Rising up enjoying loads of sports activities, I obtained used to the idea of carrying bumps and bruises. After notably tough outings, I would really feel a hassle spot for a couple of days whereas I used to be on the mend, however I may all the time inform when it was going to heal by itself.
Sadly, there have been additionally occasions that I’d take a success and know instantly that one thing simply wasn’t proper, or I’d really feel it after the adrenaline wore off. In the event you’re studying this and also you’ve ever dislocated something, tore a ligament, and so on., precisely the sensation that I’m speaking about.
That feeling is the one I get watching the Ravens offense.
Ravens’ offense by means of one quarter vs. Broncos
– 10 whole performs
– 17 whole yards— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) December 4, 2022
They really feel like a workforce that’s been strolling round with one thing misplaced for weeks, denying that they need assistance when there’s clearly one thing mistaken. Sure, they captured a win in opposition to a reeling Broncos workforce, and that was an important factor on the finish of the day. However persevering with to skate by doing as they just do sufficient is an excuse to stay in denial {that a} repair is required. Living proof:
John Harbaugh: “It is the sort of win that you simply want in December, and I really feel nice about it.”
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) December 4, 2022
I perceive the concept a head coach generally must be the everlasting optimist within the face of adversity, however at this level, it virtually feels insulting to the fan base to trot out the narrative that issues are high quality so long as you’re profitable ball video games. The Ravens have 5 extra video games remaining on their common season schedule, 4 of which come in opposition to division opponents. They now face that daunting highway forward with the likelihood that Lamar Jackson could also be out for some time as they limp alongside like this.
The Ravens haven’t scored a landing within the first three quarters in every of their final three video games
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) December 4, 2022
Ravens determine to run the ball on third-and-five and are available up quick. Baltimore is punting for the fourth time within the first half.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 4, 2022
Even when the workforce desires to chalk Sunday’s offensive struggles as much as the Broncos having a extremely good protection, the workforce simply didn’t go the attention take a look at. In the event you watched Sunday’s NFL slate after the Ravens sport ended on Sunday, the performances from top-tier offenses across the league seem like they’re enjoying a wholly completely different sport.
Let’s proceed this Baltimore’s illnesses from a diagnostic perspective: when recovering from an damage, generally a bodily therapist could have you carry out a primary process and see how properly your efficiency strains up in opposition to somebody wholesome who performs the identical process. On this case, let’s use the barometer of going through the Jacksonville Jaguars.
You may’t inform me that our offense is functioning even near the way in which it’s imagined to when the Detroit Lions simply did this to the Jags.
⚠️ Offense at work ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/1VLVHaeKBy
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 4, 2022
Within the Week 13 sport in opposition to Jacksonville, Lamar Jackson recorded 254 passing yards on the day. On Sunday, Jared Goff had over 200 passing yards earlier than half-time en path to the Lions dropping a 40-burger on the Jags. “Properly, we’re a run first workforce,” it’s possible you’ll be saying at residence. Evaluating those self same two video games, the Ravens recorded 162 dashing yards and a dashing landing in opposition to the Jags. Detroit solely managed 100 dashing yards in opposition to Jacksonville, however in addition they scored two dashing touchdowns in a sport that featured 340 passing yards and two passing touchdowns.
The Lions additionally had performs that appeared like this on Sunday…
Chark diving! 🦈 #JAXvsDET | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/EQKVZL8zJJ
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 4, 2022
Whereas Baltimore’s offense in opposition to Denver featured performs that appeared like this.
Wat pic.twitter.com/zug0D9peWe
— Baltimore Beatdown (@BmoreBeatdown) December 4, 2022
The fractures have been exhibiting for some time, however they’re turning into too obvious to disregard. In accordance with a number of sources, there have been audible chants of “Fireplace Roman” from the group at The Financial institution late within the sport, and there are movies circulating of followers berating and cursing at him as he walked to his automotive. I received’t hyperlink them right here, as a result of I don’t need to give further traction to that sort of habits, however I additionally received’t deny that the followers have the precise to be upset. Even when the entrance workplace employees isn’t taking discover, it’s clearly reaching the ears of a number of the gamers.
It virtually seemed like I heard boos as an alternative of cheers for many of the sport. However my listening to is clearly unhealthy☺️Nice Staff win..!😎
— marlonhumphrey.eth (@marlon_humphrey) December 4, 2022
It’s simpler mentioned than completed to deal with a lingering ailment. Being a cussed ass myself, I’ll acknowledge that there have been occasions that I waited far too lengthy to see knowledgeable for my very own points. I used to be avoiding the expertise as a result of I knew it could be a painful, time-consuming course of, however in the long run, I beat myself up as a result of it could have been a lot simpler if I’d addressed it sooner.
That is my plea to the Ravens, hypocritical as it’s: now could be the time to go beneath the knife. Take it from me and my knobby knees, messed-up shoulder, and stiff again: don’t wait till you’ll be able to’t operate earlier than you determine to make the mandatory modifications.
It’d damage for some time, however you’ll be grateful in the long term.
