The Baltimore Ravens are making a case for the best team in the AFC and even the entire NFL. Week after week, they find a way to put on a show. The Ravens are the clear-cut favorite to win the AFC North and are establishing themselves as the best team in the league. The team has consistently shown late-game poise, aside from a few late leads they let slip away. Not only is Baltimore dangerous when healthy, they are also deadly when dinged up. The Ravens are displaying championship-level grit by overcoming major injuries and continuing to succeed. The offense has been firing on all cylinders, even without tight end Mark Andrews and running back Keaton Mitchell.
A big reason for the offensive success is the support of the Ravens defense. The defense has been displaying dominance all season. They have it all; an excellent pass rush, a top linebacking core, and a secondary that’s excellent in coverage. Safety Kyle Hamilton has taken a huge leap this season, and linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen are tag-teaming ball carriers. On the offensive side, wide receiver Zay Flowers has earned priority within play calls, and quarterback Lamar Jackson is playing as well as ever. The Ravens are built for a deep playoff run.
Baltimore Ravens Are The Most Complete Team in AFC
The Baltimore Ravens have very few holes on their roster and are playing the most complete football in the AFC. The Ravens offense has weapons all around, and the defense has playmakers at every level. This was never more apparent than in a Week 16 matchup against the San Fransisco 49ers. The 49ers were considered the best team in the NFL before the Ravens got a hold of them. Baltimore dominated the matchup from all angles, winning the game 33-19. The Ravens’ defense forced five interceptions, and the offense controlled the flow of the game. Everyone on the roster is doing their part, but there are a few players in particular who are making a huge impact this season.
Lamar Jackson (QB)
Lamar Jackson is playing his way toward a second MVP award. All around, this is Jackson’s best season as a passer. Jackson is passing the ball decisively and running the ball effectively. The quarterback’s pocket presence is something to behold, as he dances around until a receiver can create separation. Jackson has 19 touchdowns, 3,357 yards, and a quarterback rating of 97.24. The numbers may not match those of his 2019 MVP campaign, but he’s passing the eye test for an MVP candidate this year.
Zay Flowers (WR)
Zay Flowers is making a huge impact for a small player. Since the injury to Mark Andrews, Flowers has been Lamar Jackson’s number-one target. Flowers has shown great versatility, allowing Baltimore to use him in different scenarios. Flowers has lightning speed, which makes him a deep threat and the perfect target for a wide receiver screen pass. He has also proven to be a red-zone threat as of late, adding touchdowns to his statistics. On the season, Flowers has just over 750 yards and four touchdowns. The Baltimore Ravens have the top seed in the AFC, and that wouldn’t be the case without Flowers.
Kyle Hamilton (S)
Kyle Hamilton has been a disruptive force on the defensive end all season. The second-year safety is truly a Swiss army knife being used in a variety of ways. Hamilton has three sacks on the season and is constantly in the opposing team’s backfield. At 6′-4″ and 220 pounds, Hamilton is a very big safety. Therefore, Baltimore can use his size to their advantage, blitzing Hamilton often. Hamilton is a sure tackler and has developed some key skills in coverage. For a safety that plays primarily in the box, Hamilton’s ball-hawking skills are uncanny. Hamilton ranks second on the Ravens with four interceptions and has made it hard on offenses whether they’re rushing or passing.
Roquan Smith (LB)
Roquan Smith has been a dominant player for a long time. Fortunately, he ended up playing for a team known for its history of dominant linebackers. This season, Smith has been the anchor of the Ravens defense. Displaying Ray Lewis-like qualities, Smith is a vocal leader and also a leader with his play. The numbers don’t truly reflect Smith’s impact on each game, as offenses attempt to scheme around him. Patrick Queen and Justin Madubuike are having career seasons because of the attention that Smith commands. The Raven’s defense is in good shape, and the future looks bright with Smith at the helm.
Main Photo: Cary Edmondson – USA Today Sports
