The Ravens have hit some bumps in their first two games, including a frustrating loss to the Las Vegas Raiders last week. Their offense, typically a powerhouse, has yet to hit its stride, with reigning MVP Lamar Jackson still searching for his first win this year. The addition of star running back Derrick Henry hasn’t yielded the expected results in the ground game, leaving the Ravens’ offense uncharacteristically unbalanced. As they prepare to face the Cowboys, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A loss would drop them to 0-3, potentially jeopardizing their playoff aspirations in the fiercely competitive AFC North. ESPN’s First Take recently brought its energy to Howard University, marking its first HBCU stop of the 2024 football season. During the event, a passionate student and Lamar Jackson supporter posed a question to Shannon Sharpe about the implications of a potential third consecutive loss for the Ravens. Sharpe’s response revealed genuine concern. He highlighted, “I am going to be concerned. I am concerned because they are not protecting Lamar like they once did. The defense is not as good as it once was. My other thing is and it’s been happening for the last four years, they build these big leads and they can’t hold them.”
.@shannonsharpe is concerned about the Ravens 😯
“They build these big leads and they can’t hold them. … Can you be great when you absolutely have to?” pic.twitter.com/SbgBunxcDQ
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 20, 2024
“Can you be great when you absolutely have to?” Sharpe further questioned. He noted that while the Ravens often put themselves in a position to win, they frequently falter in crucial moments, failing to convert critical third and fourth downs when victory hangs in the balance. Looking at the Week 3 matchup, the Ravens must prioritize their running game, leveraging Derrick Henry’s formidable skills to regain control. A robust ground attack will not only help manage the clock but also create opportunities for play-action passes.
