The Baltimore Ravens’ 4-2 record paints a picture of resilience, growth, and redemption. What started as a shaky 0-2 beginning has since transformed into a four-game winning streak, reigniting hope among fans and shifting the narrative around this team.
Wins against quality opponents like the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals have reaffirmed Baltimore’s place among the league’s elite. It’s safe to say this team has silenced some major doubters along the way.
Coming into the season, many questions surrounded the Ravens. Would Lamar Jackson be complacent after winning his second MVP award? Could the wide receiver room finally break the team’s historic slump at the position? Was Mark Andrews still the dynamic tight end we remembered?
Analysts and fans alike lobbed their takes, some more outlandish than others. But now that we’ve seen how things are unfolding, it’s clear some of those takes were way off the mark.
The Ravens' resurgence goes beyond just wins, it’s about silencing narratives that no longer fit. Lamar Jackson looks more comfortable and dangerous when throwing football than ever before, and the offense found new life. Young talents like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are stepping up, and the chemistry on this squad is clicking. Baltimore’s remaining schedule is one of the easiest in the league, meaning the best could still be yet to come.
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Now that we’ve seen this team’s potential, it’s time to revisit some of this season's worst hot takes. From questioning Lamar Jackson’s clutch ability to doubting the receiver room, let’s dive into four narratives that now look downright foolish.
Some people doubted Lamar’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, but those doubts are evaporating fast. Against the Washington Commanders, Jackson completed 20 passes on 26 attempts for 323 yards and a touchdown.
While the game wasn't on prime time, it felt like it was. All eyes were on the Ravens vs Commanders Week 6 'Battle of the Beltway.' Jackson led Baltimore to a 30-23 win. It was the fourth win in a row for Jackson and the Ravens, solidifying his status as an elite QB.
Jackson has left Jayden Daniels, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, and Dak Prescott behind him with back-to-back wins over all four All-Pro-caliber quarterbacks. He accomplished this after starting the season 0-2, proving he can rise to the occasion when it matters most. These games have been the perfect preparation for him when the playoffs approach.
Mark Andrews was written off by many heading into Week 6, with claims the offense no longer needed him. Andrews was considered replaceable after fellow tight end Isaiah Likely's emergence. Fast forward to now, and Andrews is back to his old form, tying Todd Heap’s franchise touchdown record (41) and reminding everyone why he’s one of the best tight ends in the game.
His ability to make tough catches and connection with Jackson remain crucial for Baltimore’s success.
The idea Baltimore’s wide receiver room needed a major upgrade aged poorly and quickly. Zay Flowers has emerged as a potential star, already putting together a 132-yard breakout performance against the Commanders.
Rashod Bateman looks like the player the Ravens always believed in, and with Nelson Agholor providing depth, this unit is no longer a liability. Baltimore’s offense has been so productive that the team might just shut down rumors of trading for Davante Adams.
This take was always lazy, but 2024 is burying it for good. Lamar Jackson has been surgical with his throws, spreading the ball across multiple targets while boasting career-best numbers in yards gained per attempt. He's on pace to crack the 4,000 passing yards mark for the first time in his career while completing 67% of his throws. He's a good passer.
Against Washington, he averaged 12.4 yards per attempt and looked in complete command of the offense. That was after Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was deemed the better passing QB of the two.
Let the analysts chasing TV moments push their false narratives while real analysis belongs to those with clear vision.
Baltimore has proven these narratives were nothing more than noise. With Lamar playing at an MVP level and a strong supporting cast around him, the Ravens are primed for a deep playoff push. All those early season doubts? Consider them squashed.
