The Baltimore Ravens’ heartbreaker against the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round of the playoffs has left fans with more questions than answers. With one of the league’s elite quarterbacks under center, Lamar Jackson, the team’s inability to reach the Super Bowl is baffling. It’s time to examine where this squad can and should improve as they move beyond this defeat.
First and foremost, let’s put aside any notion that Lamar Jackson is to blame. Sure, he needs to elevate his playoff performances, but let’s be clear: he’s an elite, top-tier quarterback in the NFL. With two MVP accolades—and a potential third—Jackson is charting a path to the Hall of Fame. Despite playoff stumbles, the Ravens’ best course is to continue building around this generational talent.
Now, let’s talk about head coach John Harbaugh. Since taking the helm in 2008, Harbaugh has been solid, steering the Ravens to a 2012 Super Bowl victory and into the playoffs 12 times in 17 seasons. However, recent postseasons haven’t been as kind, with just one advancement past the divisional round in the past decade. It’s not about Harbaugh’s competence; it’s about timing. Sometimes even great coaches need a change of scenery—or provide one for their teams. Baltimore might be approaching that crossroads.
Offensive strategy is another area for reflection. Known for their bruising, ground-and-pound mentality, the Ravens have consistently struggled to find and develop star-caliber wide receivers. Zay Flowers made the Pro Bowl but was sidelined come playoff time. Beyond him, their receiving corps hasn’t delivered. Despite attempts in the draft and free agency, the Ravens have had little success addressing this need. Their scouting and acquisition strategies for receivers demand a fresh look.
Make no mistake, this Ravens team isn’t on the verge of collapse. With Lamar Jackson, a formidable defense, and a solid offensive line, they remain strong contenders. Their front office drafts well, often opting for best available talent rather than strictly positional need, which generally serves them well. To finally make that Super Bowl leap with Jackson, they don’t need to overhaul their approach, just tweak it. The crucial challenge lies in identifying and executing the right changes to transform potential into superiority. As the Ravens stand at this juncture, the coming decisions could define their next era of football prowess.
