There was a lot to like on film from the Ravens' 27-24 Week 2 win in Cincinnati.
Lamar Jackson's stats didn't jump off the page (24-of-33 for 237 yards, two touchdowns; 54 rushing yards), but it was one of his best games in recent memory.
In just the second game in Todd Monken's new offense, Jackson looked considerably more comfortable in the pocket when compared to Week 1.
Part of that was because his offensive line had a phenomenal day despite missing two starters in left tackle Ronnie Stanley and center Tyler Linderbaum. The Ravens allowed pressure on just 9.3% of Jackson's dropbacks, the lowest mark of his career.
Either way, Jackson's drops were calm and clean, and he surgically picked apart the Bengals' defense while hitting some big shots as well.
Here's a look at the film:
Jackson is getting the ball out of his hands faster. According to Next Gen Stats, Jackson's average time to throw over the first two weeks is 2.60 seconds, which is 0.32 seconds quicker than any other season in his career. This certainly helped his offensive line out Sunday.
Jackson's accuracy to the outside and over the middle was on point, in part thanks to that solid throwing base.
It wasn't a perfect day for Jackson, however. He had a few more chances for more big plays too. He threw too deep for Nelson Agholor on one, too long for rookie Zay Flowers on another.
Jackson also passed up a chance for a long post route to Flowers in the second quarter. After that play, Flowers came back to the sideline and told Jackson to trust him to make that play. In the third quarter, the Ravens saw a similar look and Flowers again broke free on a deep post. This time, Jackson launched a perfect pass and Flowers made a spectacular catch for a 52-yard gain.
Jackson was pinpoint accurate in the second half, including his gorgeous 17-yard touchdown pass to Agholor when he placed the ball perfectly over his outside shoulder.
Baltimore's offensive line, featuring Patrick Mekari at left tackle and Sam Mustipher at center, had a game to remember. Right tackle Morgan Moses was also especially effective, including when the Ravens showed a new wrinkle by moving him left of center in an unbalanced line.
The Ravens fared much better against the blitz than they did in Week 1.
Linebacker Patrick Queen was flying all over the field once again and finished with eight tackles and one quarterback hit.
The defensive play of the day, however, belonged to safety Geno Stone for his interception of Joe Burrow at the goal line, which maybe he could have returned much further (but not a guarantee).
And here are some other under-the-radar defensive plays, including a possible touchdown-saving tackle by Kyle Hamilton.
The Ravens will look to have a strong day on special teams this week versus the Colts.
And this is how you close out a game …
