Ravens Unsung Hero of Week 7

The Baltimore Ravens went into a hostile road environment and overcame MVP candidate Russell Wilson to notch their fifth victory of the season in Week 7.

The defense produced their best showing of 2019 in Seattle. Brandon Williams was dominant up front. The newly acquired Marcus Peters and established playmaker Marlon Humphrey each scored defensive touchdowns. And once again, Lamar Jackson willed the offense to the end zone.

A few unheralded Ravens also contributed to the statement win:

OLB Jaylon Ferguson

The small school rookie was thrust into 46 snaps due to Pernell McPhee’s first quarter triceps injury. Ferguson recorded three stops including a tackle for loss against Tyler Lockett before halftime.

Ferguson bulled the Seahawks offensive tackles on multiple plays, his ability to set the edge helped hold their rushing attack in check. He also received credit for a quarterback hit while defending a third down incompletion near midfield in the fourth quarter.

Jaylon’s rapid improvement is encouraging considering McPhee’s season-ending injury.

WR Miles Boykin

In a game where the offense was plagued by dropped passes, Boykin delivered the longest gain by either team. On Baltimore’s first possession, he adjusted to a slightly under thrown deep ball for a 50-yard catch that led to the opening field goal.

Boykin has not been a focal point of the Ravens offense yet this season, he was targeted only twice in Week 7. However, he has made the most of his opportunities with two touchdowns and seven first downs on just nine receptions.

Following the bye week, rookies Boykin and Marquise Brown should be relied upon as the primary wide receivers.

ILB L.J. Fort

Fort and fellow in-season addition Josh Bynes have combined to replace the reliability of former respected Raven C.J. Mosley.

In Week 7, Fort jumpstarted the defense with two impact plays in the first quarter. The first was a stop of Chris Carson six yards behind the line that helped force a punt. The second was an impressive open field tackle of Wilson that became the team’s lone sack of the game. In total, he recorded five solo tackles and applied pressure in the passing game.

The play of the journeymen inside linebackers in coordinator Martindale’s scheme has been a revelation.