The Ravens are no longer among the AFC’s elite teams and are now in second place in their division after a humbling 17-10 loss to the Steelers on Sunday.
Baltimore had to quickly regroup and board a plane for London, where they’ll battle the Tennessee Titans in the Week 6 version of the NFL’s International Series.
Buy Ravens TicketsWith preparation underway, here are the positional grades from the shocking defeat.
QB--B
The MVP candidate suffered an ugly loss, and he avoids a C grade thanks to six drops by Ravens wide receivers.
Jackson’s struggles against Pittsburgh continued as he completed 22 of 38 passes for 236 yards and rushed six times for 45 yards.
Jackson had strong moments, but down the stretch, the quarterback had a pass picked off in the end zone with 4:10 remaining after the Ravens caused a Steelers turnover on special teams.
After not capitalizing on the turnover, Jackson was the victim of a strip sack.
Running backs --C
Ravens ball-carriers would have received a higher grade, but the offensive play-caller is inconsistent with his usage rates.
Baltimore rushers not named Lamar Jackson logged 80 yards rushing on 19 carries, but neither player was given a chance to earn the hot hand.
Gus Edwards had 48 yards on 12 carries and Justice Hill finished with 32 yards rushing on seven carries, including a 14-yard touchdown run in the first quarter,
Hill had a fumble that ended a drive with the Ravens ahead 10-0.
Wide Receivers --D
Zay Flowers prevents this group from getting an F, but it was a lackluster performance as a unit.
Rashod Bateman dropped a possible touchdown pass, along with Flowers and Nelson Agholor, while Odell Beckham had another non-productive outing.
TE--B
Mark Andrews had 6 catches for 65 yards, while Isaiah Likely saw just six snaps as Baltimore worked to get their wide receiver group in rhythm.
OL--C-
Lamar Jackson was sacked four times, but a banged up Ravens offensive line was solid until the fourth quarter when T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith became overwhelming.
Baltimore’s desire to not run the ball did the offensive line no favors, and two of the four sacks were recorded in the fourth quarter.
DL--B
The Steelers struggled to run the ball, and leaned on quarterback Kenny Pickett, and the passing game.
Michael Pierce and Justin Madubuike stodd out on the afternoon.
Pierce finished with two tackles and Madubuike had five stops, along with a half a sack.
LB--B
The dynamic duo played well, as Roquan Smith had 11 tackles and one pass defended. Patrick Queen finished with seven tackles, while outside linebacker Malik Harrison was strong against the run and finished with two tackles.
DB--C
Marlon Humphrey returned to the lineup and played well up until he ggave up a 41-yard touchdown to George Pickens with 1:17 left in the game.
Brandon Stephens had his worst performance of the season, while Kyle Hamilton finished with three tackles, including two for losses.
Overall, Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 18 of 32 passes for 224 yards and finished with a passer rating of 88.5.