The Baltimore Ravens ‘ 2024 regular season got off to a disappointing and frustrating start on Thursday.
Facing the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, the team that defeated them in last season’s AFC Championship Game, they trailed by seven points in the waning moments and got to Kansas City’s 10-yard line, but a touchdown catch by tight end Isaiah Likely with time running out was waived off because his toe barely stepped on the edge of the end zone.
Still, there is plenty of reason to be optimistic and even excited about this season if you’re a Ravens fan.
They have the reigning league MVP in quarterback Lamar Jackson, whose contract saga of 2022 and 2023 now seems like a distant memory. They have brought in star running back Derrick Henry, one of a handful of players to ever rush for 2,000 yards in one season, and wide receiver Zay Flowers is looking like a stud.
If there is one team in the AFC that can prevent the Chiefs from achieving an unprecedented Super Bowl threepeat, it is the Ravens.
Here are three reasons why, at the very least, they will finish on top of the ultra-competitive AFC North:
Henry may be a bit diminished compared to a few years ago, and he didn’t exactly look impressive on Thursday with just 46 rushing yards on 13 carries. But he is still a game-changer, not to mention a game-wrecker.
Of course, Jackson is perhaps the best QB when it comes to taking off on his own and moving the chains. He did just that to the tune of 122 yards on 16 attempts versus the Chiefs and ran for 821 yards and five touchdowns in 2023.
The two can take pressure off of each other and perhaps make each other a little more efficient.
The Baltimore Ravens’ defense is still strong
Yes, Baltimore lost emerging interior linebacker Patrick Queen and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney this offseason. But it still has plenty of talent on the defensive side of the football.
Roquan Smith is one of the game’s best linebackers, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike is one of the better interior pass rushers around and safety Kyle Hamilton is a young stud.
Last season, the Ravens were first in points allowed, turnovers forced and rushing touchdowns given up. Head coach John Harbaugh has proven he can build strong defenses, and they have consistently ranked among the NFL’s best defenses ever since he took over in 2008.
The rest of the AFC North isn’t too scary
While the AFC North may be the most competitive division in football, it is one that the Ravens are capable of conquering.
The Cincinnati Bengals are certainly a team that could wrest the division title away from the Ravens. But they’re currently dealing with the contract extension sagas of star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. In addition, their defense has some holes that will need to be addressed in the absence of adequate internal improvement.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have an interesting roster, but they could have a brewing quarterback controversy. Many feel 35-year-old starter Russell Wilson will not perform that well and that Justin Fields will take over the QB1 spot at some point. They don’t have a legitimate wide receiver threat outside of George Pickens, their running back room isn’t overpowering and their offensive line may have some question marks.
The Cleveland Browns, if healthy, have plenty of talent. But star running back Nick Chubb is coming off a severe knee injury he suffered last year and quarterback Deshaun Watson hurt his shoulder in 2023 and hasn’t resembled the star he was with the Houston Texans. Plus, let’s face it, they’re still the Browns.
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