Loop’s kick on Sunday didn’t erase the previous big miss or guarantee anything about his future. However, it provided oxygen to a flickering flame. That one kick could have revived a career.
“I was saying on the sideline, ‘Your legacy starting now,’ because I feel like he has been facing adversity,” Jackson said of Loop. “I said, ‘What a way to start your legacy in Brazil,’ and he finished the rest. He did it. Shout out to special teams, shout out to Loop.”
Jackson’s part shouldn’t be understated, either. His ability to deliver that late laser over the middle — without taking too much time — was pivotal, as was Flowers’ snag and haste to get down. The Ravens moved the ball well on Sunday, but they also were stuffed in short-yardage situations several times.
In a young season in Jesse Minter’s first campaign, the 34-31 win showed fortitude: from the defense keeping the Cowboys out of the end zone on their final drive to Jackson making a play to Loop nailing the winner. It’s the type of victory that could propel a team.
The Ravens needed the win in a hotly contested division.
The Steelers’ offense showed life in a 30-27 victory over the Bengals, with Aaron Rodgers finally hitting on some deep strikes after two weeks of them falling incomplete. If the Pittsburgh offense can keep splashing plays, and Rodgers isn’t broken in half, the Steelers will be a tough out.
Cincinnati’s defense came back to the pack a bit after an excellent start to the season. That’s not too much of a surprise. That’s not why Cincy lost, however. Special teams issues were the real killer, as the punt crew gave the Steelers extra chances. Joe Burrow still had a shot late, but a final-drive fumble sealed it. It’s a stinging loss to a division rival, but not one that should worry Bengals fans.
The Browns’ defense was locked in again to improve Cleveland to 2-1, stymying Bryce Young and a Panthers offense that had moved the ball well in the first two weeks. Deshaun Watson showed that, when he avoids the big mistake, he can be a net positive for Cleveland and make game-winning plays. That’s new.
