The Ravens land on Bleacher Report’s “teams ready to make a huge leap” list

On Sunday, Bleacher Report’s Chris Roling published an article titled “NFL Teams Ready to Make a Huge Leap in 2019”. The Ravens are profiled as one of five teams set to take a step forward, along with the Jaguars, 49ers, Browns, and Panthers.

“The Baltimore Ravens made the playoffs last year, and it is easy to see that as the beginning of something bigger,” said Roling. “Mark Ingram arrived in free agency as the sledgehammer for the backfield. First-round wide receiver Marquise Brown is a top target and despite some defensive losses, Earl Thomas boosts the secondary.”

Roling also points to the progression of Lamar Jackson and potential decline of a divisional foe as means for a step forward for the Ravens.

“With Jackson clearly throwing well and a new cast of weapons leading the charge, much more than last year’s wild card should be an achievable goal,” said Roling. “It doesn’t hurt that the Pittsburgh Steelers could end up stumbling without a talent like Antonio Brown.”

The Ravens haven’t received too much love from the national media this offseason, so seeing projection on the positive side come as a pleasant surprise.

Roling differs from many other NFL writers in his thought-process, at least when it comes to the Ravens. Many have predicted a decline from the team’s defense due to the losses of C.J. Mosley, Terrell Suggs, and Za’Darius Smith. However, as Roling mentions above, the acquisition of Earl Thomas is significant compensation.

What exactly a “huge leap” looks like differs by opinion, but considering the Ravens won ten games and the AFC North title last season, at least an appearance in the divisional round of the playoffs would evidently be in the cards.

It’s too early to determine whether or not Baltimore can significantly improve upon their performance from last season. However, based on what we’ve seen throughout the offseason and in the first preseason contest, and on the basis of Roling’s points, there appears to be a decent chance the Ravens build upon their success in 2018-19.

What do you think of Roling’s article and the prospect of the Ravens making a huge leap next season? Leave your thoughts down below and join the conversation!