A NEW HOPE
The Ravens’ return to the playoffs gives them a chance to erase past disappointments.
Daniel Oyefusi, reporter: The Ravens brought in the new year with a playoff- clinching performance that resembled their 2019 form. Locked into the No. 5 seed, the Ravens will play the AFC South champion and must feel comfortable with whoever they play in a rematch, whether it’s the Colts or Titans. A year ago, the Ravens rested several starters in Week 17 and then faced questions about whether it was the right decision after flaming out in the divisional round. This time around, the Ravens are red-hot, and they might be even better poised for a playoff run this season.
Jonas Shaffer, reporter: The Ravens took the drama out of this game like a deflating balloon. They dominated Cincinnati’s depleted defense. Their defense allowed next to nothing through the air. Their special teams didn’t miss a beat without punter Sam Koch. They might not be entering the playoffs on the high that they did last year, but the Ravens are a team that no one wants to face. John Harbaugh hasn’t won a playoff game since 2014, and this team looks well positioned to advance to the divisional round.
Childs Walker, reporter: The Ravens finished off a five-game run of offensive dominance with the best rushing performance in franchise history. They showed off all the weapons, tactical and personnel, that make them a unique force in the modern NFL. Lamar Jackson continued his astonishing form as a runner and red-zone finisher. Now, he and his teammates are set up to answer the question that’s haunted them for a year: Can they do it in the playoffs? It appears the Ravens will have their chance against the very team that dumped them from the postseason last January, the Titans. The Ravens will move the ball against Tennessee’s porous defense, but can they hold up for four quarters against Derrick Henry’s mighty outside-zone runs and Ryan Tannehill’s play-action shots? They couldn’t in Week 11 as the Titans rallied from a 21-10 deficit. But the Ravens could not ask for a tastier scenario to demonstrate their growth.