2022 NFL Team Preview: Baltimore Ravens -

As Lamar Jackson heads into the final year of his contract, can the Baltimore Ravens look to make a return to the playoffs?

The Baltimore Ravens currently reside in one of the toughest divisions. The suddenly-contentious AFC North will not grant anyone favors or easy games. As a result, 2022 feels like a pivotal year in the trajectory of this team. Blessed with talent on both sides of the ball, is that enough to secure a postseason spot and spur a long playoff run?

Misunderstood Talent

Perhaps no player in the NFL engenders such a varied reaction than Lamar Jackson. While his fans see him as close to perfect, the detractors see a greatly-flawed passer. In all honesty, he falls somewhere in the middle. Despite winning an MVP award, some will still shade Jackson as a running back that occasionally throws. Meanwhile, the faith will not hear any sort of negative comment. Jackson’s completion percentage fell over the last two seasons. Concomitantly, his interceptions rose every year. What does that tell you? First, the blocking declined and he lacks a true number-one receiver. Years of watching Hollywood Brown drop the ball does not help anyone’s stats. Meanwhile, Jackson could become a free agent at the end of the season. He’s earned a hefty raise.

Wideout Questions

For those that want to chastise Jackson, look at his receivers. Granted, Rashod Bateman flashed as a sure-handed option, the 11.2 yards per grab screams possession receiver. Yet, he runs much faster. Devin Duvernay possesses the speed to stretch defenses. Does the offensive have enough faith in him to try it? Over the last two seasons, Hollywood Brown dropped a combined thirteen passes. James Proche provides another sure-handed target, either handcuffed or limited by an offense that doesn’t seem to care. If the passing game sputters, when will the focus shine on the fact that the Baltimore Ravens never sent a single wide receiver to the Pro Bowl?

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The Ravens can’t score with a quarterback laying on the ground. As a result, the team invested draft capital and free agent money to fortify the offensive line. Tyler Linderbaum didn’t tickle the fancies of many fans. However, snaring one of the smartest, technically-sound linemen in the draft feels like the right move. Additionally, Morgan Moses and Kevin Zeitler solidify the right side. Baltimore will bludgeon opponents into the ground with the run and afford Jackson the ability to scan the field,

Living On The Edge

The Ravens, for a great stretch of John Harbaugh, loved to blitz and rush the passer. Now, in a league where names and pass rush cred run hand in hand. However, the names Odafe Oweh, Tyus Bowser, and David Ojabo may not ring any bells. Yet, they will all play a pivotal role in the future. Oweh, the twitchy EDGE that needs fine-tuning, is finding his way on the job. Now, he understands that this isn’t Happy Valley and winning with athleticism. Next, Tyus Bowser doesn’t garner headlines, but he closes well and tallied seven sacks last season. Lastly, rookie David Ojabo, when he returns from injury will immediately scream off the edge.

No Fly Zone

In the offseason, Baltimore looked around and saw the changing landscape of the AFC. In order to counter, they stocked up their secondary. With the drafting of Kyle Hamilton and the signings of Marcus Williams and Kyle Fuller, the Ravens look ready for the spread sets. When most teams struggle with their back end, Baltimore looks forward to passing situations. On top of that, whoever doesn’t win starting job will see the field in subpackages.

Overview

On paper, the Baltimore Ravens will field a championship defense. You’ve seen this twice before in Charm City. However, Lamar Jackson is superior to Trent Dilfer and Joe Flacco, talent-wise. 2022 will show not only Baltimore’s commitment to Lamar Jackson but their dedication to opening up the offense.