Baltimore Ravens Once Again Trying To Topple The Kansas City Chiefs
Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson
Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) reacts after running past for Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) for a touchdown during the fourth quarter in a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens are still reeling from their gut-wrenching loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game back in January, where Lamar Jackson could not shake his reputation as a playoff ‘choker’, now holding a 2-3 record in single elimination post-season tournament, despite being the 1 seed in the AFC in 2 of those years.
Whilst Lamar recorded his 2nd NFL MVP award, it was the Mike MacDonald – now head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, lead defense, that was the real star of the show. They even got close to pitching a shut out on Patrick Mahomes during the second half of the AFC Championship game, yet the offense was unable to capitalize.Ezoic
Now, the Ravens are making sure that they are keeping a core facet of the defense in Baltimore for the foreseeable future, per Adam Schefter.
Baltimore Ravens Trying Their Best To Keep Their Defensive Group Together
Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) against the Las Vegas Raiders during Monday Night Football at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens have now locked up their foremost playmaker and disruptor on the front end of their defense, and could yet be set to give a big money deal to another emergent defensive star – although Baltimore may be reticent to pay large amounts to both starting off the ball linebackers.
Justin Madubuike recorded 13 sacks en route to being named Second Team All Pro and to the Pro Bowl in his 4th year in the NFL.
Despite having an up and down first couple of years in the league, Madubuike made big strides in 2022, recording 5.5 sacks, and in 2024 had his official coming out party to the National Football League.
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Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh, Odell Beckham Jr.
Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh discusses a call with referee Clete Blakeman (34) during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
