Ravens vs. Bills final: MVP, 12 winners and 3 losers

The demise of the Baltimore Ravens has been greatly exaggerated. After falling to 0-2, they asserted their identity, steamrolling their opponents with 545 rushing yards and a total of 63 points in two games. Tonight they defeated one of the best teams in the NFL with said running game and earned a 35-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills. Here's Sunday's MVP, winners and losers.

MVP: Coaching staff

This is undoubtedly due to the coaching staff. Head coach John Harbaugh had this team firmly in control and ready to play. Over the last two weeks they have revealed their identity. They learned from mistakes, corrected mistakes, and maximized their strengths. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken circled Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich. First-year player and defensive coordinator Zach Orr beat the efforts of quarterback Josh Allen and offensive coordinator Joe Brady. The Bills finished the game with just 12 first downs and went 3 of 13 on third down. They were simply better tonight.

winner

Offensive line: The Ravens offensive line harassed the Bills. Their strength, attack and repetition took a toll on the defense. But they didn't need the whole game to do that. According to TruMedia, the Ravens averaged 5.18 yards BEFORE Contact per carrier. For the second year in a row, Lamar Jackson praised his offensive line and especially the play of right guard Daniel Faalele.

“The offense did a great job; two weeks in a row,” Jackson said. “I think we had a sack tonight; I think that was my fault. I think I should have come out of there, but the offense did a great job tonight. Like I said, it's not just Pat Mekari, but also Daniel Faalele, because that's the guy they've slept with the most. All the guys just fought back and did what they were supposed to do.”

Lamar Jackson: Speaking of Jackson, he played pretty well too. If we're being really picky, he had a few erroneous/dangerous throws. He also lost the fumble to avoid slipping and taking a hit he was supposed to avoid. But that all feels like splitting hairs because he gave the Bills 156 passing yards and two passing touchdowns, as well as 54 rushing yards and a touchdown. This was a true Jackson feat of efficiency.

Derrick Henry: The King erupted for 151 yards against a poor Cowboys defensive line in Dallas. He then performed even better, rushing for 199 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries (8.3 YPC). The only mistake in his game was a fumble at the goal line that could have given the Bills life. Luckily it was recovered by full-back Patrick Ricard.

Patrick Ricard: Along with his fumble touchdown recovery, Ricard throws defenders. He is the point of attack and opens up the gaps for Henry. In the film, defenders can be seen making business decisions when Henry is running behind Ricard, and he confirms that this is the case.

“Yes, especially corners,” said Ricard. “When I go out and try to block them, they pull back and try to work edge-to-edge. I don't blame them. But yeah, it’s cool to see, but I want them to come and beat me.”

Justice Hill: I think “underrated” can no longer be a thing for Hill. He has been mentioned for his impact on the field over the last three weeks. Maybe underpaid since he signed a two-year, $6 million contract ten days ago and the Ravens are looking better and better with each game, but he gets credit. And against the Bills, he was the Ravens' leading receiver, catching all six targets for 78 yards and a touchdown.

Kyle Van Noy: The fountain of youth was discovered by the veteran pass rusher when he totaled 15 sacks in 18 games as a Raven. At 33 years old, Van Noy is just half a sack away from the second-highest rate in a single season. The first was last year when he scored a total of nine goals in 14 games.

Ability position blocking: The Bills' defenders didn't know what was coming because fast, physical pass catchers, be they receivers or tight ends, ran out of their breaks to find the nearest non-Black player and put their hands on their chests. The tape of this game will be an inspiration to high school coaches around the world to point out that they are selfless players for team success.

Odafe Oweh: Defeating everyone is not an easy task. His volatility is the closest to Jackson's in the modern era and his strength is enough to displace people like most defenders. But Oweh is also a model, and he chased Allen for a 16-yard loss. It's a play that Oweh has missed by a split second in recent years. But on Sunday night he came home and made another impact play.

Travis Jones: The Ravens appear to have developed another wrecking ball defender who has the strength of a bear and also the speed of a bear. It's not good to be without Michael Pierce, but after Jones' performance on Sunday night, the Ravens won't be eager to bring him back from his injury.

Kyle Hamilton: His range, speed and skill were on display. He closed gaps on pass catchers and got downhill in a hurry. Overall, he was the Ravens' leading tackler, with six solo tackles and seven total tackles. Oh, there was also the notable fumble recovery that slammed the door on Buffalo.

Marlon Humphrey: Humphrey may be all the way back after a jump break and overall hip-sticking coverage with a nickel blitz pressure on Allen.

Ravens second half: The bigger the lead, the more panic grew as the Ravens went backwards early in the second half. Two threes in a row are sending the fans into complete nervous breakdown, and who could blame them? This is their worst replay to watch. Then it changed. Blame Bills OC Joe Brady for choosing the most confusing trick play call, but praise the defense for capitalizing on it. In the second half, the Ravens outscored the Bills 14-7 and Allen was on the bench midway through the fourth quarter.

loser

Discipline: The Ravens put themselves under an additional burden with eight penalties for 79 yards. Thank them for overcoming the additional burdens, but eliminating the flags will prove more fruitful.

Mark Andrews: From a receiving perspective alone, Andrews has to be frustrated. Two consecutive games without catches, a first in his career. But he was anything but a “loser” as he blocked safety Taylor Rapp on the first offensive snap and released Henry for an 87-yard touchdown. The production will come even though fantasy football owners will lament its 0.0 points.

Nate Wiggins: Two gift-wrapped interceptions from Allen as he began to put on the cape fell incomplete for the rookie cornerback. Although it's just a joke, Hamilton pointed it out in the post-match press conference. Jackson also reminded Hamilton to attack Brandon Stephens' aborted interception as well.

“I thought the DBs (defensive backs) covered really well, even though Nate (Wiggins) lost some money today – B-Steve (Brandon Stephens) too, so we have two culprits,” Hamilton said.