Which Units Will Make Biggest Jump After Bye?
OK, that’s enough pessimism. Let’s focus on more potential positive developments.
The Baltimore Banner predicted which units will make the biggest jump after the bye. Jonas Shaffer said it’s the running game, while Giana Han went with the secondary.
“Over the next couple of weeks, the Ravens should get one of the NFL’s best running quarterbacks (Jackson) and one of the NFL’s best fullbacks (Patrick Ricard) back,” Shaffer wrote. “If Head Coach John Harbaugh’s unhappy with his guard play, the Ravens might also get a shakeup along the offensive line that could diversify their running game. Any offense with Jackson, Derrick Henry, Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell in the backfield should have a floor as a top-10 rushing attack, and the bet here is that the Ravens figure things out after the bye.”
Han wrote: “I think the secondary has potential. It’s had a lot of players sidelined by injury, and it should return to health. Getting Pro Bowl inside linebacker Roquan Smith back should also help, because the spine of the defense runs through him, and it’s currently running through a rookie, Teddye Buchanan. The addition of safety Alohi Gilman also gives Zach Orr and Chuck Pagano flexibility with what they can do. Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey will get healthier, and Nate Wiggins and Malaki Starks will improve with experience.”
Ravens Wire’s Geoffrey A. Knox said the presence of veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and Harbaugh could be invaluable as the Ravens look to get their season back on track.
“Some stars are just different. Sometimes a guy walks into an NFL locker room, and other stars can’t believe he’s now their teammate. DeAndre Hopkins is such a star,” Knox wrote. “He’s a guy some of the young Ravens watched in hopes of reaching a similar status. Since his arrival, he’s had everyone’s attention and respect. That respect extends from the coaching staff down to the players. Showing up huge in certain spots has only helped that. He has authored fantastic catches. He’s tied for the team lead in TD receptions (2) and ranks second in both yards per reception (19.8) and receiving yards (178).
“Sure, the NFL is about results. Yes, voices become stale sometimes, but John Harbaugh isn’t the guy fumbling in the clutch. John Harbaugh hasn’t thrown interceptions or missed tackles. Yes, failure sometimes falls back on coaching, but what we’ve seen happen to Harbaugh’s team could have happened to any other team dealt the same hand. Be patient. This will work itself out.”