Because the Baltimore Ravens’ offseason plans come into focus after their AFC Championship Recreation loss to the Chiefs, it’ll be exhausting to let this loss go. For the primary time in franchise historical past, the Ravens had an opportunity to host the AFC Championship Recreation.
That ought to have been sufficient to get them over the hump. Sadly, it wasn’t, losing a golden alternative to get to the Tremendous Bowl.
The place do the Ravens Go After AFC Championship Recreation Loss?
If we had been to do a full Ravens season evaluation, the 2023 marketing campaign could be something however a waste. They gained their first division title since 2019 and earned the highest seed within the AFC. The Ravens additionally had blowout wins over the Lions, 49ers, and Dolphins, proving themselves towards high quality groups. Alas, the loss to the Chiefs goes to sting for a very long time, and right here’s why.
The Lamar Jackson Scenario
Not like final offseason, Lamar Jackson’s future in Baltimore is safe. His five-year, $260 million contract ensures that he’ll be with the Ravens transferring ahead. Jackson can also be poised to win MVP honors for the second time and certainly took a step ahead this season. That ought to encourage the Ravens relating to Jackson’s skill to guide them again to the AFC Championship Recreation and finally a Tremendous Bowl.
Nevertheless, Jackson’s file within the playoffs is now 2-4, because the loss to Kansas Metropolis failed to alter the narrative that he could be at his finest in massive video games. Equally regarding, the contract he signed in April will begin to take up a big chunk of Baltimore’s payroll. There’s no denying that Jackson has confirmed himself to be price it. However Jackson’s wage may inhibit the Ravens from constructing a championship-caliber roster round him.
The NFC North
Regardless of claiming a division title in 2023, the extent of problem contained in the AFC North is certainly not going to lower. If the Bengals can preserve Joe Burrow wholesome, they’ll doubtless be among the many finest groups within the AFC within the years to return. In the meantime, each the Browns and Steelers made the playoffs in 2023 regardless of shuffling quarterbacks all through the season for one motive or one other.
Profitable the AFC North once more might be difficult, to say the least. Will probably be much more tough for Baltimore to earn the highest seed within the AFC, making it all of the extra apparent that the Ravens squandered a golden alternative this season.
The group on the Prime
Even when the Ravens can proceed to traverse the AFC North, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are nonetheless lurking because the group to beat within the AFC. Baltimore is simply 1-3 towards the Chiefs since Jackson grew to become the beginning quarterback. The Ravens appeared to have had the bounce on the Chiefs this season. Baltimore earned the highest seed with Kansas Metropolis trying weak at instances.
In consequence, the Ravens had been capable of host the AFC Championship Recreation, a chance that won’t come round once more anytime quickly with the way in which the Chiefs have dominated the AFC lately.
Retaining the Band Collectively
Whereas Jackson stays the centerpiece, Baltimore has some work to do forward of the 2024 season. The Ravens are liable to dropping two beginning offensive linemen and 6 defensive starters to free company, together with Patrick Queen. Working backs JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards and veteran extensive receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor are additionally amongst Baltimore’s outgoing free brokers.
Even with the emergence of rookie Zay Flowers, the Ravens are going through critical questions on who would be the playmakers round Jackson in 2024 and past. That a part of the roster will have to be rebuilt this offseason whereas the Ravens concurrently attempt to keep a top-flight protection.
Doing each might be a problem with a bit of greater than $11 million in cap house heading into the offseason. Whereas it may be achieved, Baltimore’s 2023 roster was doubtless in a greater place to win a Tremendous Bowl than the 2024 roster might be. It’s simply another excuse why the Ravens will doubtless look again on the AFC Championship Recreation loss to the Chiefs as a golden alternative that they squandered.
Source link
