The Baltimore Ravens were the top NFL team in 2023. Todd Monken, their new offensive coordinator, made it even more tough for rival defenses to plan for Lamar Jackson by increasing his passing volume, resulting in a career-high passing yardage and his second league MVP award. Their defense made history by leading the NFL in points per game, sacks, and takeaways.
It was an exciting time to be a fan of crab cakes and football. Unfortunately, the Ravens also shot themselves in the foot in the postseason, extending a disturbing trend that began in the second half of the divisional round when they appeared to be over their problems.
This offseason, rival teams have purged much of Baltimore’s brain trust and pending free agent talent, with one team in particular doing the majority of the damage. The Ravens did keep All-Pro defensive lineman Justin Madubuike and bring Derrick Henry to town, but their losses, including Patrick Queen and Jadeveon Clowney, far exceed their gains.
No matter how dire things may feel – currently, things aren’t bleak by any means – Baltimore seemingly always finds a way to play postseason football because they find value everywhere. For fans of other AFC North franchises, it’s almost annoying how often analysts praise the decision-making of general manager Eric DeCosta or his predecessor, Ozzie Newsome.
The Ravens regularly add low-risk, high-upside players on short-term deals in free agency – Clowney, Kyle Van Noy and Arthur Maulet last season – scoop up prospects whose NFL Combine numbers don’t match their high-quality tape – Terrell Suggs, Orlando Brown Jr. and Kyle Hamilton – and acquire talented veterans in trades – Marcus Peters, Calais Campbell and Roquan Smith – for pennies on the dollar.
