Baltimore Ravens Last Season Performance
Baltimore comes off a season ruined by injuries. The Ravens saw their top three running backs, J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill, sustain season-ending injuries. In addition, cornerback Marcus Peters missed the entire campaign and former All-Pro CB Marlon Humphrey was out the final five games.
In a challenging season, Baltimore managed to go 8-9. The Ravens finished in last place in the AFC North — one of the NFL’s best divisions. Not many teams can battle for a wild-card spot after the entire running back room is decimated by injuries. The Ravens feature a run-heavy offense, making their running backs more vital. Despite the losses, Baltimore ranked third in the NFL with 145.8 rushing yards per game.
Heading into December, the Ravens were 8-3 and in prime playoff position. However, Baltimore lost its final six games. The defense struggled as the Packers scored 31 points and the Bengals erupted for 41 points in back-to-back weeks. This led to the firing of Defensive Coordinator Don Martindale.
Baltimore Ravens Key Additions
Baltimore had a fantastic offseason. The safety room was revamped with the signing of Marcus Williams and the first-round selection of Kyle Hamilton. Williams and Hamilton look like the perfect pairing and could become one of the NFL’s best duos.
The Ravens had an elite draft, selecting first-rounder Tyler Linderbaum, second-rounder David Ojabo and third-rounder Travis Jones. Linderbaum has All-Pro potential at center, Ojabo could be an excellent edge rusher when healthy and defensive tackle Jones gives terrific value in the third round.
In free agency, the Ravens signed RB Mike Davis and CB Kyle Fuller. Davis is an above-average backup halfback and Fuller brings experience as a former Pro-Bowler.
Mike Macdonald replaces Martindale as Defensive Coordinator. Macdonald comes off a brilliant season with Michigan where he led one of college football’s best defenses. He was on the Ravens’ staff from 2014-20.
Baltimore Ravens Key Subtractions
The Ravens had few losses in the 2022 offseason. On draft night, Baltimore sent WR Marquise Brown and the No. 100 pick to the Cardinals for the 23rd pick. They traded the 23rd pick, ultimately acquiring Linderbaum with the 25th pick. The Ravens got outstanding value out of Brown, but their receiver room looks scarce.
Baltimore released CB Tavon Young, replacing him with fourth-round pick Jalyn Armour-Davis and Fuller. This is surely an upgrade over the inconsistent Young.
Punter Sam Koch retired after 16 seasons with the Ravens. In the fourth round, Baltimore drafted punter Jordan Stout out of Penn State.
Baltimore Ravens Head Coach Analysis
John Harbaugh has been one of the NFL’s best coaches for a number of seasons. Entering his 15th season with the Ravens, Harbaugh is the NFL’s third-longest tenured coach, behind Bill Belichick and Mike Tomlin.
Harbaugh holds an impressive 137-88 (.642) record with Baltimore. He won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in the 2012-13 season. After leading Baltimore to a 14-2 record in the 2019 season, Harbaugh won his first and only Coach of the Year award.
His offensive philosophy is the main concern. The Ravens have one of the NFL’s most unique rushing attacks, but they lack a consistent passing game. Harbaugh has changed with the times, adding RPOs to the offense. However, Baltimore needs a better passing attack to have playoff success.
Baltimore Ravens Injured Players at the Beginning of the Season
During his pro day, Ojabo tore his Achilles. Entering the 2022 season, his status is mostly unknown. Ojabo will miss several games, but he has not been ruled out for the entire season. Baltimore addressed the injury by re-signing veteran edge-rusher Justin Houston.
At running back, Dobbins and Edwards are questionable for training camp but have a chance to play in Week 1. Hill, the Ravens’ third-string RB, is participating in OTAs, meaning he will be ready for the start of the season.
Ronnie Staley, Tyus Bowser and Peters also come off season-ending injuries. They are all on track to play in Week 1. The Ravens will enter the 2022 season with a much healthier roster.
Baltimore Ravens Offense
Lamar Jackson will have a lot of pressure to start the season. Most of Baltimore’s running backs will not be fully healthy, putting more production on Jackson. The former MVP QB will need to be lethal on the ground and consistent in the passing game.
The Ravens’ offense will look familiar after their running backs shake off the rust. Baltimore will feature one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks behind a solid offensive line. The run game could be better if Dobbins takes a leap. Many expected a huge 2021 season from Dobbins before he tore his ACL.
