To this point, the Ravens’ 2023 season has been filled with the dreaded “Yes, but…” phrase.
The Ravens had no problems moving the ball up and down the field last week against a tough, physical Titans’ defense.
Yes, but they completely soiled the sheets in the red zone.
The Ravens absolutely dominated the Steelers on the road.
Yes, but they lost because they kept shooting themselves in the foot in high-leverage situations.
The Ravens have some of the ugliest writers covering the team.
Yes, but they do have that Darin McCann fellow.
Still reading? Had to check.
So, yes, the Ravens have played lights-out defense to this point in the still-young 2023 campaign. And, also yes, they have showed flashes of everything we hoped to see in this spread-out, get-pieces-moving offense.
But… they blew two games they easily should have won, and made two others a little hairier than they probably should have been.
But here they sit, 4-2 and on top of an ultra-competitive AFC North that features — let’s see… carry the one — zero teams with a losing record right now. The margin is thin, and only appears to be getting thinner with an explosive, very-good opponent coming to town in the form of the Detroit Lions.
It’s gut-check time for the Ravens as this is by far the most competent-looking offense the team has faced this season. And that defense, particularly up front, is looking scarier by the day.
But, guess what? The Ravens pose a challenge, too. Don’t think the Lions, or their fans, see this game as a walk-over. The Ravens’ defense is going to be a test for anybody this season, as long as relative health continues, and it just looks like this offense could post a 40-spot if they can stop jamming a stick in their own tire, to borrow from an over-used meme.
Plus, until the Lions consistently do this, the Ravens are probably a more-trusted product to show up every week and make a game of it, win or lose.
The oddsmakers agree.
#Ravens are 3-point favorites vs. Lions, per @CaesarsSports.
Lamar Jackson is 15-1 in his career vs NFC opponents (7-0 at home) — only loss coming last season at Giants. His .938 win pct is best by any QB against the opposing conference since the 1970 merger, per @ESPNStatsInfo
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) October 18, 2023
One of the best things about today’s media world is the access we have to athletes — be it through their social media outlets, more venues covering the teams or their own content-drivers.
For instance, Ravens star cornerback Marlon Humphrey has his very popular Punch Line Podcast, where he shares his thoughts on what’s going on in his life or with the team, offers some insight into the players and the locker room, and basically just goes into whatever Humphrey feels like getting into at any given time.
And, if you know Marlo, that could happen at any time any day, and cover any topic. This week he shared a little insight into a dispute.
OBJ and Jeffery Simmons had to be separated after the game 👀
Full episode: https://t.co/8lQtPAMP2B pic.twitter.com/bYPvM2br0k
— Punch Line Podcast (@punchlinepod44) October 18, 2023
Look, we tune into football every week to, well, watch football. And, as Odell Beckham Jr. himself said, they are football players, not MMA participants. Still, it’s refreshing to see a player like Beckham stand up for his rookie receiver-mate and mix it up a little bit with a fellow star.
Part of me kept hoping Marshal Yanda would appear from the stands and jump in, himself, however.
Here’s Marshal Yanda on Jeffrey Simmons, who he said spat in his face. pic.twitter.com/7AGeXkDBLz
— Andrew Gillis (@Andrew_Gillis70) January 12, 2020
Also of note…
"Baltimore is still grinding opponents down."
Power rankings: https://t.co/HWiSqllk2b
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 18, 2023
We have signed DB Andrew Adams to the Practice Squad.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 18, 2023
70 yard return man 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GhmYQjnggs
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 19, 2023
3 Responses
Our biggest weakness remains mental toughness. Let Drake fumble demoralize us against Indy, Hill fumble demoralize us against Pitt and horrible roughing passer nearly caused collapse vs Tenn. Add in drops and not enough players stepping up in crunch time makes us a frustrating watch.
Ravens could make this a statement game. It is time. The offense just needs to keep their foot on the accelerator.
I agree with keeping the foot on the accelerator and mental toughness. Often times a team is a by-product of the HC’s persona. This is just my opinion and maybe I am very wrong with this statement.
We’ve watched many times this team with all this talent falter to less talented teams time and again. I’ve always believed we have one of the better overall talented teams in the league. The problem is playing up to their potential.
Will Harbs let the dogs out or we continue to be soft and underperform at the worse times. We need to let the dogs out and put away opponents.