Week 5 NFL Grades: Broncos Shine with an 'A-' After Shocking Eagles, While Ravens Plummet to a Harsh 'F' in a Devastating Defeat
The NFL’s Week 5 has wrapped up, and the storylines are as dramatic as ever. But here’s where it gets controversial: the Baltimore Ravens, once considered strong Super Bowl contenders, are now looking more like prime candidates for the top draft pick. How did things unravel so quickly? Let’s dive into the details.
First off, the Pittsburgh Steelers enjoyed a well-timed bye week, which might just be the best break any team has had this season—especially given how the AFC North is crumbling around them. The Ravens, who many experts predicted would be playoff heavyweights, suffered a humiliating 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans. This defeat might mark the lowest point of their season so far.
To put their struggles into perspective:
- The Ravens are allowing an average of 35.4 points per game, ranking as the 11th worst defensive performance in NFL history over the first five games of a season.
- Even more astonishing, they have given up at least 37 points in four out of their five games, making them the first team in 71 years to endure such a defensive collapse.
Given these alarming stats, it’s no surprise that the Ravens received a very poor grade this week.
Now, let’s break down the Week 5 grades, starting with the Baltimore showdown:
- Houston Texans dominated Baltimore Ravens 44-10
- Denver Broncos edged out Philadelphia Eagles 21-17
- Dallas Cowboys cruised past New York Jets 37-22
- Indianapolis Colts overwhelmed Las Vegas Raiders 40-6
- Carolina Panthers narrowly defeated Miami Dolphins 27-24
- New Orleans Saints beat New York Giants 26-14
- Minnesota Vikings won against Cleveland Browns 21-17 in London
- San Francisco 49ers triumphed over Los Angeles Rams 26-23 in overtime on Thursday night
Each of these games brought its own surprises and storylines, but the stark contrast between the Broncos’ impressive victory and the Ravens’ collapse is what stands out most. The Broncos earned a solid 'A-' for their stunning performance against the Eagles, showcasing resilience and strategic execution. Meanwhile, the Ravens’ defensive woes and overall team struggles earned them a harsh 'F,' raising serious questions about their season trajectory.
And this is the part most people miss: How much of the Ravens’ downfall is due to coaching, player performance, or perhaps injuries? Could this be a temporary slump, or are we witnessing a deeper organizational issue? What do you think—are the Ravens still Super Bowl contenders, or is it time to start looking ahead to next season? Share your thoughts below and let’s get the debate going!
