The Baltimore Ravens are preparing for the playoffs, and are looking to make a deep postseason run. As currently constructed, the roster is built for a Superbowl and they expect nothing less. Even though they ended the season clicking on all cylinders, Baltimore was presented with an opportunity hard to forego. Newly acquired Ravens running back Dalvin Cook is going to be a huge help for the Ravens and their Super Bowl chances. The Ravens have won two Super Bowls in their 28-year history. Unfortunately, they have not been back to the big game since 2012. As of late, playoff success has been average at best for the Ravens. Baltimore has made the playoffs in 5 of the last 11 seasons and has been unable to advance past the divisional round since 2012.
Dalvin Cook Can Help Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl Chances
Talent Search
The Ravens are not necessarily in need of talent, but extra bodies are never a bad thing; Especially when the player is a four-time Pro Bowler. Dalvin Cook will be joining the Ravens for the playoffs, and will surely be a driving force in the backfield. Cook is a Superstar and has proven that over his NFL career. In 2019, and 2021-22 respectively, Cook amassed over 1,100 yards in each season. In 2020, which was his best career year, Cook posted close to 1,600 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Although the Ravens have a long history of effective tailbacks, Cook may just be the best-proven talent they’ve had in a while.
Baltimore is already on a hot streak, so the addition of Cook can only be beneficial. After an extremely disappointing stint with the New York Jets, Cook is looking to rebuild his reputation. Baltimore has dealt with some severe injuries in the backfield, losing both J.K. Dobbins and Keaton Mitchell to season-ending injuries. Running back Gus Edwards has done well as the number one option, but needs a little help outside of Justice Hill. Cook can be a better help than Edwards ever imagined.
Jets Didn’t Let Dalvin ‘Cook’
Surprisingly, Cook was waived by the Jets before the end of the regular season. Cook and the Jets parted ways after a 37-20 loss to the Cleveland Browns, a game in which Cook did not take a snap. After four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons and years of superstardom as a Minnesota Viking, Cook entered an environment in New York that would be much different. Cook was grossly underutilized as a Jet and mostly delegated to reserve status behind running back Breece Hall.
After the season, Cook’s numbers were the worst they’d ever been. Even Cook’s injury-shortened seasons were twice as good. Cook played in 15 games for the Jets but only started in one of them. He received the least carries on the team, and the least he’s ever gotten in a season with 67. Cook totaled 214 rushing yards on the season and zero touchdowns. Unfortunately, Cook posted career lows across the board. That’s something destined to change in Baltimore. The Ravens do have aerial threats but are a run-heavy team. Cook is sure to benefit while helping the team succeed.
Main Photo: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
