The Ravens are the most confounding team in football these days. They have as much talent as just about any organization in the league and they’ve been in great position to reach the Super Bowl in each of the last two seasons (including hosting the 2023 AFC title game). The problem is that Baltimore has routinely found ways to implode in clutch moments, with star quarterback Lamar Jackson committing four total turnovers in the team’s last two playoff defeats. If the Ravens and their leader can shake those disturbing habits, then there’s every reason to believe in their ability to win a championship.
It’s not like Baltimore doesn’t compare favorably with Philadelphia. These teams played in Week 13 last season, and the Ravens outgained the Eagles by 120 yards (372-252). The issue was former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, who missed two field goals and an extra point in that 24-19 loss. The Ravens had too many moments like that in 2024, but there also should be serious excitement about this team heading into the fall. Jackson made a strong case for his third MVP last year, as he threw for 4,172 yards, ran for 915 and accounted for 45 total touchdowns while throwing just four interceptions. Derrick Henry ran for the quietest 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns in NFL history, while a defense that struggled with breakdowns early in the season matured into a dominant unit by the end. The draft additions of safety Malaki Starks and edge rusher Mike Green give this defense a chance to cause as much chaos as it did in 2023, when it allowed the fewest points in the league.
There’s no doubt the Ravens will be back in the mix for a championship, just looking at the talent in that building. Whether they get over the hump depends entirely on how they meet those moments in January.