ExtremeRavens Posted yesterday at 11:00 AM Posted yesterday at 11:00 AM It’s been a season of disappointments for the Ravens. Baltimore enters its bye week at 1-5, a record that few teams recover from to reach the postseason. Yes, Lamar Jackson is returning, but the Ravens seem to have deep-rooted issues that could be hard to gloss over even with better quarterback play. A return to the playoffs for the fourth straight season is looking more and more like wishful thinking, rather than being rooted in reality. Here’s five reasons to be pessimistic about the Ravens’ chances of turning their season around: Poor trench play There have been two common sights at M&T Bank Stadium this season: Jackson being dragged to the turf and opposing running backs scampering for easy yards. Jackson has been forced to leave the pocket nearly 70% of the time this season, according to Football Insights. That’s the highest mark in the NFL. He’s been sacked 15 times this year, including seven times against the Detroit Lions. Meanwhile, the Ravens’ defense has allowed the most rushing yards through six weeks in franchise history. The unit is allowing 134 yards per game on the ground, which is tied for sixth-worst in the league. A dismal record Yes, the Ravens have an easy schedule remaining. And they will have Jackson returning from injury after the bye. But 1-5 is 1-5, and teams don’t typically make the postseason with that record. Only four teams in NFL history have made the playoffs after starting the season 1-5: the Washington Football Team in 2020, the Indianapolis Colts in 2018, the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015 and the Cincinnati Bengals in 1970. Washington made the playoffs as a divisional winner with a 7-9 record. That type of season likely won’t result in the playoffs for Baltimore, so it will need to string together a lengthy winning streak to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Nonexistent pass rush Long gone are the days of Terrell Suggs. Baltimore’s sack rate is the fourth-worst in football and it has only forced 85 pressures this season, according to Pro Football Focus. After trading away Odafe Oweh, the team’s leader in pressures before his departure, the Ravens are missing a clear player to disrupt the quarterback in passing situations. Depth is also an issue. Defensive end Tavius Robinson broke his foot against the Rams and will be out for up to two months, which leaves rookie Mike Green, veteran Kyle Van Noy and fourth-year player David Ojabo as the remaining options on the edge. That’s not exactly an inspiring group for a team that’s already struggled to generate organic pass rush. Perhaps defensive coordinator Zach Orr will dial up more blitzes, as he did in the Ravens’ 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but that could leave Baltimore’s secondary susceptible to big plays. Either way, the Ravens are going find a way to create more pressure on the opposing quarterback, or the defensive woes will continue. An identity in question For most of coach John Harbaugh’s tenure, his team’s identity has been clear. The Ravens are known for playing stout defense, being aggressive and running the ball. But Baltimore has struggled in all those areas this season. Its defense has been dominated in the trenches, running back Derrick Henry has eclipsed 50 yards just once since Week 1 and the Ravens have faltered in critical situations. Van Noy didn’t have a clear response when asked about the team’s messaging and accountability after the team’s blowout loss to the Houston Texans, a statement he later said not to read into, but it’s an embodiment of where this team sits. Nobody truly understands what they’re intending to do from game-to-game. Perhaps that identity has shifted to Jackson’s magic, but it will be difficult for him to completely carry the franchise to a fourth straight playoff appearance. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is introduced before a Week 3 game vs. the Lions. The Ravens hope Jackson can salvage their 1-5 season. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) The Steelers Once a vaunted collection of teams, the AFC North is now one of the worst divisions in football this season. Without Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals (3-4) looked toothless. That is, until trading for Joe Flacco and upsetting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night. The Cleveland Browns (1-5) have already traded away Flacco and turned to rookie signal-caller Dillon Gabriel. The Ravens are 1-5. But the Steelers have emerged as a legitimate contender in the AFC. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and coach Mike Tomlin have worked well as a tandem, leading Pittsburgh to a 4-2 record. The defense is struggling, however, allowing more than 350 yards per game. Flacco, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins just torched the Steelers for 470 total yards. The Ravens and Steelers will play twice at the end of the season. Baltimore is hoping by that point that the division is not already decided. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Jane at sjane@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Sam_Jane230. View the full article Quote
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