Breaking Down the 2023 Baltimore Ravens and Their Super Bowl Chances

Are you a die-hard NFL fan? Or, maybe you just enjoy watching the drama unfold each season. Either way, there is no denying that it can be exciting when your team is doing well and has a shot at taking home the Lombardi Trophy. For Baltimore Ravens fans, they’ve tasted Super Bowl success, but it’s been 10 years since their last sip.

The Ravens have had some disappointing finishes in recent seasons that have thwarted their championship hopes, including a heartbreaking loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in this past year’s AFC Wild Card Game. But with their NFL draft picks and new star players, such as Odell Beckham, Jr., they have the potential to surprise in 2023. From Lamar Jackson’s growing leadership abilities to their defensive prowess, here is a deeper look at the 2023 Baltimore Ravens.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The Ravens’ defense seems to always be a strength, and this past season was no exception, led by All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey. The Ravens ranked No. 3 in total team defense in 2023. Additionally, quarterback Lamar Jackson is one of the most dynamic players in the NFL, capable of making big plays. He just signed a new five-year, $260 million contract. Baltimore’s rushing offense has traditionally been one of the NFL’s best, ranking No. 2 in total rushing yards per game in 2022.

But while their rushing offense has been strong, their passing offense hasn’t. The Ravens ranked No. 28 in total passing offense in 2022. The Ravens must also improve their ability to win close games if they are to get back to the Super Bowl. With a second half lead and having driven to the Bengals goal line in the 2022 Wild Card Game, the Ravens failed to put the game away when backup quarterback Tyler Huntley coughed up the ball. The Bengals scooped up the ball and ran it back 98 yards the other way for a touchdown. The Ravens never recovered from that and lost the game, ending their season.

The Ravens Top Players

One of the most significant offseason moves so far for the Ravens is acquiring Odell Beckham Jr.  His talent and experience could significantly boost the aerial attack that has struggled the past couple of seasons. The last time we saw Beckham Jr., he was catching a touchdown pass for the Rams in Super Bowl XLVI.

The most popular Ravens player is undoubtedly Lamar Jackson. The 2019 Most Valuable Player is consistently one of the league’s top players and the most fun to watch. The past two years, though, he’s been unable to finish the season due to injury, and as a result, the Ravens’ offense sputtered. They need Jackson to avoid the injury bug ass when the ball is in his hands, he’s a real threat.

The Ravens also drafted one of the most popular and exciting college players, wide receiver Zay Flowers. Like Beckham, Flowers has the kind of talent that can boost the passing game and take the team to the next level. With Jackson throwing him the ball, the speedster has the potential to be one of the top rookies in 2023.

Lastly, we can’t ignore that defense. Historically, they have always been one of the greats. The defensive duo of Marlon Humphrey and Roquan Smith are two of the league’s best and will play a significant role in keeping the Ravens competitive on that end of the ball. The Ravens want to try and dominate on defense the way they did in 2000 when they had Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

John Harbaugh

Over the past few seasons, Coach John Harbaugh has been gradually reshaping the identity of the Baltimore Ravens. His clear vision and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in establishing a new team culture. The Ravens have always prided themselves on their rugged, hard-nosed defense, and Harbaugh has not strayed away from that tradition.

However, Harbaugh has also added innovation and creativity, as illustrated by how he’s implemented a spread offense in a pro-style game. The way he’s utilized Jackson has prompted other teams to find a similar style quarterback to model the Ravens new style. Eventually, though, the Ravens will have to improve their passing game to get to the next level.

Conclusion

The Ravens franchise is a proven winner.Since 2000, they have won two Super Bowl championships, six division titles, and 16 playoff games. Not only that, they are one of the most exciting teams to watch, with a spread offense built on speed and a defense notorious for its hard-hitting power.

The Ravens face a difficult 2023 schedule, so getting far into the postseason won’t be easy. To get through the AFC, they will need to conquer the Chiefs, Bengals, and Bills. But if Lamar Jackson can stay uninjured and they can produce their new stars, the Ravens have the talent to return to Super Bowl glory.

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