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OTL: Handing Out Some Superlatives to the ’23 Ravens

Thursday, January 11, 2024 10:59
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The Ravens media yesterday made their annual announcement on the team’s MVP and “Good Guy” awards, and the results weren’t entirely surprising.

Neither winner was entirely surprising. Lamar Jackson is considered a heavy favorite to lock down his second Most Valuable Player award for the entire NFL, and Kyle Hamilton is accountable and present to speak on matters — win, lose or draw.

It led me to finally put together a list I’ve been compiling in my head for several weeks now. It’s time to recognize those players who stood out the most on a team that stood out across the breadth of the league.

MVP: Jackson

It’s a no-brainer. The stats are good. The fact that he’s leading the team with the best record in the league, and he is the team’s biggest star, just adds more to his credentials. Him playing his best ball of the year at the end of the season, against the league’s top competition, seals it up.

Runner up: Roquan Smith

For everything that Jackson brings to the offense, Smith brings to the defense. Smith’s mid-season addition last season instantly transformed the Ravens defense, and they have continued to shine this year under his leadership. Just watch this:

Defensive Player of the Year: Hamilton

I know. I just said Smith was the second-most valuable player on the team. And I stand by that. But Hamilton has been exceptional this season, in pass coverage, run support and even in the opportunities he’s been afforded to blitz. I believe his real super power has been to often negate opponents’ horizontal offensive attack. Hamilton often comes in and seals edges that have been exploited, and blows up screens before they have a chance. In a league that is favoring spread attacks that utilize every blade of grass, Hamilton defends every blade of grass.

Runner up: Smith. Never consider him a bridesmaid. He’s just both important and terrific. That’s a great combination.

Another mention: Justin Madubuike. He would have taken home top honors most year, as he has become a force up the middle.

Offensive Player of the Year (Minus #8): Tyler Linderbaum

I know. It’s a center. A short center. But he has been great, reliable and an improving force. Injuries and distribution of opportunities limited a lot of the offensive weapons this year, but Linderbaum has shined.

Runner up: Kevin Zeitler

He got banged up a little at the end of the year and missed some time, but the man to Linderbaum’s right has been his rock-steady self this year, and has helped anchor the league’s top rushing attack.

Rookie of the Year: Zay Flowers

Flowers broke Ravens’ rookie receiving records for catches (77) and yards (858), all with a contagious smile on his face. His stop-start ability is ridiculous, and leads to yards-after-catch, and he has shown explosion throughout the year. This looks to be a true first-round find at receiver for the Ravens — an answer to prayers around Flockville.

Runner up: Keaton Mitchell

Mitchell brings the same juice to the backfield that Flowers brings to the receiver corps, and the only thing that prevented this from being a real debate was Mitchell’s injury.

Coach of the Year: Mike Macdonald

By the end of his rookie campaign as coordinator, Ravens fans knew they had something special in the game-plan-extraordinaire defensive coordinator. This year, he has shown the league. The Ravens usually come out strong against opponents, and when they don’t, they have shown the ability to adjust and fix leaks. That’s the mark of good leadership on the field, and a shrewd leader on the sidelines.

Runner up: Todd Monken

I wanted to put Joe D’Alessandris here, as I believe the Ravens’ offensive line coach is one of the very best in the business. But Monken has amped up this entire team’s performance this season. Like Macdonald, he has shown an ability to make solid in-game adjustments, and he seems to make Jackson happy. That counts. Don’t think it doesn’t.

Also of note:

The post OTL: Handing Out Some Superlatives to the ’23 Ravens appeared first on Russell Street Report.


Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2024/01/11/out-to-lunch/otl-handing-out-some-superlatives-to-the-23-ravens/


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