ESPN Pundits Debate Ravens’ Super Bowl Chances
The Ravens have ascended from the bottom of the AFC North to the top after a 1-5 start, but are they back in the Super Bowl conversation after being preseason favorites to capture the Lombardi Trophy?
The topic was debated on ESPN’s “First Take,” and opinions varied.
Cam Newton unequivocally believes Baltimore is a legitimate threat to win it all. The former MVP quarterback literally sang the praises of the Ravens and Lamar Jackson, rhythmically chanting “yes.”
“As long as Lamar Jackson is in Baltimore, they will always be Super Bowl threats,” Newton said. “This team was created to be dominant in November, December, and January, having an opportunity to play in February, so, yes, they are still a Super Bowl threat.”
Dan Orlovsky strongly disagreed, pointing to a slumping offense and Jackson not looking like his two-time MVP self as he plays through an assortment of lower-body injuries.
“I have seen Lamar get tackled one on one this year more than I’ve seen Lamar get tackled in combination of his whole career. I don’t think he’s remotely close to being healthy,” Orlovsky said. “Can they get there, because of the past and the respect? Yes. But right now, this offense cannot win a Super Bowl.”
Stephen A. Smith cast the deciding vote in the Ravens’ favor.
“Last time I checked, it’s about being able to run and being able to stop the run,” Smith said. “They still have Derrick Henry, and we can’t ignore the kind of impact he can have running out of the backfield. We know that Lamar Jackson can throw the football. We also know that the Ravens have held their last six opponents under 20 points.”