In the world of sports, no team can thrive on its own. A team requires both skillful players and loyal fans who can provide the backing required to win championships. The Baltimore Ravens are no exception – real or armchair fans, the city’s population as a whole, regardless of whether they are devout football followers or not, must band together to support their team – it is the cement that binds a community. As such, it is no surprise that Ravens fans are buzzing with excitement after Antonio Brown hinted towards a potential move to Baltimore.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers let go of Antonio Brown, who had signed a one-year deal worth $3.1 million, following their victory in Super Bowl LV. Despite facing serious allegations and legal issues outside of football, Brown’s talent and ability are unquestionable. The notion of him joining the Ravens thus sparks joy and anticipation among fans of the team. The question on everyone’s minds now is: Could Antonio Brown’s addition to the Ravens put them over the top? There are a few reasons why Brown’s hypothetical move to the Ravens would be cause for celebration:
1. Antonio Brown is a prolific wide receiver
Brown is one of the best wide receivers of this generation. Since 2011, he has racked up 11,207 receiving yards, 79 touchdowns, and 841 receptions, culminating in his acquisition of seven Pro-Bowl honors and four First-Team All-Pro selections. Factor in his exceptional performance in the 2019 season, where he recorded 81 catches for 1,500 yards and eight touchdowns, and it’s clear that Brown can single-handedly change the trajectory of a game.
With Brown in the mix, the Ravens’ offense significantly expands its playbook. For the past few seasons, the Ravens have heavily relied on run attacks and play-action passes. While that has worked out fine, adding a player like Brown would give them a downfield threat capable of stretching the defense and creating opportunities for big plays in a matter of seconds. Lamar Jackson is already an exceptional quarterback, even winning the 2019 MVP award, and his skillset combined with a receiver like Brown would make for an exciting offensive powerhouse.
2. Ravens Fans Yearn for a Boost to Their Offense
Since Lamar Jackson took the starting job in Baltimore, the Ravens have always prioritized their defense over their offense. However, the 2020 season saw a slight dip in the Ravens’ scoring efficiency. Although their defense remained third in the NFL, the team’s offense ranked 19th in total yardage and 21st in points per game. While rushing yards were relatively easy to come by for Jackson, the passing game struggled. Tight end Mark Andrews was the most reliable receiving option for the team, catching 58 passes for 701 yards and seven touchdowns; beyond him, including Marquise Brown and Willie Snead, the receivers struggled to make an impact.
With the addition of Antonio Brown, the Ravens would have a receiving weapon with varied capabilities. Brown is a radical change of pace from what Baltimore currently has, making him an exceptional addition. This is not to say that the Ravens lack weapons offensively. They have an elite quarterback and one of the best running back combinations in the NFL in J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. What they lack is diversity within their offensive schemes, and Brown’s addition would bring that.
3. Antonio Brown is Motivated to Rebuild His Career
It is no secret that Brown has had several off-the-field controversies throughout his career. From his issues with the Raiders to his never-ending social media criticisms of the NFL, Brown’s past is checkered, and his focus on football seemed to be waning. However, since joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he seemed to be repairing his image and keeping his nose to the grindstone. He played a vital role in the Bucs’ Super Bowl LV victory against the Kansas City Chiefs, catching five passes for 22 yards and a touchdown.
As such, Brown has proven that he has a deep understanding of the game and is still exceptional at it. A fresh start with the Ravens would undoubtedly motivate him to keep his nose to the grindstone and produce similar results regularly. A motivated Brown would be a boon to the already dangerous Baltimore offense.
In conclusion, Antonio Brown dropping some hints about joining the Ravens has sent the Baltimore faithful into a frenzy of excitement. His addition would be a tremendous boost to their offense, and with his skillset and Lamar Jackson’s talent, the Ravens may become the favorites to win it all next year. Brown’s past is a concern, but his performance since joining Tampa Bay suggests that he has matured as a person and a player. Ravens fans can only hope that this move becomes a reality.
References:
– https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/antonio-brown-poised-to-join-the-baltimore-ravens-indications-point-to-least-one-other-team-showing-interest/
– https://ravenswire.usatoday.com/2021/04/07/baltimore-ravens-antonio-brown-signing-buccaneers-nfl-free-agency/
– https://www.nfl.com/players/antonio-brown/stats/
– https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/13980/antonio-brown
– https://apnews.com/article/tampa-bay-buccaneers-super-bowl-antonio-brown-football-74ec61f424dc905864b68c361da0a85b
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