Offensive woes continue for Ravens

Oct 24, 2017 - 12:10 AM OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens have a short week to find some healthy receivers, fix an inconsistent offense that struggles to score touchdowns and stop opposing running backs from amassing huge chunks of yards.

The Ravens have lost four of their past five games, falling to 3-4 on the season. They have to regroup quickly before facing the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night to help keep a potential playoff run intact.

Baltimore likely needs to win seven of its final nine games to make the playoffs, according to head coach John Harbaugh. That challenge continues on a short week.

"We have a lot of tough guys," Harbaugh said at his Monday press conference. "It's about mental toughness. You have to put everything aside, ignore the noise and go out there and fight. We have a bunch of guys I know who will do that."

After wide receiver Mike Wallace was forced to leave the game Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, the Ravens had to play without their three top receivers, with Jeremy Maclin (shoulder) and Breshad Perriman (concussion) already inactive.

This meant quarterback Joe Flacco had few weapons at his disposal and the result was predictable. Flacco was sacked five times and Baltimore managed just 80 total yards in the first half in the eventual 24-16 loss.

Baltimore hopes to get healthier for the Dolphins, who also boast an imposing defense.

"I wouldn't say we're overall trying to fix something that's completely broken," Flacco said. "We can't look at it that way. We got to keep our heads up and play one game at a time. This is where we are right now. There's nothing we can do to go back in time and change it at this point."

The Ravens' defense also allowed more than 100 yards on the ground for the fifth straight game. Part of the issue is Baltimore's defenders are left on the field for long stretches after the offense goes three-and-out.

The defense is also under pressure to make game-changing plays. The Ravens have managed just four total takeaways in their four losses, and 11 in their wins.

"The team is built around defense, it's just disappointing," linebacker Terrell Suggs said. "We are not playing good football right now. I don't really have any answers for you. Defensively? Yeah, defensively we are not playing really good football."

--The return of defensive tackle Brandon Williams was supposed to help the run defense. The results, however, were about the same.

Williams was back in the lineup Sunday against the Vikings after missing the past four games with a foot injury. Baltimore allowed 169.5 yards per game and went 1-3 without Williams in the lineup.

Even with Williams able to play, the Vikings ran for 169 yards on 33 carries. Latavius Murray led the way with 113 yards and a touchdown. Despite those gaudy numbers, Williams felt the team made progress.

"I feel like we did well," Williams said. "I mean we still gave up over 100 yards, which is unacceptable for us but, it's definitely better than 231 yards last week."

Still, the defense is going to have to play much better for the team to have any shot at the playoffs. Williams is confident the entire unit can raise its level of play.

"Obviously the Ravens defense is historical here," Williams said. "We know that it comes down to us getting out there and keeping offenses at bay. At the same time, I am proud of my guys. We only gave up one offensive touchdown -- the rest were field goals. I am proud of my guys. They are fighting their butts off, just doing everything they possibly can to keep it a close game. I wouldn't go to war with anyone else."

--"Zero."

That's how Ravens safety Eric Weddle described the team's margin for error after losing for the fourth time in five games. Baltimore is 3-4 and trails the first-place Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) by two games in the AFC North.

The Ravens likely need to reach 10 wins for any shot in the postseason. The team has missed the playoffs in three of the past four seasons. Players and coaches acknowledge there is pressure to end that drought.

Despite the struggles on both sides of the ball, Weddle is confident the Ravens can bounce back this season.

"I think we are going to win every game, so I don't really understand a question like that," Weddle said. "Do you want me to say we are going to lose next week? I think we are going to win every game, until the season is done and I can't play anymore games. If anyone else says otherwise, they probably shouldn't be on the team."

NOTES: TE Gavin Escobar was signed Monday to give quarterback Joe Flacco another target downfield. Escobar is a 2013 second-round pick by the Cowboys and had 30 receptions for 333 yards and eight touchdowns during his career in Dallas. In a corresponding move, OL Tony Bergstrom was released. ... WR Mike Wallace was placed in the concussion protocol in the first quarter Sunday against Minnesota and did not return. Wallace lost his helmet and smacked his head against the turf on a hit by safety Andrew Sendejo, who was penalized and then suspended Monday for one game. Wallace had one catch for 9 yards. He also missed practice last week because of a sore back. ... WR Griff Whalen, who was signed last week because of injuries, had an effective debut. He had four catches for 23 yards and showed solid hands. ... DE Carl Davis was available after missing last week's game with a hamstring injury. Davis is supposed to help fill the void left by Brent Urban, who is out with a season-ending foot injury.



REPORT CARD VS. VIKINGS

--PASSING OFFENSE: C -- Quarterback Joe Flacco was 27 of 39 for 186 yards with a touchdown, playing with a depleted group of receivers. He was sacked five times and under pressure most of the game. There is no quick-fix for the offense.

--RUSHING OFFENSE: C-minus -- Baltimore could not get its running game going against the Vikings' stout defense. The Ravens finished with 64 yards rushing on 20 attempts. Alex Collins had 30 yards on 10 carries and has been their biggest spark on offense.

--PASS DEFENSE: C -- Vikings quarterback Case Keenum was 20 of 31 for 188 yards with an interception and a passer rating of 67.7. Baltimore's corners, Jimmy Smith, Brandon Carr and Marlon Humphrey, were solid in coverage, but the safeties, Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson, struggle to make tackles.

--RUSH DEFENSE: D -- The Ravens allowed 169 yards on the ground even with defensive tackle Brandon Williams back in the lineup. This unit was supposed to be the strength of the team, but were ranked last in the NFL after Sunday's game.

--SPECIAL TEAMS: C-plus -- It's usually not a good sign when your best players are your kicker and punter. But that's how it went for Baltimore. Justin Tucker converted all three of his field-goal attempts, including a 57-yarder. Sam Koch had a 60-yard punt. There were breakdowns in coverage as the Vikings returned three punts for 83 yards.

--COACHING: D -- The Ravens lost for the fourth time in five games and trail the first-place Pittsburgh Steelers by two games in the AFC North. The coaches are limited by their personnel, but the results are still disappointing. Despite several votes of confidence by owner Steve Bisciotti, Baltimore likely needs to finish the season strong or there could be a shakeup with the coaching staff.