It’s a pretty wild state of affairs that a football team with a 9-5 record and a 99% chance of making the playoffs is being roundly criticized as an underperformer.
What’s even crazier is that it feels like, given the circumstances, those criticisms are completely valid.
JK Dobbins averaged 9.6 ypc last night. Gus Edwards averaged 7.9. Between the two of them, they got one carry in the fourth quarter. ONE.
Meanwhile, Ravens averaged 3.8 yards per passing drop back.
My peak of frustration with Greg Roman’s play calling was here ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/DE5qY2SU2H
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) December 18, 2022
Sunday’s game was the first loss that the Ravens surrendered this year that didn’t also feature a double-digit lead for Baltimore at some point. Despite it not being a choke, I can’t say this game felt much better. Baltimore’s defense did what they could to stem the tide, but there was only so much that they could do as the offense struggled mightily for most of the day.
Last 4 Ravens possessions:
Missed FG
Interception
Fumble
Blocked FG pic.twitter.com/KiYn7TY70K— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 17, 2022
Despite the willingness of JK Dobbins and Justin Tucker to each individually place blame on themselves for the loss…
JK Dobbins: "I feel like part of this [loss] is on me because I don't have my speed – the normal speed that I had – right now. I'm going to continue to work to get it, but we score TDs if I score from deep. I'm gonna put that on me bc that's what the team drafted me for."
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) December 18, 2022
Marlon Humphrey on Justin Tucker: "He just tried to say in the locker room that this game is on him. And everyone in the locker was like, 'Don't ever say that again.' He's won us too many games. He's the best for a reason. There's never a time that Justin Tucker loses us a game."
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) December 18, 2022
…it’s apparent to everyone involved that they weren’t the source of the issue. I won’t belabor the point, since, the odds are that if you’re reading this, you know how the fanbase feels. That said, the natives are restless.
Lol. "Fire Greg Roman" pic.twitter.com/bamqBArvkz
— nittygrittysportstalk (@nittygritty410) December 18, 2022
In case you haven’t seen it, that video (which has since been deleted) came from Tyus Bowser’s Instagram story. As if running a World War II propaganda campaign, someone left leaflets reading “Fire Greg Roman” around the area of The Castle. An act of desperation, and definitely not one that I’d recommend, but one thing’s for sure: that culprit isn’t alone in their sentiment. Check out the YouTube comments on the Ravens’ page in real time during yesterday’s presser.
Ooooooof. Vibes around the Ravens are… not great during Harbs’ media availability.@RussellStReport #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/yy0QLfBPfW
— KMack Sports (@KMackSports) December 19, 2022
When asked by reporters about potential changes to the coaching personnel or responsibilities, this was Harbaugh’s response.
"We're together. We're a team. We're spending all of our time getting ready for the Atlanta Falcons." pic.twitter.com/mOlh6pFtdX
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 19, 2022
Let me start by reiterating that I have a lot of respect for John Harbaugh. He’s a well-liked coach, well-respected in NFL circles, and he’s been very successful to this point in his NFL career. That said, to dismiss the concerns of fans as “end of the bar” talk is a dangerous mindset for several reasons. Those fans talking at the end of the bar are the same fans packing into seats at The Bank on Sundays. If Coach Harbaugh acknowledges that he’s seen and heard the rhetoric from the fans, I guarantee you that it’s reached the ears of Steve Bisciotti and Eric DeCosta. If ownership comes to the realization that the status quo will affect the dollars-and-cents of the organization, no amount of loyalty is going to save him.
Beyond that, Harbaugh’s remarks take the dismissive tone that this negative sentiment toward the offense only exists among the fan base. This is not an exaggeration: in the past two weeks, outside of JK Dobbins’ performances and praise for Anthony Brown, I don’t think I’ve read a single positive thing about the Ravens offense from a national NFL analyst.
It’s taken the Ravens—who had all 3 timeouts—1:29 to go 25 yards.
— Joe Fortenbaugh (@JoeFortenbaugh) December 17, 2022
Ravens WR situation is malpractice 🤦🏾♂️
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) December 18, 2022
this game has been a Greg Roman special
Ravens RBs are averaging 8.7 YPC
Dobbins -> 9.6 YPC
Edwards -> 7.9 YPCand yet Huntley has 28 attempts?
which are averaging only 4.8 yds/pass
vs the worst run defense in the NFL since at least 2000
make it make sense, Greg Roman
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) December 18, 2022
It’s one thing to dismiss someone’s opinion that you think stinks. But if it stinks everywhere you go, you may want to check the bottom of your shoes.
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When Bisciotti fired Brian Billick with three years remaining on his $5M/yr. contract, he said his gut told him it was time! Time for another gut check……