Ravens Labeled 'Losers' For 2023 Effort

The Baltimore Ravens had one of their best regular season efforts in recent memory, yet they've been labeled "losers" for the overall result.

It could be that expectations were so high this season, anything less than a Super Bowl was going to be a failure on paper, or it could be because of a wasted effort by MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Sports Illustrated liked the Ravens to the NBA Knicks and Pacers of the 90s. Those teams couldn't get past the Bulls and Michael Jordan in the playoffs. In this scenario, Mahomes is Jordan and the Chiefs are the Bulls.

"Baltimore knows how to get to the postseason regularly, but Jackson will eventually need to find a way to beat the Chiefs because they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. And it’s not all on Jackson. His best wide receiver was a rookie (Zay Flowers) in 2023 and his running back crew consisted of Gus Edwards and Justice Hill. They need upgrades at the skill positions."

Baltimore is "oh so close" to the promised land, and if you believe in fate, next year could be its year.

The Ravens won their two Super Bowls 12 years apart. Next season will be 12 years since the last one. Also, Super Bowl LIX is in New Orleans at the Superdome, the same place where Baltimore last hoisted the Lombardi Trophy.

And if we look at the talent on the roster, it's not going anywhere. Even with some probable departures through free agency, the core of last year's team will remain in place.

And that talent on the offensive side of the ball will be in Year 2 of offensive coordinator Todd Monken's offense, making quarterback Lamar Jackson even more explosive and efficient than he was this year.

The Ravens aren't discouraged by their loss in the AFC title game, either. Safety Kyle Hamilton said that Jackson is only strengthened by the loss.

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"I don't think Lamar cares – nor do I care – what other people have to say, outside of this building," Hamilton said. "So, they can say he's the best quarterback ever one week, and then the next week, say whatever they want to say. But that just comes with the territory.

"Heavy is the head that wears the crown. There are a lot of people out there hoping for people like Lamar to fail, but we all know that he's the best player in this league, and I'm glad to have him on our team."