As usual, the Ravens handled their business after their bye.
Behind Lamar Jackson's five touchdown passes, Baltimore (9-5) cruised to a 35-14 victory over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
It raised Head Coach John Harbaugh's career record to 14-3 in games immediately following Baltimore's bye, and the injury-depleted Giants (2-12) looked overmatched losing their ninth straight game.
Here are my thoughts as Baltimore prepares for its next assignment, a huge Week 16 home game vs. the archrival Pittsburgh Steelers:
An angry Lamar is an awesome Lamar.
Lamar Jackson entered the bye week livid after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles, vowing to take advantage of more running opportunities after a postgame conversation with his mom.
Jackson kept his word with a stellar performance. He became the first NFL quarterback to complete at least 80% of his passes, throw for at least 250 yards and five touchdown passes with no interceptions, while rushing for at least 50 yards.
In addition to carving up the Giants through the air (21-of-25, 290 yards, five touchdowns), Jackson rushed for 65 yards on six carries. He joined Michael Vick as just the second quarterback to surpass 6,000 career rushing yards, and the Steelers won't enjoy watching film this week of Jackson running more aggressively.
Jackson is most dynamic when he forces opponents to defend all his superpowers. His ability to run like no other quarterback gives the offense an extra card to play coming down the stretch. Jackson has a 1-4 career record as a starter against the Steelers, who've limited him to 5.4 yards per rushing attempt while doing a superb job of containing him in the pocket.
However, Jackson seems more determined to use his legs and running backs Derrick Henry and Justice Hill add to the array of threats in Baltimore's rushing attack. To see Jackson dominate as a dual threat entering the most crucial stage of the season was a positive sign for the Ravens.
"He's been locked in all season," Harbaugh said. "He was locked in all week."
Rashod Bateman's breakout year makes the offense look even more explosive.
With the first two-touchdown game of his career (three catches, 80 yards), Bateman looked plenty explosive after leaving the Philadelphia game with a knee injury.
Bateman has a career-high seven touchdowns and four in the last three games, after scoring just four touchdowns during his first three seasons. His route-running has been superb and he and Jackson have never looked more in sync. Jackson rolled to his right and extended the play on his first touchdown pass to Bateman, and he responded perfectly by getting himself open behind New York's defense.
"Bate' is that guy," Jackson said. "We call him 'Batman' for a reason, and that's just amazing."
It was also a special game for Mark Andrews, who became the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdowns in the first quarter.
Jackson completed passes to eight different targets against the Giants, and the Ravens have more offensive weapons than at any time during Jackson's career.
Baltimore's defense is making adjustments that are paying off.
A feel-good moment happened late in the game, when Ar'Darius Washington made a leaping interception, his second of the season.
Washington's play since becoming a starter seven games ago has helped solidify a secondary that was struggling, but he's just part of Baltimore's resurgence on defense.
Malik Harrison led the Ravens with eight tackles against the Giants, and both Harrison and Chris Board are taking advantage of increased playing time at inside linebacker next to Roquan Smith.
It should be noted that the Giants lost starting quarterback Tommy DeVito (concussion) in the second quarter, and they've struggled to score all year. But Baltimore's defense has found answers to some of its early-season issues and appears to be peaking at the right time.
Smith can't wait to face the Steelers, with the division title still up in the air.
"You're willing to put everything on the line for that," Smith said. "I know personally I'm ready to go out on my shield. Check your manhood, do your job. You do that, we'll win the game."
Penalties remain a problem for the Ravens.
The Ravens lead the NFL in penalties and were whistled 12 times for 112 yards against the Giants. Both of New York 's touchdown drives were penalty fueled, particularly the drive in the second quarter when Baltimore was whistled four times for 41 yards.
Some of the infractions called against the Ravens in this game were questionable, but there's no question they need to do a better job of avoiding flags. It could make the difference between them winning the AFC North, or reaching the Super Bowl, or not.
"Too many," Harbaugh said of the penalties. "The biggest things are the pass interference calls. Those are tight called plays in terms of pass interference so we've got to adjust. Roughing the passer, you've got to find a way to get off to the side. So we'll be drilling it. It's obviously something that's very important."
Extra Points:
- Baltimore's special teams enjoyed a strong day. Desmond King handled the punt return duties for the first time this season and had an excellent 22-yard punt return when he fielded the ball aggressively. Justice Hill opened the game with a 59-yard punt return. Justin Tucker did not have an opportunity to kick a field goal but was 5-for-5 on extra points. Jordan Stout also took some reps kicking off for the first time this season.
- Rookie wide receiver Devontez Walker's first career catch was special – a 21-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. Walker tapped his toes to get his feet inbounds near the back of the end zone.
- Kyle Van Noy had a sack to give him nine for the season, equaling last year's career high.
- David Ojabo recorded his second sack of the season, his first since Week 1.
