OTL: Ravens Secure The Bank for 15 More Years

To start off today’s Out to Lunch, I want to acknowledge that I still feel as if football cannot and should not be a true priority after Monday Night’s events. The scary scene of Damar Hamlin’s collapse continues to be top of mind for me, and we at RSR continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to him and those affected.

John Harbaugh touched on the incident and its impact on Wednesday afternoon, and I think he hit the nail on the head here:

“We all have the opportunity to see the humanity in these endeavors.” pic.twitter.com/KODYqwGs6d

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 4, 2023

It’s so easily forgotten by the fans and media around the NFL, but those we watch, praise, and complain about are humans just like the rest of us. They’re not perfect, they have lives outside the game, and they put themselves in danger every time they step on the field.

What Hamlin and his peers are going through is a harsh representation of that.

Additionally, Harbaugh noted that he was impressed with how the Bills & Bengals handled the situation, and I agree with his sentiments on that, too.

John Harbaugh sent out prayers to Damar Hamlin and said he was so impressed with how Sean McDermott and Zac Taylor handled the situation pic.twitter.com/T1D7weMzQa

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 4, 2023

All the same, there is still one more game to play, and because Monday’s game involved the Bengals, Baltimore’s Week 18 matchup hung in the balance until Wednesday afternoon.

Like many, I was curious, but the game has been set in stone for a 1PM kickoff in Cincinnati:

Our game at Cincinnati Sunday will be at 1 p.m. ET. pic.twitter.com/GnYFJxJfTW

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 4, 2023

Regardless of what happens with rescheduling the MNF tie, I feel this is a must win for the Ravens. Not only could they still win the division, but Baltimore is playing for the top Wild Card spot, and perhaps more importantly, momentum.

This team has not impressed over the last month or so, but anything can happen in the playoffs. If the Ravens can unlock something offensively, they have the potential to beat anybody.

To my point about the AFC North being up for grabs, it’d be paramount for Baltimore to host a home playoff game. M&T Bank Stadium has been a fortress over the years, and having that advantage could be the edge that makes the difference.

As far as the Ravens know, they are not out of the running for the AFC North title.

John Harbaugh said the objective Sunday in Cincy is to win the game.

— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) January 4, 2023

Luckily, even if the team does head into the postseason with a Wild Card bid, The Bank will continue to be the team’s home through 2037:

We are excited that M&T Bank stadium will be our home for at least the next 15 seasons. pic.twitter.com/qG96UbZOQk

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 4, 2023

Jamison Hensley has a full story on Wednesday’s news here:

The Ravens will be remaining in Baltimore for the foreseeable future.

Their stadium lease was extended through 2037.

Full story:https://t.co/9B7VB7XezH

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 4, 2023

The good news is, CB Marcus Peters has a strong chance to return Sunday afternoon, as he was practicing on Wednesday:

Ravens CB Marcus Peters is back at practice pic.twitter.com/UllAVOQPPg

— Kyle Phoenix Barber (@KylePBarber) January 4, 2023

I’ve heard some chatter about Peters’ shortcomings of late, but he is a leader for the defense and a player that could turn the tide of the game at any point. Against a Bengals offense that features Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins & Tyler Boyd, I want Peters playing.

Meanwhile, the key return that all Ravens fans are waiting on has yet to come.

We’ve heard all kinds of rumors and coach-speak over the last few weeks, but Baltimore truly does need Lamar Jackson back. While I thought Tyler Huntley had one of his better games this season against the Steelers, he still isn’t cutting it, and that’s illustrated well in the graphic below:

Quarterback grades versus efficiency

— I continue to be fascinated by the Brissett-Watson difference
— The Ravens might be missing Lamar Jackson pic.twitter.com/1rdVIHNFjq

— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) January 4, 2023

Jackson stands out amongst the best in the NFL, and numbers don’t lie. I have my doubts about a return against the Bengals, but I am hopeful he’ll be back for the playoffs.

Still, Harbaugh won’t make a commitment regarding it:

Will Lamar Jackson be ready for the postseason?

“I’m going to leave all that stuff alone and focus on the game,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said.

Jackson hasn’t practiced since injuring his knee on Dec. 4. pic.twitter.com/eDQQdHLlJE

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 4, 2023

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