Ravens survive but sloppy win needs to serve as wake-up call

The Baltimore Ravens improved to 5-1 for the first time since their Super Bowl seasons in 2000 and 2012.

But no one will be talking about title aspirations after a 30-28 win in Philadelphia.

The Ravens committed 12 penalties for 132 yards. The defense allowed 28 points in the second half. The offense couldn't close out the game in their usual fashion.

“We have to learn to finish, man,” Ravens safety DeShon Elliott said. “When you have a lead like that, you can’t let off the gas pedal. We let off their necks. I feel like we have to be better than that. Games can’t be that close if we want to be great.”

This is the third straight game in which the Ravens came away with the victory but felt like they should’ve played better. The difference this time is Baltimore failed to hold a 24-6 lead in the third quarter and needed a tackle by Matthew Judon and L.J. Fort on a two-point conversion with 1:55 remaining to avoid one of the biggest collapses in franchise history.

The Ravens’ offense can be explosive and then struggle to get a first down. Their defense can dominate and then struggle to stop the big play.

Baltimore hasn't looked like the same team that finished with the best record in the NFL last season, and Lamar Jackson hasn't resembled his MVP form. But this was also the case when the Ravens beat four previous teams this season by at least two touchdowns.

This time, the Ravens needed a Matthew Judon tackle on a two-point conversion in the final minutes to preserve the win.

The Ravens will need to use this as a wake-up call heading into a bye. This type of performance likely won't cut it against the undefeated Steelers on Nov. 1.

Describe the game in two words. Tough win. This was unlike any of the Ravens' earlier wins this season. Baltimore had cruised in beating the Cleveland Browns (by 32 points), Houston Texans (17), Washington (14) and Cincinnati Bengals (24). This helped the Ravens extend their road winning streak to nine games, the longest current one in the NFL.

Promising trend: The Ravens are 5-1 for just the third time in franchise history. The other instances? 2000 and 2012, the years in which the Ravens went on to win their two Super Bowls.

Pivotal play: After allowing Carson Wentz's touchdown, which cut the Ravens' fourth-quarter lead to 30-28, Judon stuffed Wentz on the two-point conversion attempt.

Eye-popping NextGen Stat: Jackson hit the top speed of his career on a 37-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, when he ran up the middle of the Eagles' defense untouched. He reached 21.01 miles per hour. Jackson is responsible for three of the five fastest speeds reached by a quarterback since the start of last season.