John Harbaugh reveals what the Baltimore Ravens are really playing for in 2024

It has been a hard summer for the Baltimore Ravens.

On Sunday, the Ravens announced offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris died of complications with a diagnosed "acute illness."

In July, former wide receiver Jacoby Jones died at 40.

Then on Monday, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh dedicated the next six months to the pair of Ravens legends gone too soon.

"We want to honor him [Joe D'Alessandris] with this season and we want to honor Jacoby Jones with this season," Harbaugh said. "Those are two people that we are going to dedicate our season to this year. We are going to do everything we can to make them proud of us."

D'Alessandris was hospitalized a little more than 11 days ago. D’Alessandris had entered his eighth season as Baltimore’s offensive line coach. As he dealt with his illness, the Ravens hired George Warhop as interim coach.

Following his death, the team released a flurry of statements lauding the man and coach D'Alessandris.

"Our hearts ache with grief and sadness upon learning of Coach Joe D'Alessandris' passing early this morning," the Ravens wrote in a statement.

"'Joe D.' lived a life of boundless faith, love, devotion and inspiration. As a husband, father, grandfather, friend and coach, Joe made every individual he encountered truly feel like they were the most important person in the world."We extend our heartfelt condolences to Joe's family – particularly his three incredible daughters – during this somber time. Now reunited with his late and precious wife, Toni, we know they are smiling down from above and blessing everyone they dearly love."

Jones was predominantly known for his performance in the Ravens' 34-31 Super Bowl XLVII win over the San Francisco 49ers . Jones caught a 56-yard touchdown reception from Joe Flacco in the second quarter and opened up the third quarter of the game with a 108-yard kickoff return, which still stands as the longest play in Super Bowl or postseason history.

The Ravens have a little extra they are playing for during the 2024 season.