Can the Ravens’ Offense Finally Get It Together in the Postseason?
The Baltimore Ravens have long been a team known for their suffocating defense, but in recent years, their offense has come under increasing scrutiny. With Lamar Jackson at the helm and a high-powered, dynamic offense on paper, the Ravens have consistently been one of the most promising teams in the NFL. However, despite regular-season success, their offensive performances in the postseason have often failed to live up to expectations. As the Ravens make their way into yet another playoff run, the question arises: can the Ravens’ offense finally get it together in the postseason?
A Recap of Recent Seasons
To understand the underlying challenges of the Ravens’ offense in the postseason, we first need to look back at their recent playoff history. Since Lamar Jackson took over as starting quarterback in 2018, the Ravens have become a consistent playoff contender. Jackson’s electrifying skills—his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs—have made the Ravens a difficult team to defend against. However, despite these strengths, Baltimore has been eliminated in the first or second round of the playoffs in each of the last three seasons.
In 2018, Jackson led the Ravens to the AFC North title in his first full season as a starter. The Ravens entered the postseason as the number one seed in the AFC, but their offense struggled in a shocking home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Ravens’ potent running game was stifled by the Chargers’ defense, and Jackson’s passing was inconsistent, ultimately leading to a disappointing early exit.
The 2019 season offered more hope for the Ravens. Baltimore finished with an NFL-best 14-2 record, and Jackson was named the league’s MVP after a remarkable season. However, in the divisional round of the playoffs, they faced off against the Tennessee Titans, a team that had no fear of the Ravens’ high-powered offense. Baltimore’s offense once again faltered under pressure, with Jackson throwing an interception and the running game being neutralized by the Titans’ defense. The Ravens were upset in a game that many had expected them to dominate.
In 2020, the Ravens made another playoff appearance, this time facing off against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round. While Jackson played admirably throughout the season, he struggled in Buffalo, and Baltimore’s offense failed to find a rhythm once again. This season featured several missed opportunities, including Jackson’s concussion after taking a hit in the second half, and once again, the Ravens were eliminated.
Despite the disappointment in the postseason, Baltimore has proven to be a consistent contender. They have made the playoffs in every season since 2018, and their defense has continued to be one of the league’s top units. However, the offense’s inability to perform when it matters most has been a major factor in their postseason struggles.
The Offensive Identity Crisis
One of the most significant challenges facing the Ravens’ offense in the postseason has been its identity. Over the years, Baltimore’s offense has relied heavily on the running game. Under offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Ravens have run one of the most dynamic and effective rushing attacks in the league, often using Lamar Jackson’s legs as a primary weapon. Jackson has proven to be an excellent runner, with his ability to make defenders miss and break off long gains making him one of the most difficult players to stop in the NFL.
However, while the running game has been successful in the regular season, it hasn’t always translated to the postseason. In high-pressure playoff games, where defenses are more prepared and schemes are more tailored to stopping a team’s strengths, Baltimore’s reliance on the run game has been exposed. Opposing defenses have been able to stack the box, limit Jackson’s running lanes, and force the Ravens to pass the ball more frequently.
This is where the Ravens’ offense has been problematic: Jackson’s passing game, while improved over the years, remains inconsistent. In the 2019 playoffs, for example, Jackson had one of his worst playoff performances in terms of accuracy and decision-making. He struggled to read the defense, and his throws were off-target, leading to missed opportunities and turnovers. Even in the 2020 postseason, when Jackson had a better game passing the ball, Baltimore still had difficulty moving the ball consistently in a pass-heavy environment.
In the postseason, teams have been able to force Jackson into situations where he must throw the ball to win. That has been a challenge, as the Ravens have struggled to find reliable pass catchers. While tight end Mark Andrews has been a consistent option, the Ravens’ wide receiver corps has been criticized for a lack of depth and consistency. Hollywood Brown, a former first-round pick, has shown flashes of brilliance, but his inconsistency has raised doubts about whether he can be relied upon in big moments.
Furthermore, the Ravens have struggled to establish a passing rhythm in critical situations, especially when playing from behind. When they fall behind in the postseason, they have often been forced to abandon their run-first approach, which puts more pressure on Jackson to deliver with his arm. That dynamic makes the Ravens’ offense a one-dimensional attack, which has been easier for postseason defenses to shut down.
The Keys to Success in the 2025 Postseason
If the Ravens’ offense is going to finally get it together in the postseason this year, several factors need to align. Here’s a look at what needs to happen for the Ravens to break through and make a deep playoff run.
- Improved Passing Attack: The biggest factor in Baltimore’s postseason success will be Lamar Jackson’s ability to elevate his passing game. Jackson has made significant strides as a passer, but the Ravens will need him to be more consistent in high-pressure situations. He’ll need to show that he can read defenses quickly and deliver accurate passes on time, especially in the middle of the field and on third downs. If Jackson can prove he can win games with his arm, the Ravens’ offense will be more unpredictable and dangerous.
- A Balanced Offensive Attack: While the Ravens’ run-heavy offense has been their identity, they cannot afford to rely solely on the ground game in the postseason. They need to maintain a balanced attack, mixing run plays with more aggressive passing strategies. By doing so, they can keep defenses on their heels and open up opportunities for big plays. A balanced offense will also help reduce the pressure on Jackson to be perfect in the passing game.
- Wide Receiver Development: A more reliable group of pass catchers is crucial for Baltimore’s offense to succeed in the postseason. Hollywood Brown, Rashod Bateman, and others must step up and provide consistent, high-level play. A deeper receiving corps will allow Jackson to spread the ball around and avoid double-teams on Andrews, who is often the focal point of the passing attack.
- Stay Healthy: Injuries have been a factor for the Ravens’ offense in recent postseasons. In 2020, Jackson’s concussion in the playoff game against Buffalo was a crushing blow to the team. If the Ravens are to make a deep postseason run, staying healthy—particularly with key players like Jackson, Andrews, and the offensive line—will be crucial.
- Offensive Line Play: The Ravens’ offensive line must also step up in the postseason. If they can create lanes for the running game and give Jackson time in the pocket to survey the field, the offense will be much more effective. In previous years, poor offensive line play has led to broken plays, sacks, and lost yardage.
- Adaptability: The Ravens will need to adjust their game plan based on their opponents in the postseason. If a team focuses on stopping the run, the Ravens will need to have a reliable passing attack to counteract that. Similarly, if teams focus on taking away the deep ball, Jackson must be able to effectively attack underneath routes and maintain offensive balance. Adaptability will be key to success.
