Amid much scrutiny, the Baltimore Ravens offensive line stepped up big time in a Week 3 win over the Dallas Cowboys.
The Ravens' rebuilt offensive line was in the spotlight after two shaky performances during the Ravens' 0-2 start.
Converted right guard Daniel Faalele took heat, in particular, as he struggled to block at his new position, leading for some fans and analysts to call for backup guard Ben Cleveland to start.
That set off its own news cycle, as Ravens head coach John Harbaugh had a blunt assessment of Cleveland's play, leading Cleveland to (politely) defend himself in the media.
Amid all of it was Faalele, who was somewhat unfairly thrown in the middle. Faalele is a third-year player adjusting to a new position. While he's had his struggles, he hasn't been disastrous, either. Some of his mistakes, like a blown block on Maxx Crosby late in the fourth quarter against the Raiders, came in big momennts.
However, Faalele and the Ravens held their own in Dallas. They did not give up any sacks, and the Ravens run game got going, accumulating 274 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground.
After the game, Jackson came to the defense of Faalele.
"Of course, I've seen [the criticism]," Jackson told reporters. "I see a lot of things when they be tweeting and stuff, but that's just social media. At the end of the day, [Faalele]'s getting paid to do what he's supposed to do. He busts his behind each and every time. It's not like he's trying to mess up. All of us make mistakes out there on the field.
"But, he came in clutch for us today. And, I want the same people that was giving him doubts to praise him and give him that credit for what he deserves."
“He came in clutch for us today. I want the same people who was giving him that doubt, to give him that credit.”
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 23, 2024
Lamar Jackson praises Daniel Faalele for his game today. pic.twitter.com/s1i72SWLMI
Ravens coaches had consistently defended their offensive line, saying they believe the unit will get better as the season goes on. It was an understandable position, given that it had three new starters and limited preseason reps.
However, with the Ravens facing the possibility of going 0-3 — a record with a poor history of making the playoffs — fans and analysts wanted to see improvement or change before it was too late.
Faalele and Co. stepped up at the right time.
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