CBS considers Ravens "contenders," not "pretenders" to win 2023 Super Bowl

After beating the Titans on Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens overtook the Steelers in the AFC North and are now in sole possession of the first seed of the division boasting a nice 4-2 record.

The truth is, however, that what amounted to that balance could easily have been an immaculate 6-0 record had it not been for rather fluky developments earlier this season.

Jordan Dajani of CBS tried to separate the wheat from the chaff, meaning contenders from the pretenders in the NFL realm, in an article published on Tuesday. Here is what he had to say about Baltimore, which he listed in the "contenders" category.

"I really like the Ravens despite the fact that they haven’t registered that statement win yet. Lamar Jackson is throwing the ball well, Zay Flowers looks like a young star and Baltimore again has a top-five rushing attack despite being without J.K. Dobbins. Remember, this is a new offense the Ravens are working through, and it could take off in the coming weeks. What makes the Ravens legitimate contenders is their defense. They rank No. 2 in yards per game through six weeks (260.8), and Roquan Smith is a bonafide stud. Baltimore got off to a hot start in the AFC North. Can the Ravens build on it?"

- Jordan Dajani, CBS

"I really like the Ravens," Dajani stated. He went on to clarify that although Baltimore has not registered "that statement win" yet, he still believes in the team as currently constructed.

Dajani added that Lamar Jackson is "throwing the ball well," that Zay Flowers looks "like a young star," and also mentioned the Flock's running back corps lauding it "despite being without J.K. Dobbins."

As Dajani cleverly pointed out, it's worth noting that this team is operating under the guidance of a new Offensive Coordinator in Todd Monken, whose scheme was installed through the summer and has been used for only a third of the full regular-season schedule through Week 6.

Most importantly, however, is the fact that while the offense is kinda well, the defense is the unit that has been super rock solid to date. "What makes the Ravens legitimate contenders is their defense," stated Dajani.

As the analyst highlighted in his blurb, Baltimore ranks second in the NFL in yards allowed per game at just 260.8, and according to Dajani, off-ball linebacker Roquan Smith is "a bonafide stud."

Although Dajani ends his story asking "Can the Ravens build on it?" it is fair to assume that barring an absolute disaster (read: more, and more, and then even more injuries) the Ravens should have enough to reach the postseason and also make a deep run toward conquering the third Super Bowl in franchise history.

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