The Loser Lineup, Pt. 2. What needs to happen for the Ravens and Lions to win conference titles again in 2024?

For every triumphant team, there’s an accompanying sense of defeat, as evident in the recent conclusion of the conference championships for two highly skilled NFL teams—the Ravens and Lions. Matt Harmon delves into the primary challenges these teams must address before the upcoming season. To explore Harmon’s analysis of the Divisional Round losers, click here.

Baltimore Ravens — Enhancing an already exceptional offense

No words can alleviate the disappointment felt today by anyone connected to the Baltimore Ravens at any capacity. The 2023 Ravens, ranked among the top five teams in history by DVOA, showcased dominance against formidable opponents. Once the offense overcame initial hurdles, the team exhibited no discernible weaknesses throughout the season. The defense was stifling and posed a unique challenge to opponents.

Despite being an all-time great team, the 2023 Ravens will fade into obscurity, their shot at eternal glory slipping away. The missed opportunity for lasting recognition is keenly felt by players who understand the significance of this moment.

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The concept of optimism surrounding formidable teams with young quarterbacks is straightforward. It’s common to express the belief that they will have future opportunities, but executing this in reality is a challenging task.

Throughout NFL history, there are numerous instances of individuals who assured themselves of another chance at a Super Bowl appearance, only to realize, years later, that the opportunity they had just missed was likely their best shot.

Despite grappling with the harsh reality of their recent defeat, the Baltimore Ravens must now shift their focus to the upcoming year. To return to a similar competitive position and replicate the success of the last season, a significant improvement is necessary, particularly on the offensive front.

Lamar Jackson is poised to secure his second career MVP after delivering his most impressive season in terms of passing efficiency since 2019. It’s important to note that this marked only the initial year of Todd Monken’s offensive system, a fact easily overlooked amid Jackson’s standout performance.

While not flawless, both Lamar Jackson and Todd Monken will likely leave the AFC Championship game with regrets regarding their respective performances. Nevertheless, the inaugural year of the Ravens’ offensive transformation can be largely deemed a success. Despite initial skepticism, Jackson unquestionably demonstrated his prowess as a pure passer throughout the season. Departing from the stagnant route concepts and condensed formations of the Greg Roman era, the team allowed Jackson to showcase his skills as an elite dropback passer, and he, along with an enhanced supporting cast, delivered an impressive season.

Looking ahead, the opportunity to build on this success arises. Although Monken entertained a few head coaching interviews, it seems probable that he will remain in Baltimore as the play-caller in 2024. Both Monken and Jackson have openly expressed their enthusiasm for working together, indicating the potential for a promising partnership.

The AFC Championship serves as a reminder of the adjustments the team can make in the offseason to elevate this already great, evolved, and formidable unit even further.

Despite some challenging moments on Sunday, Zay Flowers, their most explosive player by a significant margin, showcased his potential. While he may want to undo certain critical mistakes, his performance, particularly in collaboration with Jackson, signals him as a future star.

Monken faces the task of maximizing Zay Flowers’ role as the primary target in the intermediate areas of the field, emphasizing the need for further development around him. Despite uncertainty about Flowers’ fantasy football ADP following a WR30 finish last season, I am inclined to be a buyer due to his dynamic movement and ability to beat man coverage—essential attributes for breakout receivers.

While Rashod Bateman’s healthy season is a positive note, relying on hypotheticals for answers is not ideal for a team of Baltimore’s caliber. The passing game needs more progression, especially considering the potential departure of free agents Nelson Agholor and Odell Beckham Jr. Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, who had a combined four catches and 31 yards on five targets, should be more productive in tandem next season, with Monken likely exploring ways to activate 12-personnel packages in 2024.

The traditional run game saw a decline in the postseason, raising questions about Monken’s commitment to the ground attack. While Gus Edwards and Justice Hill are reliable complementary players, the absence of a lead running back like J.K. Dobbins may have limited the team’s potential. Looking ahead, the Ravens’ offense, led by a skilled play-caller and a superstar quarterback, has the potential to become one of the league’s best ecosystems. Anticipating the additions and adjustments Monken will make during the offseason, I am eager to invest heavily in this unit for the upcoming season.

The Detroit Lions are set to face the consequences of their success, as the departure of key personnel becomes imminent. All signs indicate that Ben Johnson is likely to accept the head coaching position with the Washington Commanders now that the Lions’ postseason journey has concluded. This anticipated move could see Johnson leaving the Lions’ organization by the week’s end. Additionally, there are indications that offensive line coach Hank Fraley, instrumental in developing one of the league’s top front-fives in recent seasons, may also follow Johnson to Washington.