OWINGS MILLS — Ravens coach John Harbaugh emphasizes team chemistry. He contends if the players get along in the locker room, that rapport translates to success on the field.
Harbaugh considers this year’s Ravens special because of the way the players support one another. That’s why it was no surprise to Harbaugh that the team finished with the best record in the AFC at 13-4 and is one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl.
“I believe that this is one of the most connected teams I’ve ever been around,” Harbaugh said. “I think it starts with the fact that I really believe they love one another. I think they have a spiritual connection that runs through the whole team. You can just tell when a group of people like being around one another, like working together, trust one another, believe in one another and want to see everybody succeed – the idea that if one of us succeeds, we all succeed.”
“I see that with this group as much or more than any other team that I’ve been around in 40-plus years of coaching. So, that’s a real joy to be around, and it’s a reflection of all the people that are involved.”
The Ravens have been solid on both sides of the ball.
The team finished the 2023 season with an NFL-record 10 wins against opponents that finished with a winning record, with six wins over this year’s playoff teams.
The Ravens ranked No. 1 in the NFL in point differential (+203) and turnover margin (+12, tied with the New York Giants).
Baltimore also became the first team in league history to finish a season ranked No. 1 in each of the following categories: points allowed (16.5 points per game), sacks (60), and takeaways (31, also tied with the Giants).
The goal is to keep winning and bring home the franchise’s third Lombardi Trophy.
“It’s a reflection of all the different individuals that go up to make the group, the culture – whatever you want to call it – the environment, the world view that they take on the challenges that are in front of them, and I just admire everybody that sits in those seats right there in our team meeting,” Harbaugh said. “I admire every single person sitting in those seats.”