Many questions surround the passing game. Will Jackson have consistent accuracy? Does Baltimore have enough weapons? Tight end Mark Andrews will likely be the lead receiver after his All-Pro season with 1,361 receiving yards. The Ravens have an unproven receiving corps with Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay and James Proche II.
Baltimore Ravens Defense
Baltimore’s defense should be much improved. Macdonald comes in as Defensive Coordinator with an aggressive mindset. Ravens defenses are known for heavy blitzing, that will be the same case.
The secondary should be the defense’s best unit. The safety room is loaded with Williams and Hamilton, and Humphery, Peters and Fuller form an impressive corner trio. Humphrey could be the biggest factor. He comes off a poor season after making consecutive Pro Bowls from 2019-20.
Against AFC North foes, Baltimore will need better defense. Specifically against Cincinnati, the Ravens’ secondary must hold up. Last season, they allowed 409 and 498 passing yards in two games vs. the Bengals. To win the division, that cannot happen.
Baltimore Ravens Special Teams
As mentioned, veteran punter Koch retired this offseason. The Ravens selected Stout in the fourth round. The rookie punter was one of college football’s best, averaging 46 yards per punt. Stout was one of three finalists for the Ray Guy Award, given to the Punter of the Year.
Kicker Justin Tucker enters his 11th season with the Ravens. The seven-time All-Pro member holds the record for the highest field goal percentage at 91.1%. Tucker shows no signs of slowing after connecting on 94.6% last season with a career-long 66-yard field goal. Without a question, Baltimore has the best kicker in the league.
Baltimore Ravens Prediction for 2022 Season
When healthy, the Ravens are always a competitive team. The AFC North will be one of the NFL’s best divisions, especially if Deshaun Watson plays with the Browns. Ultimately, Baltimore’s success will fall on Jackson’s shoulders.
Without a consistent passing attack, the Ravens will be lucky to win one playoff game. Baltimore’s defense will be a top 10 unit if healthy. A stacked secondary with a blitz-heavy scheme should spell success.
Look for the Ravens’ success to depend on Jackson, Humphrey, improved receivers and a lead back emerging, like Dobbins. Baltimore will be one of the AFC North’s best and should at least be a wildcard team.
Baltimore Ravens Final Thoughts
Outside of the AFC North, the Ravens have a favorable schedule. They play the AFC East; the Bills look like the only major challenge. In addition, Baltimore faces the NFC South; the Bucs will be the toughest test. They will also face the Broncos, Giants and Jaguars.
The Ravens match up well in low-scoring games with their running game, defense and special teams. The Bills, Bucs, Bengals and possibly the Broncos are the only high-powered offenses on the schedule. Baltimore will likely battle with Cincinnati for the top spot in the North.
Ahead of the 2022 season, the Ravens are slight AFC North favorites at +150.
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Baltimore Ravens FAQs
Why do the Baltimore Ravens have a marching band?
Baltimore’s Marching Ravens are the largest musical group in the NFL with over 150 members. The band was founded in 1947 as the Baltimore Colts’ band. After the Colts relocated to Indianapolis in 1984, the band still existed. The marching band has been with the Ravens in every season since the franchise began in 1996.
Why did the NFL ban the Baltimore Ravens’ dropoff kickoff?
In Week 3 of the 2019 season, the Ravens were down 33-28 with 2:01 remaining vs. the Chiefs. Tucker attempted a “dropoff kickoff” that was similar to an onside kick. He tossed the ball in the air and kicked it after it bounced off the ground. It had a trajectory similar to a punt, traveling 30 yards. The NFL quickly banned the kickoff stating Tucker did not kick the ball immediately after it touched the ground, making it illegal.
What is the weakness of the Baltimore Ravens?
In recent seasons, Baltimore’s passing game has been suspect. The Ravens ranked last in passing yards per game for the 2020 season. Since Jackson became starting QB, the Ravens have finished in the top 20 of passing yards per game once.
How many Super Bowls do the Baltimore Ravens have?
Since the franchise began in 1996, the Ravens have won two Super Bowls. In the 2000-01 season, Baltimore easily defeated the Giants (34-7) in Super Bowl XXXV. In 2013, the Ravens defeated San Francisco (34-31) in Super Bowl XLVII.
