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Josh Cuevas and Ja’Kobi Lane emerged as bright spots for the Ravens
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- Josh Cuevas and Ja’Kobi Lane emerged as bright spots for the Ravens
The Ravens spent much of Sunday searching for offense, but two rookies made their opportunities count. Tight end Josh Cuevas and wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane combined for eight catches, 84 yards, and Baltimore's only touchdown in a 13-10 loss to Cleveland, providing the production an otherwise stagnant passing game needed.
Cuevas caught four of five targets for 44 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown and a 29-yard reception. Lane added four catches for 40 yards on five targets. Together, they accounted for slightly more than half of Tyler Huntley's 165 passing yards while catching eight of their 10 combined targets.
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Their contributions are even more notable given the playing-time distribution. Cuevas played 23 offensive snaps (40%), while Lane played 31 (54%). Neither needed a near-every-down role to become a meaningful part of the passing attack.
By comparison, Mark Andrews played 41 snaps and caught one pass for four yards on three targets. Devontez Walker played 37 snaps and caught none of his two targets. Rashod Bateman's shoulder injury limited him to 17 snaps, further narrowing Baltimore's receiving options. Those comparisons don't show that the rookies should immediately replace veterans. Different assignments, coverage, and blocking responsibilities affect opportunities. They do give offensive coordinator Declan Doyle a reason to examine how Cuevas and Lane can become more consistent parts of the plan.
Baltimore finished with 235 total yards, punted seven times, and failed to score after building an early 10-0 lead. More productive options matter for an offense that couldn't respond when Cleveland closed the gap. Zay Flowers remained the leading receiver with six catches for 66 yards. Cuevas and Lane provided the next two-highest receiving totals, giving Baltimore potential complements as it prepares for Cincinnati.
The loss exposed significant offensive problems. The rookies' production offered something useful amid the disappointment: evidence that Baltimore has developing targets who could help address them.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Josh Cuevas and Ja'Kobi Lane emerged as bright spots for the Ravens
