The Ravens have tasted victory but need to stay hungry.
"Sunday Night Football" will offer another compelling test for the Ravens when they host the undefeated Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium.
Anytime Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are on the same field, it's must-see football. Meanwhile, with the Bills sitting at 3-0 and Baltimore (1-2) still under .500, this early season matchup feels far more important to the Ravens.
Here are my thoughts heading into the game, all in 50 words or less:
- Being outscored 19-0 in the fourth quarter against Dallas reminded the Ravens they still aren't finishing games well enough. Allen has 13 fourth-quarter comeback victories in his career. Keeping Allen from taking over the fourth quarter Sunday would be a huge step for Baltimore's defense.
- The Ravens need to reestablish their dominance at home. They lost the AFC Championship game at home in January and dropped the home opener to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2. Roquan Smith says it's time to stop opponents from making withdraws from "The Bank," and I agree.
- If left guard Andrew Vorhees (doubtful) doesn't play, the Ravens could go with Ben Cleveland, Patrick Mekari, or Josh Jones at left guard. The offensive line has been under the microscope all season and that's not going to change Sunday night.
- Derrick Henry joined the offensive linemen during Friday's practice and worked with them on run fits. He did the same last week, letting the line know that, "We've got to do this together." Henry has been a good fit in the locker room as well as the backfield.
- There are many reasons to believe Justin Tucker’s woes won’t last. He's been the best at his craft for more than a decade. He thrives under pressure. If the Ravens need a big kick from him on Sunday, Tucker will relish that opportunity.
- Kyle Van Noy has four sacks already and is on pace to surpass his career-high nine sacks in 2023. Allen is a tough quarterback to bring down, but Van Noy's ability to reduce Allen's comfort in the pocket could be a key in Sunday's game.
- While the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) have started fast, nobody else in the AFC North has a winning record. That's another reason not to panic about the Ravens' 1-2 start. They've got plenty of time if they start stringing wins together.
- Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has caught 14 of 14 targets this season for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Allen likes going to Shakir in clutch situations. If the Ravens take that option away, it will help their defense get off the field.
Here are five matchups to look out for on 'Sunday Night Football.'
ILB Roquan Smith vs. RB James Cook
Cook is Buffalo's No. 1 running back, but he also has nearly 100 receiving yards on eight catches. He's a versatile player that Smith will have to face in the box and in coverage as the 2023 Pro Bowlers go head-to-head.
G Daniel Faalele vs. DT Ed Oliver
Faalele had his best game as a pro last week, but he has a tough task coming up. The Ravens ran for 274 yards in Dallas, but this week they face a stronger defensive front led by Oliver, someone Faalele clearly has respect for. "He's really explosive, a really good player," Faalele said. "It will be a good challenge. For me, it's trust my technique, trust in what's being coached, and get the job done."
LT Ronnie Stanley vs. DE Gregory Rousseau
Stanley is having his best season in years and will have some reps against Rousseau, who has three sacks this season. Rousseau doesn't just stay on one side, though, so look for him to get snaps over right tackle as well. Patrick Mekari has started all three games at right tackle but could be asked to move inside if left guard Andrew Vorhees (ankle) can't play.
S Marcus Williams vs. QB Josh Allen
If there was an MVP award through three weeks, it would likely go to Allen. Buffalo's offense is No. 1 in the NFL (37.3 points per game), and he only has one turnover. The Ravens' secondary has surprisingly struggled through three weeks, but Williams had a track record of being a ball hawk and could hand Allen his first interception of the season. Limiting Allen's damage will be priority No. 1 for Baltimore.
QB Lamar Jackson vs. CB Christian Benford
Last week Jackson attempted just 15 passes as the Ravens dominated on the ground, but Baltimore will likely air out the ball more this week. Benford is having a strong season and should see time covering Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. The Ravens don't have a ton of explosive passing plays so far, but they could change that on "Sunday Night Football."
- It was good to hear Head Coach John Harbaugh say Arthur Maulet (knee) could return in Week 5. Maulet's strong play in the slot in 2023 was a strength for Baltimore's defense. On Sunday, the Ravens may use Marlon Humphrey to defend Shakir when he lines up in the slot.
- The Ravens practiced outside all week despite wet weather, which made sense with Sunday's forecast calling for a chance of rain. Baltimore needs to avoid the ball-handling mistakes that inclement weather can produce.
