It’s never too early for some NFL power rankings, especially when the Baltimore Ravens are one of the highest-ranked teams on the list. The Ravens start the 2021 offseason ranked No. 5 on Touchdown Wire’s early power rankings list.
Despite a hot-and-cold regular season, Baltimore found some footing at the end of the season and into the playoffs. They notched their first playoff win in the Lamar Jackson era, beating the Tennessee Titans in the Wild-Card round to advance to the Divisional round for the second consecutive season. While it’s unfortunate the Ravens couldn’t go further, there’s some light at the end of the tunnel, according to writer Mark Schofield.
Baltimore is still in position to make a run, with Jackson’s athleticism at the quarterback position and the pieces they have in place around him. The biggest question facing him and the rest of the Ravens offense is how they take the next step forward in the passing game. If they solve that riddle, the Ravens will be in position for perhaps an even deeper run into the postseason.
It’s not quite as simple as Schofield makes it seem but it’s a task that is certainly doable this offseason if Baltimore is smart. As I’ve detailed before, there are a handful of things the Ravens need to do to fix their passing attack, starting with improving the offensive line.
If there’s one thing the playoffs and even Super Bowl LV taught everyone, it’s that an offense’s success starts upfront. Both Jackson and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes were battered behind injury-ravaged offensive lines, taking away some of their best traits in the process. While there are other things Baltimore can do, including improving their route concepts and finding a possession receiver, giving Jackson more time to read the defense should see the Ravens’ offense flourish.
Unfortunately, Baltimore might actually be heading backward currently. Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Brown Jr. wants to be traded this offseason as he wants to continue to play at left tackle. But with Ronnie Stanley expected back next season, it’s a position already filled with amazing talent, leaving Brown the odd-man-out. With the offensive line already one of the bigger question marks the Ravens face this offseason, they could be in serious danger if they lose Brown and cannot adequately replace him.
As is the case with every power rankings list ever, things are subject to change. How Baltimore handles their situation with Brown and what they do both in free agency and the 2021 NFL draft will ultimately improve or decrease their standing on lists like these over the next few months. But for now, the Ravens are sitting pretty.
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