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Baltimore Ravens: Is the 2018 season already in jeopardy?

By Andrew Kim

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 21: Linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 21: Linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 14: Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 14: Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Coaching/Play calling has been inconsistent; no identity on Offense

If the Ravens do not make the playoffs this season, I think a total rebuild will occur in 2019 as the aging veterans the Ravens have right now will likely retire and would give the Ravens cap space.

The Ravens have not gotten over nine wins since 2014 as they have been in the middle of the pack the past two years at 9-7 in 2017 and 8-8 in 2016. Ravens offensive coordinator Marty Morhinweg was also considered to be let go last season, and the Ravens’ run blocking scheme has been atrocious this year.

One could say the interior of the offensive line has been a weakness, despite Marshal Yanda back healthy. Alex Collins deserves some blame as well, especially with his fumbles and jump cutting way too much in the backfield, but the lack of consistent usage of Collins is just not smart.

I am not sure if they do not want to give him carries due to his fumbles or they trust Buck Allen more on passing downs but the Ravens’ offense currently has no identity. I would not be surprised if the Ravens traded for an offensive lineman or a running back to help the run game.

Injuries to James Hurst, Ronnie Stanley, and Alex Lewis really hurt this past week against the Panthers as above average pass blocking offensive line let up more sacks than usual. They want to rely on their new targets for Joe Flacco in the passing game but when they are dropping passes, they have to set it up with the run game instead of the other way around.

The mistakes the Ravens endure hinder their potential to win any game and show in their 4-4 record. The leash for Harbaugh and crew is getting shorter with every loss this season.

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