So here we are again.
After clinching a second consecutive AFC North title by demolishing the Cleveland Browns 35-10 last Saturday the Baltimore Ravens are ready to host another playoff game. The path in getting here was a vastly different one from a year ago but the expectations remain the same – get to the Super Bowl.
The team dealt with many changes after the disappointing result in the AFC Championship last season. They lost key players to the defense in Patrick Queen and Jadaveon Clowney as well as the architect of one of the league’s best defensive units in Mike MacDonald. Tragedy struck in July as fan favorite Jacoby Jones passed away and the team was dealt another blow when Offensive Line coach Joe D’Alessandris also died a month later from surgery complications.
For everything the Ravens lost they made one huge addition in the form of Derrick Henry. The acquisition of the former All-Pro sent a clear message that the Ravens were reloading for another shot at the Lombardi trophy and adding an important piece to an already potent ground game.
The season began with high hopes and a chance at redemption as they opened the league schedule with a trip to Arrowhead Stadium against the two-time champion Chiefs. But once again the Ravens faithful were left wanting as they lost by a toe on the goaline 27-20. Then a return to the Bank the following week didn’t fare much better as the Ravens were upset by the Las Vegas Raiders in a game filled with penalties and missed opportunities.
The Ravens started 0-2 for the first time since 2015 and left many fans frustrated and filled with questions.
Was young Zach Orr the right man to take over as Defensive Coordinator?
Should they have let Guard Kevin Zeitler leave?
Should they have replaced Zeitler with converted tackle Daniel Faalele?
Was Justin Tucker starting to decline?
Was it time to move on from John Harbaugh?
These questions, while valid, were put on hold as the team went on a five-game winning streak that pushed them to a 5-2 record before a division loss in Cleveland halted their momentum. Back-to-Back home victories against the Bengals and Broncos had fans thinking about another division championship before being unable to defeat the Steelers yet again. While a resounding loss to the Philadelphia Eagles left the Ravens limping into a late Bye week at 8-5 man were left wondering how they finish out the last month of the season.
The team responded in dramatic fashion as they swept all four of their final games (Giants, Steelers, Texans, and Browns) while scoring an average of 33 points a contest. An explosive offense paired with a now much improved defense since Week 11 led Baltimore to their second consecutive division title, the sixth under John Harbaugh.
I said it back in August – this team, this franchise must do one thing for it to be considered a success.
Get to the Super Bowl.
While it’s taken a few twists and turns the Ravens are right where they want to be, as they host a playoff game this Saturday as the number three seed against the hated Steelers.
There’s a lot about this current team to make you feel confident that that they can make a deep run into February. They have a two-time MVP who arguably should win his third such award this season. You have a run game anchored by Henry who almost hit the 2,000 rushing mark. You have a defense that ranks as tops in many statistical categories since the middle of the season. You also have a Hall of Fame kicker who appears to be back in form after posting a career worst season. This team has all the pieces to win it all.
The Ravens have also beaten every other AFC Playoff team (aside from Kansas City) this season and have shown that they could go all the way. But while there is reason to believe that this could be the year there are also some causes for concern.
Lamar Jackson for all his accolades still must find success in the playoffs where he is 2-4 as a postseason starter, including 1-3 at home. He must play better, and the pressure is on for him to deliver.
The team also needs to play cleaner especially on offense as they were the most flagged team this season with 132 penalties. Even last week against Cleveland there were way too many offensive penalties such as illegal formations or holding calls that can kill a drive against a playoff team.
I hesitate to make any proclamations or prognostications.
Maybe I’ve been hurt too many times before with this group.
I do think they will get by the Steelers who appear on life support at this stage, but they are a division opponent and if you don’t take advantage of opportunities, they will drag you down into the mud to play a classic 17-14 game that they love so well.
After this weekend who knows, they could go all the way or stub their toe along the journey to the promised land?
What do you think? Put your comments on the message board.
Happy Football and Go Ravens!!
Matt has lived in Maryland his entire life and is a graduate of Calvert Hall and Towson University. has always been an avid Baltimore sports fan. Since 2007, he has been writing and talking about Baltimore sports, especially the Ravens. His work has appeared on Ravens Gab, Russell Street Report, and he currently co-hosts a podcast “The Blitz- A Ravens podcast” with Brent Harris.