The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for their first playoff game of the season after securing a bye due to being the top seed in the AFC. Finishing the regular season with an impressive 13-4 record, the Ravens have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with.
Despite missing key players like tight end Mark Andrews and wide receiver Devin Duvernay, the Ravens have managed to dominate their opponents. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has been playing at an MVP-worthy level, channeling the skills of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. The defense has also been wreaking havoc on opposing offenses, making the Ravens a formidable team.
However, as the Ravens prepare for their playoff run, there are some factors that could potentially hinder their Super Bowl chances. While they had an extra week to prepare and rest, the rest of the league was battling it out to keep their Super Bowl dreams alive. This means that the Ravens’ key players, like Jackson and Odell Beckham Jr., have had less playing time compared to their opponents.
Jackson has struggled in the postseason, with an 0-2 record in the divisional round. Throughout his career, he has thrown five interceptions, been sacked 19 times, and only managed to throw three touchdown passes in the playoffs. Lack of experience could be a factor, but even quarterbacks with less experience, like CJ Stroud of the Texans, have performed better in playoff matchups.
Beckham Jr., on the other hand, has been in the league for 10 years but has only been to the playoffs three times, playing a total of five games. While he has a Super Bowl ring from his time with the Rams, he didn’t play at all last year due to tearing his ACL in the Super Bowl. The Ravens will need him to step up as a veteran presence and perform at his best.
The Ravens find themselves in a unique position where they have everything to lose but also the opportunity to be great. This is the first time in a long time that they have all the pieces in place to make a deep playoff run. Perhaps all Jackson and his teammates need is a chance to prove themselves.
However, even if they do prove themselves in their first playoff game, they will face tough competition in the next round, potentially going up against teams like Kansas City or Buffalo. These teams are also vying for a spot in the championship and will be formidable opponents.
There is still a lot for the Ravens to prove, and while their upcoming game against the Texans may seem like an easy win, numbers suggest a buyer-beware approach. The Ravens will need to bring their A-game and overcome the challenges that come their way if they want to make a strong Super Bowl push.
