Baltimore Ravens continue to fly under the radar

The Ravens are 2-0, a record which has guaranteed a playoff berth for the franchise to start the season in the past. While both games were not exactly impressive in how they were accomplished, the Ravens still have 2 victories and some clarity on which aspects they need to improve on. This is a good place to be for a franchise which is breaking in some new players, and has a significant portion of their roster who did not play significant snaps for the team in the second half of last season.

So while they have been deemed as the least convincing of all the 2-0 teams in the NFL, that is just how they like it. ESPN placed them behind the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles in an article titled, "Besides the Patriots, which 2-0 teams are for real?" Here is what ESPN had to say about the Ravens (Insider required):

8. Baltimore Ravens

Beating Buffalo and Cleveland (after trailing the Browns 20-2) doesn't move the needle much. Winning at Jacksonville this coming week won't either. The season's final month will speak loudly. The Ravens visit New England, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati during a four-week stretch beginning Dec. 12.

As the article accurately states, the true test of the strength of this Baltimore Ravens team will not come until late in the season. This provides the perfect recipe for the Ravens to fly under the radar, beating many teams who are not quite contenders, before the real tests come in the last month of the year.

The Ravens have always thrived as underdogs, and it looks as if they will have the opportunity to do it once again this year. Joe Flacco, Eric Weddle, and Terrell Suggs are probably salivating at the thought. One thing I have learned about the Ravens, is you can never count them out. Especially under coach John Harbaugh.