Mount Hood

All-Star Weekend

February 26, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend was a three-day spectacle, bringing together the league’s top talent, celebrities and passionate fans for an unforgettable celebration of basketball. Held from Feb. 14 – 16 in the San Francisco Bay Area, the event took over Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors. It delivered thrilling competitions, including the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest, the Starry 3-Point Contest and the much-anticipated All-Star Game. This 74th edition of the NBA’s marquee midseason event struck a perfect balance between tradition and innovation, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The weekend kicked off on Friday with the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, where musicians, actors, athletes and social media influencers took center stage. Team Bonds, led by MLB legend Barry Bonds and rapper 2 Chainz, faced off against Team Rice, coached by NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and viral sensation Khaby Lame. The game delivered plenty of entertainment, from comedian Kevin Hart’s surprisingly sharp playmaking to Grammy-winning artist J. Cole’s smooth jump shooting. In a contested matchup, Team Bonds came out with the victory, with actor and model Rome Flynn earning MVP honors for his all-around performance.
Following the celebrity showdown, the Rising Stars Challenge showcased the league’s most promising young talent in a fast-paced, tournament-style format. Four teams — Team T, Team C, Team G League and Team M — battled in target-score games. In the semifinals, Team C worked past Team T, 40-34, while Team G League edged out a nail-biting 40-39 victory over Team M. The championship matchup saw Team C dominate Team G League with a 25-14 win, fueled by an outstanding performance from San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle, who was named MVP.
Saturday’s festivities began with the NBA All-Star Practice, giving fans an exclusive look at their favorite stars in action. The relaxed practice session featured lighthearted drills, team bonding moments and behind-the-scenes interviews. Later in the day, the NBA HBCU Classic took center stage, spotlighting two historically Black colleges and universities in a competitive matchup. The game not only showcased rising talent, but also reinforced the NBA’s ongoing commitment to supporting HBCU athletics and education.

The evening’s main event, State Farm All-Star Saturday Night, brought the action to another level with three of the most highly anticipated skill-based competitions.
The Kia Skills Challenge featured four teams: Team Cavs (Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley), Team Rooks (Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr), Team Spurs (Chris Paul, Victor Wembanyama) and Team Warriors (Draymond Green, Moses Moody). After a difficult series of dribbling, passing and shooting challenges, Team Cavs emerged victorious, with Mitchell’s leadership and Mobley’s versatility stealing the show.
Next came the Starry 3-Point Contest, where eight elite sharpshooters — Tyler Herro, Buddy Hield, Darius Garland, Jalen Brunson, Damian Lillard, Cade Cunningham, Cameron Johnson and Norman Powell — competed for the title of the NBA’s most precise marksman. In a thrilling finale, Tyler Herro beat Buddy Hield with a clutch shot on his last rack, while also preventing Damian Lillard from achieving a potential three-peat.
The night reached its climax with the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest, where Mac McClung, Stephon Castle, Andre Jackson Jr. and Matas Buzelis put on an impressive display of athleticism. McClung stole the show once again, successfully defending his title. He threw down a series of never-before-seen acrobatic dunks that earned him perfect scores from every judge. His performance capped off an unforgettable Saturday night.
Sunday night introduced a brand-new format for the 74th NBA All-Star Game, altering the traditional matchup into a four-team mini-tournament. Each squad, composed of eight players, was drafted by honorary general managers. These managers and teams included Charles Barkley’s “Chuck’s Global Stars,” Shaquille O’Neal’s “Shaq’s OGs,” Kenny Smith’s “Kenny’s Young Stars,” and Candace Parker’s “Candace’s Rising Stars.”
The tournament consisted of two semifinal games played to a target score of 40, followed by a championship game played to 50. In the first semifinal, Chuck’s Global Stars defeated Kenny’s Young Stars, 41-32, while Shaq’s OGs narrowly overcame Candace’s Rising Stars, 42-35. The final matchup saw Shaq’s OGs dominate, securing a 50-36 victory over Chuck’s Global Stars.
Playing in his home arena, Stephen Curry delivered a masterclass in shooting for Shaq’s OGs. Curry dazzled the crowd with his signature deep threes and effortless playmaking, and fans erupted when he sealed the championship with a spectacular half-court shot, solidifying his MVP honors and capping off a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend successfully combined elite competition with top-tier entertainment, giving fans a weekend that will be remembered for years to come. As the NBA continues to evolve, its annual midseason classic remains a thrilling celebration of the sport, uniting athletes and fans alike in a shared love for the game.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Jalen Hurts ’em

