Mink: This isn't a question, but I'm going to address it anyway. Yes, we're all excited about the Ravens' chances of winning the Super Bowl. This roster is stacked with veteran stars and up-and-coming young talent. The coaching staff is loaded and has continuity. It feels like it's time after being so close in recent years. I could go on and on with the reasons why I think this may be the year.
While I like the excitement, I also don't want to get ahead of ourselves. We've been down this road multiple times in recent seasons and seen how things can change in just one play. I like the way the Ravens are approaching the season. Of course, they hear the noise that they are a Super Bowl favorite. Of course, that's the goal. And if someone asks about it, they're straight up about the objective.
However, this team knows it's about focusing on the "road" to the Super Bowl, one pit stop at a time. I thought leader Kyle Hamilton said it well this week on “The Lounge” podcast.
"I think that's something we struggled with last year," Hamilton said. "Then we came out to a slow start and we were like, 'You can't win the Super Bowl if you don't win these games in the beginning, middle, and end of the season.' I think that's something we've focused on, just take it one week at a time. Everybody's willing to do that and not looking too far ahead."
Brown: I think we've all been ready for months!
More importantly, the Ravens look and sound ready. Their 53-man roster can stack up with any team in the NFL. They seem undaunted by not reaching the Super Bowl last season. In fact, talking to players this summer has given me a stronger sense that they're just as focused as last season, if not more.
Head Coach John Harbaugh's teams usually start fast. Last year's 0-2 beginning was an exception, but I think the defense will be more cohesive in Zach Orr's second year as coordinator. The offense should hit the ground running in Year 3 with Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken.
I've seen plenty of teams in my day, in various sports. We'll see what unfolds, but I haven't been around a team that looked more ready to begin a season than the 2025 Ravens.
Mink: Having to wait until 8 p.m. for kickoff on opening weekend in Buffalo will be mentally challenging for a team that's chomping at the bit to start playing, especially against the team and in the stadium where last season ended. I'm sure Head Coach John Harbaugh will talk to the team about not peaking too early and letting the emotions slowly build.
All players deal with the wait time differently. Some may watch other NFL games in their hotel room or in groups. Some may unplug entirely or visit with family and friends. No idea on their restaurant of choice. Every player deals with that long wait differently, and it will definitely feel long. But the Bills have to deal with the same wait.
Brown: You're right, Patrick Ricard missing practice time leading up to this week is a concern. Hopefully, he'll be ready to play on Sunday.
If Ricard isn't active, I do expect Lucas Scott to be elevated from the practice squad for action. He may not play as much as Ricard usually does, but the undrafted rookie threw some key blocks during preseason and impressed the coaching staff.
The fullback is an important component in Baltimore's rushing attack. I'm sure you remember Week 4 against the Bills last season, when Derrick Henry made an 87-yard house call on the first offensive play, with Ricard throwing a key block.
Ricard has been a mentor this summer for Scott, who found a home at fullback after playing multiple positions at Army. If Scott dresses on Sunday, I think he'll have a role in the offense.
