The Ravens are reeling. They’re hoping a pressure-packed trip out west changes that.
“Hopefully it puts us under a microscope, or at least makes it feel that way. And hopefully we react to it in a positive way,” said Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.
Baltimore visits the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. Both teams are 2-2 and looking to snap two-game losing streaks. If the Ravens are going to do just that they’ll have to find some kind of spark on offense. Their offensive unit is ranked third worst in the NFL overall with a passing offense ranked dead last.
“I’ve been a little bit quick to get the ball out of my hands at times. I think if I just hang in there and trust the process, trust the pocket. I might have to step up and make some plays here and there,” said Flacco.
The head coach wants more big plays.
“We’ve got to open that up a little bit and find a way to throw it over the top of people and we need more catch and run plays,” said John Harbaugh.
On defense the Ravens won’t be facing pro-bowl quarterback Derek Carr. He’s out with a fractured back. EJ Manuel steps in for his first start in a non-season finale in two years. That means Baltimore could see a heavy dose of running back Marshawn Lynch, especially after the Ravens gave up 173 rushing yards last Sunday against the Steelers.
“Marshawn Lynch is one of the best backs in the league,” added Harbaugh. “He’s got a very unique style. He’s a very violent runner. He’s hard to bring down.”
“We’ve got to just stay patient, especially with Marshawn Lynch. He’s a different kind of back. But, we’ve got to play assignment football,” said Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce.
As the Ravens got back on the practice field three days after their latest loss, left tackle Ronnie Stanley got back to work three days after the tragic mass shooting in his hometown. Stanley grew up in Las Vegas.
“It’s been rough. Waking up and seeing that, that’s like the first thing I saw when I woke up,” said Stanley. “Just trying to check in on my family and loved ones and close friends back home. It was kind of overwhelming.”
Stanley says everyone that he knows in Vegas is okay.
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