Ravens’ Super Bowl Aspirations Diminish Following Thanksgiving Night Collapse
The Baltimore Ravens entered their Thanksgiving matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals with a sense of optimism, riding high on a winning streak. However, a dismal 32-14 defeat not only snapped that streak but also left many questioning the team’s legitimacy as Super Bowl contenders. In the aftermath, national analysts are expressing increased skepticism about the Ravens, with concerns centering primarily on their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
Power Rankings Reflect Concerns
The fallout from the Thanksgiving loss has been reflected in various NFL power rankings, with the Ravens slipping significantly. Currently, they find themselves ranked as low as 20th and as high as 14th.
Sports Illustrated: 17 (Last week: 12)
“I’m wondering if we’re being far too hard on the Ravens here (probably). While Lamar Jackson isn’t the same, this was a game that I think would have gone much differently if Isaiah Likely holds onto that touchdown,” remarked Conor Orr.
ESPN: 19 (Last week: 17)
“The Ravens need Jackson to return to form if they have any hope of making the postseason. Since 2018, he has the best regular-season record in December and January at 22-4, throwing 53 touchdowns and eight interceptions. To regain that level of play, he must break out of a career-worst slump. Over the last three games, he has completed less than 60% of his passes and hasn’t produced a touchdown — his longest drought since becoming a starter. The Ravens don’t necessarily need MVP Lamar, but they can’t afford another meltdown like his Thanksgiving performance,” stated Jamison Hensley.
The Ringer: 15 (Last week: 11)
“Baltimore sure knows how to stink it up when the entire football world is paying attention. It seemed like each of the Ravens’ five turnovers on Thanksgiving night peeled back the layers hiding a vulnerable and fearful team, one that is just as unserious as it is talented. Even if Baltimore can get it together down the stretch and win the awful AFC North, what defining characteristic of this team will strike fear in the rest of the AFC come January? Even quarterback Lamar Jackson hasn’t been himself this year. The Ravens need to do some serious soul-searching, the kind that might not come until the offseason,” noted Diante Lee.
NFL.com: 14 (Last week: 13)
“The Ravens remain AFC North favorites heading into Sunday’s showdown against the Steelers, but what does that really even mean? It’s a division that’s devolving into a war of attrition, and the winner could end up below .500. The Ravens’ Thanksgiving performance gave me serious pause about them as legitimate playoff contenders, and yet someone has to win this division. If Lamar Jackson could snap his fingers and get out of his slump, magically curing his myriad lower-body injuries in the process, I might re-evaluate Baltimore, even after a defensive showing against Cincinnati that represented a step backward following a month or more of progress on that side of the ball. Still, it was the five turnovers that really cost the Ravens last Thursday night, and they can’t afford anything close to that again, with the margin for error so slim now,” explained Eric Edholm.
Jackson’s Struggles Highlighted
The criticism surrounding Jackson has intensified, particularly in light of his recent performances. The quarterback, who was once a leading contender for MVP, has struggled to find his rhythm. His declining form has raised alarms not only among fans but also among analysts, who point to the team’s reliance on him to navigate the turbulent waters of the playoff race.
As the Ravens prepare for their upcoming games, the path forward remains uncertain. With their playoff hopes now hanging by a thread, the spotlight will be firmly on Jackson to reclaim his status and push the Ravens back into contention. The next few weeks will be crucial, both for Jackson’s career and for the future of the Ravens as a Super Bowl contender.
