By Joe Schiller
1. In the Matchup of Two Dual-Threat QBs, No. 8 Stood Out
Pundits predicted a shootout when Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson faced off, similar to their last meeting in college, but it wasn't the case. Instead, it was Jackson who stood out as the Ravens routed the Texans 41-7.
Jackson outperformed Watson, throwing for 222 yards and four touchdowns. More MVP chants ensued at M&T Bank Stadium and its hard not to see why. Jackson became the first quarterback in franchise history to total multiple four touchdown games in a single season, and he's got my vote as MVP ahead of Russell Wilson after Sunday.
Jackson broke another highlight reel run against one of the league's top rushing defenses and there's not a defensive coordinator who has been able to stop him this season.
2. Defense is Finding Their Stride
With all of the concerns about the Ravens' pass rush, they chose the perfect game to have their best performance of the season. They totaled a season-high seven sacks and limited Watson throughout the entire game.
Matthew Judon was all over the field and Jaylon "Sack Daddy" Ferguson totaled his first career sack. The Ravens need to keep Judon around or else he's destined to become a highly paid free-agent by another team this offseason.
But credit to Eric DeCosta for revamping this defense on the fly and to Wink Martindale for scheming a great game.
3. Ravens are Playing Their Best in the Toughest Stretch of Their Schedule
In six weeks, the Ravens have gone from 2-2 to 8-2, and considered by many as the best team in the NFL right now. The crazy part is, they're doing this in the toughest part of their schedule. But they've reeled off six straight wins, including victories over the Steelers, Seahawks, Patriots and Texans.
The tough stretch continues the next three weeks. Matchups against the Rams, 49ers, and Bills aren't gimmes, but it's hard not to feel confident with how well the Ravens are playing right now.
4. Mark Ingram is the Best Hype Man and the Ravens' Biggest Bargain
If you have any doubts about Jackson's MVP campaign, take it up with Mark Ingram. The veteran running back has shown his personality in full colors this season and has been Jackson's ultimate hype man.
Ingram, who was signed to a 3-year $15 million deal this offseason, has also been the Ravens' biggest bargain. Through 10 games Ingram has rushed for 667 yards and eight touchdowns. He's on pace to set a career-high in rushing touchdowns this season, which is impressive considering he's not even the leading rusher on his team.
5. Greg Roman and Wink Martindale Could Be Top Head Coaching Candidates
The performance on both sides of the ball this season could draw interest for two of the Ravens' top coordinators. Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman and Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale have been rumored to be head coaching candidates this offseason.
It would be a blow for the Ravens to lose either, but Harbaugh has been open about his coordinators seeking head-coaching opportunities. With Jackson's emergence, I'd really like to see Roman stick around for the long-term. The same argument can be made for Martindale and the defense. Both have been fantastic this season.
