Ravens emphasize resilience as they aim for playoff push after two straight losses

The Baltimore Ravens are at a critical juncture in their season, holding onto slim playoff hopes as they face the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend.

Why it matters: With a current record of 6-7, the Ravens are trailing the Pittsburgh Steelers by just one game in the competitive AFC North. As the season winds down, every game becomes crucial for maintaining their postseason aspirations.

• The Ravens can still win the division by winning their final four games, including a pivotal matchup against the Steelers in the regular-season finale.
• ESPN Analytics currently estimates their chances of winning out at only 7%, underlining the challenging road ahead.

What’s new: The Ravens are reeling from two consecutive losses, and if they fall to the Bengals, their playoff chances could plummet to just 14%.

• This marks the first December since 2015 that Baltimore finds itself with a losing record, a significant shift for a team that entered the season as a Super Bowl favorite.
• Their struggles are compounded by their ranking of 19th in offense and 25th in defense, highlighting inefficiencies on both sides of the ball.

Yes, but: Despite recent setbacks, the Ravens remain optimistic about their potential to turn things around.

• All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton noted the importance of resilience, stating, “All these great sports feats have come with a challenge, and we could be another story along that road.”
• Tight end Mark Andrews echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their fighting spirit, saying, “The type of guys that we have here are fighters...no matter what they go through, they’re just continuing to keep their head down and work.”

What to watch: The upcoming game against the Bengals will serve as a litmus test for the Ravens' character and determination.

• If they can muster a win, it would not only boost their morale but also reignite their playoff push.
• Conversely, a loss could signify a drastic downturn in their season and potentially lead to more extensive changes in the offseason.

The bottom line: The Ravens are at a crossroads, facing a must-win situation against a rival that has shown its own strengths throughout the season.

• As the clock ticks down on the regular season, the Ravens must draw on their collective resilience to navigate these final weeks successfully.
• With the stakes so high, how they respond to adversity may define not just their season, but the future trajectory of the franchise.