2023 NFL Power Rankings: Baltimore Ravens

Young riser: S Geno Stone

Has there been any bigger riser in the league this year than 24-year-old Stone? He has gone from a seventh-round pick in 2020 who was waived twice in his rookie season to the NFL's leader in interceptions. Stone is the biggest surprise on one of the league's top defenses because he wasn't even a projected starter. He stepped in for the injured Marcus Williams and has picked off four passes in seven games. "I think he's a good example of someone that takes care of the details on a day-to-day basis, comes to work every day, does his best, doesn't complain, doesn't get all caught up in things [like], 'Why is this not happening for me' or 'That's not happening for me,'" Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "Then, when his opportunity comes, he's prepared, and he makes the most of it." -- Jamison Hensley

The Lions said they wanted to force Lamar Jackson to throw the ball, and the quarterback responded with his best game since early last season. Nine Ravens caught passes Sunday; six had 30 or more receiving yards. The run game was neatly divided among Gus Edwards, Justice Hill and Jackson. The Ravens' one turnover came when they were already up 28-zip. They punted twice, holding a lead of 30-plus points on both. It was a banner day on defense, too, as Baltimore smothered Detroit's dangerous offense early. It was the kind of statement victory that makes you think the Ravens have as good a shot to make the Super Bowl as any AFC team right now. A 10-2 record at the bye wouldn't be shocking, but Baltimore must prove its offense has taken the proverbial next step.

With all the focus on Lamar Jackson, it's easy to overlook the defense. But that side of the ball has been really good as well.

Good news — QB Lamar Jackson is now 16-1 all-time against NFC teams. Better news — Baltimore has four more interconference games left during the regular season. And apparently the smart money is on Baltimore if Jackson ever reaches the Super Bowl.

One question: Can we give Lamar Jackson his due?

The Ravens quarterback won his 50th career game in his 68th career start Sunday. Only Ken Stabler, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady and Roger Staubach got to 50 wins in fewer starts. And Jackson did it in style, becoming the fourth player in league history to have at least 350 passing yards, three touchdown passes, one rushing touchdown and a passer rating above 150 in a game. After seven games in new coordinator Todd Monken's offense, Jackson is third in the league in passer rating (101.9) and fifth in yards per game (281.9), according to TruMedia.

We've been waiting for the Ravens to put up a complete performance all season, but the word "complete" doesn't do justice to what we saw Sunday. The Ravens had 357 yards and a 28-0 lead at halftime, as the passing game sprang to life for the first time this season. We knew the defense was dominant, but if the offense is capable of even playing close to that level, the Ravens are easily among the league's elite teams.

Now that the Titans have traded safety Kevin Byard for little return, the Ravens need to be on the phone nonstop with Tennessee about Derrick Henry until a deal gets done. Imagine what an elite running back could do for an offense that seems to be taking off.

The offense is finally clicking. And they could end up running away with the division title.

Tweets by @EDSFootball