The Athletic calling Ravens "overrated" ahead of 2024 is disrespectful to deep roster

The Baltimore Ravens may not head into the 2024 season as the juggernaut they were last year, but any team with Derrick Henry in the backfield and the reigning league MVP in Lamar Jackson to complement a terrific defense is going to strike fear into the hearts of their opponents.

The Ravens did lose some of their aura when they had to part with multiple defensive starters and offensive linemen. Expecting a slight regression isn't unreasonable, but some have taken their pessimistic view of the Ravens' roster way too far.

Mike Jones of The Athletic listed the Ravens as one of the more overrated teams in the league, citing their losses both on their 53-man roster and within their coaching staff. Jones highlighted the departure of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, three offensive line starters, and their brutal opening schedule as reasons to doubt Baltimore.

There's no doubt that Baltimore faces a tougher path to contention this season than they did in 2024, but to call them overrated is a bit of a stretch. Baltimore is still heavily favored to make it to the postseason, and their roster gives them as good a shot as anyone at competing for a championship.

The Athletic calls Baltimore Ravens overrated heading into 2024 season

Baltimore did lose Macdonald, but new coordinator Zach Orr has already received rave reviews. Losing Jadeveon Clowney, Patrick Queen, and Ronald Darby all at once is tough, but they have young replacements in Odafe Oweh, Trenton Simpson, and first-round pick Nate Wiggins ready to step in.

The Ravens also have one of the best foundations in the league, as Jackson and Henry in the backfield will likely make for one of the most nauseating 1-2 punches to defend in league history. Many of the best players from the league's best scoring defense are back in business for 2024.

The Ravens do have the disadvantage of playing in the toughest division in football while getting smacked in the face with a brutal opening schedule, but the Ravens are no stranger to first-place schedules and tough division games. Apparently, last year's success does not matter one iota to The Athletic.

It's not a hot take to say that from No. 1 to No. 53, the Ravens have the best overall roster in the league despite some of their losses. While they did make some subtractions in the offseason, those internal replacements starring (as Ravens draftees often seem to do) will reaffirm their status as an elite team.