The Baltimore Ravens' season took a dramatic turn last year when kicker Tyler Loop missed a field goal from 44 yards out on the final play of the NFL's regular season. That missed kick sealed the Ravens' fate, ending their hopes of an AFC North title and sending John Harbaugh, the team's head coach for 18 seasons, packing.
The Ravens hired Jesse Minter, a defensive coordinator with a strong reputation, to replace Harbaugh. Minter comes to Baltimore after working with Jim Harbaugh, John Harbaugh's brother, on the Los Angeles Chargers' defense. His task is to fix the team's defense, which struggled last season.
Lamar Jackson, the Ravens' all-time great quarterback, is under pressure to lead the team back to the playoffs. He's signed through 2027, but the two sides haven't worked out an extension. Last season, Jackson's play dipped after he returned from a hamstring injury, and his relationship with John Harbaugh had become strained.
The Ravens' offseason was marked by significant changes. They traded for edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who got a four-year, $112 million deal, and signed several free agents, including guard John Simpson and safety Jaylinn Hawkins. The team also lost some key players, including tight end Isaiah Likely and defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones.
The Ravens' defense is expected to improve with Minter at the helm. He'll work with edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and a revamped defensive line. If Jackson stays healthy, the Ravens can reclaim their status as one of the NFL's best teams.
The team's quarterback report is a mixed bag. Jackson was at an MVP level through his first three games last season, but his play dipped after he returned from a hamstring injury. He had 1,680 yards, 11 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 91.5 passer rating in the nine games he played after his return.
The Ravens' offseason grade is a B-. They made some smart moves, but they also lost some key players. The Maxx Crosby saga, in which the team nixed a trade for the Raiders' top defensive player due to concerns about his knee, is still a topic of debate.
Source: Yahoo Sports