Why the Ravens are still a legitimate Super Bowl contender

Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Despite losing streak, Ravens still a legitimate Super Bowl contender

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Gary Adornato | Last updated 12/3/20

Losing four of their last five games and in the midst of the worst COVID-19 outbreak experienced by any NFL team this season, the Baltimore Ravens’ playoff hopes appear to be fading fast.

However, there’s reason to believe Baltimore could yet hoist the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LV, despite a 6-5 record to date.

The Ravens, now in their 25th season since the former Cleveland Browns relocated to Baltimore in 1996, already own a pair of Lombardi Trophies for their victories in Super Bowls XXXV (2001) and XLVII (2013). Neither title journey came easy.

The 2020 Baltimore Ravens are now in the midst of a tailspin, but this is largely the same team that earned the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed in the 2019 season.

Although there’s no denying quarterback Lamar Jackson has struggled at times, he still possesses electrifying talent and is the NFL’s reigning MVP. Baltimore had a league-high 12 Pro Bowl selections last year, and the team started 2019 with 11 2019 Pro Bowlers on the roster.

Yes, Jackson and the offense have regressed a bit in 2020. Has the league caught up to Greg Roman’s offense, or did the lack of a normal offseason hinder the development of a team with a stable of young stars?

Usually, the answers to these questions comes down to a mix of all of the above, but the Ravens certainly have the talent, not to mention a favorable closing schedule, to run the table to end the regular season and get straight for a postseason push.

Running games and good defenses generally fare well in the playoffs, and Baltimore has both. Of course, the rushing attack will not be what it was with All-Pro left tackle Ronnie Stanley and premier blocking tight end Nick Boyle, who are both on injured reserve. Nevertheless, the Ravens have five more regular-season contests to work on offensive line chemistry and build some much-needed momentum.

Getting everyone back and healthy from the COVID list could be the first step toward normalizing things. Rolling over the beleaguered Dallas Cowboys in a contest that will be played on Tuesday could be the spark that catalyzes this team down the stretch.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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