ESPN Pundits Debate Ravens' Super Bowl Chances
The Ravens have ascended from the bottom of the AFC North to the top after a 1-5 start, but are they back in the Super Bowl conversation after being preseason favorites to capture the Lombardi Trophy?
The topic was debated on ESPN's "First Take," and opinions varied.
Cam Newton unequivocally believes Baltimore is a legitimate threat to win it all. The former MVP quarterback literally sang the praises of the Ravens and Lamar Jackson, rhythmically chanting "yes."
"As long as Lamar Jackson is in Baltimore, they will always be Super Bowl threats," Newton said. "This team was created to be dominant in November, December, and January, having an opportunity to play in February, so, yes, they are still a Super Bowl threat."
Dan Orlovsky strongly disagreed, pointing to a slumping offense and Jackson not looking like his two-time MVP self as he plays through an assortment of lower-body injuries.
"I have seen Lamar get tackled one on one this year more than I've seen Lamar get tackled in combination of his whole career. I don't think he's remotely close to being healthy," Orlovsky said. "Can they get there, because of the past and the respect? Yes. But right now, this offense cannot win a Super Bowl."
Stephen A. Smith cast the deciding vote in the Ravens' favor.
"Last time I checked, it's about being able to run and being able to stop the run," Smith said. "They still have Derrick Henry, and we can't ignore the kind of impact he can have running out of the backfield. We know that Lamar Jackson can throw the football. We also know that the Ravens have held their last six opponents under 20 points."
Dre'Mont Jones Shows He's 'Exactly What the Ravens Needed'
The Ravens defense's resurgence began before the team traded for outside linebacker Dre'Mont Jones three weeks ago, but the former Tennessee Titan has helped the unit stay on a roll.
Jones had his best game as a Raven in Sunday's 23-10 win over the New York Jets. He had 1.5 sacks, four tackles, and a pass deflection in his M&T Bank Stadium debut.
The Baltimore Sun’s Sam Cohn said Jones has been exactly what the Ravens needed.
"When the Ravens traded for Jones earlier this month, he confidently vowed his new team would be getting 'somebody who is physical as hell, who is going to attack every play,'" Cohn wrote. "Jones would
'kill or be killed.' He's done more of the latter since the trade deadline, clicking into place with a group that has turned a corner.
"General Manager Eric DeCosta fit into the deal that if Jones registered two sacks and the Ravens made the playoffs, the conditional fifth-round pick they sent to Tennessee would become a fourth-rounder. Jones checked the first box. He'll be crucial in checking the second."
The Baltimore Banner’s Childs Walker said Jones has been a force multiplier.
"Beyond his individual production, Jones has helped free rookie edge rusher Mike Green to play his best games of the season," Walker wrote. "His competitive meanness — Jones couldn't be nicer in the locker room — has provided a welcome corrective for a group that was pushed around early in the season. The sum is greater than it was before he arrived."
Pundit Says Zay Flowers and Devontez Walker Need to Be More Involved to Spark Passing Attack
The Ravens have gone from No. 7 in passing yards last season to No. 29. They've thrown for 200 yards just once this season (223 against the Detroit Lions in Week 3).
Baltimore Positive’s Luke Jones believes getting the ball to wide receivers Zay Flowers and Devontez Walker more often would spark the passing attack.
"As laborious as everything feels for the offense at the moment, Zay Flowers continues to be explosive and very difficult for opposing defenses to cover," Jones wrote. "Jackson and [Offensive Coordinator] Todd Monken can't get the ball to him enough. Flowers has nearly 500 more receiving yards than any other teammate.
"The offensive line's performance remains the biggest obstacle to unlocking this passing attack, but Devontez Walker now has four catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns on four targets and 27 routes run this season. You'd like to see him more involved in an offense needing more juice."
