Baltimore Ravens: Contenders or Pretenders?

Oct 9

Ahead of week five’s Sunday Night Football matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Baltimore Ravens, like many teams, are 2-2.

One thing that separates Baltimore from the rest of the NFL’s 2-2 teams right now, is that they have trailed for less than 15 seconds total in their two losses, their 42-38 vs. Miami in week two and 23-20 vs. Buffalo in week five. If the two losses were properly closed out, the Ravens would be sitting as the AFC’s only undefeated team, so are they still Super Bowl contenders?

The answer is yes. Firstly, despite blowing a 20-3 lead to the Buffalo Bills last week, the Ravens still held Josh Allen’s passer rating to under 70, surprisingly low for Allen. Baltimore’s average passer rating allowed so far this season has been around 85, which is not bad at all. The ability to limit offensive playmakers from reaching the numbers they usually do shows that the Ravens’ pass defense can help them win more games.

With Baltimore, the conversation always has to include Lamar Jackson. Jackson is showing why he is one of the league’s few elite quarterbacks. Still being able to be dominant with his legs, Jackson continues to be a two-way threat on offense. His 11 touchdowns and only four interceptions through four games are some of the better numbers by a quarterback this year. Lamar’s ability to throw the ball deep down the field has even gotten a little better as well.

The Ravens still have several things to work on, however. Notably their run defense and defensive front as a whole. Despite limiting Josh Allen to only 213 passing yards, the Ravens’ defense only sacked him once and allowed the Bills’ running backs more than five yards per carry. Then there is the conversation about the blown leads against Miami and Buffalo. Not only did the Ravens allow Tua Tagovailoa to throw six touchdowns, but they allowed a 21-point fourth-quarter comeback to take place. Both losses were games that Baltimore should have won, and more consistency at the end of games as well as on defense will need to be shown to ensure the team remains an AFC threat.