The Baltimore Ravens' season has been a mix of impressive performances and frustrating letdowns. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson continues to deliver MVP-level games, like his four-touchdown effort against the Bengals, but even these moments of brilliance are often clouded by costly mistakes.
Whether it’s a fumbled snap or a defensive breakdown late in games, Baltimore has struggled to close out contests that are well within their grasp
In their Week 2 loss to the Raiders, a controversial call grabbed the headlines, but the Ravens had plenty of opportunities to win that game without needing an officiating miracle. Similar miscues in their near-win against the Kansas City Chiefs proved that Baltimore’s biggest hurdle isn’t always the opposition, but their own inability to avoid critical errors at key moments.
With talent like running back Derrick Henry powering the offense and Jackson’s continued excellence, the Ravens have the pieces to be a true contender. Yet, their potential is often undercut by lapses in execution. If they can clean up those mistakes, they’ll be one of the toughest teams in the NFL to beat. Until then, every game remains a nail-biter.
Bill Belichick says Ravens are their own worst enemy
Since stepping away from the sidelines, former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has been making frequent appearances on talk shows and broadcasts, offering his insights on the NFL. For Patriots fans, it’s been a chance to see more of Belichick the man, not just Belichick the coach.
During his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show yesterday afternoon, Bill Belichick delivered classic advice, emphasizing the importance of sticking to a team’s identity and playing their game without overcomplicating things.
According to Belichick, the Ravens are their own worst enemy. He explained, “The Ravens’ biggest opponent is the Ravens. They can’t beat themselves. When they’re hitting on all cylinders, it looks really good.”
"The Ravens biggest opponent is the Ravens and they can't beat themselves..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 7, 2024
When they're hitting on all cylinder it looks really good" ~ Bill Belichick #PMSLive https://t.co/Ywn78ZulW0 pic.twitter.com/LjgtQvfTlC
As usual, Belichick is right on the mark. The Ravens are a dominant force when they’re playing at their highest level and are incredibly difficult to defeat. However, they have shown a tendency to make costly unforced errors in key moments. They simply cannot afford these continued mistakes.
Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry have been outstanding this season. The team is loaded with talent. But Belichick sees them for what they are: their own worst enemy. Belichick knows this team beats itself more than its opponents.
Belichick’s words are a blunt reminder of what has held the Ravens back. They have the talent to compete with anyone, but their mistakes continue to derail their success. Whether it’s blown coverages, turnovers, or mental lapses, these self-inflicted errors have been the biggest obstacle in their path.
With Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry leading a stacked roster, the Ravens have all the tools to be a dominant force. But as Belichick pointed out, until they eliminate those costly mistakes, they will struggle to reach their full potential. This team could be unstoppable if Baltimore can get out of its own way. The question is, can they finally make that leap?