The Baltimore Ravens are playing for their playoff lives again. This time, they are doing it without their star QB, Lamar Jackson. Their offense has been dominant without the two-time MVP, though, due to Derrick Henry’s scorching start and Tyler Huntley’s perfect passing through the first quarter. Despite the offensive success, their two-time Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers has struggled early.
Zay Flowers’ Slow Start
Flowers hasn’t been very active in the offense in Week 17. He’s the clear top receiving target in Baltimore, but the Ravens haven’t needed to throw the ball much. Henry is terrorizing the Green Bay defense in the first half with 103 rushing yards and two touchdowns. If Henry continues to play like this, Huntley and the passing attack won’t have to do much.
Flowers has just two catches for 14 yards. He’ll likely be involved as the Ravens pass the ball, but for now, they’re pounding the rock, and it’s working. Season on the line, Baltimore has to go with what is working.
Flowers came off the field slightly banged up after colliding with Nate Hobbs in the second quarter. He was able to walk off the field beside trainers, but looked to be okay to return on Baltimore’s next drive.
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Pro Bowl selections were released this week, and Flowers is headed to his second consecutive Pro Bowl after notching another 1,000+ receiving yard season. It’s a great accolade, but Flowers will have his focus on winning tonight against the Packers to keep Baltimore’s playoff hopes alive. He ranks 11th in PFSN’s WR Impact metric with an impact score of 83.5.
The Ravens are firing on all cylinders with Henry’s dominance on the ground and their defense getting a big fourth-down stop and recovering a fumble. The defense has set up the offense with excellent field position. The Ravens need to make Green Bay pay for their mistakes, as letting the NFC North team hang around could turn catastrophic.
Baltimore holds a six-point lead with just over a minute left in the first half. The Packers offense is always a threat, even with Malik Willis under center. It’s going to be a battle, and the Ravens cannot afford lapses in concentration with their playoff lives on the line.
Baltimore doesn’t control its own destiny and will need the Pittsburgh Steelers to lose in Week 17 to stay alive in the race to win the playoffs. Then, a win-and-in scenario will take place as Baltimore travels to Pittsburgh for the AFC North title in Week 18. Anything can happen, but the Ravens need a lot of luck.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
