Baltimore can handle adversity
Throughout the 2019 season, the Ravens had to face a massive amount of adversity.
Starting before the regular season even began, Baltimore lost starting slot cornerback Tavon Young. Fellow cornerback Jimmy Smith went down just six snaps into Week 1. Rookie wide receiver Marquise Brown missed a great deal of training camp with a foot injury and never really hit 100% all season long.
Baltimore also had a very difficult schedule, facing six of the 11 other playoff teams in the regular season and going 5-1 against that group. The Ravens got saddled with having to play the Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills away from M&T Bank Stadium, some of the toughest places to play in the NFL.
The Ravens had a target on their back throughout the entire season. After their 59-10 win over the Miami Dolphins, they were immediately identified as a threat and were put under a microscope. Their successes never seemed to be fully appreciated while their mistakes were overly criticized. As a team that was used to playing in the shadows and being the underdog, it was a new sensation.
When they finally got the postseason, Baltimore had the ultimate adversity to deal with: losing. While tough words were exchanged immediately following the Ravens’ playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans, the players quickly turned it into more drive for the 2020 season.
The various and intense adversity Baltimore faced last season should have them better prepared and hungrier for next season.