Baltimore Ravens: What Would Make 2024 A Success?

The Baltimore Ravens enjoyed a fantastic regular-season campaign in 2023. The Ravens finished the season with a league-best 13-4 record, clinching the No. 1 seed and first-round bye in the AFC. It ended disappointingly, with a narrow defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. A successful season in 2024 would mean Baltimore reached Super Bowl LIX.

The Ravens appropriately built on their 10-7 campaign in 2022, improving their record by three wins. They made their second consecutive postseason appearance and fifth overall in their past six attempts. The Ravens were legitimate contenders, setting an NFL record by claiming victories over 10 teams that finished with winning records. 

They carried that momentum over to the playoffs, where they blew out the Houston Texans 34-10 in the divisional round. Their season ended with a 17-10 loss to the Chiefs in the conference title game, falling just short of reaching Super Bowl LVIII.

Starting quarterback Lamar Jackson enjoyed what was arguably a career-best season. He recorded personal highs in completion percentage (67.2%) and passing yards (3,678). Jackson threw for 24 touchdowns and added 821 rushing yards and five additional scores as a dual-threat QB en route to his second MVP honor.

A dominant defense was an outstanding complement to Jackson’s offensive prowess. Baltimore’s defense led the NFL in sacks (60), points per game (16.5), and takeaways (31), becoming the first defense in history to lead the league in all three categories. John Harbaugh's defensive coaching staff was picked apart this offseason as a result.

Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald became the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson and defensive line coach Anthony Weaver accepted DC offers from the Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins, respectively. Harbaugh replaced Macdonald by promoting inside linebackers coach Zach Orr to defensive coordinator. Even the front office was raided, with director of player personnel Joe Horitz becoming general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers.

There have also been sweeping changes in key personnel areas, particularly on that defense. The Ravens couldn't afford to re-sign all of their veteran contributors, especially after signing Justin Madubuike to a four-year, $98 million extension (a wise move). 

Jadeveon Clowney, who finished second on the team in sacks with 9.5, joined the Carolina Panthers. Breakout linebacker Patrick Queen, who had 133 tackles, signed with the rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Other notable departures include safety Geno Stone (seven interceptions) and cornerback Ronald Darby. The Ravens are counting on young defenders like Trenton Simpson and David Ojabo to take a step forward. First-round cornerback Nate Wiggins and third-round pass rusher Adisa Isaac will play rotational roles.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Ravens doubled down on their physical identity by signing four-time Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry to a two-year contract, replacing Gus Edwards as the starter. The two-time NFL rushing champion will form the league's scariest backfield duo alongside Jackson. Henry is a perfect fit in Baltimore.

Elsewhere, Odell Beckham Jr. joined the Dolphins via free agency. The bigger concern is at guard where both starters John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler signed elsewhere this offseason. Starting right tackle Morgan Moses was traded to the New York Jets. The Ravens are counting on young players like Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele, and rookie second-round pick Roger Rosengarten, to make up the difference.

The Ravens have undergone massive changes this offseason, both in the coaching and on-field personnel departments. The core of their identity remains intact through players like Jackson, Mark Andrews, Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton, Madubuike, and Marlon Humphrey. Henry is a home-run addition given the style of offense, and general manager Eric DeCosta has done a good job reloading on paper. The Ravens will be Super Bowl contenders for a second straight season.