The Baltimore Ravens looked like the better team and handled business with a 24-13 win over the Tennessee Titans. It got rocky at portions in the third quarter, and it took a team effort, but the team moves to 4-2 overall. Who were the Ravens that made this a team effort and stepped up to win the game?
4. Justin Tucker was the MVP for the Baltimore Ravens
It might have happened a little too often, as it tends to do, but the Baltimore Ravens leaned on Justin Tucker in a big way this week. When you see that the Ravens scored 24 points, you may think the offense found the end zone a few times. However, one touchdown was complemented by six field goals, which tied his career high. Tucker has only had six field goals just once in his career, so this was a memorable day for him. It is worth noting that the other six-field goal game was in a dome, so this was a different experience being this automatic in London on a different surface.
Some of the fans will look at this and blame the offense. A lot of these field goals were chip shots because the offense got to the red zone, and things fell apart. Still, you have to love the consistent reliability that comes from a Hall of Fame type of kicker. Too many times, the fans are made because Tucker made such a notable appearance, but you can also take some time to tip the cap and respect that he came out and had another workman-like day and went 6-6 from deep.
Jordan Stout and the rest of the Ravens special teams get a small nod as well. A punt right before the half was muffed by Kyle Phillips. Del'Shawn Phillips recovered, and the Ravens got a quick three points before halftime to take the lead from 15-3 to 18-3. The team won the game on the back of multiple key special teams plays.
3. Devin Duvernay had a key kick return for the Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens won this game in all three phases. Their offense had been moving the ball, but they only led 6-3 after the first quarter. The defense was holding up and forced a punt. That is when Devin Duvernay came in and made things happen. He returned a punt 70 yards to give the Ravens great field position.
The Ravens could not put the ball in the end zone, but a failed drive for the offense led to a field goal for the team, thanks to Duvernay. After that return, the Ravens put up 12 straight points and took the game from 6-3 up to 18-3 at the half.
Duvernay did not record any stats on offense, but he did play a little bit more, especially early into this game, as the Ravens eased Odell Beckham and Rashod Bateman back. The added depth was needed in this game, but the special teams value is what gave this team what they needed.
2. Geno Stone came up for the Baltimore Ravens when they needed him
The Baltimore Ravens started the game by sitting Geno Stone. First, with the Tennessee Titans' heavy personnel, the Ravens played their base looks more. However, when the Ravens did go to their nickel look, it was Arthur Maulet in the slot and Kyle Hamilton back deep as a safety. We had wondered what the Ravens would do because Hamilton has played the slot, and Geno Stone can play deep at times.
However, when Kyle Hamilton was ejected from the game with a helmet-to-helmet hit, the team had to turn back to Stone as a starter. Stone came up with the play of the game by most accounts. The Titans cut an 18-3 lead to 18-13, and they were driving to take the lead.
Ryan Tannehill wanted to go for the big blow and loaded up a deep shot down the field. It was into coverage, and Geno Stone jumped the pass and created an interception. The Ravens responded by getting a field goal and making the score 21-13. It was the swing of the game that the team needed.
Marcus Williams left the game later, and it put Geno Stone in charge of the secondary. In every role, game, and chance he gets to make a play,
1. Patrick Queen had one of his best games for the Baltimore Ravens
If you watched the Ravens on defense in this game, you saw Patrick Queen swarming all over the field, making so many plays. Queen finished the game with nine tackles and a sack, and it seemed like he did more than that. Every tackle was a key third down, and he had a few plays where he held runners just a yard or two short of the sticks.
Patrick Queen is having by far the best year of his career. it is easy to credit Roquan Smith, but the results this season look like a combination of Smith maing his life easier, but also Queen making the step to now making impact plays throughout the game.
The Baltimore Ravens may not win that game if it is not for Patrick Queen. Heading into a contract year, he is playing the best football of his career at the right time, and the Ravens are 4-2 because of performances like Queen had today.