The Baltimore Ravens, a proud franchise with a storied history, find themselves in a curious and somewhat frustrating position in the NFL as they continue to chase the elusive Super Bowl victory with Lamar Jackson under center. The team, known for its dynamic defense, physical running game, and relentless determination, is now waiting for their quarterback—Lamar Jackson—to elevate them to the pinnacle of NFL success. Despite Jackson’s incredible individual talent and MVP-level seasons, the Ravens’ Super Bowl aspirations remain unfulfilled.
The Rise of Lamar Jackson: A Star on the Horizon
When Lamar Jackson was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, few expected him to become the face of the franchise so quickly. Jackson, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2016 as a quarterback at Louisville, entered the league with questions surrounding his style of play. Critics wondered if his unique skill set—most notably his electric rushing ability—would translate to the NFL and whether he could thrive as a pocket passer in a league that historically favored more traditional quarterback profiles.
However, Jackson wasted no time in silencing those doubts. In just his second season in 2019, he led the Ravens to a league-best 14-2 record, earning the NFL MVP award after a record-breaking campaign. Jackson became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season while also passing for 3,127 yards and 36 touchdowns. His performance was a revelation, and it seemed as if the Ravens were on the cusp of something special. With Jackson at the helm, Baltimore appeared poised for years of championship contention.
Yet, despite his individual brilliance, Jackson and the Ravens have found themselves unable to break through to the biggest stage—the Super Bowl. In 2019, after a dominant regular season, the Ravens were stunned in the AFC Divisional Round by the Tennessee Titans, a loss that raised questions about whether Jackson and the Ravens could win in the postseason. While Jackson’s career was undoubtedly off to an exceptional start, it seemed clear that the true measure of success for both player and team would ultimately be determined by whether they could win the Lombardi Trophy.
Postseason Struggles and Playoff Disappointments
While Lamar Jackson’s regular-season accolades have been exceptional, the Ravens’ playoff performances under his leadership have been more tumultuous. Since entering the NFL, Jackson has made the playoffs in three of his first four seasons (2018, 2019, and 2020), but each postseason has ended in disappointment. This raises the question: Why has a quarterback with such extraordinary talent and potential struggled to replicate his regular-season success in the postseason?
The most glaring issue for Jackson and the Ravens in the playoffs has been the inability to secure victories against top-tier teams in high-stakes games. In the 2018 playoffs, Jackson’s Ravens lost in a heartbreaking 23-17 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Wild Card round, with Jackson struggling in his first playoff appearance. The following season, after a dominant regular season, the Ravens were eliminated by the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional Round. The Titans, led by running back Derrick Henry, controlled the game with a physical style of play that stifled Jackson’s high-octane offense.
The 2020 playoffs were no different. Despite Jackson leading the Ravens to an impressive late-season surge, the team was once again ousted early, this time in the AFC Divisional Round by the Buffalo Bills. Jackson struggled to find rhythm in that game, and the Ravens’ offense, despite flashes of brilliance, could not keep pace with the Bills’ high-powered attack.
Each of these losses sparked further questions about Jackson’s ability to perform in the postseason. While the young quarterback continued to put up impressive numbers and made extraordinary plays, he struggled with consistency when it mattered most. Critics began to question whether Jackson’s style of play—built around a dynamic rushing game and play-action passing—could withstand the intense pressure of the playoffs, where every mistake is magnified.
The Lack of Playoff Success: What Needs to Change?
Despite these playoff setbacks, it would be unjust to pin all of the Ravens’ postseason disappointments on Lamar Jackson alone. Football is a team sport, and there are multiple factors that contribute to postseason success. The Ravens’ playoff losses often exposed flaws across the roster that went beyond Jackson’s performance. For instance, in the 2019 playoff loss to the Titans, the Ravens’ defense struggled to contain Derrick Henry, who ran roughshod over the defense, and the offensive line was not as dominant as it had been during the regular season. Jackson and the offense, while effective, were often put in difficult situations due to poor special teams play and defensive breakdowns.
Additionally, the Ravens’ offensive philosophy, which relies heavily on the running game and Jackson’s unique ability as a dual-threat quarterback, has been seen as a double-edged sword in the playoffs. In the postseason, defenses tend to be better prepared, and opponents have the ability to make adjustments quickly. The Ravens’ offense, which had been explosive throughout the regular season, has often been stifled by opposing defenses that successfully contained Jackson’s running game and forced him into long passing situations.
This has led many to question whether the Ravens’ offensive scheme needs to evolve to give Jackson a better chance at postseason success. While Jackson’s rushing ability is undoubtedly a major weapon, there is a growing argument that the Ravens need to further develop their passing attack to complement Jackson’s skills and take some of the pressure off him when the stakes are highest. This might involve bringing in more playmakers on the perimeter, such as a true No. 1 wide receiver, or evolving the offense to include more varied passing concepts.
In addition, Baltimore’s overall approach to team-building may need to be examined. In recent years, the Ravens have focused heavily on building a physically dominant defense and a strong running game, but they have lacked a consistently elite passing attack and high-powered receiving corps. In an era where high-flying offenses dominate the NFL, it may be time for the Ravens to adjust their philosophy and provide Jackson with the weapons he needs to truly thrive in the postseason.
The Pressure to Win: A Franchise at a Crossroads
As the Ravens enter the 2025 season, the pressure on Lamar Jackson to win a Super Bowl has only increased. The NFL is a league defined by its singular obsession with championships, and for all of Jackson’s individual accomplishments, the one thing that still eludes him is the title that defines a quarterback’s legacy: the Super Bowl win.
For the Baltimore Ravens, the window of opportunity may be closing. Jackson is still in the prime of his career, but the team must continue to build around him with the right pieces if they hope to finally bring home a championship. The Ravens have traditionally been a franchise that prioritizes defense, but as the game has evolved, it has become clear that building a balanced team that can both defend and score points at a high level is necessary for success in the modern NFL.
Moreover, Jackson’s contract situation adds another layer of intrigue to the equation. Jackson, who was drafted as the 32nd overall pick in 2018, has become one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, but his contract negotiations are an ongoing storyline. The Ravens must decide how much to invest in their star quarterback, and they will need to ensure that they surround him with the necessary talent to succeed.
In the grand narrative of the Baltimore Ravens’ franchise, Jackson’s legacy will be tied to the success—or failure—of their Super Bowl aspirations. If he can eventually lead the Ravens to a championship, he will be remembered as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. But if he continues to fall short, doubts about his ability to win in the postseason will persist, and the Ravens will be left wondering whether their search for a championship will remain unfulfilled.
