A pessimist’s guide to the 2024 Baltimore Ravens…
The Ravens have just finished an incredible 2023 season, finishing with the NFL’s best regular season record (13-4) and falling just seven points short of the Kansas City Chiefs, who went on to win the Super Bowl, in the AFC championship game. This is why, come season, Baltimore has to be concerned.
At last, Derrick Henry could let go
Although the idea of Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson forming a tandem in the backfield would probably keep defenses up at night, there’s a chance the Ravens will regret signing Henry. Throughout his eight-year career, the two-time NFL leader in rushing yards and touchdowns (2019, 2020) has been one of the most reliable running backs, but this year he turned thirty.
Although Henry has outlasted most running backs by a considerable margin, in 2024, his physical play style may finally catch up to him. Baltimore, which likes running the football a lot, will probably ask Henry to tow the rock early and frequently this season, which may ultimately cause him to come off.
significant doubts about the offensive line
This offseason, the Ravens lost right tackle Morgan Moses (Jets), guards John Simpson (Jets) and Kevin Zeitler (Lions), and center John Simpson (Jets).Baltimore will therefore have three new starters in the group in 2024, and they will have to use the remainder of the summer to figure out the optimum combination.
The team features guards Andrew Vorhees and Ben Cleveland, in addition to offensive tackles Patrick Mekari, Roger Rosengarten, and Daniel Faalele. Nevertheless, there is a situation in which none meet the standards and the group retreats.
Too many defensive talents were lost.
The simple fact that you can’t pay everyone is one of the drawbacks of drafting properly. This offseason, the Ravens had to deal with the loss of important defenders at every level of their defense. Three key defensive positions need to be filled: safety Geno Stone (Bengals), linebacker Patrick Queen (Steelers), and edge-rusher Jadeveon Clowney (Panthers). All three left via free agency.
Last season, Baltimore’s defense gave up the fewest points per game (16.5): the league. Due to their losses, the club may have had a poor start this year and might even regress.