Chronic Issues Continuously Derail Ravens’ Performance

The Baltimore Ravens are facing mounting challenges as they strive for a playoff spot, following a devastating 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots. This defeat puts the Ravens at 7-8 on the season and on the verge of playoff elimination.

Chronic Issues Impacting Ravens’ Performance

Safety Kyle Hamilton expressed frustrations that the team’s struggles have persisted over recent seasons. “It’s been a theme for the past couple years, honestly,” he stated, reflecting the redundancy of disappointing performances and repeated discussions with the media.

Key Factors Contributing to Losses

Several chronic issues have plagued Baltimore’s Super Bowl ambitions, including:

• Poor game planning, particularly highlighted in the use of Derrick Henry.
• Ball security problems primarily associated with Zay Flowers.
• Inability to maintain leads in critical moments, particularly in the fourth quarter.
• Late-season injuries to key players, notably quarterback Lamar Jackson.

In the recent game against New England, the Ravens appeared to be in control with an 11-point lead. However, they faltered, allowing the Patriots to score the final 15 points of the match.

Concerns Over Late-Game Execution

The Ravens have struggled to close out games when holding double-digit leads, losing six such games since 2019. This statistic ties them with the Chicago Bears for the most fourth-quarter collapses during that period.

In the wake of their latest loss, linebacker Roquan Smith emphasized the need for the team to play more consistently and effectively in crucial moments. “We didn’t play winning football,” he remarked, underlining the Ravens’ need for improvement.

Injuries and Playoff Hopes

Lamar Jackson is currently day-to-day with a significant back contusion. If sidelined, Jackson’s absence could severely impact the Ravens’ playoff chances. The team has a mere 7.5% chance of making the postseason if they lose against the Green Bay Packers.

Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley may step in if Jackson cannot play. Huntley has had a mixed track record as a starter, with a 6-9 record, but he has shown potential, including a victory against the Chicago Bears earlier in the season.

Looking Ahead

As the Ravens prepare for their crucial game against Green Bay, the emphasis will remain on ball security and late-game execution. With the playoffs slipping away, rectifying these chronic issues will be critical for the team’s future success.