Four games are in the books, meaning one-fourth of the 2019 season is already wrapped up. As something of a progress report on the Ravens, it’s time to hand out some awards at the season’s quarter pole.
It should come as no surprise that most of the names on this list have already been identified as studs through the first four weeks of the season. But just which awards are they up for?
Player of the Year – QB Lamar Jackson
Heading into the season, the biggest question surrounding the Ravens concerned the development of their quarterback. Through four games, most of those questions would appear to have been answered. Jackson is 92 yards away from surpassing his rookie total of 1,201 yards passing in his seven starts in 2018.
Jackson’s passing numbers have improved dramatically across the board. His passing yards per game is up by more than 200. Jackson’s adjusted yards per attempt is 9.1, up from 7.0 last year. He has completed 64.9% of his pass attempts, up from 58.2%. In addition to all of this, Jackson was tied for the NFL lead with 10 passing touchdowns over the first four games.
In addition to his passing prowess, Jackson’s rushing ability remains a vital part of his game. He has a similar number of rushing attempts per game but is now averaging 6.6 yards per attempt. His rookie average was 4.7.
The Ravens are 2-2, and while Jackson has played a huge part in the two wins he has not been the reason for the two losses. There is no question now that the Ravens have a quarterback to build around.
Offensive MVP – TE Mark Andrews
Andrews is still not playing every offensive snap for the Ravens — far from it, in fact. His 48.6% snap share is No. 44 among all NFL tight ends. But he’s been highly productive whenever his number has been called.
Andrews has 23.4% of the Ravens’ targets in 2019, with his 32 targets behind only Marquise Brown for the team lead. Andrews has corralled 23 of them for 266 yards and three touchdowns. Among all NFL tight ends, Andrews is No. 6 in targets and receptions and No. 5 in receiving yards. No other tight end has seen more deep targets (15-plus yards down the field) than Andrews’ six.
It would be great if Andrews could get on the field more often, as he has shown himself to be a legitimate playmaker as one of Jackson’s favorite and most reliable targets.
Defensive MVP – OLB Matt Judon
The Ravens defense got off to a strong start but has tailed off somewhat over the last two games. There have been glaring weaknesses across the unit, but if one player can be celebrated for his form, it has been Matthew Judon.
Judon has the team lead with three sacks, putting him on pace for a career-high 12. According to Pro Football Focus, Judon leads all 3-4 outside linebackers with seven quarterback hits too.
As impressive as Judon as been, he can’t do it all on his own.
Rookie Star – WR Marquise Brown
Brown made a huge impression on his NFL debut, reeling in four receptions for 147 yards and two touchdowns against the Miami Dolphins. Incredibly, he did all of his damage despite running only six routes.
Brown has seen his playing time increase in the three games since then, although he has yet to command a full share of snaps. When he is on the field, the Ravens have made use of him. Brown has a 19.7% target-per-snap rate, the No. 4 among all NFL wide receivers. Brown is showing signs of emerging as one of the next true deep threats, leading all wideouts with 12 deep targets.
Brown and Andrews have given Jackson two legitimate playmakers who can win down the field.
Most Disappointing – LB Patrick Onwuasor
The Ravens are not getting a ton of production from their defense. This is something of a worry given Baltimore’s historical identity. One of the players who seriously needs to start giving the Ravens more is Onwuasor.
Onwusasor is ranked 68th out of 72 inside linebackers, per Pro Football Focus. Only two players have lower pass-rushing grades than Onwuasor. He leads the Ravens with 23 combined tackles, but he has a single tackle for loss and no forced fumbles.
The Ravens need players like Onwuasor to step up and make plays. At the moment, he is doing neither.
