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Ravens relying on tough defense to carry day in 2019

By Chris Schisler

Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson, right, jumps into the end zone ahead of Oakland Raiders' Jason Cabinda, left, for a 5-yard touchdown run in the third quarter on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md. The Ravens defeated the Raiders by score of 34-17. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson, right, jumps into the end zone ahead of Oakland Raiders' Jason Cabinda, left, for a 5-yard touchdown run in the third quarter on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md. The Ravens defeated the Raiders by score of 34-17. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images) /
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Many experts are sleeping on the Baltimore Ravens, but with Lamar Jackson and a terrific secondary, Charm City might have a winner.

Best-case scenario

An 11-5 record and a division title to go with it. The Ravens are expected to be one of the best defensive teams in the NFL. Lamar Jackson and a relative youth movement on offense could make the Ravens one of the most exciting teams in the league.

Marquise Brown could be one of the flashiest weapons in football. Miles Boykin could be a solid receiver right away. Justice Hill could be an X-factor for running back group. Speaking of running backs, Mark Ingram could have an incredible season.

If everything goes right in Baltimore, the Ravens will be one of the most complete teams in the NFL.

Worst-case scenario

Finishing third in the AFC North. The Ravens are always competitive under John Harbaugh. Baltimore has only had one losing season over his tenure. Jackson is obviously the key to making everything work. If Jackson and the new-look offense is a flop, the Ravens will be in trouble.

The battle for the starting job at left guard has to leave the coaching staff uneasy. It could be a weak link that derails the offense. Baltimore also has a bunch of unproven pass rushers. The worst-case scenario is a perfect storm of offensive line woes, Jackson missing the mark and the pass rush letting an otherwise strong defense down. If this perfect storm hits the Ravens, it could be bad.

Confidence level (Low, medium or high)

High.

The Ravens defense should be very good. Even with the loss of Tavon Young, Baltimore could have the best secondary in football. Patrick Onwuasor will lead the inside linebackers and become a household name. Michael Pierce is a force for the defensive line and Matt Judon is a nice player in a contract year. The biggest reason to be confident in the Ravens though, is Lamar Jackson. He should only get better in his second season.

X-Factor

Justice Hill.

Hill is a running back with breakaway speed, elusiveness and the ability to be a matchup problem for linebackers in the passing game. Hill has speed comparable to players like Lamar Jackson and Marquise Brown. Imagine the fun the Ravens can have at the mesh point when Jackson and Hill are both a threat to take the rock all the way. Mark Ingram is the workhorse in the backfield, yet Hill may be the spark plug of this team.

Turning point

The Ravens battle with the Cleveland Browns in Week 4 is incredibly important. They also play the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3 and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6.

The game against Cleveland is a home game in the middle of a treacherous portion of the schedule. The Browns will come out looking to prove that they can win the division. The Ravens have a chance to show the Browns and the Steelers in consecutive weeks that the AFC North belongs to Baltimore.

Best moment in team history

Jacoby Jones.

When the Ravens beat the Denver Broncos in the 2012 Divisional round, it felt destined they would win the Super Bowl. Jones’ miraculous 70-yard touchdown to force overtime was magical. It was the most memorable moment in Ravens history because Baltimore was such a big underdog.