The Baltimore Ravens are currently sitting atop the AFC North by a narrow margin. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals are only separated by one game in the standings. Every game counts, especially against division rivals. The Ravens have already played all three teams, only losing to the Steelers in comeback fashion. A big reason for the division loss was avoidable turnovers. The Ravens have been turning the ball over as much as any team in the league, which is troubling for a team that relies on the kicker so heavily.
Along with the turnover issue, the Ravens have had struggles to score in the red zone. When in the red zone, the Ravens have expected too much out of quarterback Lamar Jackson. The receivers are not getting any separation, and teams are predictably keying in on Jackson, understanding that he can do it by himself. As a matter of fact, the Ravens have only registered two touchdowns via a wide receiver so far this season. Last but not least, Baltimore is lacking run support. There is no runner in the backfield better than Lamar Jackson. Although a flattering remark, that is a terrible fact in reality. The Ravens will have to address these issues in order to stay competitive in a close race.
3 Reasons Ravens Struggle in the Red Zone
Costly Turnovers
The Baltimore Ravens have been turning the ball over at an alarming rate. Unfortunately, most of the blame falls on Lamar Jackson. Jackson has thrown three interceptions this season and has fumbled seven times, losing four of them. One of the interceptions was a fourth-quarter red zone interception against the Steelers that did not reflect well on the quarterback. Later in the quarter, Jackson was strip-sacked to ensure a Pittsburgh victory. Those were two big turnovers against a division rival, leading to a big loss. As a team, the Ravens are only behind the Denver Broncos (7) and Minnesota Vikings (9) in fumbles lost with six. As an individual, Jackson is tied with Kirk Cousins for first place in fumbles. In order to keep a rhythm, Baltimore must do a better job at protecting the football.
Receivers Are Not Creating Separation
Upon watching the 2023 Baltimore Ravens, one thing is evident; the receivers do not score touchdowns. There are a few reasons for this fatal flaw. One of which the receivers are not doing a great job at getting open. Lamar Jackson has often been forced to tuck it and run in the red zone due to the receiver’s lack of separation. In the aforementioned red zone interception that Jackson threw against the Steelers, Odell Beckham Jr. was blanketed like a toddler. Jackson still tried to give his guy a chance which resulted in a big turnover.
Rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers has been the Ravens’ most-targeted receiver in the red zone (8) and has only one touchdown to show for it. Tight end Mark Andrews has been Baltimore’s most viable red zone threat, being targeted five times and scoring three touchdowns. The Ravens will need the wide-outs to show up sooner rather than later if they plan to sustain a winning record.
