Image Source: Mike Florio
Key Takeaways
- The Ravens’ season has failed to meet preseason expectations, leading to questions about the future of coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Lamar Jackson.
- Owner Steve Bisciotti must decide whether to bring Harbaugh back for a 19th season or make a change, considering factors such as the team’s performance and Harbaugh’s potential to succeed with another team.
- The team’s inability to win a Super Bowl with Lamar Jackson is a concern, with the quarterback signed for only two more seasons and potentially available for trade.
- The Ravens’ failure to deliver in big moments and blown leads have contributed to their disappointing season.
- Harbaugh’s potential to succeed with another team, possibly in the same conference or division, is a factor in Bisciotti’s decision-making process.
Introduction to the Ravens’ Dilemma
The Baltimore Ravens are facing a critical juncture in their franchise’s history, with the team’s season having failed to meet preseason expectations. As owner Steve Bisciotti ponders the future of coach John Harbaugh, he must consider the implications of bringing him back for a 19th season or making a change. As the article notes, "If Bisciotti thinks it makes sense to change coaches, he needs to be confident he can find someone as good or better. He also needs to be willing to witness what Harbaugh would do with another team." This decision is further complicated by the presence of quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is signed for only two more seasons and may be available for trade.
The Harbaugh Factor
Harbaugh has been with the Ravens for nearly two decades, and his longevity is a rare feat in the NFL. However, the team’s lack of success in recent years, including only one Super Bowl appearance in 13 years, raises questions about whether it’s time for a fresh start. As the article states, "Few coaches have been with any team for as long as Harbaugh has been with the Ravens. And, yes, there’s a very good chance Harbaugh would be immediately more successful with a new team than the Ravens would be with a new coach." This possibility must be considered by Bisciotti, who must weigh the potential benefits of retaining Harbaugh against the potential risks of losing him to another team.
The Lamar Jackson Conundrum
Lamar Jackson is a two-time MVP quarterback, but the Ravens’ inability to win a Super Bowl with him is a concern. The team has been unable to deliver in big moments, and blown leads have been a recurring issue. As the article notes, "The same concerns that have been expressed about the Bengals’ inability to win a Super Bowl with Joe Burrow and the Bills’ inability to win a Super Bowl with Josh Allen apply to the Ravens and Lamar Jackson." With Jackson signed for only two more seasons, the Ravens must decide whether to extend his contract or explore trade options. As the article states, "There’s enough smoke to get someone to make the call and see what it would take to get the two-time MVP quarterback."
The Future of the Franchise
The Ravens’ failure to meet expectations has significant implications for the franchise’s future. As the article notes, "Maybe it’s just time. Few coaches have been with any team for as long as Harbaugh has been with the Ravens." Bisciotti must consider the potential benefits of a fresh start, including the possibility of finding a new coach who can lead the team to greater success. However, he must also weigh this against the potential risks of losing Harbaugh to another team, potentially in the same conference or division. As the article states, "He also needs to be willing to witness what Harbaugh would do with another team. Possibly in the same conference, with a team like the Titans. Possibly in the same division, with a team like the Browns."
Conclusion
The Ravens’ season has ended in disappointment, and the team is facing a critical juncture in its history. The future of coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Lamar Jackson is uncertain, and owner Steve Bisciotti must make difficult decisions about the team’s direction. As the article notes, "The lone Super Bowl appearance under Harbaugh now resides 13 years into the rear-view mirror." The Ravens must consider the potential benefits of a fresh start, including the possibility of finding a new coach who can lead the team to greater success. However, they must also weigh this against the potential risks of losing Harbaugh to another team, potentially in the same conference or division. Ultimately, the Ravens’ future will depend on the decisions made by Bisciotti and the team’s leadership.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/will-john-harbaugh-return-for-a-19th-season-with-ravens