As the dust settles on another eventful offseason, many football experts are handing out their grades for each team’s performance. And year after year, the Baltimore Ravens seem to be at the top of the list. Whether it’s through smart free agent signings, shrewd draft picks, or savvy cap management, the Ravens consistently find ways to improve their roster and position themselves as perennial contenders.
This year is no different. With the addition of talented players like Sammy Watkins, Kevin Zeitler, and Alejandro Villanueva, the Ravens have once again made all the right moves to strengthen their team. But despite these well-executed decisions, there is one lingering question that kept them from receiving an A on Seth Walder’s offseason report.
So, what’s the one thing holding the Ravens back from earning that coveted top grade? The answer lies in the quarterback position.
Now, before you start shaking your head or throwing out a laundry list of stats defending Lamar Jackson, hear me out. I am in no way saying that Jackson is not an excellent quarterback. In fact, he is a dynamic playmaker and has proven time and again that he is a valuable asset to the team. However, the question still remains – is he the right quarterback to lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory?
This is not to say that Jackson hasn’t achieved great success in his first three seasons in the league. He is the reigning MVP and has led the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances. But when it comes to playoff success, he has yet to lead the team past the divisional round. And with each passing year, the expectations get higher, and the pressure mounts.
In the offseason, the Ravens made a few moves that seemed to acknowledge this uncertainty at the quarterback position. They signed veteran backup, Robert Griffin III, and selected two quarterbacks in the draft – Tyler Huntley and Trace McSorley. While these may seem like minor moves, they speak to the team’s acknowledgment of the need for a capable backup and potential successor to Jackson.
But why not address this issue head-on and bring in a veteran quarterback who can challenge Jackson for the starting job and push him to be even better? Why not take a chance on someone like Cam Newton, who is still a free agent and has proven to be a formidable quarterback in the past? Or why not trade for someone like Jimmy Garoppolo, who has taken a team to the Super Bowl and has the experience and skillset to lead a team to success?
It’s not that the Ravens haven’t explored these possibilities. In fact, there were rumors of them being interested in Newton and Garoppolo, but ultimately, no moves were made. And while Jackson has shown significant improvement in his passing game, there are still questions about his ability to consistently make big plays with his arm and carry the team in crucial moments.
Of course, there are counterarguments to be made. Jackson has the support of his teammates and coaches, and his dual-threat abilities make him a unique and dangerous weapon in the league. And with the additions made to the receiving corps and offensive line, the Ravens may have provided Jackson with the necessary weapons to elevate his game and take the team to the next level.
But until we see the results on the field, there will always be that one question lingering in the minds of Ravens fans and critics alike – can Jackson lead this team to a Super Bowl victory?
In the end, it’s clear that the Ravens had another successful offseason, making wise decisions to improve their team and keep them in top contention. But it’s also clear that there is still one major unresolved issue that prevented them from receiving an A grade. Only time will tell if this will be the season that the Ravens finally find their answer at the quarterback position and reach the ultimate goal of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.