Title: John Harbaugh Reflects on Missed Super Bowl Opportunity as Ravens’ Season Ends
Introduction:
The Baltimore Ravens’ season-ending news conference took an unexpected turn as head coach John Harbaugh expressed his disappointment over the team’s missed chance at the Super Bowl. Harbaugh acknowledged the questionable offensive approach in their AFC Championship Game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where they had only 16 total running attempts. This article delves into Harbaugh’s analysis of the game plan, the team’s struggles in the playoffs, and their plans for the future.
Ravens Fall Short of Super Bowl:
The Ravens’ 17-10 loss to the Chiefs left fans and analysts puzzled, particularly regarding the team’s offensive strategy against a Chiefs defense that struggles to stop the run. Harbaugh admitted that the number of running attempts was not ideal, stating, “That’s not really going to win us an AFC Championship Game, for sure.” The game plan, devised by offensive coordinator Todd Monken and backed by Harbaugh, faced heavy criticism and scrutiny.
Analyzing the Offensive Approach:
Harbaugh explained that several factors contributed to their inability to establish a consistent running game. Due to the Chiefs’ strong start with long drives, the Ravens had limited possession time in the first half, hindering their ability to execute their game plan fully. Additionally, being in their two-minute offense for a significant portion of the game limited their reliance on the run. Harbaugh also mentioned that Lamar Jackson’s decisions to throw the ball instead of running played a role.
Playoff Struggles:
The frustration among Ravens supporters stems from this not being the first time the team has veered away from their strength in crucial playoff games. During the 2019 season, when they set league rushing records, they faced a similar setback in their divisional-round loss to the Tennessee Titans. The team fell behind by two touchdowns, prompting offensive coordinator Greg Roman to shift away from their successful running game. Harbaugh acknowledged that this criticism was fair, emphasizing that the team’s playoff performances have deviated from their regular-season dominance.
Moving Forward:
Despite the disappointment of falling short of the Super Bowl, Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta remain optimistic about the season’s positives. The Ravens finished with a 13-4 record, secured the AFC North title, and hosted their first-ever conference championship game. DeCosta praised the team’s chemistry, camaraderie, and work ethic throughout the season. While there are looming decisions about player contracts and staffing changes, both Harbaugh and DeCosta are focused on the team’s continued growth.
Lamar Jackson’s Involvement:
Harbaugh highlighted the importance of involving Lamar Jackson in the team’s offensive evolution. Unlike last offseason, where Jackson had limited contact with the team during contract negotiations, Harbaugh plans to actively engage Jackson in discussions about building the offense around him. By incorporating Jackson’s ideas and preferences, the team aims to optimize his skills and enhance their overall performance.
Future Player Decisions:
DeCosta remained tight-lipped about the team’s offseason player decisions. Questions about using the franchise tag on defensive lineman Justin Madubuike, picking up fifth-year options on Odafe Oweh and Rashod Bateman, and re-signing pending free agents were met with minimal response. However, DeCosta hinted that inside linebacker Patrick Queen might explore his value in the open market due to salary-cap constraints.
Coaching Staff Changes:
With defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald being replaced by Zach Orr, Harbaugh revealed that the team is still hoping to retain assistant head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver. Weaver was a finalist for head-coaching positions elsewhere and is also being considered for the Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator job. Harbaugh confirmed ongoing discussions regarding changes to the offensive and special teams staff.
Conclusion:
The disappointment of missing out on a Super Bowl opportunity loomed large during the Ravens’ season-ending news conference. Harbaugh and DeCosta acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and the need for improvement. They remain focused on building upon the positives of the season and engaging Lamar Jackson in the offensive planning process. As they navigate player decisions and potential coaching changes, the Ravens aim to bounce back stronger next season and make another run at the Super Bowl.