Tag: John Harbaugh

Can star RB Derrick Henry be the missing piece to the Ravens’ Super Bowl puzzle?

The Baltimore Ravens already ranked No. 1 in the NFL in rush yards per game last season, so is Derrick Henry really the missing piece?

The Baltimore Ravens already ranked No. 1 in the NFL in rush yards and attempts per game last season, so is running back Derrick Henry the missing piece to their puzzle?

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The Ravens totaled about 156.9 rush yards a game in 2023 through 541 carries. Their offense dominated tremendously on the ground, but this success should be heavily credited to the defense, which allowed opponents to score just 16.5 points per game.

With opponents held to low-scoring outputs, quarterback Lamar Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Monken were allowed to commit to running the ball. However, with their defensive secondary expected to take a few steps back, the offense may need to be even more dynamic this upcoming season,

Furthermore, the Ravens’ rush-by-committee approach now needs to be delegated proportionately.  Will Henry average 20 carries and Jackson 10? How will running back Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell fit into the equation? 

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Ultimately, while it is premature to give a swift answer to these preliminary questions, the Ravens need to consider building their secondary with the best defensive backs available in the upcoming NFL Draft. Ravens’ fans should celebrate the arrival of Henry; it wasn’t inadequacy in the run game that ended the Ravens’ season last year.

However, the historic 60-sack, 18-interception season is behind the Ravens’ defense, so offensive excellence may need to balance the books for a secondary that may digress. Henry may need to have his most remarkable season yet if the Ravens plan on returning to the AFC Championship.

John Harbaugh excited to have Chris Board back with Ravens

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is excited to have inside linebacker Chris Board back with the team

The Baltimore Ravens have valued special teams heavily since hiring head coach John Harbaugh in 2008. A former special teams coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, Harbaugh has brought that mindset to Baltimore.

The 16-year head coaching veteran has shaped the Ravens into one of the most consistent special teams units in the NFL, with the players he brings in being a part of that equation. Inside linebacker Chris Board is one of those players, and after a few years away from Baltimore, he’s officially back with the team.

Harbaugh couldn’t contain his excitement about what appears to be one of his favorite special teams players. The Board spent the past two years in Detroit and New England, respectively, and is now on track to be a leader with the Ravens again.

2024 projected win totals for AFC North teams

We’re looking at a ranking of 2024 win total projections for all four AFC North teams

The Ravens (13-4) were the No. 1 seed in the AFC and had a first-round bye after navigating one of the NFL’s most demanding schedules.

With a first-place finish in 2023, the schedule will only get even more complicated, and after the late Sunday afternoon games, we have some unofficial idea of what the 2024 slate will look like.

Baltimore will play nine games on the road, eight at M&T Bank Stadium.

The schedule will be highlighted by matchups against their AFC North foes (Steelers, Bengals, Browns), the NFC East, AFC West, the AFC South champ, the NFC South champ, and the AFC East champion.

The league uses multiple factors to determine the year’s game schedule.

There’s a cycle of inter-conference faceoffs; each NFC division rotates through each AFC division every four seasons and the other NFC divisions every three seasons.

In addition, where a team finishes within their division dictates a same-finish matchup with one team from the opposite conference and whichever divisions aren’t in the rotation for that season.

Offering an early glimpse into where the Ravens could finish this season, we’re looking at total win projection for all four AFC North squads.

Ranking all 32 teams (including the Ravens) by 2024 projected win totals

We’re looking at a ranking of all teams including the Baltimore Ravens by 2024 win total predictions

The Ravens (13-4) were the No. 1 seed in the AFC and had a first-round bye after navigating one of the NFL’s most difficult schedules.

With a first-place finish in 2023, the schedule will only get even more complicated, and after the late Sunday afternoon games, we have some unofficial idea of what the 2024 slate will look like.

Baltimore will play nine games on the road, eight at M&T Bank Stadium.

The schedule will be highlighted by matchups against their AFC North foes (Steelers, Bengals, Browns), the NFC East, AFC West, the AFC South champ, the NFC South champ, and the AFC East champion.

The league uses multiple factors to determine the year’s game schedule.

There’s a cycle of inter-conference faceoffs; each NFC division rotates through each AFC division every four seasons and the other NFC divisions every three seasons.

In addition, where a team finishes within their division dictates a same-finish matchup with one team from the opposite conference and whichever divisions aren’t in the rotation for that season.

Offering an early glimpse into where the Ravens could finish this season, DraftKings revealed a 2024 win total prediction for all 32 teams, and Baltimore landed at No. 2 on the list.

Jim Harbaugh shares weird advice for Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald

He had to make it weird.

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh shared some advice for incoming Seahawks head coach Mike Macdoanld this weekend at the annual owners meetings in Orlando. As you might expect from Harbaugh, he had to make it weird.

Harbaugh warned Macdonald against getting a big head, because that’s a trap – a deep, dark lonely trap.

A profoundly weird dude.

In any case, Seattle is not scheduled to face Harbaugh’s Chargers this coming season. However, they do often face AFC West teams during the preseason – although this past year was an exception to the rule. Fans may have to wait a while before they can enjoy a game reigniting the Harbaugh/Seahawks rivalry.

