Mike Preston’s Ravens report card for win over Buccaneers

Here’s how the Ravens (5-2) graded out at every position after beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 41-31, in Week 7 on Monday night at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

Quarterback

Lamar Jackson had some difficulties with blitzes and pass protection on the Ravens’ first drive, but they adjusted well. Jackson moved well and looked as comfortable as he ever has both inside and outside the pocket. He completed 17 of 22 passes for 281 yards and five touchdowns. Jackson was close to perfect for most of the game, and his 49-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman showed great touch. Jackson finished with a passer rating of 158.1 and his long ball efficiency, if it continues, will help this team in the postseason. Grade: A

Running back

The Ravens didn’t use running back Derrick Henry much in the first half, but he performed well in the second, including an 81-yard run in the third quarter down the left sideline. Henry also had a 39-yard run in the fourth quarter as Baltimore wore down the Bucs in the final 30 minutes. Henry finished with 169 yards on 15 carries and had a 13-yard touchdown catch in the right flat in the fourth quarter. The Ravens also got a strong game from backup Justice Hill, who had three catches for 44 yards. Hill had one strong catch-and-run on his 18-yard touchdown on a screen pass in the second quarter. Grade: A

Offensive line

Tampa Bay was supposed to provide a stiff challenge up front, especially with nose tackle Vita Vea back in the starting lineup, but after a poor first possession, the Ravens dominated for almost the entire game. The Ravens had great balance as far as the run-pass ratio, but this group pounded the Bucs into submission, especially in the second half. The Ravens were strong up the middle with guards Patrick Mekari and Daniel Faalele and center Tyler Linderbaum, and that was the area in which the Bucs were expected to dominate. The only criticism is the penalties that halted drives and put the team in poor field position. Grade: B+

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Receivers

The Bucs couldn’t stop the Ravens. Receivers were wide open on just about every route imaginable. Actually, it was ridiculous. Tight end Mark Andrews had four catches for 41 yards, including touchdown receptions of 9 and 4 yards. Bateman had the long touchdown reception but also led the Ravens with four catches for 121 yards. There were times when the Ravens were in predictable situations, but Tampa Bay still couldn’t stop them, especially Hill. Tight end Isaiah Likely had two catches for 17 yards and the Ravens averaged 16.5 yards per catch. Grade: A-

Defensive line

It was surprising that the Bucs ran so well against the Ravens. It wasn’t pretty stuff, either, basically just straight dives and a few counters as Tampa Bay finished with 125 yards on 30 carries. Tampa Bay got movement off the ball, but the Bucs struggled in the red zone, which is why they fell behind early. As the game wore on and the Ravens got a big lead, this group was able to put a lot of pressure on quarterback Baker Mayfield, who threw two interceptions. But there is a lot of pride among this group, and it can’t be happy with the overall production. Grade: C

Linebackers

Middle linebacker Roquan Smith was all over the field, and he provided big hits that seemed to rattle Tampa Bay, especially in the second half. He led the Ravens with 18 tackles, 11 solo. Weakside linebacker Trent Simpson also had a strong game, making his presence felt with eight tackles and several pressures on Mayfield. Outside linebackers Kyle Van Noy (two pressures, one sack) and Odafe Oweh (one sack) also had several pressures, but they didn’t get after Mayfield until the Buccaneers were forced to pass. The linebackers played well, and this group had to because Tampa Bay had success running the ball into the second and at times the third level of the defense. The linebackers still struggle covering running backs. Grade: B-

Secondary

The Ravens finished with two interceptions and both were by cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who later exited with a knee injury. The veteran made a good read on one, but the other was just a poor read by Mayfield. Rookie Nate Wiggins had a strong game and knocked down two passes, but there were several opportunities for the Ravens to finish with two or three more interceptions. Cornerback Brandon Stephens still struggles, as does safety Marcus Williams. They just don’t come up with big plays. Safety Kyle Hamilton finished with 11 tackles and at times was a force in the secondary, but other times he was exposed in coverage as was the rest of the secondary. It will be interesting to see how much improvement this group will make in the coming weeks. Grade: C