravens' threads. He will be rocking No. 18.
Diontae Johnson’s first practice as a Raven. 👀 pic.twitter.com/7AvwEy7ObZ
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) October 30, 2024
Travis Jones' ankle injury is one to keep an eye out for. He missed practice today after having difficulty moving during last week's practices.
Baltimore hosts the Broncos this weekend. The two teams are 5-3 and fighting for an AFC playoff spot. The Ravens will need all the health they can get, as the Broncos roll into this Week 9 matchup winners of five out of their last six games.