Don’t expect the same charged atmosphere that we enjoyed when Pete Carroll was around, though. Macdonald is a friend of the Harbaughs, having coached for Jim at Michigan as well as his brother John with the Ravens.

More Seahawks Wire stories

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2024 NFL draft: The last 25 prospects taken at No. 16

6 former Seahawks players remain unsigned in free agency

Breaking down Seattle’s picks from NFL.com’s mock draft

2024 NFL Draft: Could top WR prospects make Rashod Bateman expendable?

After three NFL seasons, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has produced just four touchdown receptions in 35 games played.

After three NFL seasons, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has produced just four touchdown receptions in 35 games played. Bateman’s 2021 four-year $12.5 million deal has amounted to little and the Ravens should consider drafting his successor.

Timm Hamm of Sports Illustrated claims Bateman needs a change of scenery and possibly. Bateman’s skillset is undeniable. He’s quick, agile, and lengthy, all critical components of a possession receiver at the NFL level. However, Bateman has made receptions on just 60% of his targets throughout his short career. This may hint towards a lack of chemistry between him and quarterback Lamar Jackson or Jackson’s penchant to throw the ball elsewhere.

Contrarily, wide receiver Zay Flowers made receptions on 71% of his targets last year, likely due to his work in the short passing game. Bateman’s attributes may be more suitable in a pass-first offense, but the Ravens need to focus on doing what they do best: running the football.

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Coach John Harbaugh continues to endorse Bateman, and his optimism is contagious, but Harbaugh needs to understand that optimism won’t compensate for the salary cap shortcomings the team must overcome.

With the endless talent available in this years’ NFL Draft, the Ravens should be be looking to shop Bateman to a team who needs a wide receiver. The Ravens need to commit to their strengths, and that’s running the football, not convincing fans that Bateman will be something he’s yet to prove himself capable of being.

Ranking all 32 teams (including the Ravens) by Super Bowl 59 odds

We’re ranking all 32 teams (including the Ravens) by Super Bowl 59 odds, and Baltimore has the third-best chance to advance. 

The 2023 NFL season is a wrap after the Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime victory against the 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Kansas City went back to back in Super Bowl victories, and they’ve won three of the last five Lombardi Trophies.

With the new league year and free agency set to begin, we’re looking at the early odds on favorites to win Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans next February, according to BetMGM.

Baltimore had the NFL’s best record this season, and they’ll enter 2024 with the third-best odds to win the Super Bowl.

Ranking all 32 teams (including the Eagles) by Super Bowl 59 odds

We’re ranking all 32 teams (including the Eagles) by Super Bowl 59 odds, and Philadelphia has the eight-best chance to advance. 

The 2023 NFL season is a wrap after the Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime victory against the 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Kansas City went back to back in Super Bowl victories, and they’ve won three of the last five Lombardi Trophies.

With the new league year and free agency set to begin, we’re looking at the early odds on favorites to win Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans next February, according to BetMGM.

Philadelphia went 11-6 this season, and they’ll enter 2024 with the eight-best odds to win the Super Bowl.

Ravens’ HC John Harbaugh finishes fourth in AP NFL Coach of the Year voting

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh finished fourth in the Associated Press’s NFL Coach of the Year award voting

John Harbaugh led Baltimore to the best record in the NFL during the regular season, but after an AFC title game loss, he also fell short in coach of the year voting.

The Browns swept the coaching awards, as Jim Schwartz was named AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year, and Kevin Stefanski joined him as the AP NFL Coach of the Year.

Harbaugh’s 172-109 record is one of the best in NFL history, and despite all the success he’s enjoyed in his 16 years with the organization, including a Super Bowl title in 2012, Harbaugh will enter 2024 under scrutiny after another disappointing finish.

Harbaugh has won just three playoff games in the last 11 seasons, and he’s 3-6 overall after beginning his career with a 9-4 postseason record.

Ranking all 32 NFL teams by 2024 strength of schedule (including the Ravens)

We’re ranking all 32 NFL teams by their 2024 strength of schedule ahead of the offseason and NFL draft

The Ravens (13-4) were the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and had a first round bye after navigating one of the NFL’ most difficult schedules.

With a first place finish in 2023, the schedule will only get even more difficult and after the late Sunday afternoon games, we have some unofficial idea of what the 2024 slate will look like.

Baltimore will play nine games on the road, and eight games at M&T Bank Stadium.

The schedule will be highlighted by matchups against their AFC North foes (Steelers, Bengals, Browns), along with the NFC East, AFC West, along with the AFC South champ, NFC South champ and champion of the AFC East.

The league uses multiple factors in determining the year schedule of games.

There’s a cycle of inter-conference faceoffs; each NFC division rotates through each AFC division every four seasons and the other NFC divisions every three seasons.

In addition, where a team finishes within their division dictates a same-finish matchup with one team from the opposite conference and whichever divisions aren’t in the rotation for that season.

Offering an early glimpse into where the Ravens could finish this season, here’s how Baltimore’s 17-game slate for 2024 stacks up to the rest of the league, in February.