Get into the winning column

It’s crazy to think that a team that narrowly missed out in the AFCCG last year would enter Week 3 with the mindset that it’s a “must-win game.” The Ravens were winless to start the season and needed to get back on track in Dallas to prevent the season from slipping away early. Baltimore was ready to do just that, finding the end zone on two consecutive drives to break the game open. The offense was on fire, establishing the running game early and exposing a major weakness in the Cowboys before they could even get into position. Lamar Jackson went to work early, attacking the Dallas defense on the ground and in the air, managing 111 all-purpose yards and a rushing TD in the first quarter, leading to two touchdown drives. The plan was clear: give Derrick Henry and Jackson the balls and watch the magic happen.

Becoming one-dimensional offensively

The Ravens’ passing game made the plays it needed, despite Jackson’s season-low 15 pass attempts. Lamar distributed the ball and completed passes to seven different receivers for 182 yards and a touchdown to Rashod Bateman. Baltimore was able to improve its plays on early offenses and relied on the running game to finish them off and score points.

Jackson and the Ravens managed two big aerial plays: a 56-yard catch-and-run by Nelson Agholor and a 30-yard play by Charlie Kolar, both of which led to Ravens touchdowns later in the drive. Jackson remained efficient, throwing just three incomplete passes and defending the ball for the first time this season. The Ravens coaching staff gave fans what they hoped for on offense: a dynamic running game centered around Jackson and Henry. The duo made plenty of yards against the Cowboys, with Henry picking up 151 yards on the ground and two scores while Jackson averaged 6.2 yards per play for a total of 87 yards and a touchdown. The offensive line ignored criticism from a week ago, matching its highest yardage in a game this season (274).

However, Baltimore looked poised to repeat another fourth-quarter mistake and struggled to find the end zone, putting victory out of reach. With a 28-6 fourth-quarter lead, all the Ravens needed was an effective offense to secure their first win of the season. The team had other plans, however. More penalty trouble, a lack of yardage and continued special teams mistakes allowed Dallas to regain some much-needed momentum. That story must change if Jackson and the Ravens are to make a serious turnaround. The lack of points and ability to beat teams in the fourth quarter is becoming more and more troubling as the season progresses.

With games against Buffalo and Cincinnati coming up, the Ravens offense will need to build on their Week 3 success and execute in all four quarters.

A look at the AFC North

It’s time to start the discussion: Is Justin Fields the best option at quarterback for the Steelers? Three games, three wins for the former Bears first-round pick. Fields hasn’t been shining on the stat sheet by any stretch of the imagination, but he’s remained efficient, leading the Steelers to a 3-0 start, the best in the AFC North. It was a really hard-fought battle between the Steelers and Chargers on Sunday. Fields distributed the ball well, completing 25/32 for 245 yards through the air and scoring a touchdown on both the ground and passing. Improving play under center has allowed the Steelers’ already dangerous defense to take more weight off its shoulders this season. It may be a hot pick now, but Fields seems to fit the role as Pittsburgh’s quarterback of the future.

Are the Browns a serious contender this season? Despite a similar record to the Ravens, Cleveland’s problems seem much more concerning. The offensive line continues to work on recovering from injuries, while the return of Nick Chubb in the running game couldn’t come sooner for the Browns. The offense is struggling tremendously right now, regardless of quarterback play. Deshaun Watson has gotten his game somewhat under control this week, but he also faced pressure, taking eight sacks from a nasty Giants pass rush. Cleveland needs to get this under control, and fast, because the AFC North looks to be another challenge this season.

Heading into their game against the Washington Commanders today, the Bengals sit in last place in the division for now. Joe Burrow and the offense seemed to get back on track last week against the Chiefs after a disappointing season-opening performance. The Bengals’ passing attack will see the return of wide receiver Tee Higgins, who will make his season debut after suffering a hamstring injury earlier in the year. Getting Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase going is key to the Bengals’ success this season. Through two games, Burrow and Chase have combined for just 97 yards and averaged 9.7 YPG. Chase has yet to make it to the end zone this year as speculation continues to grow about his dissatisfaction in Cincinnati following a lengthy contract dispute this offseason (that still seems to have no end in sight). If Burrow and his passing game can get going, the Bengals should have no trouble dealing with the Commanders. Another slow start similar to the game against the Patriots could set off alarm bells for the Bengals, as they risk an 0-3 start to the season.