The Ravens are 7-3 coming off a thrilling 35-34 win over the Bengals on "Thursday Night Football." Baltimore's offense sparkled again, erupting in the second half, but the defensive miscues continued in Week 10.
Here are my thoughts following the last-second AFC North victory, all in 50 words or less:
- Winning seven of their last eight after an 0-2 start is a major accomplishment for the Ravens, especially with their pass defense ranked last in the NFL. They've shown grit, even when their defense hasn't been great, and their offense has been spectacular.
- Improving their pass defense is priority No. 1 for the Ravens right now. Lineup changes, schematic changes – whatever it takes, it needs to be done. Ja'Marr Chase is special, but opponents haven't needed to be special to make big plays against Baltimore.
- Marlon Humphrey is speaking the truth about the Ravens’ pass defense, but he's been one of the team's best players this season. Where would Baltimore be without Humphrey's playmaking in two games against the Bengals, plus his two-pick game in Tampa Bay? In serious trouble.
- In the postgame locker room, I asked Derrick Henry about having extra time this weekend to rest for Week 11 against the Steelers. His face lit up with a smile. The Ravens need this weekend break both physically and mentally.
- Lamar Jackson's superpower to extend plays keeps paying off. He dropped 20 yards behind the line of scrimmage in the third quarter against the Bengals, before running a tight rope down the sideline for a 10-yard gain. Watching Jackson's amazing athleticism never gets old.
- There was a lot of talk about politics this week, but Jackson doesn't need a campaign manager in the MVP race. There's no way Jackson isn't the favorite to win his third MVP at this point. He's on pace to have his best statistical season by far.
- Every young player on the Ravens should use Tylan Wallace as an example. He always works hard, never complains, and doesn't lose confidence when he makes a mistake. Therefore, when his next opportunity comes, he’s ready for the moment.
- Through five games, Mark Andrews didn't have a touchdown catch. Now he leads the Ravens with five. Nov. 16 will be the one-year anniversary of Andrews' serious ankle injury. He’s been through a lot, but he remains a special tight end. His success is well-deserved.
- The unspoken language between Andrews and Jackson is uncanny. Thursday night, Andrews improvised while running a route, and Jackson anticipated the move for an 18-yard touchdown to give the Ravens their first lead late in the fourth quarter. Andrews and Jackson know their way around the red zone.
- Sweeping the season series over Cincinnati is huge for Baltimore, but I wouldn't count the Bengals (4-6) out of the playoff picture by any means. In 2022, the Ravens met the Bengals three times, including once in the postseason. A Ravens-Bengals playoff game would be must-see TV.
