In the blink of an eye, the Baltimore Ravens have become the league’s best team and are the darlings of the NFL media. Well, maybe it’s too early to call them media favorites, but you can tell the narrative is starting to shift.
After a 56-19 drubbing of the Miami Dolphins (who previously were considered by many to be the AFC’s best team), it’s hard not to view the Ravens as the conference’s team to beat. Pair that with a convincing Christmas Day win in San Francisco and you’ve got the best argument for league’s best team.
Colin Cowherd seems to think so, at least:
Colin Cowherd has the Miami Dolphins now ranked No. 10 and behind the Houston Texans.
“I don’t love Miami, but I wouldn’t want to play them in the playoffs.”
He said Ravens embarrass a lot of teams, but Bradley Chubb injury is a killer.pic.twitter.com/6YqukLbHZG
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) January 2, 2024
Obviously, I have no debate with Baltimore being in the top spot, but I do think this is a bit harsh on Miami. I know they haven’t won many games against playoff teams, but there is something to be said for the weapons they have all over the field. Not to mention, before a string of quick touchdowns by the Ravens, Sunday’s matchup looked to be a close one.
Looking at the top of Cowherd’s leaderboard, though, it’s hard to argue. The Ravens have been putting on a clinic of late, especially on offense:
Ravens points scored by game (last 10 games)
38 vs Det
31 vs AZ
37 vs SEA
31 vs CLE
34 vs CIN
20 vs LAC
37 vs LAR
23 vs JAX
33 vs SF
56 vs MIAThe Ravens have scored over 30 points in 8 of their last 10 games… pic.twitter.com/XABol7p92z
— Zach Bollinger (@zachbollinger18) January 2, 2024
Many of these performances have come against great defenses, too, particularly over the last few weeks.
So much of that has been due to Lamar Jackson’s stellar play at quarterback. He’s been lights out and has locked up the MVP award, so I won’t spend as much time talking about that this week. However, his Passer Rating indicates that any gripes people have about stats should be dismissed:
Lamar Jackson: 92.0 PFF grade while under pressure since week 13
1st in the NFL over that period 😈 pic.twitter.com/qBHeBUcRfH
— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) January 2, 2024
This comparison to the 2021 game against Miami illustrates Jackson’s improvements and work ethic:
Remember the Dolphins giving Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense fits with the blitz in 2021?
Lamar recognizes the blitzing LB, the Ravens have an immediate answer, simple completion to Rashod Bateman for 14 yards. pic.twitter.com/7NqVxJh7hP
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) January 2, 2024
But to me, an equal part of Lamar’s success has been Todd Monken, and I think people are starting to catch up to that. When you have time, read through Dev’s article here highlighting that, especially if you’re a hoops fan like me:
Todd Monken is harnessing the greatness of Lamar Jackson. I draw parallels between Jackson & Jordan — how Phil Jackson elevated Jordan’s greatness the same way. #Ravens
My thoughts on the Monken/Jackson connection & how the OC got Lamar to buy in: https://t.co/eG9Sm7JYyd
— Dev Panchwagh (@devpanchwagh) January 2, 2024
Monk deserves to celebrate what he’s put together, too:
Monk wanted to celebrate 😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/2aA8bAbaT5
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 2, 2024
But I really liked this question below from Cole Jackson. Aside from Jackson, who has stepped up the most to help Baltimore along this win streak?
Let's set Lamar Jackson aside for a second because he's the easy, and obvious answer.
When you look at the #Ravens month of December running through the Rams, Jaguars, 49ers and Dolphins, which player (on either side of the ball) STEPPED UP THE MOST??#RavensFlock
— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) January 2, 2024
This may be an obvious answer, but I think it has to be Kyle Hamilton. The guy’s been a beast all season, but particularly over the last month he’s taken it up a notch and is solidifying himself as one of the best safeties in the league.
Who do you think has made the biggest leap over the last four games?
One Response
I can’t disagree with picking Kyle as being the guy who stepped up the most over the past 4 games. However, we need to show a lot of love to Ro and PQ. Both should be recognized for their play in addition to Ro for his leadership and PQ for gutting it out with an obvious shoulder injury.
OBJ and KVN get an honorable mention for their plays when it matters, as well as the veteran leadership in the locker room and on the field.