Ravens News 1/29: Investment Strategy and more
For the third straight year, the Ravens’ playoff exit and offensive struggles fall somewhat on Baltimore’s offensive line. The Ravens got outmatched up front in the 2018 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and knocked back in the 2019 defeat to the Tennessee Titans.
This time, wild snaps and trouble handling the Buffalo Bills’ pressure caused the biggest problems for an offense that moved the ball fairly well but still scored only three points. The middle and right side of Baltimore’s offensive line did not have its best outing.
“We certainly have to do a better job of getting the ball back to the quarterback,” DeCosta said. “We think we have some options at the position, and we’ve got some good, young players.”
Known then as the transplanted franchise from Cleveland, the Ravens had never produced a winning season or clinched a playoff bid in their first four seasons. In 2000, Baltimore s identity was forged by 11 bullies on defense who weren t just bent on shutting out teams. They wanted to punish you with every drive-you-in-the-turf sack and swarming gang tackle behind the line of scrimmage.
Their NFL records for fewest points (165) and rushing yards (970) in a 16-game season have never been threatened. The one offensive touchdown allowed is the fewest ever in four postseason games. The swagger exuded by the Ravens caused jaws to drop at a record rate as well, though the NFL doesn t exactly keep track of that.