The 2019 NFL season was a season to remember for Ravens fans. Quarterback Lamar Jackson had a historic regular season last year, setting the single-season QB rushing record, leading the Ravens to 14 victories, and being unanimously crowned the NFL’s Most Valuable Player.
While there were high hopes for the Ravens in the playoffs, a crushing loss to the Tennessee Titans in the divisional round put an end to their season prematurely. However, offseason transactions, exciting new rookies and a dominant 38-6 win over the Browns in Week One indicate that the best of Baltimore football is yet to come.
New Additions
The Ravens had a very productive offseason and were on a mission to further bolster their roster.
The recently departed Marshal Yanda and Earl Thomas left holes in the defense and run game that needed to be fixed, so they picked up rookie linebacker Patrick Queen and running back JK Dobbins in the NFL draft.
While it would typically take at least a few games for rookies to get acclimated in the league, both of these rookies had outstanding opening games. Queen had a sack and a forced fumble and Dobbins had two touchdowns, both with performances that would typically be expected from veteran players.
The Ravens’ front office also bolstered their defensive corps, acquiring defensive ends Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe from the Jaguars and Broncos, respectively, through trade.
Both players are huge additions to the team both literally and figuratively. Campbell (6-foot-8, 300 pounds) and Wolfe (6-foot-5 284 pounds) are the extra muscle that the Ravens defensive line desperately needed.
Campbell had a breakout first game, with three passes defended, one of which led to an interception by Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
Old Favorites
Despite some new faces on the team, the Ravens’ young nucleus continued where they left off in 2019.
Jackson passed for three touchdowns and boasted the best passer rating out of all quarterbacks in Week One.
Mark Andrews is one of the top tight ends in the league and added two touchdowns for the Ravens in the opener.
Receiver Marquise Brown is set to break out in 2020, as he is no longer hampered by a foot injury that hurt his performance last season, and has already racked up 101 yards.
Justin Tucker, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, was responsible for eight points against the Browns, with a 5/5 and 1/1 success rate on his extra point and field goal attempts.
A Promising Season
After their Week One blowout, the Baltimore Ravens have scored the second-most points in the league (tied with Seattle) and have allowed the fewest points. Armed with the reigning MVP, an offensive juggernaut and the easiest schedule this season, the Ravens are set to have another spectacular season and are one of the favorites to win this year’s Super Bowl.
Article by Corrigan Peters of Richard Montgomery High School
Graphic by Charles Wang of Walter Johnson High School