It won't be long until the start of training camp as the Ravens prep for another promising season. Here are 10 summer thoughts on the team, all in 50 words or less:
An ESPN panel of execs, coaches, and scouts recently ranked Derrick Henry as just the ninth best running back in the NFL. That got my attention. There's no way I'm taking eight running backs before Henry. I think he's about to remind people just how special he is.
Henry is one of just seven backs in league history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season. Former Raven Jamal Lewis is also in that elite group, and his 2,066-yard season in 2003 remains an epic achievement in Ravens history. Could Henry do it again?
Lastly on Henry, don't forget he has five career touchdown passes, including two in 2023. When the Ravens get near the goal line, Henry throwing a well-timed option pass is another weapon they can add to their red zone playbook.
The Ravens' bye isn't until Week14, their latest since 2000. That season, Baltimore was undefeated after the bye and won its first Super Bowl. I think having 10 days between games this upcoming December will work to the Ravens' advantage again.
Speaking of byes, NBC's Cris Collinsworth said it would make sense to give every team the same bye week around midseason. It's an interesting thought, but once the season starts, I want to watch football every weekend. Even bad games are better than no games.
John Harbaugh is tied for 20th on the NFL's all-time victory list (160). I think he'll be in the top 15 by season's end. He needs two wins to pass Mike Holmgren, seven to pass Paul Brown, and 11 to pass Tom Coughlin, Mike Shanahan, and Pete Carroll at 170.
Staying with coaches, Kevin Stefanski is the only coach in the AFC North who hasn't reached the Super Bowl, but he's been Coach of the Year twice. Every coach in the AFC North consistently gets the most out of his team. That's another reason why the division is so tough.
Jamal Adams signed with the Titans after visiting the Ravens this offseason, but I'm not worried about Baltimore's depth behind Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams. Ar'Darius Washington was playing well last season prior to his chest injury. He's my favorite to win the No. 3 safety competition.
It's great to see Zay Flowers, Lamar Jackson, Henry, and other Ravens giving back to their hometowns. For many kids, meeting someone from the neighborhood who made it to the NFL leaves a lasting impression.
I'm sure players hope the recent heat wave is over before training camp. If the heat index is over 100 degrees when padded practices begin, it's going to make the dog days of camp even more challenging.
