The Baltimore Ravens are preparing for their postseason match.

As the NFL season progresses, teams that make the playoffs are separated from those who fall short. For the Baltimore Ravens, a storied franchise with a rich history of success, making the postseason is a benchmark they’ve consistently met. However, this year’s journey to the playoffs feels particularly special. As the team prepares for their postseason match, the stakes are high, and the Ravens are poised for a deep playoff run.

Led by their star quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Ravens are a team built around a powerful ground game, a tenacious defense, and a high level of leadership from their coaching staff. While they’ve had their share of ups and downs throughout the regular season, the Ravens have found themselves on an upward trajectory as the playoffs approach. This article will break down the key factors that will shape the Ravens’ postseason success, including their key players, coaching strategies, strengths, and potential challenges.

Lamar Jackson: The Catalyst for Baltimore’s Success

It all begins with Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback who has become the face of the franchise. Jackson has revolutionized the quarterback position with his blend of arm strength, incredible mobility, and leadership. As one of the league’s most electrifying players, Jackson is capable of taking over a game with both his legs and his arm. His dual-threat ability makes him one of the most difficult players to defend against in the NFL.

Heading into the playoffs, Jackson’s growth as a passer has been a critical development for the Ravens. While his running ability has always been a hallmark of his game, Jackson has worked tirelessly to improve his passing accuracy and decision-making. In 2024, Jackson posted one of his most efficient seasons as a passer, throwing for over 3,500 yards, 30 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions. He has also shown improved chemistry with his receivers, most notably with Mark Andrews, his go-to tight end, and Rashod Bateman, the emerging wide receiver who has become an important piece of the offense.

In the postseason, Jackson’s ability to read defenses and make quick, accurate throws will be vital. If the Ravens are to make a deep run, Jackson will need to remain poised in high-pressure situations. His ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket will be a critical factor as the Ravens face off against some of the toughest defenses in the league.

Jackson’s leadership also cannot be overstated. He’s proven time and again that he has the ability to elevate his teammates’ play, especially in clutch moments. His confidence and ability to stay calm under pressure will be crucial in tight playoff games where every possession counts.

Derrick Henry: A Physical Force in the Backfield

While Lamar Jackson gets most of the attention, the Baltimore Ravens also have another weapon that could prove invaluable in the postseason: Derrick Henry. The Ravens’ running back has been a force in the NFL for several years, and his addition to the roster this season has provided an added dimension to the team’s offense. Known for his size, strength, and incredible endurance, Henry is capable of wearing down defenses and controlling the clock.

During the regular season, Henry rushed for over 1,400 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact makes him a difficult player to stop, and his bruising running style will be critical in the postseason when teams are more focused on ball control and maintaining possession. Henry’s presence in the backfield allows Jackson to be even more effective, as it takes some of the pressure off him to carry the entire offense.

In the postseason, the Ravens will rely on Henry to grind out tough yards in the run game, especially in close, physical games against stout defenses. His ability to wear down defenders and create space for other players in the offense will be crucial. Henry’s experience and pedigree as one of the top running backs in the NFL also give the Ravens an edge in matchups against teams that struggle to stop the run.

The Ravens’ Defense: A Pillar of Stability

While the offensive duo of Jackson and Henry may steal the headlines, the Baltimore Ravens’ defense has been equally important in their rise to the playoffs. The Ravens have always been known for their stout defensive units, and the 2024 defense is no exception. Anchored by a talented group of players, including defensive linemen Calais Campbell and Michael Pierce, linebacker Patrick Queen, and cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, the Ravens have one of the most well-rounded defenses in the league.

The Ravens’ defense has been especially effective against the run, which is a major factor in the playoffs. Teams that rely on a strong rushing attack often struggle when facing the Ravens’ front seven, which is capable of shutting down running lanes and forcing offenses to become one-dimensional. In addition to their run defense, the Ravens are also known for their ability to generate pressure on the quarterback. Whether it’s from the interior with players like Campbell or from the edge with Odafe Oweh, the Ravens have the personnel to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and force mistakes.

One of the most important elements of the Ravens’ defense is their secondary. With two lockdown cornerbacks in Humphrey and Peters, the Ravens have the ability to shut down wide receivers and make it difficult for opposing quarterbacks to find open targets. This strength in the secondary will be crucial as the Ravens face off against some of the league’s top quarterbacks in the postseason, including players like Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow.

In the playoffs, defense often wins championships, and the Ravens’ defense will need to continue playing at a high level if the team is to make a deep run. The ability to get stops in critical moments, force turnovers, and keep opposing offenses from finding any rhythm will be key for Baltimore as they advance through the postseason.

Coaching: John Harbaugh’s Leadership and Experience

Another key factor in the Ravens’ success this season has been the steady leadership of John Harbaugh, the team’s head coach. Harbaugh, who has been with the Ravens since 2008, is one of the most respected coaches in the NFL, known for his ability to get the most out of his players and his consistency in high-pressure situations. Harbaugh’s postseason experience is invaluable, as he has led the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl victory in the 2012 season.

Harbaugh’s leadership style is built around trust, discipline, and accountability. His ability to manage personalities, keep players focused on the task at hand, and maintain a positive culture within the locker room is critical during the long and grueling postseason journey. Additionally, Harbaugh’s coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Greg Roman and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, provides the team with innovative strategies and tactical adjustments that can be the difference in close playoff games.

In the postseason, coaching becomes even more important, as teams adjust to each other and game plans evolve. Harbaugh’s ability to make in-game adjustments, call the right plays at the right moments, and motivate his players to perform under pressure will be a defining factor in the Ravens’ postseason success.

Key Challenges: Navigating the Tough AFC Playoff Field

While the Ravens are positioned to make a deep postseason run, the road ahead will be challenging. The AFC is loaded with talent, with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals all poised to make a run for the Super Bowl. Each of these teams presents unique challenges for the Ravens.

The Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, are perennial Super Bowl contenders and have one of the most explosive offenses in the league. The Ravens’ defense will need to step up and find a way to contain Mahomes and his weapons like Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill. In their past matchups, the Ravens have struggled to slow down Mahomes, and this challenge remains one of their toughest tests in the postseason.

The Bills, led by Josh Allen, present another formidable challenge. Allen’s strong arm and ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground make him a dangerous opponent. The Ravens will need to limit Allen’s impact and focus on taking away his deep passing game while ensuring that their defense remains disciplined against his scrambling ability.

The Bengals, with young quarterback Joe Burrow, have a high-powered offense that can score quickly. The Ravens will need to be aggressive in their pass rush while also containing the explosive receivers in the Bengals’ arsenal, including Ja’Marr Chase and Tyler Boyd.

As the Ravens prepare for their postseason match, they must focus on executing their game plan, remaining healthy, and ensuring that their stars like Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry continue to play at a high level. If the Ravens can do that, they will have as good a chance as any team to advance deep into the playoffs and compete for a Super Bowl.