The Baltimore Ravens are facing a difficult NFL season after a disappointing 23:26 defeat against the Las Vegas Raiders. In the home stadium, star quarters back Lamar Jackson and his team again had to accept a bitter bankruptcy. After two games without a win, the dream of the playoffs threatens to move far away. For the first time in nine years, the Ravens start the season with two defeats – a historically bad omen, because so far they have never managed to reach the playoffs in such situations.
“We have to find our mojo”
Lamar Jackson, who is one of the best quarterbacks in the league, was visibly frustrated after the defeat. “We have to find our mojo and do what we can do best, because these are not us,” he said. The reigning MVP lost two games in a row for the first time since December 2021.
The Ravens only missed the victory by hair width. Already in the opening game against the Kansas City Chiefs it was an unfortunate moment when Tight End Isaiah Likely was inch with his foot in centimeters and thus missed the decisive touchdown. A 38-YARD-FIELD goal by Daniel Carlson decided against the Raiders 27 seconds before the end.
Despite the false start, coach John Harbaugh remained confident. “We don’t let what others say about us. We know that we are a good football team and will improve steadily,” emphasized Harbaugh. The Ravens started 0: 2 in 2015 and ended the season with a disappointing record of 5:11.
Problems at all levels
The Ravens fight with a variety of problems. A newly formed offensive line shows weaknesses, eleven penalties in the last game and the difficulties of kicker Justin Tucker at long distances (1 out of 7 over 50 yards in the last two seasons) do not make the situation easier. “It is our own lack of discipline that causes us these problems,” admitted offensive Tackle Ronnie Stanley.
A hard summer
Summer was anything but smooth for the Ravens. The loss of the long-standing offensive line coach Joe d’Alessandris and several car accidents from players, including his first-time pick Nate Wiggins, also put a strain on the team. Now there are difficult tasks with games against Dallas, Buffalo and Cincinnati. Loud ESPN Analytics In the next three games, the Ravens have a chance of winning 50 percent or less.
“In difficult times, the character shows”
Despite the challenges, the team remains combative. “The real character shows itself in difficult times,” said Linebacker Roquan Smith. “We know how we feel in the loose room. Believe me, it is tougher for us than for everyone else.” The coming weeks will show whether the Ravens can get the curve and find their way back to the road to success.
