Film Study Praises Some Efforts by the Baltimore Ravens

In the world of NFL analysis, film study is the ultimate truth-teller—and for the Baltimore Ravens, recent breakdowns of their 2024 season have shone a bright light on standout efforts that may have flown under the radar during live games. From precise offensive route-running to disciplined defensive gap control and clutch special teams plays, analysts have highlighted specific moments and players that exemplify the Ravens’ potential and competitive edge. These film-driven praises aren’t just about individual talent; they’re about the execution of scheme, attention to detail, and resilience—qualities that have kept the Ravens in the AFC North race. Film Study Praises Some Efforts by the Baltimore Ravens explores the offensive standouts highlighted by film, defensive discipline that’s drawn acclaim, special teams gems, how these efforts translate to wins, and why film study matters for the Ravens’ playoff prep.

Film Study Praises Some Efforts by the Baltimore Ravens opens with the offensive efforts that have caught analysts’ eyes, starting with wide receiver Zay Flowers’ route precision. Film breakdowns by Pro Football Focus (PFF) note that Flowers leads all Ravens receivers in “separation rate”—creating 3+ yards of space from defenders on 62% of his targets, a 15% increase from his rookie season. A standout clip from the Ravens’ Week 8 win over the Cleveland Browns shows Flowers executing a “slant-and-go” route: he first sells a short slant to draw the cornerback inward, then bursts past him for a 35-yard touchdown. “Flowers’ ability to manipulate defenders with subtle hip movements and timing is elite for a second-year player,” PFF analyst Sam Monson said. Film also praises quarterback Lamar Jackson’s improved pocket awareness: in 2024, he’s avoided 18 sacks by stepping up in the pocket (compared to 10 in 2023), with clips showing him scanning the field longer before making decisive throws. Running back Keaton Mitchell’s vision has also been lauded—film shows him consistently hitting “cutback lanes” (gaps created by defensive overpursuit) to turn 2-yard gains into 10+ yard chunks, a skill that’s boosted the Ravens’ run game to 5th in the NFL.

Film Study Praises Some Efforts by the Baltimore Ravens delves into the defensive discipline that’s earned rave reviews from analysts. The Ravens’ defensive line, led by Justin Madubuike, has been highlighted for its “gap integrity”—rarely allowing offensive linemen to push them out of assigned lanes. Film from the Week 10 win over the Los Angeles Rams shows Madubuike and fellow tackle Travis Jones working in tandem: Madubuike occupies two blockers to hold the “A-gap,” while Jones slides to the “B-gap” to stop Rams running back Cam Akers for a 2-yard loss. “This level of discipline is why the Ravens rank 6th in run defense—they don’t let runners find easy holes,” said former NFL defensive lineman and analyst Warren Sapp. The secondary’s “communication” has also been praised: film shows safeties Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton consistently relaying pre-snap adjustments, like shifting from zone to man coverage to counter the opponent’s slot receiver. A clip from Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs highlights this: Williams spots Patrick Mahomes motioning a receiver across the formation, yells a signal to cornerback Marlon Humphrey, and Humphrey adjusts to shut down a potential touchdown pass.

Film Study Praises Some Efforts by the Baltimore Ravens covers the special teams efforts that have flown under the radar but drawn praise in film rooms. Kicker Justin Tucker’s “kickoff placement” has been a standout: film shows he’s placed 78% of his kickoffs inside the opponent’s 5-yard line (up from 65% in 2023), forcing teams to start drives deep in their own territory. Punt returner Treylon Burks’ “vision and patience” have also been lauded—analysts note he waits for blocks to develop before making cuts, a skill that led to his 32-yard punt return in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Film of that play shows Burks initially slowing down to let his blockers set up, then exploding through a gap to gain critical field position. “Special teams wins games, and the Ravens’ attention to detail here is top-tier,” said special teams analyst Mike Westhoff. For the Baltimore Ravens, these praised special teams efforts aren’t accidents—they’re the result of extra practice reps and film study focused on opponent tendencies, a testament to the team’s commitment to all three phases of the game.

Another layer of Film Study Praises Some Efforts by the Baltimore Ravens is how these highlighted efforts directly translate to wins. Take the Week 14 win over the Cincinnati Bengals: film shows two key plays praised by analysts that turned the tide. First, Jackson’s 40-yard scramble—film reveals he recognized a blitz, stepped up in the pocket, and used his speed to gain yards after contact, setting up a field goal. Second, Madubuike’s fourth-quarter sack—film shows he used a “spin move” to beat the Bengals’ right guard, then wrapped up Joe Burrow before he could throw, forcing a turnover on downs. “These plays didn’t just happen—they were the result of weeks of film study and execution,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. Analysts estimate that the Ravens’ praised efforts (like Flowers’ separation, the defensive line’s gap control, and Tucker’s kickoffs) have contributed to 7 of their 9 wins this season, by either creating scoring opportunities or preventing opponents from scoring. For the Baltimore Ravens, film study doesn’t just praise past efforts—it identifies strengths to lean into for future games.

Film Study Praises Some Efforts by the Baltimore Ravens closes with why these film-driven praises matter as the Ravens prep for the playoffs. In the postseason, every play counts, and film study helps the team double down on what works. For example, knowing Flowers excels at slant-and-go routes, the Ravens can design more plays around that strength to exploit playoff defenses. Similarly, the defensive line’s gap integrity can be a weapon against run-heavy playoff teams like the Buffalo Bills. Film also helps players build confidence—seeing their efforts praised by analysts reinforces that their hard work is paying off. “When you watch film and see why a play worked, it makes you trust the process even more,” Jackson said. For the Baltimore Ravens, film study isn’t just about fixing mistakes—it’s about celebrating and refining the efforts that make them a dangerous team. As the playoffs approach, these praised efforts will be the foundation of the Ravens’ game plan, proving that success in the NFL starts with the details captured on film. As one analyst put it: “The Ravens have the talent—their film shows they have the execution, too. That’s a scary combination for opponents.”