Roundtable Reactions: Ravens 2021 Schedule
Baltimore Beatdown staff’s reactions to the 2021 Ravens schedule:
On paper, this is a brutal schedule for the Ravens.
A short week before facing their fiercest adversary, the Chiefs; a road Thursday night game against an expected contender in Miami; and a date in Cleveland for perhaps the toughest divisional game on the slate with the Browns fresh off their bye all increase the level of difficulty. The stretch run featuring five AFC North battles and contests against two NFC powerhouses will be challenging. A relatively early bye week, short weeks before hosting the Chargers and Steelers, combined with extra rest before facing the lesser regarded Vikings and Bears make this draw one of the least advantageous possible.
Alejandro Villanueva takes multiple shots at Steelers; explicitly thrilled to become a Raven
The former Steeler is looking forward to playing Pittsburgh twice a year
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
An interview recently published by El Nickel on YouTube was revealed earlier today to express just how much new free agent addition Alejandro Villanueva is excited to join the Baltimore Ravens. His presser earlier on Wednesday was also revealing into his feelings on his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
El Nickel Interview
Disclaimer: Baltimore Beatdown is sourcing the translation of the interview from a reddit post. The poster, u/BigTruss19, commented:
Left: WR Sammy Watkins; Center: WR Rashod Bateman; Right: WR Tylan Wallace
Ravens Have One of NFL s Most Improved Receiving Corps
When General Manager Eric DeCosta expressed confidence in the Ravens wide receivers during the team s pre-draft press conference, some assumed it indicated Baltimore wasn t going to address the position early in the draft.
Of course, it wasn t an either/or situation. It s possible to have faith in the players you have and still look to get better, deeper and create competition.
In drafting Rashod Bateman in the first round, Tylan Wallace in the fourth and signing free agent Sammy Watkins, the Ravens are among the top three most improved receiving corps heading into the season, according to Pro Football Focus sBen Linsey.