More experience

A lot of succeeding in the playoffs is about talent but underestimating the experience needed to succeed in the postseason is a mistake too many teams make. That’s not the case for Baltimore, who retained a core of experienced players in spite of going to a far younger roster this season.

I think the Ravens brought in Thomas partially for this reason. He adds a Super Bowl resume to a roster full of players that haven’t gone deep in the postseason, much less to the big game. Add to it a coaching staff that has been there and won it all and you have one of the more experienced teams in the playoffs right now.

It might not sound like much but there are a lot of small differences in the postseason. From the difference in intensity on the field to how teams need to prepare at this stage; an experienced roster and staff know how to maximize their talents at the most crucial point of the season.