The Baltimore Ravens entered week 7 with the mindset of taking out any NFC South opponent to cross their path. The Atlanta Falcons were the latest victim to the Ravens as the Ravens routed the Falcons 29-7 at home.
In the Ravens first-three matchups against NFC South opponents which are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers and the Falcons, the Ravens have outscored their opponents 115-34 resulting in a 3-0 record for the Ravens. The New Orleans Saints are the last NFC South opponent on the Ravens schedule.
The Ravens on defense stole the show as they unit hit Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan early and often with the Ravens adding five sacks to their total on the season. Outside linebacker ruled the day in the pass rushing department for the Ravens against the Falcons as Pernell McPhee and Elvis Dumervil collected two sacks each and Terrell Suggs provided a safety to seal as Ravens victory. The Ravens were also able to hold the Falcons to their lowest offensive total yardage wise at 254 yards.
Defense has been the calling card for the Ravens for so long and the unit continues to improve as the season goes along. The Ravens have allowed 14.8 points per game which is the fewest in the NFL. Not to mention the Ravens also have the best red zone defense in the NFL as well.
“It’s impressive to look [the defense] and it’s a lot of fun for us because we’re just sitting over there waiting to get the ball back,” Flacco noted after the game via Baltimoreravens.com. “And the advantage for us is we get the ball back with good field position and can strike quickly.”
On offense for the Ravens a lot can be worked on as the unit didn't have a great game. However, the Ravens offense remained stable throughout the game with quarterback Joe Flacco throwing for 258 yards with two touchdowns and the Ravens being able to run the ball as the offense gained 123 yards rushing.
Also on offense, the Ravens average 27.5 points per game on offense with the mindset of using every opportunity to score at an efficient rate every time they have possession of the ball. For the first time in Ravens franchise history, the Ravens finally have an offense that can score at will with no conservative approach to any game.
Key Notes:
- After having a sluggish start to the season, Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith has now hauled in three touchdown receptions in the past two games.
- Ravens running back Justin Forsett is quietly in the top five in total rushing yards in the entire NFL at 503.
- Ravens inside linebacker C.J. Mosley leads all rookies with 63 tackles. Mosley is quickly becoming a favorite to win defensive rookie of the year honors.
- Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith is currently as 640 yards receiving and four touchdowns through seven games on the season. Steve Smith had 745 yards receiving and four touchdowns total through the entire 2013 regular season with the Carolina Panthers.