NFL
By: Nathan Snell
The Baltimore Ravens suffered a tough playoff loss on the road against the Buffalo Bills. The past few seasons have been heartache for Ravens fans.
This season was not a failure.
The 2024 Baltimore Ravens were labeled “the greatest show on grass” compared to the three years of the St. Louis Rams 1999-2001. The loss in Buffalo came down to three mistakes and three what-if offensive drives for the Birds. The season showed the flaws as the Ravens did, the inability to play from behind, and self-inflicted mistakes. There is a lot to be proud of with this team. In the last two seasons, anyone would say the Ravens were right there, but again, the Ravens have some serious reflecting to do.
Mark Andrews is a Raven 4 Life
Athletes are human. Again, let me say that athletes are human. It is disgusting that a player and even their significant other are receiving death threats. As the glue these last seven years for the Baltimore Ravens. This season alone, coming off an ankle injury from a hip drop tackle. Andrews led tight ends in touchdowns in the regular season and even surpassed Todd Heap for most touchdowns in franchise history. In addition to those two plays in Buffalo, “Give Me Backs” is for Mark, but it does not mean trading him. Mark not made available for media is not as bad as it seems, as media can sometimes take something and run with it.
Another Offseason, What Now?
While this pending group might not be as big it is still impactful, players such as Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Ricard. There will be about 23.5 million dollars in cap space. However, one must understand there will be some tough decisions. As the General Manager, Eric Decosta will always put the best team out there, but he also knows the challenges. There is some good news: it is projected that Baltimore will have 11 compensatory draft picks for the 2025 NFL Draft. Head Coach John Harbaugh is going into his last year of the contract; one would think, is it time? Answer: No.
The reality is that there has been a consistency model since the Lamar Jackson era. The team has won three AFC North Titles, made an AFC Conference appearance, and is currently the third winningest team. However, each playoff run ends in disappointment.
Final Thoughts
Did most expect an early exit? No
Is the Championship Window Closed? No, but it is beginning to close.
Should the Ravens Blow it Up? No
What is the point? Ravens fans are frustrated, and at this point, they’ll run it back with Lamar Jackson. The Ravens are a threat to the AFC. They have the pieces to compete. The concern is that every player is going to be a year old. Lamar wants it, but everyone has to want it. For the last couple of years, this team just has not had that mentality of taking what is ours. This offseason will tell a lot about the 2025 season for the Baltimore Ravens as it goes into its 30th season as a franchise.
