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Ravens thriving with rookie class

Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson looks for an open receiver during a win over the Chargers Saturday. Jackson and other rookies have made a big impact for the Ravens this season.
Jackson, others have made big impact for team

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Lamar Jackson has gotten most of the headlines, yet the former Louisville quarterback is merely one of several rookies whose contributions have helped the Baltimore Ravens move within striking distance of the AFC North title.

Jackson, the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner and 32nd overall pick in the draft, has won five of six since replacing veteran Joe Flacco at quarterback in mid-November. Undrafted running back Gus Edwards, right tackle Orlando Brown and tight ends Hayden Hurst and Mark Andrews have also fortified a revamped offense that’s averaging 25 points per game with Jackson calling the plays.

“There are a bunch of kids out there,” 34-year-old guard Marshal Yanda said. “When I look out in the huddle and (31-year-old receiver Michael) Crabtree isn’t out there, I feel like I’m a dinosaur.”

With a victory over Cleveland (7-7-1) on Sunday, the Ravens will win the division for the first time since 2012 and end a three-year playoff drought. Baltimore (9-6) put itself in this position with a 22-10 upset over the Chargers last Saturday.

After the Ravens fell behind 13-10 in the third quarter, Jackson and Andrews connected on a 68-yard touchdown pass to put Baltimore ahead for good. Brown helped with the pass protection and Hurst ran an underneath route that helped Andrews get open.

“It was awesome. You dream of plays like that, especially as a rookie,” Andrews said Wednesday. “Lamar threw an incredible ball. Right over the linebacker, right in stride. It really made my job easy. And the blocking up front was great.”

Edwards did his part with a 92-yard rushing performance, upping his total to 578 since taking over for injured Alex Collins on the same day Jackson stepped in as a starter.

Hurst has yet to live up to his potential as the 25th overall pick, in part because he had foot surgery over the summer and got off to a slow start. But as a group, the Ravens’ rookies deserve high marks.

“Very talented guys, and they’ve worked really hard,” coach John Harbaugh said. “They’ve earned their way into the starting lineup and have maintained that position by playing well. The rookie class has done a really good job.”

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