The Baltimore Ravens have looked like arguably the best team in the NFL over the last few weeks. They improved their case for such standing in Week 9 when they dismantled the Seattle Seahawks, 37-3.
It was a dominant performance by the Ravens as they flexed their strengths. Their defense, now ranked No. 1 in points allowed and No. 2 in yardage surrendered, allowed only 151 yards and one field goal.
Offensively they are ranked sixth in points scored and yardage. They have the No. 1 ground game in the NFL and the Seahawks learned that the hard way as the Ravens steamrolled them for a season-high 298 yards on the ground. Four different players gained at least 40 yards, led by Keaton Mitchell with nine rushes for 138 yards.
It was an eye-catching performance by Baltimore, who has put the rest of the NFL on notice during their four-game winning streak. There are some analysts, such as Boomer Esiason of CBS Sports, who believe they are the best team in the NFL.
“In my eyes, [the @Ravens] are the best team in the NFL right now,” Esiason said. He believes they are the most balanced team with the best defense and the most difficult offense to defend.
The only two losses the Ravens have suffered this season came in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts in overtime and Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers when their pass catchers couldn’t hold onto targets. Those two letdown spots have helped get the team on track, as they have been laser-focused since the loss in Pittsburgh.
They have held their opponents to single-digit points four times this season, with 24 being the most they have surrendered. In the last three games, the offense has picked things up, scoring at least 31 points in each contest.
This Ravens squad is finding their stride at the right time, as they are barely holding off their AFC North rivals. At 7-2, the Ravens are in first place but the Steelers, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals are all 5-3. Baltimore is going to have to continue playing at a high level if they want to take home the crown in what is easily the most competitive division in the NFL.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
