With two games left in the regular season, the Baltimore Ravens have clinched a playoff spot in 2022. Here’s how the team reacted.
The Ravens beat the Atlanta Falcons 17-9 in a tense Week 16 matchup featuring heroics from the team’s running back corps and stalwart defense. Thanks to the Cincinnati Bengals’ win, the Ravens earned themselves a postseason berth — the only question is whether they can beat the Bengals for the top seed.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson still hasn’t been cleared to return to action, and his practice availability this upcoming week could provide more clarity on his health status.
One thing is for certain: the Ravens will need Jackson to make it far in the playoffs. Another thing should also be noted: the Ravens fought tooth and nail to get to this point, and they should be proud of what they have accomplished so far.
A year ago, injuries devastated their roster and Baltimore ended up finishing last in the AFC North.
Now, the Ravens boast one of the top-performing defensive units in the league, one that has given up just three touchdowns and 45 points in the month of December.
Their offensive issues haven’t been solved and the Ravens will face a much tougher test when they play better teams in the playoffs, but it’s nice to see the Ravens bounce back and put together a squad capable of retaking the division in 2022.
Ravens are totally unfazed after clinching a postseason spot in 2022
Here’s how Ravens players and coaches reacted to their playoff berth:
The Ravens are in the playoffs. How's it feel, John Harbaugh?
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) December 24, 2022
"It feels great. Congratulations to our guys."
He says it's a credit to the team that they clinched with two games remaining in the season.
Ravens ILB Roquan Smith when asked about the significance of making the playoffs.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) December 24, 2022
“Oh, really?”
He had no idea. pic.twitter.com/bMDrL1Eig5
Ravens TE Mark Andrews said the team is “building up our armor” with these wins.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) December 24, 2022
“We can get better, and we need to get better.” pic.twitter.com/DaHDkzHSmx
All in all, a pretty unemotive post-game vibe going through the Ravens’ locker room right now.
Head coach John Harbaugh congratulated the team, but tight end Mark Andrews acknowledged that the Ravens still had plenty to improve going into the postseason.
With a roster as talented as Baltimore’s, the benchmark is making the postseason. The real test is how far the Ravens can go once Lamar Jackson returns to full health. Will the offense still take unnecessary delay of game penalties? Can Baltimore up the red zone production? Will Jackson re-discover his MVP form?
One game at a time. That’s how Baltimore can take this season by the horns and hopefully string together a few wins in the playoffs.