Booger McFarland chastises the Baltimore Ravens for their shortcomings while the NFL gives them a sizable pre-free agency present.

The Baltimore Ravens are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, with a proud history marked by multiple Super Bowl championships, a relentless defense, and a dominant running game. The Ravens have always been a tough, physical team, built in the image of their first head coach, Brian Billick, and their legendary defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan. However, over the past few seasons, despite their consistency and potential, the Ravens have faced significant hurdles that have hindered their success at the highest levels.

In a bold and direct commentary, former NFL player and current analyst Booger McFarland has been vocal in pointing out the glaring shortcomings of the Ravens. Despite an organization that prides itself on toughness and discipline, McFarland believes the Ravens have repeatedly underachieved—especially when it matters most. But just as the Ravens’ shortcomings have been exposed, the NFL, through a series of favorable circumstances and a handful of off-field moves, has given Baltimore a sizable “pre-free agency present,” providing them an opportunity to make significant strides in the coming seasons.

McFarland’s Critique of the Ravens’ Shortcomings

McFarland is known for his no-nonsense approach and ability to speak truth to power, and his critiques of the Ravens are no exception. While the team is known for its staunch defense and dynamic playmakers, McFarland believes the Ravens have consistently fallen short in critical areas. One of the most glaring issues, according to McFarland, is the inconsistency in their passing game, which has not kept pace with the evolution of the NFL.

1. The Lamar Jackson Conundrum: Talent Without Help?

Lamar Jackson, the electric quarterback who won the NFL MVP award in 2019, is often hailed as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league. His combination of mobility, arm strength, and playmaking ability has helped define an era of dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL. But McFarland’s criticism centers on the inability of the Ravens’ front office to surround Jackson with the necessary tools to elevate him to championship contention.

“It’s not that Lamar Jackson isn’t a good quarterback; he’s one of the most dynamic players in the NFL,” McFarland said. “The issue has always been that the Ravens have failed to give him the weapons around him to take that next step. The lack of a true number-one wide receiver, coupled with a predictable offense, has held this team back.”

McFarland’s point here is crucial. While Jackson’s ability to make plays with his legs is unparalleled, the Ravens have often failed to surround him with an elite receiving corps that can stretch the field and make defenses pay. Historically, Baltimore has relied heavily on their running game and tight ends to move the ball down the field. But in today’s NFL, where offenses are increasingly reliant on high-powered passing attacks, this approach simply isn’t enough.

Despite using multiple draft picks on wide receivers, the Ravens have yet to land that true playmaking wideout who can take over a game. The lack of a reliable receiving weapon has hurt the team’s ability to stretch the field and create mismatches against defensive backs, allowing teams to focus on stifling Jackson’s running ability. This limitation has been a thorn in the side of the Ravens, especially in the postseason, where explosive passing attacks often make the difference.

2. Inconsistent Coaching and Lack of Adjustment

Another one of McFarland’s main critiques centers around the coaching staff, specifically the inability to make in-game adjustments when facing top-tier opponents. While head coach John Harbaugh has undoubtedly been successful during his tenure, McFarland argues that the Ravens often struggle to adapt when things aren’t going according to plan.

“Harbaugh is a good coach, but the Ravens have struggled to adjust in the postseason, especially against elite teams,” McFarland noted. “It’s one thing to dominate in the regular season; it’s another thing to do it in the postseason. You’ve got to have versatility and the ability to change things up when your opponent adjusts.”

In recent years, the Ravens’ playoff disappointments have been marked by a tendency to stick to their game plans too rigidly, failing to adjust when the opposing defense shuts down their primary strategies. McFarland believes that this lack of flexibility has cost the team dearly in high-stakes games. Whether it’s the Titans’ upset victory over the Ravens in the 2019 playoffs or their struggles against the Buffalo Bills in 2020, McFarland sees a pattern of failure when things get tough.

3. The Defense’s Fall from Grace

For years, the Ravens were known for their “Purple People Eaters” defense—a dominating unit that struck fear into the hearts of opponents. But in recent seasons, McFarland has noticed a decline in the Ravens’ defensive performance, particularly in the secondary.

