The Baltimore Ravens are hitting a rough patch at the worst possible time. With just four games left in the regular season, back-to-back losses to the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers have put their playoff hopes in a precarious position-and raised some serious questions about the state of the team, both on and off the field.
Let’s start with the obvious: Lamar Jackson hasn’t looked like himself lately. The two-time MVP, known for his electric playmaking and ability to take over games, has managed just one touchdown pass and two interceptions over the last two weeks. That’s not the kind of production we’re used to seeing from No. 8, especially when the stakes are this high.
And it’s not just the passing game that’s been underwhelming. Since returning from a hamstring injury, Jackson has averaged just 25 rushing yards over his last five games. He’s also been sacked five times during that stretch-an indicator that the offensive line isn’t holding up its end, and that Jackson might not be moving with the same burst we’ve come to expect.
All of this has sparked speculation about deeper issues within the Ravens’ locker room. On The Bill Simmons Podcast, NFL analyst Nick Wright questioned whether there might be friction between Jackson and head coach John Harbaugh. Wright pointed out a pattern that’s hard to ignore: whenever Jackson has dealt with injuries in the past, Harbaugh and Jackson have often given conflicting timelines for his return.
“Can somebody please report on whether or not Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh even talk to each other?” Wright asked. “This is the weirdest story in the league… I think Lamar’s checked out.”
That’s a bold claim, and while there’s no confirmed rift between quarterback and coach, the timing of the speculation is notable-especially with the Ravens still very much in the playoff hunt. They’re just one game behind the Steelers in the AFC North, and every game from here on out is critical.
But the intrigue doesn’t stop there.
NFL insider Bryan Fischer added another layer to the Ravens’ drama this week, reporting that John Harbaugh could be a candidate for the now-vacant head coaching job at Michigan. The Wolverines recently parted ways with Sherrone Moore, and Harbaugh’s name has surfaced as a potential replacement.
Harbaugh has deep ties to the Michigan program. His father coached there, and he’s no stranger to Ann Arbor, having been around the team during their national title run two years ago. A move back to the college ranks-especially to a program with as much history and personal connection as Michigan-wouldn’t be out of left field.
Fischer hinted that a “mutual parting of ways” between Harbaugh and the Ravens could make sense, especially if the team continues to stumble down the stretch. That would be a seismic shift for a franchise that’s been defined by Harbaugh’s leadership for over a decade.
The Ravens now face a critical stretch of games, starting with a rematch against the Bengals on Sunday. And with the Steelers looming in the regular-season finale, Baltimore’s playoff fate-and perhaps the future of its head coach-could come down to how they perform against their fiercest rivals.
This is a team with talent, no question. But right now, they’re also a team with questions.
Can Lamar Jackson rediscover his MVP form? Can the offense find its rhythm again?
And is this the beginning of the end for the Harbaugh era in Baltimore?
We’re about to find out.