Ravens’ 2024 season: stars, studs, and duds
Baltimore Ravens 2024 Season: Stars, Studs, and Duds
The Baltimore Ravens entered the 2024 NFL season with high hopes after a solid 2023 campaign, boosted by a revamped offense under new coordinator Todd Monken, the return of Lamar Jackson as their star quarterback, and an ever-dominant defense. This season was expected to be one where the Ravens would take that next step toward Super Bowl contention. The season was filled with plenty of standout performances, along with a few disappointments. Here’s a look at the stars, studs, and duds of the 2024 Baltimore Ravens season.
Stars of the 2024 Ravens Season
1. Lamar Jackson (Quarterback)
Lamar Jackson was the heartbeat of the Ravens’ offense in 2024, once again proving why he’s one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. After signing a record-breaking contract extension in the offseason, Jackson played with a chip on his shoulder, showing both his development as a passer and his continued playmaking ability as a runner.
In 2024, Jackson was not only efficient but also more polished in the passing game under the tutelage of Todd Monken. He threw for over 4,000 yards, marking the second time in his career he had done so, with 35 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Jackson’s dual-threat ability kept defenses on edge every week, as he continued to be a threat both through the air and on the ground. His improvement as a pocket passer, especially with improved timing and chemistry with his receiving corps, made him a star in 2024.
2. Roquan Smith (Linebacker)
Roquan Smith cemented himself as one of the best linebackers in the league in 2024. Coming off a strong 2023 season, Smith continued to be the captain of the Ravens’ defense. He was all over the field, racking up tackles, forcing turnovers, and making key plays in crucial moments. Smith finished the regular season with 160 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. His leadership on the field, combined with his sideline-to-sideline range, made him the heart and soul of the Ravens’ defense.
Smith’s ability to read offenses, cover tight ends, and rush the passer was a game-changer for the Ravens. His performance in key games, especially against top-tier teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals, solidified his place as one of the league’s elite linebackers.
3. Mark Andrews (Tight End)
Lamar Jackson’s go-to target, Mark Andrews, continued his elite play at the tight end position in 2024. The 6’5″ tight end was a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, providing Jackson with a consistent and reliable weapon in both the red zone and between the 20s. Andrews finished the regular season with 95 receptions for 1,250 yards and 12 touchdowns.
What made Andrews even more impressive in 2024 was his ability to create mismatches with his size and athleticism. His connection with Jackson was one of the most reliable in the league, and he was a big reason the Ravens’ offense continued to hum, even when their run game faltered at times.
4. J.K. Dobbins (Running Back)
After dealing with injuries in previous seasons, J.K. Dobbins returned in 2024 and played with the kind of explosive, downhill running style that made him a fan favorite in Baltimore. Dobbins posted over 1,300 rushing yards, averaging a solid 5.1 yards per carry. His vision, balance, and ability to break tackles were key factors in the Ravens’ potent ground game.
What set Dobbins apart in 2024 was his ability to step up in big moments. Whether it was breaking off a long run to ice a game or converting crucial third downs, Dobbins proved he could carry the load when needed. His return to form was a significant boost to the Ravens’ offense and gave them the balance they sought throughout the season.
5. Marlon Humphrey (Cornerback)
Marlon Humphrey remained a top-tier cornerback in 2024, and his coverage skills, physicality, and ability to lock down some of the NFL’s best wide receivers made him one of the stars on the Ravens defense. Humphrey was tasked with shadowing elite receivers each week, and he rarely backed down. He ended the regular season with 4 interceptions and 12 passes defensed.
Humphrey’s ability to create turnovers and his playmaking in key moments made him indispensable to the Ravens’ defense. Whether it was a crucial interception or a timely pass breakup in the end zone, Humphrey’s contributions were often the difference between a win and a loss.
Studs of the 2024 Ravens Season
1. Odell Beckham Jr. (Wide Receiver)
Odell Beckham Jr. was another player who made an immediate impact after joining the Ravens in 2024. While his best days might be behind him, Beckham showcased he still had enough juice to be a playmaker. Despite battling a few minor injuries, Beckham finished with over 1,000 yards and 7 touchdowns, providing Lamar Jackson with a reliable option on the outside.
