Week 9 Highlights: Ravens' Run Game Dominates, Bengals Find Success with Tight Ends
ICARO Media Group
Week 9 of the NFL season showcased some impressive performances and noteworthy developments across the league. The Baltimore Ravens proved once again that their run game is elite, while the Cincinnati Bengals showcased the importance of utilizing tight ends in their offensive scheme. Let's dive into the key takeaways from each team's performance in Week 9.
The Baltimore Ravens reaffirmed their dominance on the ground as their run game continued to shine. Gus Edwards led the charge with two touchdowns, bringing his total to six in his last three games. With 196 yards and six touchdowns in his recent performances, Edwards has firmly established himself as the lead back. On Sunday, the Ravens rushed for an impressive 298 yards, with rookie Keaton Mitchell leading the way with 138 yards and a touchdown. The Ravens currently lead the league in rushing yards per game (160.3) and rushing touchdowns (17), proving that even in a pass-oriented league, their run game remains unparalleled.
On the other hand, the Buffalo Bills have seen a significant drop in their ability to generate takeaways in recent weeks. After accumulating 13 takeaways in their first five games, the Bills have managed only one takeaway in their last four outings. Injuries to key defensive players such as Tre'Davious White, Kaiir Elam, Micah Hyde, and Christian Benford have played a role in the team's inability to create turnovers. While the Bills rank fifth in points allowed per game, their lack of takeaways hampers an already inconsistent offense.
The Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback Jalen Hurts has been impressing with his passing ability despite limitations due to a knee injury. Over the past three games, Hurts has completed 75% of his passes for 805 yards, throwing eight touchdowns and just one interception. Currently ranking third in the NFL in completion percentage and first in passer rating during this span, Hurts has displayed the form of an MVP-caliber quarterback. Though limited in mobility, Hurts has shown that he can excel as a passer when given the opportunity.
The Cincinnati Bengals' tight ends stepped up in Week 9, delivering a strong offensive performance. Amidst trade speculation about potentially upgrading at the position, the Bengals' tight ends showcased their skills against the opposing defense. Tanner Hudson, Drew Sample, and Irv Smith Jr. combined for 10 catches, 101 yards, and two touchdowns. This production represents a significant improvement compared to previous games, highlighting the potential for the Bengals' offense to become even more potent if they continue to involve their tight ends in the game plan.
In other news, the Dallas Cowboys' ongoing struggles in close games were on full display in their loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite having multiple opportunities to secure the win in the fourth quarter, the Cowboys failed to capitalize. They scored only once in four possessions inside the Eagles' 30-yard line and ultimately fell short in their final drive despite having a first-and-goal on the 6-yard line. Costly penalties, sacks, and incomplete passes proved detrimental to the Cowboys' chances of victory.
The Week 9 slate of games provided valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each team. The Ravens' run game remains a force to be reckoned with, the Bengals' tight ends add another dimension to their offense, and the Bills' lack of takeaways raises concerns. As the NFL season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how these teams adjust and evolve in their pursuit of playoff berths.