The Baltimore Ravens Are A Certified Wagon

There's no two ways about it. This team is a wagon. I tend to shy away from making declarations such as these mid-season, but I think I've seen enough to say there's really no denying that the Ravens are a veeeeeery legit Super Bowl contender.

For the 2nd time in 3 weeks, a team likely to make the NFC playoffs has come into the Bank and gotten absolutely rolled in all 3 phases of the game. Granted, I think both the Lions and Seahawks had some question marks and weaknesses... but to get rolled to the tune of 30+ points? Insane. 

The thing about this Ravens team is that there's not really one part of the team that stands out as the reason why they're having great success. They're dominating across the board. Lamar Jackson is throwing the ball as well as he ever has in his career. They ATE on the ground today. Keaton Mitchell and Gus Edwards had their way with Seattle the same week much of the fan base was clamoring for an acquisition in the backfield. The receivers are doing their part. Mark Andrews continues to be an animal. The pass-rushers are getting after the QB. The backers are getting guys on the ground. The secondary is playing physical and making receivers' lives hell. They're forcing takeaways up and down the defense. The offensive line has been good. Special teams has been strong. 

There's really no weakness on this football team, other than a few recurring bad habits that lead to turnovers and I suppose one week where we decided to drop all our passes. It's kind of a joke that this team is only 7-2 and not at least 8-1 or even undefeated. They're that freaking good.

Now of course, all of this could come crumbling down in a heartbeat if they turn around and sleepwalk through one or both of the next two games. Cleveland and Cincinnati come to town in a matter of 5 days, and both have been playing some good ball of late. It's nice and all to flex on some NFC opposition, but those are the games that truly truly mean something. We may be in control of the AFC North by a game and a half and beat both those teams on the road, but the rest of the slate is pretty unrelenting and they need to stake dominance, not merely a lead.

Lastly... it seems as though the Bank is back in a big way. Crowd has brought the heat the last couple times out, and this is a real opportunity to re-cement our stadium as one of the best homefield advantages in the league. As the AFC playoff picture continues to play itself out, it's going to be a race for positioning to get that sacred bye and home-field advantage. I'm goddamn sick of watching AFC Championship games in Kansas City. They're the kings of the mountain and extremely deservedly so, but the best way to knock them off their block (and anybody else in that deep AFC field) is to take care of business here at home the next two weeks and the rest of the way and make the AFC come through Baltimore.

I'm probably getting ahead of myself here but I just don't care. The Ravens are legit. If these boys are healthy, look out. Pray for the league.