Super Bowls cannot be won in July or August, but they can find the foundations in the dog days of the summer. For a team like the Baltimore Ravens, it is all about finding success in the playoffs. But, to get over that playoff hump, they have to point to things that started right now as the ignition.
What are the biggest storylines happening right now that could impact how far the Ravens go this winter?
3. The Baltimore Ravens health is crucial
The biggest thing to derail the Ravens in the past couple of seasons has been their health. They have not been able to stay healthy when it matters and at the positions that impact games the most. There is a reason to believe that things can change this season, but early indications in training camp may say that is not the case.
The Baltimore Ravens already placed both J.K. Dobbins and Rashod Bateman on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Both of them are coming into the season in different situations, but both need a huge year to make a case for their long-term stability in the NFL.
Bateman is returning from an injury, and the team appears to be saying he is on the right timeline. As for Dobbins, he was healthy towards the end of last season. There is not much reason to believe that he should have any issues right now. However, he missed almost all of OTAs and is sitting out now.
Are they being extra precautious, or is this a small hold-in by Dobbins entering a contract year? Either way, it is going to impact the team significantly. Dobbins and Bateman are key names whose health will be significant all season. They need to be watched along with guys such as Ronnie Stanley, Marcus Williams, and Lamar Jackson, who all missed considerable time last season.