The talent the Baltimore Ravens lost this offseason could back to haunt them, according to Fox Sports’ Emmanuel Acho.
On Fox Sports’ “Speak,” Acho compared the 2024 Ravens to the 2023 Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles began the 2023 season 10-1, but went 1-5 down the stretch and lost in the Wild Card game.
Acho said that going into the 2023 season, he was worried that the Eagles lost too much talent in the offseason to get back to Super Bowl contention.
Acho feels the same way about the 2024 Ravens, noting that their defensive losses may add up.
“The Ravens lost Geno Stone, second in the NFL in interceptions with seven,” Acho said. “The Ravens lost Jadeveon Clowney, 9.5 sacks, second on their team. The Ravens lost All-Pro Patrick Queen. To me, he was the fourth-best linebacker in football … The Ravens lost their defensive coordinator [Mike Macdonald]. The Ravens lost a lot.
“So where I’m at with the Ravens is, I wouldn’t be surprised if they have that Eagles 2023 season. Still very good — remember the Eagles started 10-1. The Eagles just hit hurdles down the stretch … So, I’m looking at the Ravens and the concerns I have is those losses matter.”
Indeed, the Ravens’ offseason losses have been a major focal point of their offseason, and it’s not just on the defensive side. The Ravens lost three starting offensive linemen and didn’t do anything to replace them other than drafting tackle Roger Rosengarten in the second round. The Ravens are also thin at wide receiver after not making any veteran additions.
The Ravens have generally abided by the principle of letting players go too soon rather than too late. Baltimore’s ability to draft and develop and fill in holes with little-known prospects has propped them up for years and gives them the benefit of the doubt for those offseason losses.
Still, Baltimore’s lack of depth is concerning, and it’s where the comparison to the 2023 Eagles could be apt. At full strength, the Ravens could be mighty. But if they lose two or three key players to injuries, their depth could be tested.
It’s why the Ravens may still yet make some veteran additions ahead of training camp and preseason.
Watch Acho’s comments below:
.@EmmanuelAcho: I think the Ravens in 2024 could be the Eagles in 2023. pic.twitter.com/A6tvPD28cN
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) July 16, 2024
