The Baltimore Ravens have surged from a 1-5 start to AFC North co-leaders with five straight wins, and All-Pro Ronnie Stanley offered insight into the team’s secret sauce. The Ravens entered their bye week earlier this season at rock bottom by their standards, with a 1-5 record after six games and playoff hopes hanging in the balance. After five straight wins since then, they are now tied for the AFC North lead ahead of an upcoming Thanksgiving night showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Only four NFL teams have overcome a 1-5 start and made the playoffs, and the Ravens are positioned to potentially be the fifth. The franchise’s resilience and determination have been central to their remarkable turnaround. During a post-game interview with Fox News Digital following a 23-10 victory over the New York Jets, Stanley expressed that there is no ‘secret sauce’ to their resurgence, merely a steadfast commitment to the team’s identity and standards.
‘I think it’s just playing to our standard and not forgetting who we are and what that standard is,’ Stanley said, adding that his My Cause My Cleats initiative with K9s For Warriors and his Ronnie Stanley Foundation reflects this ethos. The Ravens’ offensive struggles have persisted even with quarterback Lamar Jackson back in the fold, but the team has prioritized winning over perfecting the game, as Stanley acknowledged.
Stanley’s comments echo those of safety Kyle Hamilton, who expressed that the team’s potential for a significant comeback is evident, even after their Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Hamilton’s mindset that the Ravens can still write a ‘great story’ during the season underscores the confidence within the organization. The bye week allowed players like Jackson to recover from injuries, and the team has relied on the resilient performance of Tyler Huntley during this period.
Despite the challenges, the Ravens remain focused on their ultimate goal: a Super Bowl run. Stanley emphasized that Jackson’s driving force is the pursuit of a championship, creating a tunnel vision that unites the franchise. As the Ravens move into the next phase of the season, they are preparing for an intense divisional matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, where quarterback Joe Burrow’s return is expected to test their mettle.
Stanley’s collaboration with USAA and the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative further highlights the team’s commitment to community and service, as his cleats reflect a partnership with K9s For Warriors and his foundation, aiming to support veterans and rescue dogs. The Ravens’ journey from a 1-5 start to their current form is a testament to their resilience, dedication, and the collective effort of all team members in their pursuit of success.