The Baltimore Ravens are looking to bounce back in 2022 after a disappointing end to their 2021 season. After starting the year off at 8-3 and owning the best record in the AFC, they went on a six-game losing streak to end with an 8-9 record, falling to last place in their division.
When naming the ceiling and floor of each NFL team for the 2022 season, Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports named Baltimore’s ceiling as a 13-4 team while winning the AFC Championship. He talked about players such as quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back J.K. Dobbins as well as cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters as key factors in the team hitting such a ceiling.
“Jackson is playing with house money regarding his contract situation, determined to prove he’s worth every penny. The offense is tailor-made for Jackson to succeed running the football, back to the system that aided him in leading the league in touchdown passes and winning MVP honors in 2019. J.K. Dobbins is also back, a major boost for the ground game…Mike MacDonald has the defense set for a major turnaround and a revamped secondary, with Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey back on the field, should have Baltimore back toward the top of the AFC North in 2022…The Ravens are contenders in the AFC.”
For the Ravens’ floor, Kerr has the team at 9-8 and missing the playoffs altogether.
“Even if Jackson suffers an injury, the Ravens should be fine on offense with Tyler Huntley. “Fine” isn’t good enough in a loaded conference. The Ravens need Jackson on the field and playing toward MVP level every week, similar toward how he was in the first month of last season..The wide receiver corps, outside of Rashod Bateman, is a concern and could significantly hurt Baltimore through a 17-game season, even if the Ravens are stacked at tight end. The Ravens also need the All-Pro version of Ronnie Stanley back to keep the offense at a high level and Gus Edwards healthy for the stretch run…Again, Baltimore is a good team, even with the glaring weaknesses. However, the Ravens really need to get a deal done with Jackson.”