When J.K. Dobbins went down last Saturday night, panic pervaded the Ravens Flock.
Not only was the injury hard to watch, but Dobbins is a player who was poised for a breakout campaign. The 2nd-year man had everything going for him: a stellar summer of workouts, the unquestioned role of lead back, and a bolstered offensive line.
Now, all he can do is rehab, take mental reps, and wait.
Fortunately for the Ravens faithful, No. 8 is still under center. Even though Baltimore is a running team, and their best runner is out for the year, Lamar Jackson is so dynamic and ever improving that the Ravens are still on pace for another great year.
There are three reasons point to why Ravens fans can remain hopeful for a division title and more in 2021.
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Baltimore still has Lamar
Dobbins could do so much, and though I see him as the team’s 3rd-best player (behind Jackson and Marlon Humphrey), the team’s best player is 100% ready to go.
Jackson has consistently improved during his short time in the NFL. Despite your view of him, you can’t deny his perpetual progression. It may not be as sudden as you’d like, but it’s there. He’s much improved as a passer in addition to having gained over 1,000 yards rushing in each of the last two seasons, while also accounting for 76 total TD in that time. Jackson is also in a contract year, so I’m sure he’s even more motivated to have his best year yet.
Jackson is on the short list of best players in the league. Having that kind of guy leading your franchise automatically gives you a chance at the postseason every year. Speaking of which, last year he saw first-hand what a playoff win looks like, so that’s one less thing holding him back this season.
Perhaps the most telling illustration of why Jackson represents such value is the comparison of his winning average compared to that of recent division winners. Over the last decade, the average yearly win total of all division winners is 11.53 wins per season. In the time Jackson has been a Raven, Baltimore’s average yearly win total is 11.67 wins per season. Having him on the team makes them instant contenders.
The Ravens build their program on depth, not on one or two players
Eric DeCosta and his staff have worked tirelessly and specifically to establish and sustain a roster of fast, physical, well-rounded players. How many times do you, as a fan, look at the team in August and question how good they’re going to be? Probably often, as most do. How many times do you look at those same squads in December and honestly believe that they have a chance to win it all?
Some of the best Ravens rosters over the years had star power, sure, but also had plenty of non-household names. Those players were more than just “utility guys”—they were key contributors to Baltimore’s success (as evidenced by the values of their ensuing contracts and Baltimore’s return compensatory picks).
Vegas odds remain high
Say what you want about the sharps in Las Vegas, but they know what they’re talking about. As of Friday morning, the odds for Baltimore to win the division remained the best in the AFC North (+115), ahead of the Browns (+150), the Steelers (+425) and the Bengals (+2500).
Furthermore, Baltimore has the 5th-best odds to win it all, as Vegas Insider has them at +1400 to win Super Bowl LVI.
If the Dobbins injury was thought to be excessively detrimental to the Ravens, it would’ve been reflected in those money lines. You have to think, though, that Baltimore’s veteran coaching staff, staunch secondary, and dynamic quarterback play keep the team on its course toward SoFi Stadium this coming February.
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.