Beckham’s chemistry with Jackson took some time to develop, but by the middle of the season, the two seemed to find their rhythm. His ability to stretch the field and make contested catches in key moments made him an important cog in the Ravens’ offense. While he might not be the high-flyer he once was, Beckham was still a crucial piece of the puzzle.
2. Zay Flowers (Wide Receiver)
Zay Flowers, the rookie wide receiver from Boston College, was a revelation in his first year with the Ravens. His speed, route-running, and ability to make plays after the catch made him an instant favorite of Lamar Jackson. Flowers finished his rookie campaign with over 900 yards and 8 touchdowns, with several big plays that energized the Ravens’ offense.
The Ravens’ passing attack became much more diverse in 2024, thanks in large part to Flowers’ ability to stretch the field and work underneath. His connection with Jackson grew stronger as the season progressed, and he proved to be a reliable target in both the short and deep passing game.
3. Justin Madubuike (Defensive Tackle)
Justin Madubuike emerged as one of the Ravens’ most disruptive defensive linemen in 2024. With the Ravens often relying on their defensive front to generate pressure, Madubuike was a constant force in the interior, registering 10 sacks and 20 quarterback hits. His ability to collapse the pocket, especially on passing downs, was crucial to the Ravens’ defensive success.
Madubuike also played a significant role against the run, using his quickness and strength to clog running lanes and allow linebackers like Roquan Smith to make plays. He continued to develop into a key player for the Ravens’ defense and was a big part of their success in 2024.
4. Travis Jones (Defensive Tackle)
Another defensive lineman who made his presence felt was second-year defensive tackle Travis Jones. Known for his size and strength, Jones helped anchor the interior of the Ravens’ defensive line, often drawing double-teams and freeing up pass-rushers. He finished the season with 7 sacks and played a crucial role in the Ravens’ run defense, which remained one of the best in the NFL.
Jones’ development in 2024 was vital to the Ravens’ defensive success, particularly against strong offensive lines. His ability to disrupt the pocket and collapse the interior helped set the stage for more edge rushers like Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo to thrive.
5. Kyle Hamilton (Safety)
Kyle Hamilton took his game to another level in 2024, showcasing why the Ravens were so high on him when they selected him in the first round of the 2022 draft. The versatile safety made plays all over the field, whether it was covering tight ends, reading quarterbacks’ eyes for interceptions, or making big hits in the run game. He finished the season with 5 interceptions and 8 passes defensed, proving he was one of the most complete safeties in the league.
Hamilton’s versatility allowed the Ravens to use him in multiple roles, and his ability to create turnovers at key moments was vital to the team’s success.
Duds of the 2024 Ravens Season
1. Rashod Bateman (Wide Receiver)
Rashod Bateman entered 2024 with high expectations after a disappointing 2023 season that was marred by injuries. However, despite the opportunity to establish himself as a key target in the Ravens’ offense, Bateman struggled to stay on the field and was inconsistent when he did play. He finished with only 400 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, and his inability to stay healthy and provide a consistent threat on the outside hurt the Ravens’ passing game.
Bateman’s injury history, coupled with his struggles to find rhythm with Jackson, left many wondering if he could ever live up to the potential the Ravens saw when they drafted him. His lack of production was a major disappointment for the Ravens’ offense.
2. The Offensive Line
While the Ravens’ offensive line wasn’t a total disaster in 2024, it certainly didn’t perform at the level many had hoped. Despite solid play from center Tyler Linderbaum and guard Ben Powers, the unit as a whole struggled with consistency, especially in pass protection. Lamar Jackson was often under pressure, and the Ravens’ running game occasionally stalled due to lackluster offensive line play.
The Ravens’ offensive line was one of the team’s more significant weaknesses in 2024, and its inconsistent play at times made it harder for the offense to reach its full potential. The lack of a consistent push in the running game also limited the effectiveness of J.K. Dobbins at times.
3. Patrick Queen (Linebacker)
While Roquan Smith was a star, Patrick Queen’s play remained uneven in 2024. Queen showed flashes of being a solid contributor, but his inconsistency, particularly in coverage and in key moments, led to frustrations for both coaches and fans. Queen struggled in pass coverage, often allowing big plays over the middle, and he was occasionally a liability in the Ravens’ zone schemes.
The Ravens’ defense was still elite overall, but Queen’s inability to fully develop into a steady force alongside Smith meant that the Ravens’ linebacker corps lacked the consistency it needed to dominate week in and week out.
