OTL: Pressure? “We’re in the Diamond-Making Business”
We’ve reached the time of the year where the money is made in the NFL. As we know all too well, regular season achievements mean very little when not backed up by playoff runs, and the Ravens are poised to silence critics of seasons past with a statement win on Saturday afternoon.
Yes, I too am tired of all the 2019 comparisons about this Ravens team.
BUT…
If before the season you told me we’d be sitting here going into the divisional round having to “beat the 2019 allegations” I’d sign up for it in a heartbeat.
SHOW UP SATURDAY AND GET LOUD. pic.twitter.com/vfd7wrx1P5
— Zach Bollinger (@zachbollinger18) January 16, 2024
Facing an exciting young Houston Texans team poses an interesting challenge. On one hand, they’re inexperienced and could struggle in a hostile playoff environment. On the other, they have absolutely nothing to lose, facing a team that could see a tremendous season scarred for a second time in five years.
Nonetheless, the Ravens are opening as massive favorites:
Ravens are favored by 9 points over the Texans, per @ESPNBet.
The only other time the Ravens have been favored by more in the postseason was 2019 divisional game vs. Titans (10 points).
Lamar Jackson is 17-1 outright (regular season & playoffs) when favored by 9 or more points.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 16, 2024
It’s reassuring to see Vegas leaning Baltimore’s way so heavily, but for a team used to being the underdog, it’s not necessarily a comfortable feeling. It doesn’t look like the Ravens care, frankly:
Working for the challenge ahead pic.twitter.com/9uLOZUv4NT
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 17, 2024
Roquan Smith certainly doesn’t care – he’s ready to raise the bar, if anything:
“We’re in the diamond making business.” Roquan: pic.twitter.com/QrdUhPzN2p
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 16, 2024
Ravens MLB Roquan Smith talks about whether his intensity goes up a notch in the playoffs pic.twitter.com/snxMok2Mok
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 16, 2024
For Odell Beckham Jr, the mindset has been “intense” long before the postseason, and it won’t change before facing Houston:
“I’m always intense when it comes to this.” @obj on the playoff mindset: pic.twitter.com/01DbGwjAJN
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 16, 2024
But as with most things for the Ravens, it all starts with Lamar Jackson, who similarly has looked locked in for the last few months.
“@Lj_era8 is the leader, the heart and soul of this team.” @obj pic.twitter.com/w7ZgnPAtlv
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 16, 2024
Baltimore’s franchise QB has one goal in mind: the Super Bowl. To get there, he’s ready for all obstacles:
“I’m ready for whatever.” @Lj_era8: pic.twitter.com/vr2FF2uXKw
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 16, 2024
The approach Jackson seems to be taking is infectious, and Ryan Mink put together a great story on it here:
Teammates and coaches all agree. Lamar Jackson is “locked in” at a different level this season.
Here are some of the examples they cited, and why they believe Lamar is poised to help lead the Ravens further in the playoffs.https://t.co/G9wf366OrH
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) January 16, 2024
At the same time, much of Jackson’s success is not individual, and as big a facet as the talent around him is, their availability is just as critical. Here’s Wednesday’s injury report:
Ravens practice report Tuesday:
Not practicing:
CB Marlon Humphrey (calf)
WR Tylan Wallace
LB Del’Shawn Phillips (shoulder)Returned to practice:
WR Zay Flowers
OLB Odafe Oweh
LB Malik Harrison pic.twitter.com/2qZXetHfyg— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 16, 2024
The big names returning is the key here, particularly with a certain Pro Bowl TE getting back up to speed, as well:
Mark Andrews’ return may be closer than we all think! #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/q5Xdk5yEhU
— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) January 16, 2024
“Today was his best showing.”
Harbs on @Mandrews_81’s progress since returning to practice: pic.twitter.com/cQdVHzXN48
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 16, 2024
Getting Mark Andrews back would be huge, and would be yet another testament of the upgraded strength and conditioning room at 1 Winning Drive. Credit must be given where it’s due, and Jonas Shaffer writes about the impact it’s making:
“He cares so much about us and wants the best for us.”
“Probably the best my body’s felt this far into the season.”
“It’s definitely different from how Steve went about it.”
A year ago, the Ravens’ strength staff got a failing grade. Now? Rave reviews.https://t.co/qsKlI6nZbl
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) January 16, 2024
The Ravens have still had their fair share of injuries this season, particularly at the Running Back position, but many have felt more freak incidents than recurring problems. In years past, that wasn’t the case.
Looking ahead to this weekend and the (hopeful) playoff run that ensues, it’s interesting to see how similar 2024 could shape out to Baltimore’s previous Super Bowl run:
For fun:
2012
• Ravens defeat upstart rookie QB from the AFC South at home
• Ravens defeat the best QB in the league
• Ravens defeat the 49ers
2023 path:
Upstart rookie QB from the AFC South
Mahomes OR Allen
49ers🫨🫨🫨 https://t.co/hNJpV4Czol
— JACK SETTLEMAN (@jacksettleman) January 16, 2024
Either way, Charm City has to be out in full force, as Spencer Schultz says here:
It needs to be a party in Baltimore all week long. Saturday needs to be a party. Have fun, don’t take it for granted. Third home playoff game in ten years. They don’t happen every day.
— Spencer Schultz (@ravens4dummies) January 17, 2024
This should be fun!
The post OTL: Pressure? “We’re in the Diamond-Making Business” appeared first on Russell Street Report.
Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2024/01/17/out-to-lunch/otl-pressure-were-in-the-diamond-making-business/
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