Baltimore Ravens Must Be Better for Postseason

The Baltimore Ravens have proven time and time again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. However, as the postseason draws near, it is becoming evident that they must elevate their game to a level that will allow them to compete for a Super Bowl. Despite an impressive regular season, their current form suggests that there are areas they need to improve to truly contend with the league’s elite teams.

As of the 2025 season, the Ravens have showcased flashes of brilliance, particularly in their defense and special teams. Their dynamic quarterback, Lamar Jackson, continues to be a dual-threat weapon, capable of changing the game with his legs and arm. However, when it comes to the postseason, consistency, adaptability, and overall execution are paramount. Here are the key areas where the Baltimore Ravens must improve if they want to make a deep playoff run and have a legitimate shot at winning the Super Bowl.

1. Lamar Jackson’s Postseason Performance

Lamar Jackson is undoubtedly one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the NFL. His unique skill set—combining speed, agility, and a strong arm—has changed the way people view the quarterback position. Yet, despite his regular-season success, Jackson has struggled in the postseason. His playoff record (as of 2025) has been marred by inconsistency, poor performances, and, in some cases, turnovers at crucial moments. While Lamar has flashed his potential on the big stage, there has been a pattern of underperformance in the postseason.

Jackson’s struggles in the playoffs have often been tied to his decision-making under pressure. In tight games, he sometimes forces throws, and his natural tendency to run can lead to missed opportunities through the air. To overcome these issues, Jackson must improve his passing accuracy, especially on intermediate and deep routes. He has the arm strength, but his mechanics and anticipation have sometimes been inconsistent, especially when the game is on the line. Furthermore, Jackson must improve his pocket awareness, as he tends to take unnecessary sacks when pressured. The Ravens’ coaching staff must focus on refining his skills in the offseason and implementing a more varied, disciplined passing attack to help him thrive in high-stakes games.

Jackson has also been criticized for his lack of playoff wins, with some questioning his ability to lead his team in the postseason. It is crucial for him to silence these doubts and show that he can perform when the stakes are highest. To do this, he needs to remain calm and composed, learning to make quicker decisions and control the pace of the game. This includes understanding when to run and when to pass, knowing when to take risks, and when to play it safe. If Jackson can elevate his play in the postseason, the Ravens will have a much better chance at advancing deep into the playoffs.

2. Offensive Line Play

Another area where the Ravens must improve is their offensive line. While the offensive line has shown some improvement over the past few seasons, they still face challenges when going up against elite defenses. Lamar Jackson’s ability to extend plays with his legs masks some of the struggles up front, but a strong, consistent offensive line is essential for any team aiming to make a deep playoff run.

During the 2025 season, the Ravens’ offensive line has been inconsistent, particularly in their ability to protect Jackson in the pocket. Pass protection has been a concern, with opposing defenses frequently getting to Jackson, forcing him to scramble and make plays on the move. While Jackson is capable of evading pressure, relying too heavily on his mobility increases the risk of injury and limits the effectiveness of the passing game.

To be effective in the postseason, the Ravens must bolster their offensive line play, especially in pass protection. This will not only protect Jackson but also open up lanes for their running game, which is essential to their overall offensive identity. Improving the offensive line will require both better blocking schemes and individual performance from key players. If they can provide Jackson with more time and space to operate, it will make the Ravens’ offense significantly more dangerous, especially when facing elite postseason defenses.

3. Wide Receiver Corps and Passing Game

While Lamar Jackson is the focal point of the Ravens’ offense, the wide receiver corps remains one of the biggest question marks for the team heading into the postseason. Historically, the Ravens have struggled to build a strong, reliable passing game, relying heavily on the running game and Jackson’s legs. However, with the rise of elite quarterbacks and passing offenses in today’s NFL, the Ravens must have a more balanced offensive attack to succeed in the postseason.

The Ravens’ wide receivers, while talented, have not consistently been able to stretch the field or make crucial catches in critical situations. The team’s reliance on short routes and checkdowns can be effective in the regular season, but it often fails to produce explosive plays when they face top-tier defenses in the playoffs. Additionally, the lack of a true number-one receiver has been a significant obstacle. To compete with the best teams in the league, the Ravens need to develop a more potent passing attack. Whether that means finding a top-tier wide receiver or improving their existing group’s ability to win one-on-one matchups, the Ravens need a better balance between the run and pass game.

Lamar Jackson also needs to develop better chemistry with his receivers. While the connection between quarterback and wide receivers is important in any offense, it becomes even more critical in the postseason. The Ravens’ passing game must be more efficient, and the receivers need to be more consistent, especially in high-pressure moments. Developing timing, route running, and trust between Jackson and his wideouts will be key if the Ravens want to compete for a Super Bowl.

4. Defense and Secondary Play

The Ravens have long been known for their hard-nosed, physical defense. This season, their defense has been one of the best in the NFL, ranking near the top in several categories. However, when it comes to the postseason, the defense must be even better to help propel the team to a championship. In particular, the secondary has shown vulnerability at times, especially when facing elite quarterbacks and receiving corps.

While the Ravens’ defensive front has been dominant, the secondary has struggled at times to contain explosive passing attacks. Against teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or Buffalo Bills, where the quarterback can stretch the field and attack weaknesses in the secondary, the Ravens must find ways to minimize big plays and improve their coverage in the postseason. The Ravens’ cornerbacks and safeties need to become more disciplined, keeping their coverage tight and avoiding blown assignments that lead to easy touchdowns.

To improve in this area, the Ravens must focus on the fundamentals of pass coverage, including communication, positioning, and recognizing offensive schemes. Whether they bring more pressure on the quarterback or implement more complex coverage schemes, the secondary needs to step up in the postseason. If they can contain elite receivers and force turnovers, the defense will give Lamar Jackson and the offense more opportunities to score and win games.

5. Special Teams and Game Management

While special teams is often an overlooked aspect of football, it can be the difference between winning and losing in the postseason. The Ravens have a solid special teams unit, but like any team, they cannot afford to make costly mistakes or miss key opportunities in high-stakes games. A missed field goal, a poor punt, or a blown coverage could swing a game and derail a playoff run.

In addition to special teams, overall game management will play a significant role in the Ravens’ postseason success. Head coach John Harbaugh is known for his leadership and decision-making, but in tight playoff games, every call counts. Harbaugh must continue to make the right decisions in terms of clock management, fourth-down conversions, and field position. With so much on the line, game management will be a critical factor in securing victories against tough opponents.