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Baltimore Ravens: 5 Reasons They Can Be Contenders

By Chris Schisler

Oct 1, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh yells to his team during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Ravens won the game, 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh yells to his team during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Ravens won the game, 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a fourth quarter touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated San Diego Chargers 29-26. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a fourth quarter touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated San Diego Chargers 29-26. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Winning Combination Of Flacco And Harbaugh

Since 2008 the Ravens have been to three AFC Championship games. The Ravens have won a playoff game in six of the past eight seasons. They won the Super Bowl in 2012 and they should have won it in 2011. The Ravens have a track record of success with the winning combination of Joe Flacco and John Harbaugh. The Ravens have two of the most important things that a winner needs in the NFL. They have a franchise quarterback and they have a great head coach.

All indications suggest that Flacco will be ready to go at the beginning of the 2016 season. In a horrible season he was on pace to shatter his career highs in passing statistics. Just imagine what he can do with more talent around him offensively. Joe gives the Ravens a chance to win every game. Even when he is off his game, he can find the magic at anytime. At this point in his career, Flacco’s weaknesses are attributes that aren’t going away. He’ll have the occasional interception that makes no sense. But here’s the deal. Flacco’s best football is ahead of him and he plays his best football in the biggest moments. If this team makes the playoffs he will give this team a chance to win it all.

Harbaugh knows how to motivate this team. He knows what buttons to push, and which ones to avoid. Harbaugh will be hungrier than ever after a bad season. His team will reflect that. The past eight years of mostly success was not a fluke. The Ravens leader knows what he is doing.

Next: 2. More Talent On The Offense

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