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Nov 07, 2023 at 03:29 PM
Editorial Director
Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) runs with the
ball during an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Seattle
Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023 in Baltimore.
When you win
37-3, there's a lot to like from the film.
The Ravens'
dominance of the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9 was evident on both sides of the
ball and upon further inspection.
Here's what
stood out:
With all due
respect to the Ravens' defensive mastery, undrafted rookie running back Keaton
Mitchell's breakout was the best story of the game. Mitchell hadn't had a carry
yet this season (just one reception), but he showed why he will add another
dynamic to this offense in the second half of the season.
Mitchell's
calling card is his speed, and his top speed of 20.99 mph on his 40-yard
touchdown was the fastest recorded of any Ravens ball carrier this season.
But it wasn't
just speed that Mitchell used to do his damage. He showed a bit of everything
on just nine carries, indicating that this wasn't just a flash-in-the-pan
performance.
On some runs, it
was excellent change of direction and lateral quickness. On others, it was
Mitchell's excellent vertical burst through small holes. When there wasn't much
of a hole to start with, Mitchell showed excellent vision and patience.
Mitchell went
undrafted out of East Carolina because of concerns about his 5-foot-8,
191-pound size. That's why his contact balance and power with a ridiculous
eight forced missed tackles was possibly the most impressive part of his game.
Mitchell picked up 108 yards over expected, the most of any running back in the
league since 2020, per Next Gen Stats.
The man leading the way
on Mitchell's 60-yard gallop in the fourth quarter was none other than center
Tyler Linderbaum, who put two blocks on Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks on
the play.
https://twitter.com/Ravens/status/1721631210236006898?s=20
Linderbaum's run blocking
was superb again as the Ravens piled up 298 yards on the ground. But his
biggest improvement this season, which was on display against the Seahawks, has
been in his pass protection.
https://twitter.com/ColeJacksonFB/status/1721591927894610297?s=20
https://x.com/ColeJacksonFB/status/1721595752181346413?s=20
