Are the Ravens for real?
Are the Ravens for real?
By Trevor Speetzen December 21, 2024 07:02
Ever since Lamar Jackson entered the league, the Baltimore Ravens are always considered perennial favorites to win the AFC North division. This year it looks like the Pittsburgh Steelers will be stealing that honor as the 2024 regular season begins to wind down.
The Ravens were first introduced in the NFL in 1996 after Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell moved the team from Cleveland to Baltimore. The city of Cleveland maintained the rights of the Browns franchise and the Ravens were labeled as an expansion franchise.
Since their inception, the Ravens have had immense success. They’ve won two Super Bowls, in the years 2000 and 2012, and have had the same head coach, John Harbaugh, since 2008.
Before Jackson’s arrival, the team had Joe Flacco used to be at the helm and experienced a lot of success himself. Now with Jackson at the helm, the Ravens continue to experience regular season success.
But what about playoff success? While the Ravens have won two Super Bowls in their near 30-year history, they’ve also only made two appearances in the big game.
The Ravens are still currently in the Harbaugh era and were able to claim Super Bowl XLVII. However, Baltimore has had a difficult time getting out of the divisional round.
During Flacco’s time, the team made three conference championship appearances, including the Super Bowl victory. With Jackson at the helm, the Ravens have only made one conference championship appearance which came in 2023 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jackson took over starting duties for Baltimore in 2018, during that time the Ravens have made the playoffs every year except for 2021. However, Jackson and the Ravens have only won two playoff games during that time.
Jackson's two playoff victories came in 2020 against the Tennessee Titans and in 2023 in a home victory against the Houston Texans.
So this begs the question, are the 2024 Ravens for real? Baltimore is currently in a race for the division championship with the Steelers and at the moment it’s anyone’s division.
With a few crucial matchups coming up, including Pittsburgh, the Ravens have a chance to get themselves a home game for the playoffs.
However, if Baltimore manages to secure a home game, can they find playoff success or will they be the same old Ravens.
Baltimore acquired Derrick Henry in the offseason and he has been a sure fire hit for the team, but is it enough. The team acquired Diontae Johnson mid-season to help with the passing game, but unfortunately that trade fell flat.
Johnson was released by the team just before the Ravens-Steelers matchup. Depending on how the final games of the season go for Baltimore, it’ll be very telling whether the Ravens go far in the playoffs.
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