Ravens coach John Harbaugh's explanation for not trading was quite simple

Baltimore Ravens v Arizona Cardinals
Baltimore Ravens v Arizona Cardinals / Norm Hall/GettyImages
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The Baltimore Ravens opted not to make any trades ahead of this season's trade deadline, a departure from the previous year when they secured inside linebacker Roquan Smith in a deal that significantly altered the team's trajectory for the better.

Coach John Harbaugh emphasized on Wednesday that this decision was one based on the market, that the Ravens explored all possible options, and that the franchise ultimately decided to pass on them not acting "out of desperation."

"We’re not going to do something out of desperation by any stretch. We have a really good roster. I love our guys. We have everything we need"

John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens

“We’re not going to do something out of desperation by any stretch," Harbaugh said. "We have a really good roster. I love our guys. We have everything we need.”

Heading into the upcoming game against Seattle, the Ravens boast a three-game winning streak and a 1.5-game lead in the AFC North. They share the second-best record in the NFL with four other franchises at 6-2, and they only trail the Philadelphia Eagles (7-1) league-wide.

"“I feel I’m very confident in this team from top to bottom. If we all play to the best of our abilities, the sky’s the limit for us.”"

Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens

Linebacker Roquan Smith expressed confidence in the team as is and without adding anyone on Tuesday, saying, “I feel I’m very confident in this team from top to bottom." He added, "If we all play to the best of our abilities, the sky’s the limit for us.”

Coach Harbaugh backed running back Gus Edwards and the Ravens backfield as a whole before the trade deadline and after it was considered a unit to bolster ahead of Tuesday. “We’re confident in Gus. We’re confident in Justice [Hill]," Harbaugh said. "Yes, we like our running backs a lot.”

Despite losing J.K. Dobbins to an Achilles tendon injury early in the season, the Ravens are still putting up solid rushing numbers thanks to the contributions of quarterback Lamar Jackson from the pocket and the mighty brute Gus Edwards. Just last weekend, the Bus stopped in the Cardinals' end zone three times for touchdowns. So there's that.

And as far as the "weak" pass rush goes, built on a veteran foundation comprised of Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, keep in mind that the Ravens now lead the league with 31 sacks and have 13 players in their roster with at least one sack each through the first half of the season. Take that for data.

Next. 6 Ravens DNP on Wednesday, Marcus Williams back. 6 Ravens DNP on Wednesday, Marcus Williams back. dark

Ultimately, General Manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh decided that the current roster, encompassing both the active and practice squads, is sufficient for the Ravens to make a deep postseason run. We can't complain too much about that.

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