Harbaugh remains optimistic about playoff chances: "We still believe we can do it."
The Baltimore Ravens face a challenging path ahead as they seek to rebound from a dismal 1-5 start, with quarterback Lamar Jackson's return viewed as crucial for their playoff aspirations.
Why it matters: The Ravens current record ties for the worst in franchise history, raising questions about their playoff viability. Historically, teams starting 1-5 have only a 1% chance of making the postseason, making every upcoming game pivotal for Baltimore’s chances.
- The four teams that have overcome such odds include the 1970 Cincinnati Bengals and the 2015 Kansas City Chiefs, both of which serve as cautionary tales for the Ravens.
- With an upcoming schedule ranked 27th in difficulty, there is a glimmer of hope, yet this optimism is tempered by past performance.
What’s new: Coach John Harbaugh remains hopeful despite the team’s struggles, emphasizing the need to focus on the next 11 games as crucial to their playoff quest.
- Harbaugh stated, "Our focus going forward...has not been done very often with the record we have. But we still believe we can do it," indicating a resilient mindset within the organization.
- The return of Lamar Jackson, who has missed two games due to a hamstring injury, is seen as key to revitalizing the team's prospects.
By the numbers: Since Jackson took over as the starting quarterback in 2018, the Ravens boast a remarkable record of 71-27 (.725), illustrating his significant impact on the team's success.
- Jackson's dual-threat capability has historically made him a cornerstone of the Ravens' offensive strategy, enabling them to utilize both run-heavy and pass-oriented schemes effectively.
- However, without him, the team has struggled, highlighting how critical his presence is for any potential turnaround.
Yes, but: Despite the challenges, Harbaugh is optimistic about the talent and work ethic within the team, suggesting that the foundation is strong enough to mount a comeback.
- He noted, "If I didn't think we had the talent or the ability...I wouldn't be as optimistic as I am," reinforcing a belief in the team's core capabilities.
- This sentiment aligns with owner Steve Bisciotti's commitment to winning, as he actively engages with the coaching staff to explore solutions.
What to watch: As the Ravens prepare for the remainder of the season, all eyes will be on Jackson’s recovery and whether he can perform at the level expected of him.
- The coming weeks will reveal if the Ravens can leverage their remaining easy schedule to gain momentum and claw back into playoff contention.
- Fans and analysts alike will monitor not only Jackson’s health but also how the rest of the team responds to the pressure of their precarious situation.
The bottom line: While the Ravens face an uphill battle to reach the playoffs, they hold onto the hope that with Jackson's return and a favorable schedule, they can defy the odds and turn their season around.
