The Baltimore Ravens had a successful 2023 season, finishing with a 13-4 record and securing a playoff berth for the fifth time in six years. Their journey ended in the AFC Championship Game with a heartbreaking 17-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, who went on to win the Super Bowl. This frustrating end to a promising season has left the Ravens in a challenging position for 2024.
While the loss to a dominant Chiefs team stings, the Ravens’ difficulties extend beyond that single game. The team has experienced significant turnover in its coaching staff and player roster. Since the AFC Championship game, Baltimore has had to replace three starters on both the offensive and defensive lines, along with numerous other rotational players. This level of change presents a considerable hurdle for the team as they enter the 2024 season.
Lamar Jackson
Despite the obstacles, the Ravens remain a formidable team with a strong foundation. They possess a core group of talented players and a winning tradition that should not be underestimated. The question isn’t whether the Ravens will be competitive; it’s how far they can climb in a highly competitive AFC.
Offseason Changes: Losses and Acquisitions
The Ravens faced key departures during the offseason, most notably linebacker Patrick Queen, who signed a three-year, $41 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This move wasn’t unexpected, as Baltimore was hesitant to invest heavily in both Queen and fellow inside linebacker Roquan Smith. The team drafted Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft as Queen’s eventual successor. However, expecting Simpson to replicate Queen’s Pro Bowl-caliber performance after limited playing time in his rookie season is a gamble.
Another significant loss is edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who joined the Carolina Panthers. While Clowney hasn’t consistently lived up to his early career hype, he led the Ravens with 71 pressures last season. Baltimore’s pass rush now hinges on Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy. While Van Noy brings experience, relying on him as the primary pass rusher at 33 years old carries risk. Oweh, though talented, has yet to fully develop into a consistent threat.
Patrick Queen
The Ravens also lost starting safety Chuck Clark to the New York Jets. Clark’s departure, coupled with the loss of veteran Marcus Williams in free agency, leaves a void in the secondary. While the team signed veteran safety Geno Stone, replacing the combined production and leadership of Clark and Williams will be difficult.
2023: A Perfect Storm?
The Ravens’ 2023 success was aided by a confluence of factors that may be difficult to replicate. The Cincinnati Bengals, their division rivals, struggled due to quarterback Joe Burrow’s injury, creating a more favorable path for Baltimore. Additionally, the Chiefs experienced an uncharacteristic mid-season slump, allowing the Ravens to secure the AFC’s top seed.
A Defense in Transition
Despite the personnel losses, the Ravens’ defense remains a strength. They possess one of the league’s top cornerback duos in Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters. The safety position, however, is a question mark with the departures of Clark and Williams.
Baltimore’s defensive success will depend on several factors. First, young players like Trenton Simpson and Kyle Hamilton need to make significant strides. Second, the pass rush needs to generate consistent pressure despite the loss of Clowney. Finally, new defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald must effectively integrate new pieces while maintaining the unit’s high level of play.
The Lamar Jackson Factor
No discussion about the Ravens is complete without mentioning quarterback Lamar Jackson. The 2019 NFL MVP signed a five-year, $260 million contract extension, ending a long and often contentious negotiation. Jackson’s unique skillset as a runner and passer makes him one of the league’s most dynamic offensive weapons. However, his health remains a concern.
Ravens wide receivers
The Ravens’ offense, as always, will revolve around Jackson’s abilities. However, the team has made a concerted effort to surround him with more weapons in the passing game. The addition of Odell Beckham Jr., the return of a healthy Rashod Bateman, and the continued development of tight end Mark Andrews give Jackson the best supporting cast of his career.
A Challenging Road Ahead
The 2024 season presents a unique set of challenges for the Baltimore Ravens. They’re navigating significant roster turnover, a new defensive coordinator, and a brutal schedule. Despite these obstacles, the Ravens have consistently been contenders under head coach John Harbaugh. They possess a winning culture, a strong defense, and a generational talent at quarterback. Whether these factors will be enough to overcome the challenges of 2024 remains to be seen.
