In a quieter week of Ravens news, I thought I’d start today’s Out to Lunch with a fun hypothetical brought forward by The Banner’s Jonas Shaffer and Paul Mancano. If the Ravens’ roster was drafted into two teams, what’s the best possible construction?
On The Banner Ravens Podcast, @PaulMancano and @jonas_shaffer drafted the Ravens' current roster into two teams.
Which squad are you taking? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/wJU7PgKz1N
— Baltimore Banner Sports (@AllBannerSports) July 9, 2024
For me, a team with Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Roquan Smith takes the win.
But for NFL legend Luke Kuechly, that may not be the case, as in his eyes, Cam Newton was a better QB than Jackson at his peak:
Former Panthers ILB Luke Kuechly is taking peak Cam Newton over peak Lamar Jackson
“Lamar is a pain to tackle, to get your hands on, to keep in the pocket, but you can get on him, you can get him on the ground. With Cam, he’s running through you” pic.twitter.com/2jkLiFx2Cu
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) July 8, 2024
Zay Flowers might need to talk to his former BC Eagle peer to straighten Kuechly’s opinion out.
In the media on Tuesday, Joy Taylor once again took Jackson’s side in yet another debate about his level:
Joy Taylor speaks facts as she goes to bat for Lamar Jackson
“I think Lamar is unfairly criticized and I think it’s because we’ve never seen anything like Lamar Jackson…we haven’t really adjusted our brains to evaluate running QBs yet”pic.twitter.com/n3wXPKO0HL
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) July 9, 2024
I do think people are getting smarter in the way they evaluate the impact of a dual-threat QB, but it’s so much easier to move the goal posts when there’s less certainty of what “elite” looks like for those guys.
Back in 2015 you could have argued Newton would end up as the best player in NFL History. After defenses adjusted (and injuries hit), he never truly looked the same. Jackson, who’s had a few of his own breakout seasons, has been adjusting to how defenses adjust to him.
The 2023 campaign was one of those seasons where Jackson improved in areas his opponents weren’t ready for, and the results showed it:
“Dad tell me about the 2023 Ravens” pic.twitter.com/wd76cLtcWh
— 𝙕𝙖𝙘𝙝🦦® (@NewEraZach) July 8, 2024
Through the air, Jackson began silencing haters yet again, and while he’ll continue to get them, it’s harder to argue with his success the more he experiences it.
For others, though, the regular season success really doesn’t matter. I can see that argument, as well, saying just last week that it should be Super Bowl or bust this year. The problem is the Kansas City Chiefs.
Against three of the best teams in the NFL over the last half-decade, KC is 6-0 in the playoffs:
The Bills (+684) and Ravens (+647) have the #1 and #5 scoring differentials over any 5-year span since 1994 for a team that couldn't reach a SB.
This is Kansas City's legacy.
Add in SF and the Chiefs are 6-0 against these teams in the playoffs.https://t.co/i9qewScK4t pic.twitter.com/mafE089yZF
— Scott Kacsmar (@ScottKacsmar) July 9, 2024
Baltimore should be competing for the Super Bowl, but when you’re going up against one of the most consistently elite teams in NFL History, nothing is guaranteed.
Naturally, a Super Bowl isn’t only won at the QB position, though. And with NFL executives’ positional rankings coming out Tuesday, there’s a great opportunity to uncover the players most likely to help Jackson win his first Lombardi Trophy this season.
The first guy to cover is Justin Madubuike, fresh off a huge deal with Baltimore:
Execs view Justin Madubuike as a top-2 to top-7 interior defender in football.
Madubuike truly has no limit with his combination of explosive athleticism, length and clear determination. pic.twitter.com/2T6KFnlD8P
— Spencer Schultz (@ravens4dummies) July 9, 2024
Madubuike had a breakout season last year, and he’ll anchor Baltimore’s D-Line this year. On the back-end of the defense, the Ravens’ prowess may be even more impressive:
It's all eyes on this dynamic duo: pic.twitter.com/AJTEDXA8WD
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 8, 2024
And yet, there’s still a need for a third Safety. Could the Ravens bring in another BC guy in Justin Simmons?
The Ravens could sign FA safety Justin Simmons, who may be attracted by the chance to play for a Super Bowl contender, per @CliftonGBrown. pic.twitter.com/a2Q5Qoqo3s
— 𝗥𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀 (@LIVERavenNation) July 8, 2024
That would be an interesting addition to the secondary, for sure. What say you, Flock?
One Response
First let’s start with the Baltimore draft. I like Jonas’ draft. I like his D with Roq, Hamilton, and the top CBs. The D line is solid also. On offense I love Henry, Andrews, Agholor which would work in run offense. The only weak spot I see would possibly be the OL/OT spot.
Lamar is very good. He’s improved every season especially last season under a new scheme. Now if he can stay healthy and improve his leadership he will be one of the top QBs of all time. Just a bias but it’s like all these experts that have little insight into players outside of their areas.
Madubuike. TBH I am a little nervous. I am hoping he does become the next Aaron Donald but I’m not sure yet. BTW I have high hopes for Jones. I expect an outstanding job from him this upcoming season.
Finally the safety topic. I’m hoping Williams stays healthy. Then we will have the top S duo in the league. I agree we need a S3, someone with experience. I like the youngsters but we need another vet for depth reasons. Simmons? Right player, right price. We’ll have to wait and see.
Nice article filled with tidbits. Well done.