It's not the Super Bowl, but it's what we've got.
Ravens fans should tune in for Sunday's Pro Bowl at 3 p.m. on ESPN/ABC for one last chance to see the 2019 Ravens in action.
It was a very fun week in Orlando leading into the game, and the game will be the culmination.
Here's what you should be looking for:
Lamar Jackson wants to end with a win.
Jackson told The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec that he didn't leave his room for a little while after the Ravens' divisional playoff loss because he was just too sad. On the first day of practices at the Pro Bowl, Jackson talked about his intention to win the game. After finishing the regular season on such a sour note, any win would feel good – even if it isn't the ultimate win.
The first-timers will want to show out.
Marshal Yanda, Earl Thomas, Mark Ingram, Justin Tucker and Morgan Cox have all done this before. But it will be the first Pro Bowl game for Jackson, Marlon Humphrey, Matthew Judon, Ronnie Stanley, Orlando Brown Jr., Mark Andrews and Patrick Ricard. All of those "rookies" will be looking to make their mark on the game, which has a tendency to ramp up in intensity during the second half when many of them will see the bulk of their action.
Is this Yanda's last game?
If Yanda retires this offseason, this will be the last time we see him suit up for a football game. Yanda is in his eighth Pro Bowl. He's had a blast hanging out with other players around the league and his family. Let's pray this isn't the last time we see him maul somebody.
Ricard blocking for Derrick Henry is crazy.
The fullback doesn't get the most love at the Pro Bowl, but just think about what it will look like for an NFC defender to see 300-pound Ricard leading the way for 250-pound running back Derrick Henry. If you thought players didn't want to tackle before in the Pro Bowl, just wait for that moment.
Does no blitz mean more picks?
There's no blitzing allowed in the Pro Bowl, so it will be fun to see how blitz-happy Ravens Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale adjusts. One thing is for sure, Thomas will be looking for a pick. He was already lurking in Pro Bowl practices and will be a fun pairing with Jets safety Jamal Adams.
What trickery will John Harbaugh have in store?
Early on in the week, Head Coach John Harbaugh told the NFL Network's Jane Slate that the Ravens coaches have "a couple ideas" for trick plays that they're saving for game time. Let's be honest, everyone loves trick plays. With the stakes low, this is the time to break out the fun.
