Historically Dominant Ravens Offense Dubbed 'Greatest Show on Grass'
The Ravens offense showed again in Monday night's 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Chargers that it's virtually unstoppable once it gets rolling.
The unit is being compared to some of the most explosive offenses of all time, including the 1999 Los Angeles Rams.
"Everyone knows about The Greatest Show on Turf. This is the greatest show on grass," Fox Sports' Chase Daniel said on FS1's "The Facility." "They're making it look easy. The 1999 Rams ended with a Super Bowl. Will this Ravens team end with a Super Bowl as well? They looked like it [against the Chargers]."
Jackson and Henry are having outstanding seasons, but a number of offensive players are making valuable contributions. On Monday night, wide receivers Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers, tight end Mark Andrews, and running back Justice Hill made big plays.
"Pick a Ravens role player, and chances are he did something spectacular — shaping up to be the kind of cast that can credibly support Baltimore's Super Bowl dreams," The Baltimore Banner's Kyle Goon wrote.
The offensive line, the Ravens' biggest question mark heading into the season, has also become a strength.
Daniel Jones Reportedly Signs With Vikings
The Ravens reportedly had interested in signing former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, but he is headed to the Minnesota Vikings, according to multiple reports.
Jones' dual-threat ability would have suited the Ravens' scheme that's built around Lamar Jackson. The sixth-overall pick in 2019, Jones has thrown 70 touchdown passes to 47 interceptions in 70 career games. He has rushed for 2,179 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Baltimore's backup remains veteran Josh Johnson, while sixth-round rookie Devin Leary is on the practice squad.
Saquon Barkley Enters MVP Conversation, But Jackson's Case Remains Strong
Two of the leading MVP candidates will take the field at M&T Bank Sunday when the Ravens face the Philadelphia Eagles. Jackson has been the front-runner for most of the season, but Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has surged into the conversation.
Barkley is coming off a huge game in which he gained 302 scrimmage yards (255 rushing, 47 receiving) and scored two touchdowns in the Eagles' 37-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night.
History suggests Barkley is a longshot. Quarterbacks have won the award 11 years in a row and 16 of the past 17, and Jackson and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen currently have the best odds. The last running back to be MVP was Adrian Peterson in 2012, when he topped 2,000 rushing yards.
However, Barkley is having an extraordinary season in his first year in Philadelphia. He leads the league in rushing with 1,382 yards and is on pace for 2,150, which would break the single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards set by Eric Dickerson in 1984.
"Good Morning Football's" Kyle Brandt said that even though quarterbacks in general are more valuable than running backs, Barkley is his choice for MVP as it stands now.
"I think Lamar has a lot going against him in voters' minds," Brandt said. "Not only because he already has a couple and won it last year and they're trying to get some other people; I think the Derrick Henry thing actually kind of hurts him in the MVP conversation only because you give so much credit to Henry and how much he's brought to it that maybe that takes some of the shine off Lamar.
"If you watch it from who has been the best player or most impressive player, a couple of these games I turn it on and I'm like, I don't think there's anyone playing their individual position as marvelously, as beautifully, as dominantly as Saquon Barkley."
Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman and Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano also made the case for Barkley.
"Considering the volume, efficiency and timeliness of Barkley's performance so far this season, he should be squarely in the MVP conversation for the impact he has had on his entire offense and the Eagles' ability to win games," Wasserman said.
Manzano wrote: "Barkley putting up monster numbers makes him the frontrunner for Offensive Player of the Year, but he shouldn't be overlooked for MVP just because he plays running back. … Also, Barkley has shown his value by being the best player on a team filled with star players. This team quickly went from being the Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown show to Barkley's offense, and everyone in Philadelphia seems content with that because this identity gives them the best odds to return to the Super Bowl after a disappointing 2023 season."
While Barkley is gaining steam and Allen is the betting favorite, Jackson arguably has the strongest case, as the two-time MVP is having his best season.
"Lamar Jackson is the only pick," GMFB's Isaiah Stanback said. "He's killing his stats from last year. This dude is leading the NFL in all [passing] statistical categories. ... He has only three turnovers. He's not turning the ball over. He has a complementary player in Derrick Henry and yet he's still doing better in all his stat categories. It has to be Lamar Jackson."
ESPN's Ben Solak also said Jackson is his choice.
"With what he has done for the Eagles' offense, Barkley should have his name up there with Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen for the award," Solak wrote. "When I really sit down and think it out, I admit Jackson is more valuable to the Ravens' offense than Barkley has been to the Eagles' offense, and I'd probably cast my vote for the star Baltimore quarterback at this stage."
