The Thrill, The Agony And What it is

The 2021 season for the Baltimore Ravens was one I will surely forget about. I am going to give my unbiased opinion on the season as a whole in four key parts. This is “The Thrill, The Agony And What it is.”

1. INJURIES

Desolation. That it was plagued the Ravens before the start of the season key players that was lost and played a pivotal role on the Ravens offense and defense. J.K Dobbins and Gus Edwards. Two starting running backs in the NFL if you ask me, both can average over a 1000 yards rushing and threats in the receiving game. Both were lost due to a torn acl and lost for the season. The Ravens are built on a strong running game and they could not be replaced and Baltimore offense desperately missed them. Ronnie Stanley the starting left tackle who was lost for a second straight season due to injury, was the best lineman for Baltimore, great in pass protection. Finally Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peter. Two all-pro corners that went down this season and the defensive schemes and coverage relies upon playing man coverage and leaving our corners on a island and we definitely struggled without them.

2. LAMAR JACKSON

Our leader. Our savior. Without Lamar Jackson we would have lost Harbaugh three years ago. Without Lamar we would have not won 8 games this season. In my opinion he is the Ravens offense, he is what drives this team, he is a defense worst nightmare to game plan for and the best part is he still have room to get better. Now I know he did not have the best season and some of it his fault and then there are other things that I will get into before this article is over. None the less I pray that he is a life long Raven, just as Ray Lewis and Sam Koch. I think he is a hell of a quarterback and top 5 in this league period when he's healthy.

3.OFFENSIVE LINE

The Ravens offensive line has not played up to an high level since the 2012 super bowl run, for pass protection that is. The run blocking has always been a staple of the Ravens, being the soul game plan against any team. The pass game has obviously struggled, pick ups from Alejandro Villanueva and rookie lineman Ben Cleveland have not played up to expectations and with injuries on the line it did not help. If the pass protection can can be built stronger than the offense will flourish.

4. Coaching

Situational football is a key component In the NFL. Always thinking ahead, chest not checkers and one tiny mistake that can cause any team a victory. Baltimore Ravens has lost a total of four games by less than 3 points. Failed two point conversations and gambles on fourth down has cost the Ravens multiple games that could have led to a playoff birth. What I am saying is that there is moments in the game were the Ravens have had the momentum and the lead but one bad call or gamble can shift a ball game. I believe the coaching staff are the best there is and if the errors in situational moments can be fixed the Ravens will be back amongst the elites.

Closing

To me the Ravens are still a top 5 nfl team in the league. Obviously injuries played a major part in that this season. Our coaches must adapt to what other teams are doing to Baltimore offense mainly the teams in our division, Baltimore (1-5) in the AFC North this year, it seems they are catching on to what we do and where we do it. I believe the Ravens will get a super bowl under Lamar Jackson as quarterback but it will mostl be on our coaching staff to adapt when things aren’t going as planned.