The Baltimore Ravens defense got obliterated by the Cleveland Browns in what’s quickly becoming a weekly theme. While some of the issues Baltimore has had can be explained away through injuries or miscommunications, the 40-25 loss was full of lackluster play and apparently some lackluster effort.
In the fourth quarter, down by just six points, the Ravens seemed to be mounting a comeback. But an 88-yard touchdown run by Browns running back Nick Chubb sealed the game and the loss for Baltimore. On the play, it appeared safety Earl Thomas gave up, going from a sprint to a jog around midfield.
Take a look at the replay:
Looking at the player tracking of the play, there’s no question. Thomas absolutely pulls up, getting passed by multiple players, including linebacker Kenny Young.
After the game, Thomas confirmed he did quit on the play. He said he didn’t want to pull a hamstring trying to chase Chubb down.
Though it doesn’t seem like Thomas would have been able to catch up with Chubb, we’ve seen far weirder things happen in this league. It’s why coaches of any sport tell players to play until the whistle.
For a player to not only quit on a play, but to admit it, is a big faux pas for any level of football, much less in the NFL. It could also be seen as a big slap in the face after Baltimore gave Thomas a four-year deal worth $32 million guaranteed this offseason to prevent these types of plays from happening.
Thomas’ excuse doesn’t fit the “play like a Raven” mentality coach John Harbaugh has instilled in this team. Had the game been completely out of hand, it would be somewhat understandable, even if still not acceptable. But it was a one-score game at that point, and it could have taken just one stop to change a loss into a win. Though it’s a stretch to say Baltimore lost the game because of this lone play, Thomas’ lack of effort only highlights what was a terrible day for the Ravens defense and a terrible start to their season.
It’s the second consecutive week they’ve allowed 500-plus total net yards and the third straight game they’ve allowed a quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards. If players are literally going to give up, Baltimore’s defense isn’t going to get any better this season.
While the Ravens can’t bench Thomas, simply because of what he means to the defense as a whole, it’s a difficult situation. Harbaugh has taken a hard-line approach to players even seeming like they didn’t give 100 percent at all times. A defensive leader admitting he quit on a play shouldn’t be accepted by the coaching staff or the fans.
