4 nightmare scenarios for Ravens in 2023

This year's Baltimore Ravens team should be one of the better squads fans have seen in several years.

The expectations are high for this group, led by the highest-paid quarterback in football, Lamar Jackson. Coming fresh off an extension, this year is a pivotal one for the former MVP. It's time for Jackson to remind us why he was given that hardware a few years ago.

But, in order for Jackson and the Ravens to see success in 2023, things have to go right. Or, in other words, things cannot afford to go horribly wrong.

Some of those things to potentially go horribly wrong aren't even that crazy to predict, which is why they are worth talking about. Here are four nightmare scenarios for the Ravens in 2023, hopefully none of which actually happen.

1. The pass rush falls off

As pointed out on the team's official site, last year, the Ravens received a combined 17.0 sacks from Calais Campbell, Justin Houston and less-than-healthy Tyus Bowser. Without Campbell and Houston this year, the Ravens will be more depended on guys like David Ojabo, Odafe Oweh and Justin Madubuike to get to the quarterback.

Of course, Bowser will be healthier and that should be a big help. But, Campbell and Houston are technicians. They have been around a long time, and you knew they would establish a consistent pass rush game-in and game-out.

Without those two, it's on the shoulders of the youngsters. Should the younger players not be able to generate a similar pass rush, the Ravens' defense is going to be highly dependent on their secondary which is also somewhat of a question mark when it comes to cornerback depth.

The Ravens have to get to the quarterback, and the younger players must make it happen.