December 22, 2024

Six Reasons Why the Ravens Are Now a Serious Contender for the Super Bowl

The Baltimore Ravens have long been a formidable force in the NFL, with a rich history of success and a reputation for playing hard-nosed football. However, in recent years, they’ve taken a backseat in the AFC as new powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals have emerged. But with the 2023 season in full swing, the Ravens are starting to look like one of the most well-rounded and dangerous teams in the league. Below, we’ll explore six key reasons why the Ravens are now a serious contender for the Super Bowl.

1. Lamar Jackson’s Evolution as a Passer

Lamar Jackson is arguably the most dynamic quarterback in the NFL. His ability to run the football has made him a dual-threat weapon since entering the league in 2018, but his development as a passer is what makes the Ravens a legitimate Super Bowl contender this year.

In the early years of his career, Jackson’s passing ability was often questioned, as he struggled with accuracy and decision-making in the pocket. However, 2023 has been a breakout year for Jackson in terms of his development as a quarterback. Under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jackson has made significant strides as a passer. Monken has implemented a more modern, up-tempo offense that incorporates a balanced attack, allowing Jackson to showcase his arm strength and accuracy more effectively.

As of mid-season, Jackson has posted career-high numbers in completion percentage, passing yards, and touchdowns, demonstrating improved consistency. His ability to push the ball downfield and connect with both his primary and secondary receivers has made the Ravens’ offense much more diverse and difficult to predict. With Jackson’s legs and arm working in tandem, opposing defenses are forced to account for both aspects of his game, making the Ravens’ offense that much more dangerous.

2. A Reinvigorated Offense with a Deep Playmaking Corps

Baltimore’s offense is no longer just Lamar Jackson and a bunch of role players. The Ravens have significantly upgraded their playmaking personnel, surrounding Jackson with a strong and diverse supporting cast.

The addition of Odell Beckham Jr. in the offseason was a statement move, bringing in a proven veteran receiver who can stretch the field and make plays at all levels. Beckham’s presence has created a true No. 1 option for Jackson in the passing game, which was sorely lacking in previous seasons. Along with Beckham, the Ravens boast talented young receivers like Zay Flowers, who has shown explosive potential as a rookie, and Rashod Bateman, who, when healthy, provides another deep threat. These weapons give Jackson multiple options in the air, making it far harder for defenses to key in on a single target.

Additionally, tight end Mark Andrews remains one of the most reliable and dangerous weapons in the NFL. Andrews consistently ranks among the league leaders in tight end production, and his connection with Jackson is one of the most consistent in the league. Having a star tight end allows the Ravens to operate effectively in the red zone and provides Jackson with a safety valve in high-pressure situations.

Baltimore also boasts a solid running back committee, led by Gus Edwards and rookie Keaton Mitchell, who have helped maintain the Ravens’ traditional ground game dominance. This balance between the run and pass allows the Ravens to keep defenses guessing and remain versatile on offense, which is critical in a playoff run.

3. An Elite Defense with Super Bowl DNA

Defense has always been a cornerstone of Ravens football. From the days of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to the present, Baltimore has prided itself on having a hard-hitting, aggressive defense. The 2023 edition of the Ravens defense is no exception. In fact, this unit might be one of the most well-rounded defenses in the entire NFL.

The Ravens are ranked among the top teams in several key defensive categories, including total yards allowed, passing yards allowed, and points per game. A major factor in this success has been the play of the front seven, anchored by standouts like Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen at linebacker. These two have formed one of the most formidable linebacker duos in the league, capable of stopping the run, covering receivers, and pressuring the quarterback.

Baltimore’s pass rush has also been extremely effective, with veterans like Justin Houston and emerging stars such as Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This ability to disrupt the pocket makes life significantly harder for opposing signal-callers, forcing them into mistakes or hurried throws.

In the secondary, the Ravens feature one of the league’s most talented cornerback groups, led by Marlon Humphrey and newcomer Rock Ya-Sin. These two provide excellent coverage on the outside, allowing safeties like Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton to roam and create turnovers. The Ravens have consistently ranked among the league leaders in interceptions and pass deflections, making their defense not just tough, but opportunistic.

When you put together a strong pass rush with lockdown coverage, you get a defense capable of taking over a game. This kind of balanced defensive unit is exactly what you need to win in the playoffs, where high-pressure situations often dictate outcomes.

4. Special Teams That Can Change the Game

While special teams often take a backseat in discussions about championship contenders, the Ravens’ special teams have been a major asset in their Super Bowl aspirations. Baltimore has long been known for having one of the most reliable and explosive special teams units in the league, and this year is no different.

The most obvious strength on special teams is kicker Justin Tucker, widely regarded as the best kicker in NFL history. Tucker has been money for the Ravens, reliably converting field goals from long distances, including game-winners and critical kicks in pressure situations. His consistency means the Ravens can rely on him for points in tight games, which is crucial in playoff scenarios.

The Ravens’ return game is also highly effective, with Devin Duvernay and others capable of breaking off big returns and flipping field position. Special teams can often be the difference in close games, and the Ravens are well-equipped in this department to make critical plays when needed.

5. Well-Coached, Balanced Leadership

The leadership and coaching of head coach John Harbaugh have played a pivotal role in the Ravens’ rise as a Super Bowl contender in 2023. Harbaugh, who has led the Ravens since 2008, is known for his ability to get the best out of his players, manage games effectively, and adapt to evolving NFL trends. His calm demeanor and experience in high-pressure situations make him an asset, especially in the postseason.

Under Harbaugh’s tutelage, the Ravens have become one of the most consistent teams in the league, with an emphasis on both physicality and mental toughness. The addition of offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who has revamped the team’s offense, and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who has continued to build on the Ravens’ storied defensive legacy, has created a balanced, adaptable unit on both sides of the ball.

Harbaugh’s leadership, combined with his ability to adjust strategies based on the opponent, makes the Ravens a tough out in the postseason. Teams that can win in a variety of ways—whether through a dominant defense, explosive offense, or special teams—are always dangerous come playoff time, and Baltimore fits that bill.

6. The AFC Is Wide Open

One of the most compelling reasons the Ravens are serious Super Bowl contenders is the state of the AFC. While teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals have been dominant in recent years, none of them have been invincible in 2023. The Ravens have managed to stay competitive in a conference that is stacked with talented teams, but the shifting dynamics have opened up a legitimate window for Baltimore to make a deep playoff run.

The Chiefs, while still the team to beat, have shown signs of vulnerability this season, particularly in their receiving corps, where Patrick Mahomes has had to rely on a group of unproven players. Similarly, the Bills have faced inconsistency, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and the Bengals have struggled with injuries, particularly to star quarterback Joe Burrow.

This leaves the door open for a team like the Ravens to rise to the top. Their balanced roster, strong leadership, and rising play at quarterback make them one of the few teams in the AFC that can match up with the top contenders.

 

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