The Baltimore Ravens are preparing for an even more difficult test on the road. They’re on a mission to beat the odds and snag one of the last playoff spots. The team followed that big win up with a crushing 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans on October 5th. Currently, they’re dealing with the injury bug and the weight of expectations. Baltimore opened the season without their six highest-paid players, including quarterback Lamar Jackson and the heart of their league-leading defense. This gap proved to be highly detrimental to their success.
As the team heads into their next matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday, they hope to reclaim their momentum. Coach John Harbaugh expressed confidence in his team’s resilience, stating, “I feel like we always have a chance to make something happen.” Head coach Ron Rivera said Jackson would make his return after missing the last three games with a right hamstring strain. The Ravens hope his return will help them rebound from a rough start.
Overall, the Ravens have made the playoffs in five of their last six seasons under Jackson’s leadership. For all the dysfunction surrounding him, he’s running the team to four AFC North titles in five full seasons. His rookie year, he came in and took over a struggling 4-5 club. Under his leadership, they rocketed to six consecutive victories after dropping the first game and won their division title! This season presents a new, distinct challenge. In fact, only four teams in NFL history have even made the playoffs after starting 1-5 or worse.
Why are the Ravens suddenly doing this, leaving fans and analysts scratching their heads in fear. Under the current — and deeply flawed — playoff format adopted in 2020, ten-win teams have an 88% chance of making the postseason. By comparison, just 40% of nine-win teams go on to make the playoffs. As things stand now, the Ravens have almost no margin for error. Every game from here on out is a win-or-go-home game.
When looking back on the team’s early-season woes, Harbaugh said that there is no substitute for toughness in tough times. “When people look back and say, ‘Hey, when things were the toughest, when things looked the worst, how did you handle it?’” he remarked. His sentiment has found an eager compatriot among players who understand the existential moment in which they stand.
Roquan Smith, one of the aforementioned injured players, is making his return to the lineup soon. He conveyed a feeling of excitement among the team. “I believe we’re all re-energized,” he said, noting the positive effects of achieving health as they gear up for the fight awaiting them on their new turf. We all know our roles and we all know who we are and who we need to be, play in and play out and game in and game out.
Ranked 24th in the NFL, the Ravens have the easiest schedule of their last ten games. That’s a tendency that could provide them a key leg-up as they seek to get back into the playoff hunt. Their last-minute loss against Houston really hurt. It inspired them to be their best and reminded them of their potential and the ridiculous expectations that accompany such potential.
Goodbye, coach Harbaugh’s hands-off approach, at least during practice. He left the comfort of his end zone nook to interact one-on-one with players, like quarterback Jaire Alexander. This change further reflects his dedication to making sure the team is tuned in and ready to compete every single game.
In a recent team meeting, per Harbaugh’s account, the head coach reminded his players how serious things have gotten. “Each and every game going to be like a win-or-go-home game,” Jackson recounted. The sense of urgency is definitely out there as the Ravens try to make it through this critical stretch of the regular season.
Thankfully, Jackson’s historical track record of success with the franchise provides reason to be optimistic. He repeatedly thrives when it matters most. His return should re-energize the team’s overall morale, prompting an upturn in both their attacking qualities and defensive organization.
In getting ready for the Dolphins, Jackson had positive vibes on his team’s future as they look ahead. “It’s the first season ever starting off this slow,” he acknowledged. “It’s do-or-die right now, each and every week.“
Kyle Hamilton drew attention to the mental fortitude needed outside of these unprecedented times. “I feel like getting into this position — and we haven’t really been in this position [before] — it’s easy to kind of put your head down and mail it in,” he stated. But despite personal and team struggles, Hamilton continues to fight through adversity with one goal in mind—to win with his teammates.
The road will certainly be difficult for Baltimore, particularly with a intimidating matchup incoming against Miami on Thursday. The Ravens stay alive and continue their quest for a playoff spot. Their star players are getting back in the groove, and the team is re-centering itself with a focus on creating open shots and gritty defensive Yambo.
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