Copyright Athlon Sports
Highlights The Ravens moved to 3-5 after a 28-6 win over Miami Thursday, their second straight victory. Stephen A. Smith said Baltimore’s defense and Derrick Henry’s improved ball security are changing the team’s outlook. Lamar Jackson impressed in his return from injury, completing 18-of-23 passes for 204 yards and four touchdowns. The Baltimore Ravens may have dug themselves an early hole this season, but ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith thinks they’re clawing their way back into Super Bowl contention. Following Baltimore’s 28-6 win over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night, Smith said on First Take that the Ravens are “right in the mix” thanks to a revitalized defense and the return of quarterback Lamar Jackson. “Now things change,” Smith said. “If you’re not fumbling the football, you’re not giving it away. But you’ve got takeaways and your defense is respectable. Not great, not elite, but respectable. Then we get to go to Lamar Jackson.” Smith pointed to Jackson’s efficiency as the biggest reason for optimism. The former MVP returned from a hamstring injury that sidelined him since Week 4 and delivered a near-perfect performance Thursday, throwing for 204 yards and four touchdowns on 18-of-23 passing. The Ravens’ defense, which struggled mightily early in the season, has also shown major improvement. Smith noted that Baltimore has limited opponents over the past three weeks while cutting down on turnovers. “What if the Ravens defense has legitimately improved?” Smith said. “What if what we’ve seen over the last three weeks is an indication of what we’re going to see moving forward defensively? What if Derrick Henry is not fumbling the football?” At 3-5, Baltimore sits tied for second in the AFC North behind the 4-3 Pittsburgh Steelers. But if the Ravens’ defensive turnaround continues and Jackson maintains his current form, Smith believes the conversation about the AFC’s top contenders could soon include Baltimore once again. The Ravens will be in action on Sunday, Nov. 9 as they travel to take on the Minnesota Vikings. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET.
