despite championship game loss, ravens fans should be optimistic next season

By: Tamilore Tokunboh-Salako

The Baltimore Ravens season ended on a disappointing note, one that feels all too familiar with Ravens fans as of late. 

They lost the AFC Championship game to the Kansas City Chiefs, the final score ultimately being 17-10. 

Ask many Ravens fans before the game, and most of them would have been confident to say that they would be going back to the superbowl after 11 years. In the time since their Super Bowl XLVII victory, there have been a lot of false dawns and grief (Imagine what the Cowboys fans feel like). 

However, even though this year ended in a familiar way, this time is different.

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In the 2023 NFL season, the Ravens went 13-4, which was good enough for the 1 seed in the AFC. They were considered by many to be the best team in the NFL. This was a 3 win improvement on last season’s record of 10-7 and a 5 win improvement on the 2021 NFL season in which the Baltimore Ravens finished 8-9.

Lamar Jackson, after securing a $260 million contract in the offseason, underwent his first relatively injury-free season in nearly 4 years. He proved his worth during the regular season and showed why he won his second MVP award. He finished the regular season with career highs in pass completions, completion percentage, and passing yards. He’s showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon which should give Ravens fans new hope for next season.

Another reason for Ravens fans to cheer is the emergence of young stars such as tight end Isaiah Likely and wide receiver Zay Flowers.

Isaiah Likely started this year on the bench but after the injury to Mark Andrews, Likely got his opportunity in the starting lineup and he took his chance. He ended the season with 30 receptions for 411 yards and 5 touchdowns. 

Zay Flowers was selected with the 22nd overall pick in this year’s draft. With him, it looks like the Ravens have a wide receiver who can be a cornerstone of their franchise for years to come. Flowers set the Ravens franchise record for most receptions (77) and receiving yards (858) by a rookie.

With both Flowers and Likely being 23, Ravens fans can hope they have youth that can set them for the next decade. With an MVP level quarterback in Lamar Jackson, a top 5 tight end in Mark Andrews, and arguably the greatest kicker of all time in Justin Tucker (who’s showing no signs of slowing down at 34) Ravens fans can hope that next year can be their year.

While their offense has been excellent, what the Baltimore Ravens has always been known for is its defense.

And thanks to Kyle Hamilton, the defense of the Baltimore Ravens is one of the most intimidating around. In Gameweek 3, Hamilton tied the NFL and broke the franchise record for sacks in the first half of a game with three. There is a reason why he’s made the first team all pro in the NFL.

As long as the Ravens can keep hold of their core pieces, there is no reason why they can’t compete for the Super Bowl next year. The Ravens have a top 5 offense and a top 5 defense. They’ll need both to be at their very best to beat Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs, a feat only two teams (Buccaneers and Browns) have accomplished.

So while this year didn’t exactly go as planned for the Baltimore Ravens, there is no reason they can’t improve on their AFC Championship Game defeat.