Defense Stays Flocking
Desmond Ridder and the Falcons' offense looked lost.
They were tormented by Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen, who flew sideline to sideline, holding Atlanta to an average of only 3.5 yards per rush. Seeing how he’s energized the entire defense, it’d be hard to imagine a long-term deal not getting done between the team and Smith.
The difference in this game came down to Baltimore’s ability to stiffen in the red zone. Atlanta drove down inside the Ravens’ 20-yard line four times, but each time came away empty-handed.
The Ravens’ offense wasn’t much better, coming away with a touchdown on only one of their four trips to the red zone. In many ways, both teams went into this one with similar game plans. Both wanted to establish the run as a method of masking substandard quarterback play, play bend-but-don’t-break defense forcing their opponent to take field goals, and play safe, turnover-free football.
Only the Ravens’ accomplished the last goal, as a second-quarter Marlon Humphrey “fruit punch” knocked the ball out of the hands of Falcons receiver Drake London.
Two seasons ago Humphrey accumulated a league-leading eight forced fumbles, but the following season he only managed one. Sunday was his first of the season and it was a beauty, a full wind-up, and viscous strike that landed directly on the nose of the football, sending it squirting out of London’s grasp. Humphrey, already a Pro Bowler this season, could also receive his second career All-Pro nod.
