Much has been made of the Ravens recent struggles overall winning close games against anybody willing to step on a football field. Yesterday against the Browns in a 25-15 win, Head Coach John Harbaugh knew the Ravens escaped a close one against a division rival as he said, “There are no East Carolina’s in this league.” But is too much being made of the Ravens struggles?
Yes it is.
The Ravens have a 6-2 record in early November and as a consistent playoff contender, you can’t ask for much more than that. The Ravens have started well in the past, winning a Super bowl and being short on multiple occasions. Ravens fans should know by now when it really matters to look good. Now is not the time.
The Ravens have been among the NFL’s elite for quite some time with 146 wins (including playoffs) since 1998, which is the 5th most in the NFL over that time frame. Ravens fans have seen it all.
Does it really matter that the Ravens lost 43-13 to the Texans two weeks ago?
No.
The Ravens beat the Texans twice last year. Did they make the Super bowl?
No.
I’ll give another example. In 2010 on Monday Night Football, the New York Jets lost to the Patriots 45-3, then proceeded to beat the Patriots in the playoffs that year in the divisional round.
The Ravens are not supposed to make it a priority to look good right now. Wins are all that matters. If it means winning ugly then so be it.
The Ravens know what they have to do as an organization. They don’t need a lecture. They do need to be healthy for the stretch run while being at their best entering the playoffs. People can talk about the other teams. Right now is not the time.
The Ravens being at their best in November is not in their best interest.
