Sports | October 23rd, 2024
Fall Ball… Baltimore Ravens Midseason Recap
By: Autumn Haddox | Staff Writer
After finding their groove from an 0-2 start, the Baltimore Ravens have their eyes set on the Super Bowl this year, and for good reason. They have a deep roster, top-tier talent, and strong coaching to make a serious run. However, a lot of things need to go right for them to reach that goal. The team needs to manage its roster well, keep its star players healthy, and see continued growth from its younger players. If everything falls into place, the Ravens could be on the verge of adding another Super Bowl title under their belt.
Ravens vs. Buccaneers Storyline
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a devastating blow during Monday Night Football game against the Ravens, as both of their top wide receivers were injured. Chris Godwin was carted off the field with a dislocated left ankle, requiring surgery, and potentially ending his season unless the team makes a deep playoff run. Head Coach Todd Bowles remains hopeful about the possibility of Chris Godwin returning to the field this season.
“There’s a chance if we make a late playoff run, he could be back,” Bowles said.
In addition, Mike Evans sustained a moderate hamstring strain, leaving the team without 50% of their receiving power for the next few games. Evans is expected to return after the Week 11 bye, but his absence will be felt against tough opponents like the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, and the San Francisco 49ers. Bowles highlights the uncertainty surrounding Evan’s recovery timeline.
“It’s pretty sore. I don’t know what the significance of that is either, but he’s going to miss a couple weeks,” Bowles said.
With both star receivers sidelined, the Buccaneers will turn to younger players to bridge the gap. Coach Bowles expressed confidence in developing young players, with rookie Jalen McMillan, veteran Sterling Shepard, and second-year receiver Trey Palmer making them key options. The possible return of Rakim Jarrett from injured reserve adds a glimmer of hope to their roster. Still, the upcoming weeks will test the team’s ability to adjust and adapt without their top offensive weapons.
Key Stat to Know
On the other hand, Lamar Jackson continues to prove why he is the frontrunner for MVP. After falling behind 10-0, Jackson led six straight scoring drives, including a 49-yard touchdown to Rashod Bateman and a crucial 4-yard pass to Mark Andrews. Jackson’s performance puts him at the forefront of the Ravens’ success and the MVP conversation.
In back-to-back games, he has thrown for over 300 yards for the first time in his career, and his impact extends beyond the stat sheet. In the Ravens’ 41-31 victory over the Buccaneers, Jackson even threw a key block for Derrick Henry’s 39-yard run. He is at the forefront of the Ravens’ success.
“Lamar is the ultimate competitor,” said Mark Andrews, Ravens tight end. “He lays it all out on the line every game. He’s the MVP,”. Jackson’s stats—1,810 passing yards and 15 touchdowns—make him the MVP favorite.
Jackson continues to lead Baltimore’s offense, keeping them atop the AFC race and demonstrating why he remains a dominant force in the league. “It’s almost scary to see him getting better at this point,” Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton added. “He’s just one-of-one. If I had to equate it to somebody basketball-wise, he is like LeBron out there,” said Hamilton.
The rest of the 2024-2025 season looks bright for the Baltimore Ravens. With a strong roster led by Lamar Jackson, a defense that’s ready to dominate, and high expectations all around, the Ravens are gearing up for what could be an incredible rest of the season. But as with any NFL team, the path to winning is riddled with challenges. From keeping key players healthy to navigating a tough schedule, the Ravens will need to be at their best to make their Super Bowl dreams a reality. If they can manage all the moving parts, the Ravens are set to make a deep playoff run and perhaps even bring another Lombardi Trophy back to Baltimore.
