The Baltimore Ravens are back in the win column as they defe

Although it may be too earlier to call any game at this stage a must-win Baltimore Ravens Hats , they picked up a much-needed victory as they prepare for a three-game stretch on the road. After their disastrous performance on Thursday night football against the Bengals ten days earlier, what did we learn from the Ravens in week three?1. The offensive line is still an issue, but give them credit for taking Von Miller out of the gameLeading up to week three, most of the conversations at ‘The Castle’ were centered around Von Miller, Denver’s defensive leader. The Ravens’ offense, particularly their offensive line, knew in order to beat the Broncos, they needed to shut down Miller.“[Von Miller] the straw that stirs the drink, no doubt – one of the very best in the league at what he does. We will have to have him accounted for at all times, on every play. If we don’t do that, he’ll wreck the game. That’s job [No.] 1 on offense – that’s where it starts,” head coach John Harbaugh stated earlier in the week. It would be hard to argue that Marty Mornhinweg and the rest of the offensive staff did not scheme up a successful game plan to neutralize Miller as he finished the game with two total tackles and two penalties. He had a two-game sack streak heading into this matchup, but it was snapped on Sunday. “That was the biggest thing, just not letting him be a factor Baltimore Ravens Womens Hoodie , and we had a plan for that, obviously, but at the end of the day, it’s really just up to those guys up front,” quarterback Joe Flacco said after the game. Mornhinweg’s offensive utilized several different concepts to virtually take Miller out of the game. On several occasions, they moved the pocket, which bought Joe Flacco more time to survey the field. In addition, Baltimore relied on their tight ends for chip blocks, which paid dividends. 2. Don Martindale, not the loss of C.J. Mosley, was the issue in week 2Against the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore’s defense was a nightmare in the first half following C.J. Mosley’s injury. They allowed four consecutive touchdown drives. The defense looked unorganized, and often, confused. Patrick Onwuasor took over the play-calling duties in the first half Womens Customized Baltimore Ravens Jerseys , and it was clear that the defense was not prepared for that. There were several busted coverages, poor scheme, and a questionable game plan. After the Bengals’ fourth consecutive touchdown drive, Baltimore’s defense tightened up. They only allowed 134 yards and six points for the rest of the game. It appears that the loss of Mosley was not as significant as many wereforecasting, while the real issue may have been lack of preparation bythe defense, which is entirely on Martindale. With ten days to prepare for the Broncos, and the Ravens likely knew Mosley would be inactive considering he only practiced once all week (limited participant), Martindale’s unit looked more organized. With Eric Weddle relaying the signals, the team was able to return to their dominant week one form. Baltimore held the Broncos scoreless for three quarters, and one of their touchdown drives started inside the Ravens’ six-yard line. They forced one turnover and only recorded three sacks, but the pass-rush was alive and well.Mosley is playing under the final year of his rookie contract, and Baltimore will have a difficult to decision to make in the offseason. However, with the emergence of Kenny Young, would it be wise for the Ravens to give Mosley such a lucrative contract? If the defense continues to perform well without Mosley www.ravenscheapstores.com , their decision may not be so difficult.3. Joe Flacco is the biggest factor in whether or not the Ravens make the playoffsThis is not necessarily a new takeaway or one that should be much of a surprise. However, weeks two and three showcased the difference between how the Ravens perform when Flacco is ‘hot’ and when he is ‘cold.’ In week two, the offensive line was far from satisfactory, but Flacco still had plenty of opportunities to lead Baltimore to a come from behind victory. However, his inaccuracy issues reared its ugly head, and the Ravens were defeated. Flacco’s decision-making was head-scratching. Flashing forward to week three, it was seemingly a different quarterback. Despite being pressured on multiple occasions, Flacco was able to guide the offense to 27 points. His stats may not be ‘sexy’ as he only had 277 yards and one touchdown, but it was his sharp decision-making that should have stolen the show. The Ravens now have the weapons around Flacco to have an above-average offense, and it is on him to deliver. Can he force Baltimore to have to make a tough decision this offseason?A strong preseason could give Tim White the inside track to make the roster The Ravens have had a Jacoby Jones sized hole at the returner position since the former fan favorite wideout left town after a prolific few years at the position. Since then, they’ve attempted to replace him with players such as Michael Campanaro, who flashed promise but was never able to truly lock down the job.Now with the former seventh-rounder in Tennessee, they’ll have to continue looking for a starter at the position they’ve been strong at historically. One candidate to be that starter is wide receiver Tim White, a second year player out of Arizona State.White was a standout in camp as a rookie last season Baltimore Ravens T-Shirt , and after suffering a season ending injury following a strong preseason effort, he returns to a much deeper receiver room in Baltimore thanks to a productive offseason from Ozzie Newsome. As a result, the path to making the roster is crowded, and White was hardly considered a favorite to make it as a former undrafted player a few months ago.That was then, this is now, and ever since the pads have come on, White has again been generating buzz as a guy who could sneak onto the team as a rotational receiver/return man thanks to some strong performances in practice. So what does he have to do to officially stake his claim?Well, first of all, keep practicing well. The other route is by locking down that returner position, and making the most of his chances when the lights come on in the preseason games.ESPN’s Jamison Hensley sees this happening, predicting White will not only make the team, but have a big season at returner for Baltimore:The fact that he states White is the front runner here is a good indication the 24-year-old could in fact be ready to make a real impact. The past several seasons saw an open competition at returner due to Campanaro’s inability to stay healthy.If White can maintain the starting spot, this certainly gives him an inside track to making the final 53. This starts with a strong preseason in which he gives the coaching staff no choice but to keep him around.There is a decent likelihood of that due to emphasis John Harbaugh has placed on special teams, and Jerry Rosburg’s ability to manufacture production in the return game. This is all without even mentioning White’s abilities as a receiver which haven’t gone unnoticed in camp either.Teammate Michael Crabtree made sure to note White among the pass catchers that have been slept on by the media so far:With Crabtree Baltimore Ravens Hats , John Brown, Willie Snead, and Chris Moore, you have four locks to make the team. Beyond them, Jaleel Scott and Jordan Lasley were just drafted and are likely to be on the squad come September as well, which totals out to six receivers.This leaves White battling it out with players such as Janarion Grant, Jaelon Acklin, and former first rounder Breshad Perriman, all of whom will be trying to prove they deserve a spot on the team. The main difference separating him from them is his value in the return game, which could make him the uncommon seventh receiver, or maybe even make him the sixth guy above of one of the aforementioned rookies for the roster.Before he does though, he’ll have to make good on this promise in the coming month of practice and preseason games. It all kicks off in the Hall of Fame game, so be sure to keep an eye out for White amidst the festivities when the Ravens and Bears square off to finally start to the 2018 preseason.