The performance was sloppy, but the Ravens did what elite teams are supposed to do, taking care of the youthful Houston Texans, 25-9 at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Baltimore is 1-0 ahead of what will be a physical matchup against an embarrassed and angry Bengals franchise.
Buy Ravens TicketsThe Monday and Tuesday after the opening weekend always carries the biggest overreaction and we’re looking at four early noteworthy takes.
Ravens need to sign a free agent RB
Head coach John Harbaugh touched on the topic, but Baltimore is fine at the running back position after J.K. Dobbins suffered a torn Achilles. Gus Edwards and Justice Hill are really talented, while rookie Keaton Mitchell will return from injured reserve in three weeks.
Melvin Gordon III is an established NFL running back and signed to the practice squad for this exact reason, while Owen Wright showed in the preseason finale that he can be productive when holes are opened.
Patrick Ricard doesn't have a role
The fullback won’t be as featured in Todd Monken’s offense, but he’ll find a role as a ball carrier, run-blocker, and pass catcher out of the backfield.
Do not tell me that Patrick Ricard doesn't have a role in Todd Monken's offense. 🥞🔨
Back to back goal-line runs with Ricard spearheading the blocking. Takes out both Texans ILBs on Justice Hill's TD run. pic.twitter.com/sM3H7d0ccH
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) September 12, 2023
On multiple occurrences, Sunday, Monken creatively schemed Ricard to be the lead blocker on several critical red zone runs.
Jadeveon Clowney should be the starter
Clowney played the most snaps and flashed his pass rush potential on multiple plays, but it was Ojabo who logged a sack on the afternoon.
According to PFF, Clowney had four hurries and one quarterback hit on the day, while posting a 12.5% win rate.
A former No. 1 overall pick, Clowney is a professional pass rusher and disruptor, who’ll likely flourish more when used as a rotational piece with a designed role.
Can Ojabo remain the starter with a motivated Clowney breathing down his neck?
Odell Beckham is a decoy
Beckham Jr. logged two catches, for 37-yards on three targets, but it was his elite presence that opened things up for rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers.
Beckham Jr. was present and active, logging 59 snaps, five more than Flowers on the afternoon.
There will be days where Beckham draws all the attention, but that breakout performance is still going to loom.