“Baltimore has always prided itself on defense, but in the last few years, they’ve shown a lack of depth and consistency, especially in the secondary,” McFarland said. “You can’t win championships if you can’t stop the pass. The Ravens need to get back to being a top-tier defense.”

While the Ravens still have elite pieces like linebacker Patrick Queen and safety Marcus Williams, their secondary has been susceptible to big plays, and their pass rush has not been as consistent as in previous seasons. Against the league’s best quarterbacks, like Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow, the Ravens have struggled to contain explosive passing attacks, leading to blowout losses in some high-profile matchups. McFarland argues that this defensive decline is a major factor in the team’s inability to consistently compete for championships.

The NFL’s Pre-Free Agency Present to the Ravens

Despite these shortcomings, McFarland acknowledges that the Ravens have been given a considerable opportunity in the form of a “pre-free agency present.” While the team’s struggles have been well-documented, the NFL, through a combination of external factors, has presented the Ravens with a chance to make significant improvements before free agency officially opens.

1. The Lamar Jackson Situation: A Fork in the Road

The biggest story surrounding the Ravens this offseason is the uncertain future of Lamar Jackson. Jackson is eligible for a contract extension, and the team must decide whether to commit to him long-term or explore other options. Given Jackson’s immense talent, McFarland believes the Ravens need to find a way to keep him in Baltimore, especially considering how few quarterbacks in the NFL possess his skill set.

“This is a make-or-break moment for the Ravens,” McFarland said. “If they can’t figure out how to make Lamar Jackson happy and surround him with talent, they’re going to waste his prime years. You’ve got to put the pieces in place for him to succeed. If you don’t, someone else will.”

Jackson’s looming contract situation is the NFL’s pre-free agency present to the Ravens, forcing the team to make critical decisions on his future. If the Ravens manage to lock down Jackson for the long term, they will have the foundation of their offense solidified and can focus on acquiring the complementary pieces necessary to compete for a Super Bowl.

2. A Favorable Draft Position

Despite the Ravens’ struggles in 2024, they still found themselves with a relatively high draft position. This presents the opportunity to add talent at key positions, particularly wide receiver and cornerback, where the team has been most deficient. McFarland believes that if the Ravens can capitalize on their draft picks, they could quickly turn their fortunes around.

“There are some real difference-makers in this draft, especially at receiver and corner,” McFarland said. “If the Ravens can hit on those picks, they can set themselves up for success for years to come. But they’ve got to make the right choices.”

In recent drafts, the Ravens have had some hits and misses, but the 2025 draft could be their chance to finally land a top-tier wide receiver or cornerback who can contribute immediately. This could be the injection of talent they need to push past their playoff disappointments.

3. A Competitive AFC North

The AFC North, for all its toughness, is currently in a state of flux. While the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns have emerging talents, both teams are dealing with their own set of challenges. The Pittsburgh Steelers, while always a competitive team, are also in transition as they try to build around a young quarterback in Kenny Pickett. McFarland sees this as an opening for the Ravens to assert their dominance in the division.

“The AFC North is wide open, and the Ravens have the chance to take control if they make the right moves,” McFarland explained. “This is a division that’s tough, but it’s not invincible. The Ravens have the talent to win the division and make a deep playoff run if they put all the pieces together.”

If the Ravens can take advantage of the competitive landscape in their own division, they may not need to worry as much about external factors when it comes to playoff positioning. McFarland believes that this window of opportunity could help the Ravens rebound and become the team they’ve been striving to be for years.

 Will the Ravens Rise to the Challenge?

The Baltimore Ravens find themselves at a crossroads in the 2025 NFL offseason. They’ve been given a sizable pre-free agency present—an opportunity to make the right decisions and turn their team into a Super Bowl contender. But as Booger McFarland has pointed out, there are glaring issues that must be addressed if the Ravens are to take that next step. Whether it’s securing Lamar Jackson’s future, addressing deficiencies in the passing game, or solidifying their defense, the Ravens must act quickly and decisively.

The clock is ticking, and the window of opportunity is open. The NFL has given the Ravens the chance to reshape their future, but only time will tell if they can

make the most of it. McFarland’s critiques are harsh but fair, and they serve as a reminder that no matter the talent on the roster, the Ravens must continue to evolve if they hope to return to their championship glory. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Baltimore rises to the occasion or falls short once again.