NFL Power Rankings: Ravens Slide After Overtime Loss?
The Baltimore Ravens found themselves on the losing end of things for the first time this season when they lost 22-19 in overtime to the Indianapolis Colts (2-1) on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.
Despite the loss in sloppy conditions, Sports Illustrated is still high on the Ravens (2-1), ranking them ninth in their power rankings. Baltimore was seventh in the power rankings last week.
"I loved the Ravens’ defensive plan going into this game," SI writes. "Kyle Hamilton was unleashed off the edge and proved himself to be an apt situational rusher. He already has more sacks in 2023 than he did a year ago. There were a few plays, like the Zack Moss touchdown catch, that I don’t think the opposition is going to replicate if the game is played a second time under similar circumstances. It’s a long way of saying I really love what I’m seeing from this team. The offense has home run wrinkles nestled inside a scheme that can still frustratingly draw out a defense if needed."
Baltimore is second among AFC North teams, only trailing the Cleceland Browns, who were ranked seventh. The Cincinnati Bengals (1-2) are 10th, while the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) were ranked 18th.
Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton had the best performance of his young career with three sacks, two tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, a forced fumble and nine tackles. If the second-year safety can continue to be a disruptive force getting after the quarterback, it'll make an already strong defense better and more unpredictable.
Offensively, Lamar Jackson had his best performance on the ground this season, running the ball 14 times for 101 yards and two touchdowns. He also completed 22 of 31 passes for 202 yards. With how ravaged Baltimore's offense was with injuries and the rainy conditions, Jackson's performance was promising as he continues to adapt to the offense under offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
Baltimore will face a big test on Sunday when they go on the road to face the Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium at 1 p.m.
