The 2024 NFL season has already brought its fair share of ups and downs for the Baltimore Ravens. From Week 1 to Week 4, the Ravens have shown glimpses of brilliance but have also struggled to find consistent success. Here’s a quick look at their journey so far and what it tells us about their performance.
Week 1: Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Loss, 27-20)
The Ravens kicked off their season with a tough road game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 6. Going into the matchup, many analysts and fans closely followed the betting odds NFL experts had set, with the Chiefs being favorites due to their prior season’s Super Bowl title, explosive offense, and home-field advantage. Despite the odds, the Ravens put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short, losing 27-20.
The game was defined by Patrick Mahomes’ precision, as he threw for 291 yards, outdueling Lamar Jackson, who managed 122 passing yards. Jackson also contributed to the ground game, something he’s always been known for. Isaiah Likely stepped into a bigger role, leading the Ravens in receiving with 111 yards, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Kansas City’s high-powered attack.
Week 2: Ravens vs. Las Vegas Raiders (Loss, 26-23)
Week 2 of the NFL season brought another close defeat for the Ravens, as the team faced off against the Las Vegas Raiders at home on September 15. In a game that went down to the wire, the Ravens lost 26-23. Gardner Minshew led the Raiders’ offense with 276 passing yards, while Derrick Henry put on a show, rushing for 84 yards. Baltimore’s offense had some bright spots, with Lamar Jackson showcasing his dual-threat ability. Yet, it was the Ravens’ defense that couldn’t hold when it mattered most, allowing Davante Adams to rack up 110 receiving yards.
Despite a stronger showing from Jackson, the Ravens continued to have difficulty finishing drives, something that carried over from Week 1. Baltimore’s offensive line struggled to give Jackson enough time in the pocket, and the defensive secondary was unable to contain the Raiders’ key playmakers. Two consecutive losses left the Ravens needing a spark to get their season on track.
Week 3: Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys (Win, 28-25)
In Week 3, the Ravens finally found success, securing a dramatic 28-25 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on September 22. Lamar Jackson was more effective this week, leading his team with both his arm and legs. However, it was Derrick Henry who stole the spotlight, dominating the ground game with 151 rushing yards. Jackson and the offense took advantage of key opportunities, while the defense held on just long enough to prevent a late Cowboys’ comeback.
Dak Prescott put up an impressive 379 passing yards, but the Ravens’ defense made crucial stops in the fourth quarter to preserve the victory. This game demonstrated Baltimore’s resilience and ability to grind out tough wins. After back-to-back losses, this victory was crucial in keeping their playoff hopes alive early in the season.
Week 4: Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills (Win, 35-10)
The Ravens continued their winning momentum in Week 4 with a dominant performance against the Buffalo Bills on September 29, securing a 35-10 victory. Derrick Henry once again proved to be unstoppable, rushing for an impressive 199 yards. Lamar Jackson played efficiently, and while his passing numbers were modest, he orchestrated the offense well, allowing the run game to flourish. Josh Allen struggled for the Bills, managing only 180 passing yards against a stout Ravens defense. Justice Hill also contributed with 78 receiving yards, helping to keep the offense balanced.
The Ravens’ defense was the real star, holding Buffalo to just 10 points and consistently pressuring Allen throughout the game. This dominant showing on both sides of the ball highlighted Baltimore’s ability to put together a complete game and showcased their potential as a playoff contender.
Conclusion
The Ravens’ 2024 season has been a rollercoaster so far, with two tough losses followed by back-to-back victories. While they’ve struggled with consistency in both their offense and defense early on, Week 3 and Week 4 showed that they have the potential to compete with strong teams. If they can build on the momentum from their recent wins and continue to improve defensively, the Ravens could turn things around in the coming weeks.
