2023 was a bittersweet year for Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. While the team achieved an AFC-best 13-4 record and the quarterback won the NFL MVP Award, they were unable to slay the dragon known as the Kansas City Chiefs.
Last year’s squad had been fortified around Jackson to lift some of the workload off his shoulders. For years, he has been the focus of the offense – even the running game. His multi-talented repertoire led to 3,678 yards passing for 24 touchdowns, seven interceptions, 821 rushing yards, and five TDs on the ground.
Jackson is the NFL’s ultimate weapon, but he’s often lamented for not winning a Super Bowl yet. However, going into the 2024 season, the Ravens are considered one of the favorites to finally conquer KC. And the thought of seeing Lamar Jackson play in his first Super Bowl for the world to witness? That’s a winner in and of itself.
Answering the Critics
LeSean McCoy thinks Lamar Jackson is unfairly criticized:
“They don’t keep the same type of attitude with Lamar like they do with other quarterbacks.”
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 7, 2024
While the Ravens receive a lot of praise around the NFL, they certainly have their haters. This franchise has been very successful since arriving in Baltimore in 1996. They have won two Super Bowls during those 28 years and seem to perennially make the playoffs. So, there’s been a lot of winning going on at M & T Stadium.
And, quite frankly, they have done it rather brashly. This franchise still carries the passion of players like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Joe Flacco, and coach Brian Billick – the faces of the franchise. They were all hard-nosed competitors and winners, and they were never afraid to tell you about it.
So, there’s a little animosity toward the team in general. But it seems as if much of the venom is left over for the NFL’s best player.
Jackson, 27, has never encountered any legal troubles. Yet, he has been called a ‘thug’ by some critics due to the braids he wears in his hair. And many fans feel that way about the entire team, They speak about the Ravens as if they are that jail team from The Longest Yard. But for the most part, the roster comprises players who acknowledge their faith, much like Jackson (a Christian) has.
On the field? Many fans and observers have long stated that the Ravens will never win a Super Bowl with Jackson running so much. So, this offseason, GM Eric DeCosta set out to add more pieces to the puzzle, hoping the final picture results in a Lombardi Trophy.
What’s the Outlook for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens?
On to 2024. pic.twitter.com/SNqvAEtDAU
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 31, 2024
Former Titans running back Derrick Henry was added to bolster an offense that already features Jackson, and famed WR Odell Beckham Jr. Henry, now 30 years old, has hit that point in his career where many ‘backs begin to go downhill. But if he has at least one or two seasons close to his peak productivity, then Ravens’ opponents are in a lot of trouble.
Henry ran for 1,167 yards and 12 TDs last season, and he will benefit from a lighter workload in Baltimore. Backup Justice Hill and designed running plays for Lamar Jackson – will help keep Henry’s legs fresh for a postseason run.
The Ravens’ road schedule is pretty brutal, as outside of divisional foes, they travel to face off against the AFC champs, the Kansas City Chiefs, in week 1. They also hit the road to battle the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3 and the up-and-coming Houston Texans on Christmas Day.
If the Baltimore Ravens win 12 games in 2024, they should easily take their division. But it’s what happens in the postseason that matters to this team. It’s hard to tell if they will advance to Super Bowl LVIII, but they seem to have the best chance of knocking off Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
One thing’s for sure. Before it’s all said and done, Lamar Jackson will put his team in a position to win it all, but it can’t be a one-man show. And with the wealth of talent the team has acquired, it won’t be. Look for this team to be more diversified on offense while playing traditional tough Ravens defense. If it all comes together… 2024 might be their year to be crowned the NFL Champions.
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Ryan K Boman is the author of the 2023 book, Pop Music & Peanut Butter: A Collection of Essays about Embracing Life with Laughter & Love. His previous work has appeared at The Miami Herald, SB Nation, Bounding into Sports, and Yardbarker. Follow him on social media @RyanKBoman.
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