The 2022 regular season is in the books and the Ravens are headed to the playoffs. There’s a different feel to the upcoming post season, to what was once popularly referred to as Festivus in Baltimore, after Coack Billick had put a ban on the “p word”. It seems as if much of the fanbase is resigned to this being an abbreviated post season for Baltimore and the phrase “one and done” is being bandied about with regularity. I would be remiss if I didn’t say this author has been amongst the naysayers as the season has worn on. Oddly enough though, in yesterday’s regular season finale, despite being on the short end of the stick, there were some encouraging signs.

As we prepare for this weekend’s primetime rematch in Cincinnati, here’s a few things to ponder:

  • Above all else, the health and availability of Lamar Jackson for this Sunday is paramount to Ravens’ chances. I can’t help but wonder if this game being the primetime matchup on Sunday night was as the result of some inside info regarding Jackson’s status. Granted, Ravens-Bengals is developing into a heated contest each time out but the excitement level for the game increases massively if it’s Jackson vs Burrow, as opposed to Huntley/Brown vs Burrow.
  • It seems right on brand that several Bengals were complaining in post-game interviews about the physicality with which this game was played. Especially considering how loudly they griped about the possible coin flip scenario to the point where they choreographed a mock coin flip, TD celebration. Not that the Ravens will need any motivation to get fired up for a playoff game but I think the Bengals are unintentionally going out of their way to provide bulletin board material for Baltimore.
  • Both the construction of the WR corps and the performance of said group has been widely discussed over the last few years. Between the inconsistency of who’s been available at quarterback, questionable play calling, poor route concepts and injuries, things have only gotten worse for the WRs. Third string QB Anthony Brown had a gutsy effort on Sunday afternoon but only managed to complete 43% of his throws. While Brown was far from Manning-esque in his accuracy, Ravens WRs combined for 5 catches on 17 targets, which featured several drops, an illegal touch due to James Poche’s lack of awareness and Sammy Watkins putting the ball on the carpet after actually making a nice play. The Ravens will need production from the passing if they’re going to make any noise in the playoffs but I don’t see how it will come from the WR corps.
  • To expound on my previous thought and in light of Isiah Likely and Charlie Kolar have a solid showing yesterday, perhaps the means by which to ignite the passing game is to go all in on utilizing the tight end group. Rather than having the 3 TE sets almost always be running plays, you could instead throw out of those heavy formations. Why not use Isiah Likely in the slot? Or consider using Likely on the outside to force a physical mismatch against a corner? Charlie Kolar showed that he can be useful over the middle. Plus, if the Bengals want to focus resources to double team Mark Andrews, it should create ample opportunities for the other TEs. Furthermore, if the Bengals try to utilize a personnel grouping like the Steelers deployed to stop the running game, throwing out of those 3 TE sets would be an ideal way to exploit that strategy. Lastly, by using the TEs more in the passing game means less targets for the unreliable WR group, which could be addition by subtraction.
  • Whether or not the Bengals were “vanilla” in their game plan yesterday shouldn’t take away from a solid defensive effort. Down to 5th string CB Daryl Worley opposite Marlon Humphrey, the Ravens were still able to keep Joe Burrow and the Bengals passing game mostly in check. Even with the Ravens offense turning the ball over 4 times, the defense allowed only 20 points. As for the notion of teams not showing too much because a rematch is rapidly approaching is more of a media talking point than a reality, in my opinion. The Ravens and Bengals are division opponents, they know each other well, they know each other’s tendencies and I highly doubt that the Bengals are going to do something like break out the Run and Shoot offense next Sunday night. Given what the defense was able to do yesterday, along with the potential returns of Marcus Peters and Brandon Stephens and David Ojabo logging his first career sack, I’m more hopeful than I thought I’d be for the Wild Card matchup.

It bears repeating that any legitimate hope the Ravens have of advancing to the Divisional round will hinge on the availability of Lamar Jackson. Needless to say, the fanbase will be anxiously awaiting the first practice/injury report. Outside of Lamar’s health, the initial feeling is that everyone else will be ready to roll on Sunday night; including Gus Edwards who was evaluated for a concussion but doesn’t seem to have entered the protocol, which means he was held out for precautionary reasons. With all of the questions surrounding the Wild Card matchup, there’s one thing that you can take to the bank; this will be a physical, hard-hitting game. Anytime the physicality is ratcheted up, I will always give the Ravens a shot. It’s playoff time, everyone is on equal footing and all you want is a shot. For all of their flaws, shortcomings and what not, Baltimore has their ticket to the dance, so let the chips fall where they may.

Jamie Sieck
Jamie Sieck

Jamie has been a Baltimore sports fan since he can remember. He grew up in Gwynn Oak and currently resides in Hampstead with his wife and 2 kids. He graduated from UMBC with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He’s currently employed at Verizon Communications in Hunt Valley.

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