The Ravens (13-3) boast the NFL’s finest report and have the AFC’s No. 1 seed locked up. Nevertheless, their 1-4 report within the playoffs since 2018 does not scream confidence. Listed here are 5 the explanation why this yr will likely be totally different for Baltimore.
Dominant protection
The Ravens protection has been among the best models within the league, permitting the fewest factors per recreation (16.4) and fourth-fewest complete yards per recreation (302.1). Baltimore’s protection has at all times prided itself in taking part in at a excessive degree and that is still true with gamers like DE Justin Madubuike, LB Roquan Smith and security Kyle Hamilton dominating at every degree.
The protection additionally leads the NFL in sacks (57) and takeaways (29). The quarterbacks the Ravens will likely be dealing with within the playoffs will likely be among the league’s finest, so being able to make them uncomfortable is important. They’ve confirmed to have the ability to do exactly that.
Extra skilled
QB Lamar Jackson has struggled in his playoff profession, throwing for 900 yards, three touchdowns and 5 interceptions. However he will likely be making his fifth postseason begin within the second spherical of the playoffs and appears to be on monitor to win his second NFL MVP.
Having extra expertise below his belt since his final postseason begin in 2020 can pay dividends. Jackson has continued to develop his recreation and the remainder of the league nonetheless appears to be attempting to determine him out in his sixth season.
Most gifted weapons but
For a lot of Jackson’s profession, he did not have sufficient weapons round him to achieve success. Previously two years (2021-22), TE Mark Andrews led the staff in receptions and yards. That’s not the case.
Baltimore added an inflow of playmakers this offseason, together with first-round WR Zay Flowers and veteran huge receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor in free company. The offense rewarded the entrance workplace by averaging the second most factors per recreation (29.6) and fourth most complete yards per recreation (379.5) within the league.
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s new offense took a while to begin clicking, nevertheless it has shortly became among the best within the NFL. The Ravens lastly invested round Jackson, and it’ll repay within the playoffs.
Depth
Baltimore’s depth has been really examined this yr and it proved to be deep at nearly each place. Accidents to RB J.Ok. Dobbins, TE Mark Andrews, LB David Ojabo, LB Tyus Bowser, CB Marlon Humphrey and security Kyle Hamilton pressured the staff to show to its backups. They rose to the problem, to say the least.
Ideally, the Ravens will get more healthy over the following couple of weeks as they’re going to seemingly relaxation their starters in Week 18 and have a first-round bye. But when the staff has every other severe accidents within the postseason, they’ve proven they’re going to be simply positive. So long as it isn’t Jackson, after all.
Getting sizzling on the proper time
Baltimore is hitting its stride on the good time, successful 10 of its final 11 video games. The Ravens have not simply defeated anybody both as 10 of their 13 wins have come towards groups with a successful report, probably the most within the NFL, in response to NFL Analysis’s Tony Holzman-Escareno. Their final 4 opponents (Dolphins, 49ers, Jaguars and Rams) are all presently within the playoffs, proving they’re able to make a run.
