Dolphins 22 Ravens 10

Want to know how bad this game was tonight? Go ahead. Ask.

It was so bad that the Ravens had several different opportunities to steal this game in the second half, despite putting up a pitiful performance on nearly every level. That’s how bad this game was.

There were two fumbles by Miami quarterbacks that weren’t recovered, while the Ravens had a fumble of their own that was recovered and returned the other way for a touchdown. There were third-down stops that could have been made, but weren’t. For the love of all that is holy, Justin Tucker missed a field goal. This is not a report card to hang on the fridge.

Offense Overall: D-

This was painful to watch. It seemed quarterback Lamar Jackson was snapping as the play clock expired each snap, the running backs were getting collapsed upon as they hit the line, and their inability to do anything at all with the Miami blitzes forced their passing game to go east and west, resulting in nothing to celebrate. They totaled 304 yards and 10 points. They also punted eight times and had two turnovers.

Quarterback: C-

Jackson only missed two to three throws that looked like clear misses, but he didn’t ever really get rolling with his arm or his legs. His interception wasn’t a big deal as circumstances forced him to force that at the end of the game, but he probably got a little fortunate with his touchdown pass in that the Miami defense apparently clocked out halfway through the play.

He didn’t stink, but he wasn’t a difference-maker, either.

Running Backs: D+

Devonta Freeman still looks pretty quick in the traffic inside, but struggles to reach the edge consistently. Le’Veon Bell didn’t do much and might have missed a block on one of Jackson’s sacks — though it’s often hard to know who had what responsibility.

Wide Receivers: C-

Devin Duvernay did some nice things tonight, grabbing four catches and taking an end-around for 19 yards. Marquise Brown was fine, but not explosive, and Rashod Bateman impressed again, particularly with a physical run after catch late. Sammy Watkins didn’t help tonight in his return, only catching one ball, which he fumbled for a defensive touchdown, and seemed to lose a deep pass from Jackson early. Mark Andrews was solid, and almost had a remarkable catch. Sammy brought this grade down.

Offensive Line: F+

They struggled with the Dolphins’ blitzes all game, and got beaten up by the Miami front. Scheme, calls, whatever… they didn’t get it done. Ben Powers is not showing to the answer at left guard, and pressure truly came from all angles. I gave it a “+” because Kevin Zeitler had two blocks that made me take note. I like when a block makes me take a note.

Defense Overall: D

The truth be told, there was stuff to like about the defense throughout the game. Also, since we’re telling truths, they gave up too many big plays again and had several opportunities to give the ball back to the offense and didn’t. They only gave up 15 points (seven went to a fumble return) and 350 yards. But they didn’t step up when they needed to step up.

Defensive Line: B-

Calais Campbell, Justin Madubuike and Justin Ellis all made some nice plays, and the line held up well against the Phins’ run game. They didn’t make any splash plays that could have made a difference in an ugly game like this, but they won more than they lost out there.

Linebackers: B-

Josh Bynes basically saved the Ravens four points when he stifled a Miami red zone opportunity by making a run stop on first down, and then knocked down a pass on second down, before Miami went penalty-crazy on third down and ended up kicking a field goal. Patrick Queen looked good again, and Justin Houston and Odafe Oweh both picked up sacks. Tyus Bowser disrupted a few plays in the first half.

Defensive Backs: F

This is a grade based on the sum of the parts over the individuals. Marlon Humphrey and Anthony Averett both made some nice plays in coverage, and Tavon Young was also effective. But these breakdowns in the backfield are absolutely destroying this defense right now. There were also too many instances, once again, of ball-carriers weaving through the Baltimore secondary. Yes, they miss some guys. No doubt. But they have to get this figured out. This schedule only gets harder.

Special Teams: D+

Justin Tucker missed a kick. Sam Koch was inconsistent, even though he got enough work tonight that he shouldn’t have been rusty. Duvernay didn’t do a lot with limited opportunities on returns. Not a sterling evening.

Coaching: F

The offense showed no answers to any of the problems the Miami defense was presenting, and the defense continues to show frustrating lapses in communication, finishing tackles and turning the ball over. The coaching this season has been tremendous. They have largely exceeded most people’s expectations considering the injury bug. This was not a good night for them. It happens. They’ll probably be better against Chicago. But this team was not prepared tonight.

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