TL;DR
- Baltimore Ravens overcame a 1-5 start to win five straight games, reaching a 6-5 record.
- Lamar Jackson's return and defensive improvement fueled the Ravens' turnaround.
- Coach John Harbaugh praised the team's character and resilience through adversity.
- Crucial upcoming games against the Bengals and Steelers will determine playoff hopes.
The Baltimore Ravens found themselves on the canvas, battered and sore, fighting to reach the 10 count following six weeks of NFL action with a 1-5 record.
With the playoffs out of reach, no Lamar Jackson on offense, and the defense giving up around 30 points weekly, it was a state of panic.
However, five weeks later, the Ravens, with Lamar reinstated and their defense showing improvement, have secured five consecutive victories, reaching a 6-5 record and sharing the top spot in the AFC North before their Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
And for head coach John Harbaugh, when asked what he's thankful for, his answer was outstanding.
“Thankful for, I guess, with this team, is who they've proven to be,” Harbaugh said. “Adversity builds character. I think shows character, the more success you have, sometimes it shows who you really are, and the more challenges you have, sometimes it shows who you really are, right? Through these challenges to see these guys respond the way they did, together every day, was really great.
As we approach success, they've remained unchanged. They're still the same. I'm quite proud of that, and I appreciate it. It's simply who they are in terms of character.
More: Ravens' Zay Flowers has interesting response to Joe Burrow's return in Week 13
Ravens' season at stake facing the Bengals
With Baltimore's upcoming games, each one is crucial, particularly on their home turf, considering how much effort Harbaugh's squad has invested to achieve a winning record for the first time this year.
Considering matchups against the Bengals twice and the Pittsburgh Steelers within the upcoming three weeks, alongside the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers also slated, Baltimore must secure victories in contests against less formidable opponents.
Yes, Joe Burrow is back, but the Bengals' defense allows 32.7 points per game, the worst in football, so the Ravens have to be winning this one.
It's at home, on Thanksgiving, against a division rival. What more could you want?
More Ravens news:
- AFC North standings take huge twist with Ravens, Steelers results, tiebreaker
- John Harbaugh has perfect answer for Ravens being tied for first place in AFC North
- Lamar Jackson injury update reveals new issue for Ravens to monitor in Week 13
- John Harbaugh has perfect answer for Ravens being tied for first place in AFC North
- Myles McLaughlin, an Indiana high school running back, has concluded his attempt to break Derrick Henry's national high school rushing record.