Best record in the AFC conference, the Ravens are emerging as legitimate favorites for a place in the Super Bowl in a month. Well balanced on both sides of the ball, and led by the likely future regular season MVP, John Harbaugh's men have not looked this strong since the year of their last title.
The end of season performances only confirmed things and even sent a strong signal to all the other contenders. It will be necessary to be immense to prevent Baltimore from going all the way. But the road will not be easy for all that.
How did they get there?
Their 2022 campaign was cut short in the 1st round of the playoffs due to Lamar Jackson's injury. The franchise, which has a history of working well, has lived up to its reputation. By deciding to extend Lamar Jackson, priority was given to their quarterback, before surrounding him. The arrivals of Odell Beckham and Zay Flowers breathed new life into the aerial game and freed Jackson.
More efficient in the air, even more reliable in defense, the Ravens gave a feeling of mastery throughout the season. Three losses by one possession or less, they haven't had a week without.
Since mid-November, the team even seems to be gaining strength throughout the matches. The benchmark victory against the 49ers in week 16 and the correction inflicted on the Dolphins in week 17 sent a clear message to their opponents.
The key player: Zay Flowers
Drafted in the first round last April, Zay Flowers was supposed to bring explosiveness to the Ravens' attack but above all give Lamar Jackson a top target. Moribund, Baltimore's aerial game lacked a leader and receivers capable of establishing a real connection with the quarterback. The former Boston College player's first exercise was a success. With more than 900 cumulative yards and 6 touchdowns, he is real added value. But with 77 balls caught (more than Beckham and Bateman combined), Flowers is also by far Jackson's preferred target.
A space swallower, he is also capable of being a real possession player as during the convincing victory against San Francisco. Affected in the calf at the end of the season, he was spared in week 18 and preserved in training. His fitness and his role will be essential elements for the good aerial performance of his team.
Why are they going to go through with it?
There is no shortage of strengths in this team. Led by a Lamar Jackson at the top of his art and favorite to win his 2nd MVP title, the Ravens attack has become a force in 2023. The alchemy of the quarterback with his receivers finally seems to have taken place and the threat can come from all parts of the field. The experienced Odell Beckham or the young Zay Flowers can pose problems for any defense. And when we talk about Jackson, we also talk about his ability to bring danger to the ground. Even though he runs less this season than at the start of his career, he is still a threat to watch like milk on fire. With more than 800 yards on the ground, he always knows how to turn into a runner to gain the upper hand over the opponent.
Historically strong, the 2023 defense particularly shone, particularly in its ability to hinder the opposing quarterback in his pocket. With 60 sacks, they lead the league in the field. An ability to put pressure on which could be decisive in these playoffs. This strength of the defensive line also makes life easier for the last defensive curtain. With some playmakers like Marlon Humphrey or Kyle Hamilton, the slightest mistake will pay for itself.
If Baltimore regularly remains among the best teams, it is also thanks to its coaching staff. John Harbaugh, already a Super Bowl winner, is a respected and brilliant coach. Perfectly supported by Todd Monken in attack and Mike McDonald in defense, they form a particularly complementary and experienced trio.
Why won't they go?
The American conference is particularly tough in 2023. If Baltimore passes the first pitfall in the divisional round, the conference final will cause them to cross paths with either Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs or Josh Allen's Bills. The Bills have been gaining momentum for several weeks. As for the reigning champions, they will have the advantage of playoff experience against the Ravens.
Lamar Jackson has matured in his game and his game management. He will need that to finally take a step forward in the playoffs. With a record of 1 win for 3 losses in elimination matches, the quarterback never seemed able to carry his team or help his teammates transcend. To reach the Super Bowl and even more to win it, he will have no choice. Sportingly there are no more doubts about his level, but psychologically he still has to break the glass ceiling and deliver a benchmark performance.
Injured players
Accustomed to a busy infirmary, the Ravens started on their usual basis with the injury of JK Dobbins in the first week. But for once, John Harbaugh's players were relatively spared. Most of the team's strengths will be able to try to conquer the franchise's third title.
Nice surprise of the season, runner Keaton Mitchell was injured at the end of the season. His explosiveness and ability to make a difference will be missed on offense, but the player was only in the rotation. The Baltimore race committee will make up for his absence with other qualities. Already absent almost his entire rookie season, former 2nd round David Ojabo once again gave up the season early.
Absent since mid-November due to a fibula injury, Mark Andrews is back. The All Pro tight end could return to the field as early as the divisional round against Houston.
Prognosis
Having become the main favorite of the AFC conference thanks to a season full of serenity and mastery, the Ravens are advancing as the team to beat. By having finished 1st, they will benefit from home advantage throughout the playoffs. It will therefore not be easy to impose itself on their territory.
However, Lamar Jackson's Ravens never managed to shine in January. The quarterback still lacks the reference to gain the upper hand in decisive matches. Faced with the Bills or Chiefs who are experienced in playoff games and accustomed to major events, Baltimore could ultimately be in a delicate position.
Defeat in conference final.
