The Baltimore Ravens are well-regarded for their regular-season success, but they face a persistent challenge that continues to frustrate the franchise: replicating that strong performance when the stakes are highest.
After visiting the Ravens' training camp on Saturday, ESPN's Dan Graziano observed on Monday that this problem "is tough to solve in August," referring to the difficulty of carrying regular-season consistency into postseason play.
The Ravens have a solid NFL playoff history, making 16 postseason appearances since 1996, and hold an 18-14 playoff record. They have won two Super Bowls and multiple AFC North titles, and remain contenders year after year. However, in recent seasons, the team's postseason performances have been uneven.
Graziano said that while Baltimore has ranked among the league's best at avoiding turnovers during the regular season, committing just 11 giveaways last year, the third fewest in the NFL, its ball security hasn't held up come playoff time.
The Ravens turned the ball over three times in last season's divisional-round loss to Buffalo, undoing much of the regular-season momentum. Over the past five years, their turnover margin in the playoffs has been the worst in the NFL, despite finishing seventh in turnover margin during the regular season.
Coach John Harbaugh is well aware of the issue and has introduced a new system at the team's facilities to strengthen intentionality and focus. Practice highlights are continuously displayed across the building, graded in categories designed to reinforce fundamentals and discipline.
Harbaugh and the Ravens will focus on getting past their playoff hurdles and winning the Super Bowl this season. Bolstered by experienced coaches (Chuck Pagano and Donald D'Alesio) and newcomers like cornerback Jaire Alexander, the team is committed to cutting down on costly errors.