Are the 1-3 Baltimore Ravens Finished?

The Baltimore Ravens have had a less-than-ideal start to their season, and it doesn’t appear to be improving anytime soon. They are suffering the worst start to a season since 2015. Baltimore entered the season as one of the favorites not only to win the AFC, but also the Super Bowl. Now sitting at a 1-3 record, they appear to be in a freefall. Is their season over, or is there light at the end of the tunnel? Let’s dive into it.

How Did the Ravens Get Here?

Baltimore opened Week 1 in Buffalo, taking on the Bills on Sunday Night Football. They would jump out to a multiple-possession lead in the first half and appeared to run away with the game. However, that would not be the case. A costly Derrick Henry fumble in the 4th quarter would be one of the main reasons for the Ravens blowing a 15-point lead with five minutes to go. They would lose 41-40 on a Matt Prater game-winning field goal.

When you have the two-time league MVP and are up 15 in the 4th, you HAVE to close that game out. This is what makes the NFL the best professional league in the world. Every game matters, and that is a heartbreaking way to begin your season, blowing a game against the team that beat you last year in the postseason. Baltimore would bounce back with a dominating win over the Cleveland Browns, 41-17, but the defensive woes would persist as they allowed 322 yards of total offense to the subpar team.

Baltimore Ravens, NFL, Derrick Henry — Ravens’ RB Derrick Henry – brgridiron / via X

Things would go from sky high to a new low in Week 3. Historically, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have been all-time dominant against the NFC. Not only were they defeated by the Detroit Lions 38-30, but they also gave up 224 yards rushing, the third most in their franchise history. That is almost impossible against any Ravens team, no matter the year. Their identity is physicality, and they were bullied.

Then in Week 4, things go from bad to worse. After an almost perfect opening drive, the Kansas City Chiefs would dominate the rest of the game, leading 37-13 at one point. To make matters worse, Jackson would leave the game with a hamstring injury that could keep him sidelined for a few weeks. It’s not that the Ravens are losing games; it’s the manner in which they are losing that is demoralizing for this team and its fan base.

How Do They Turn the Ship Around?

I don’t know if there’s a single direction to point to that could fix this team. Nnamdi Madubuike is scheduled to miss the remainder of the season with a neck injury. He is the pillar of their defensive line and a significant reason why they are so tough to run on. That means a defense that wasn’t good entering the season has become significantly worse, and the injuries are starting to pile up.

Even if this team gets healthy within the next month, it still doesn’t fix their defensive issues. Last season, they finished with solid numbers but ranked 31st in passing yards allowed per game. Where are they this season? Baltimore is still 31st in the NFL in passing yards allowed. This team is bottom-five in points allowed per game (32nd), passing yards allowed per game (31st), rushing yards allowed per game (27th), offensive touchdowns allowed (31st), and sacks (30th). This isn’t something that can be fixed this season.

What Does This Mean For Week 5?

The Ravens are hosting the Houston Texans, who are also in dire need of a win with a 1-3 record. Despite their poor play, the Texans will face a Baltimore defense decimated by injuries. Star linebacker Roquon Smith and CB Marlon Humphrey have already been ruled out, while Nate Wiggins, Kyle Hamilton, Chidobe Awuzie, Odafe Oweh, and Travis Jones are listed as questionable. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the game where CJ Stroud and Nico Collins explode, just like they have in previous years.

Big Picture in the AFC North

With a record of 1-3, the Ravens sit in 3rd place in their division, behind the 3-1 Pittsburgh Steelers and the 2-2 Cincinnati Bengals. With Cooper Rush under center and their next three weeks featuring games against the Texans, the Los Angeles Rams, and then their bye week, they are staring 1-5 in the face. If Baltimore falls to 1-5 on the season, they might be in danger of missing the postseason for the first time since 2022.

Elephant in the Room

John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens, NFL — Baltimore Ravens’ Head Coach John Harbaugh – Gamergod29 / via X

It is time we address the glaring issue within this organization. It is time to move on from John Harbaugh. Is he a good coach? Absolutely, but this team consistently plays its worst when the lights are brightest. What was the last “big game” this team has won?

A 36-35 win in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 or a Week 4 35-10 win against the Buffalo Bills last season? They would go on to miss the playoffs in 2021 and lose in the playoffs against those Bills they steamrolled in the regular season. It’s time for the Baltimore Ravens to move on from John Harbaugh.

Final Thoughts

When you make the moves this team has made over the past two seasons, acquiring Derrick Henry and the players added this past offseason, it was now or never for the Ravens. If the time wasn’t when they were the number one seed two years ago, or playing against a team you beat in the regular season last year, then when will they get it done?

As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts and opinions on the Baltimore Ravens and if they can salvage the season! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.