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3 Fatal Flaws That Could End Ravens' Playoff Run

By Scott Rogust

The Ravens finished with the top seed in the AFC. Yet, they've still got their flaws.
The Ravens finished with the top seed in the AFC. Yet, they've still got their flaws. / Kirk Irwin/Getty Images

The Baltimore Ravens started off the season 2-2, but finished off the year on a 12-game winning streak. As a result, the Ravens clinched the No. 1 seed and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Even though the team looks downright unstoppable with Lamar Jackson leading the way, they still have flaws that could ultimately doom them from winning the franchise's third Super Bowl.

Here are three that come to mind.

3. Relatively Weak Passing Offense

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson will need to out-duel Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson will need to out-duel Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes / Jamie Squire/Getty Images

This is speaking hypothetically, but what if the Ravens' postseason opponents are able to mitigate Baltimore's rushing attack? It seems impossible, but you can never count out anything in the playoffs. In terms of their aerial attack, the Ravens average 201.6 passing yards per game, which is the sixth-fewest in the NFL. Can Lamar Jackson out-duel a gunslinger like Patrick Mahomes? Look, we know Jackson threw 30 touchdowns and impressed everyone with his arm, but if teams manage to shut down the run game, is he able to lead the team solely through the air?

2. Ravens' Starters on 3 Weeks of Rest

Baltimore Ravens starters will have three weeks of rest entering the playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens starters will have three weeks of rest entering the playoffs. / Bryan Woolston/Getty Images

The Baltimore Ravens have been on a roll ever since the calendar switched to October. No team stood a chance against the Ravens. However, the Ravens rested a majority of their starters against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, . meaning Lamar Jackson and Co. will play their first playoff game after three weeks of rest. A significant amount of time off can lead to hot teams getting cold, just ask the 2009 Colts or 2011 Packers. Could three weeks off actually end up being detrimental to Jackson and the flow of the Ravens' offense?

1. Mark Ingram's Calf Strain

Baltimore Ravens RB Mark Ingram is dealing with a calf strain.
Baltimore Ravens RB Mark Ingram is dealing with a calf strain. / Kirk Irwin/Getty Images

Perhaps the biggest question mark surrounding the Ravens is the status of starting running back Mark Ingram. During the Week 16 game against the Cleveland Browns, Ingram suffered a calf strain, and was ruled out for the team's season finale. While he's confident he'll be ready for Baltimore's Divisional Round matchup, it's unclear if Ingram will be 100% healthy. That's something Baltimore can ill afford, especially considering Ingram is a 1,018 yard rusher this year.