The Ravens returned to their early season form this Sunday, getting out to a blazing start before crumbling in the fourth quarter. The loss was made more painful by the fact that it came at the hands of the team’s bitter rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, who would’ve been knocked out of postseason contention had they failed to win. With playoff seeding on the line, Baltimore will head to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals this weekend. So, as the Ravens prepare for their last regular season game of the year, let’s take a look at some news surrounding the team.
Breaking down the Ravens’ playoff picture after Week 17
The postseason picture is slowly coming into focus and according to Kristen Wong of EbonyBird.com, while the Ravens have already clinched at least a wildcard spot, their loss to the Steelers left their chances at a division title very slim. As Wong notes, the most likely playoff path for the Ravens would see them hold on to the 6-seed and travel to Cincinnati (who currently holds the 3-seed) in the Wild-Card Round. The Ravens can still move up to the 5-seed, however, if they defeat the Bengals this weekend and the Los Angeles Chargers, who currently hold the 5-seed, lose to the Denver Broncos. Earning that spot could be crucial as whoever holds it will get to face either the Tennessee Titans or Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round, neither of whom is a particularly frightening opponent. There is also still a scenario in which the Ravens could win the AFC North with a win over Cincinnati, but for that to happen they also need the Bengals to lose their other remaining game against the Buffalo Bills. That game was supposed to take place Monday night but was suspended after Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field in the first quarter. The outcome of the game pales in comparison to Hamlin’s health and will likely not be determined until after Week 18 is completed.
Lamar Jackson Doesn’t Practice, Been Out for a Month
Games between the Ravens and Steelers often leave both teams with a slew of injuries but fortunately, Wednesday’s practice report brought mostly good news for Baltimore. According to Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com, Lamar Jackson and Calais Campbell remained on the sidelines due to their respective injuries but the rest of the roster was either able to participate or given a day of non-injury related rest. That includes cornerback Marcus Peters, who was held out with a calf injury last weekend but was able to practice in a limited capacity to start the week. While it is concerning that Jackson has yet to return from the knee injury he suffered over a month ago, the improving health of the rest of the roster is an encouraging sign for a team that is hoping to make a deep playoff run. Should Jackson return by Wild Card weekend, the roster will look stronger and more complete than it has since the start of the regular season.
Ravens mascot Poe back on the field after preseason drumstick injury
Speaking of injury news, one of the few highlights of Sunday’s game was the return of the Ravens mascot Poe. According to CBS Baltimore, Poe suffered a knee injury back in the preseason when he was pulled down by a tackler during a performance at halftime of the Ravens game against the Washington Commanders. In his absence, the team relied on the services of his siblings, Edgar and Allen. Sunday night, Poe made his triumphant return when he was brought onto the field in a wheelchair midway through the second quarter. While it initially looked as though he was still unable to stand on his own power, it became clear that he had made a full recovery when he threw off his Ravens blanket and jumped out of the chair, causing the stadium to erupt into applause. While the game may not have ended the way Ravens fans had hoped, Poe’s return still gave those in attendance a moment to celebrate in the team’s final home game of the season.
NFL Free Agents 2023: Predictions for Top Players Expected to Hit Open Market
As we draw near to the conclusion of the regular season, journalists and commentators have begun speculating as to where the league’s top free agents will end up in 2023. Among these journalists is Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, who released an article on Tuesday detailing his free agency predictions. Two of the players he highlighted were current Ravens Lamar Jackson and Roquan Smith, both of whom he predicted will sign new contracts to stay with the team. Jackson’s contract situation has been the topic of countless conversations in the Baltimore media over the past six months. While no progress has been made towards an extension, the disappointing play of Tyler Huntley has illustrated just how important Jackson is to the team’s success. Fortunately for Ravens fans, Buckley is projecting that the 25-year old will sign a five-year deal to remain in Baltimore until 2027. Meanwhile, Roquan Smith has seen his name show up in contract extension conversations since his arrival in Baltimore prior to this year’s trade deadline. In his eight games with the team, he has recorded 70 tackles, two sacks, and an interception all while becoming an integral part of one of the league’s best defenses. Though Smith does not share a long history with the Ravens, Buckley still expects him to stick with the team beyond this season, projecting a four-year contract that would keep him in Baltimore until 2026.
Ravens’ New Lease Could Keep Them in Baltimore Until 2037
Don’t worry Baltimore, your beloved Ravens aren’t going anywhere. According to Justin Byers of Front Office Sports, the team is seeking an extension to their lease with M&T Bank Stadium. The Maryland Board of Public Works met on Wednesday to discuss the proposal, and according to reports from later that day, they have given it their stamp of approval. The team will now be committed to the stadium until 2037 and will not pay rent on the facilities, but will instead cover operational and maintenance costs. Given the ongoing speculation about whether the Orioles might be leaving Charm City, it’s reassuring to know that the Ravens are committed to Baltimore for the long haul.
Luke Rollfinke is a student at Vanderbilt where he is pursuing a career in sports journalism. A recent graduate from the Friends School of Baltimore, Luke has spent his entire childhood in Charm City and is a devoted Orioles fan. In the past, he has written for SB Nation and has worked closely with Ravens columnist John Eisenberg. From nights at Camden Yards to Sunday afternoons watching NFL Redzone, Luke eats, sleeps, and breathes sports. He is excited to bring his perspective to BSL.