Ravens won’t believe Derek Carr’s out until he’s officially inactive

Last week was a complete disaster for both the Baltimore Ravens (2-2) and the Oakland Raiders (2-2). Any gains that were made early, however, have been erased during the Raiders’ current two-game slide. Ravens RT Austin Howard played for Raiders from 2014-16, starting 39 games in that span. E.J. Manuel starts at QB for Raiders in place of injured Carr, seeking first win as starter since September 14, 2014, for Buffalo vs. Miami. Manuel needs the players around him to step up their game. He signed a big contract with the team in the offseason. Prove to me that you can be a starter in this league.

If you think the Raiders have issues offensively, you haven’t seen Joe Flacco lately. He only caught one pass against the Washington Redskins and missed the game last week against the Broncos. Now, the receiver that pass was intended for was Amari Cooper. Maybe the foot injury he apparently has been dealing with is part of the problem? However, head coach John Harbaugh has hinted that Smith will back in the lineup against the Oakland Raiders. I expect at least a sack, likely more from Mack during this game.

Taking those two carries into account, West has 138 yards on 23 carries through four-plus games this season. He has struggled in that role, throwing one touchdown pass and four interceptions. “You definitely don’t want to (try to) get back on track with this guy”, linebacker Terrell Suggs said.

“Derek Carr is Derek Carr”, linebacker Terrell Suggs said.

“They’re in the same position we’re in”, Raiders safety Karl Joseph said. This Sunday should be a pretty good match up.

The Raiders won’t put too much on Manuel, who will be asked to manage and lead the offense without carrying it. Since his injury, the Ravens have given up 84.5 more yards rushing per game because the linebackers are not good enough to cover for his absence.