Ravens' Impressive Season By the Numbers
The Baltimore Ravens are forging a path this season that is as impressive in statistics as it is on the field. With a point differential of plus-115, they have not only dominated their opponents but have also shown a level of consistency that is rarely seen in the NFL.
Offensively, the Ravens have crossed the end zone 27 times while their defense has been stingy, conceding a mere nine touchdowns. This stark contrast between points scored and allowed is a testament to the balanced strength of the team.
Their winning streak is characterized by an average margin of victory of 20 points, which speaks volumes about their dominance during this stretch. The Ravens have consistently outplayed their opponents, often sealing the game long before the final whistle.
A Daunting Road Ahead
Despite their current form, the Ravens are facing what is considered the NFL's toughest remaining schedule. This will be the ultimate test of their resilience and ability to maintain their high level of play against the most formidable opponents.
Even with the challenging games ahead, oddsmakers have confidence in the Ravens, assigning them +900 odds to win the Super Bowl. These odds reflect both the team's performance so far and their potential to go all the way.
One of the more striking aspects of their season is the consistency with which they've started games. The Ravens have led entering the fourth quarter in all nine games they've played, showcasing their ability to take early control and maintain it throughout the majority of the game.
Narrow Defeats and Dominant Victories
The team's two losses, to the Colts and Steelers, were by a combined total of just 10 points. These narrow defeats highlight that even in their less successful outings, the Ravens remain competitive and lose only by slim margins.
Against teams with winning records, the Ravens are undefeated, boasting a 3-0 record. This indicates their ability to rise to the occasion and perform when it matters most, against the toughest competition.
In three particularly dominant performances, the Ravens dismantled the Browns, Lions, and Seahawks with a cumulative score of 103-12. These blowout victories underscore the team's potential for overwhelming superiority on the field.
Upcoming Challenges
The schedule does not get any easier for the Ravens, as they are set to face the Browns and Bengals in quick succession, within a span of five days. This will be a grueling test of their endurance and depth, as they navigate back-to-back high-stakes divisional matchups.
Analytically, the Ravens' season is one for the history books. Their DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) ranks as the third-best ever through nine games. This advanced metric measures a team's efficiency by comparing success on every single play to a league average based on situation and opponent, further highlighting the Ravens' exceptional performance.
Inside the Ravens' Locker Room
Left tackle Ronnie Stanley expressed his admiration for the team's talent, stating, "It's the most gifted team I've been part of." His sentiment is echoed by wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who draws parallels between the current atmosphere and energy of the Ravens' locker room to that of a championship-winning team.
Stanley also harbors a sense of what might have been, reflecting on the team's narrow defeats with the assertion, "We should be undefeated at this moment." Head coach John Harbaugh keeps the team focused with a mantra of "Stacking wins, one game at a time," emphasizing the importance of taking each challenge as it comes without looking too far ahead.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson encapsulates the team's philosophy, stressing the significance of "Playing physical, smart football" and believes that "Maintaining our current level of play is sufficient for success." His words not only inspire confidence but also highlight the team's belief in their methodical approach to the game.
As the season progresses, the Ravens continue to build on their strong foundation, aiming not just for playoff contention, but for a deep run that could very well lead to the pinnacle of NFL success—a Super Bowl victory.