February 19, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

In a lopsided victory, the Philadelphia Eagles overcame the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in the 2025 Super Bowl. Held Feb. 9, 2025, the win highlighted the Eagles’ well-orchestrated game plan throughout the duration of the contest.
From the start, the Eagles established control. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts led his team with efficient drives, with great protection from his offense. This allowed him to connect with his receivers for huge gains, giving them a 24-0 lead by halftime. The Eagles’ offensive line not only helped Hurts’ passing yards but also opened lanes for rushing attacks, keeping the Chiefs’ defense on its heels.
Defensively, Philadelphia was led by mastermind defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. The Eagles’ defense limited the Chiefs to only 23 total yards in the first half, an anomaly for Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes, who is known for his playmaking abilities, found himself under constant pressure, leading to hurried throws and sack, after sack, after sack. In total, Mahomes was sacked six times, a career high, and just one short of the Super Bowl record. He also threw two interceptions, both of them occurring in the first half. The Eagles’ defensive linemen consistently collapsed the pocket, preventing Mahomes from establishing any type of rhythm throughout the initial half.
In the second half, fans saw the Chiefs attempting to mount a comeback, with Mahomes sparking a drive that put Kansas City on the scoreboard. However, the score at that point was 34-6. Yes, that’s right, 34-6. The Eagles’ defense was so strong that the Chiefs weren’t even able to secure their first points until late in the 3rd quarter.
Offensively, the Eagles continued to execute plays with precision. Hurts added to his impressive stat line with a rushing touchdown while receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith consistently gained yards and exploited mismatches, securing crucial first downs. Offensively and defensively, the Eagles showed the world who inevitably deserved the big win.
Entering the game, the Kansas City Chiefs held aspirations of a third consecutive championship — a challenge that has yet to be conquered throughout NFL history. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, they were uncharacteristically outmatched. Mahomes received no protection from his offensive line, while Hurts was able to comfortably make reads in the pocket. The Eagles clearly came prepared, leaving Kansas City’s roster in shambles throughout the whole game.
This Super Bowl victory marks the Philadelphia Eagles’ second Lombardi Trophy, solidifying their status as a powerful force in the league. The 18-point margin places this game among the more decisive outcomes in Super Bowl history, though it falls short of the record 45-point blowout by the San Francisco 49ers over the Denver Broncos in the 1990 Super Bowl. Nonetheless, the Eagles’ performance will be remembered for its dominance and strategic masterclass.
After his outstanding performance, Jalen Hurts was rightfully named Super Bowl MVP, silencing any lingering doubts about his capability to perform on the big stage. His composure, leadership and athleticism were on full display, guiding the Eagles to a resounding victory. Hurts’ journey this season was capped off with a performance that will be etched in Super Bowl lore.
For the Chiefs, this blowout loss may leave a bitter taste in their mouths, but should be used as motivation to come back even stronger next season. 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

From court to court

February 26, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley & Hannah Field | Sports Editor & Editor-in-Chief

Western is at the center of a high-profile lawsuit, as nine former women’s basketball players have filed a lawsuit seeking $28 million in damages. The plaintiffs have filed claims not only against  the university but also individually against the university’s president, athletic director, dean of students, head coach Jessica Peatross and assistant coach Demetrius “DJ” Marlow. The claim, filed in January 2025, alleges that all defendants took actions to retaliate against plaintiffs.
The university previously conducted an internal investigation against the coaching staff in 2024, canceling their season 23 games in. The investigation resulted in no substantiated claims against the coaches, leading the university to bring back both Peatross and Marlow and, consequently, the former players to seek legal consequences after the alleged abuse. According to the lawsuit, Peatross and Marlow engaged in a pattern of abusive behavior such as excessive conditioning, medical negligence and mental health interference.
In the case of excessive conditioning, players claim they were subjected to grueling training sessions that led to dehydration, exhaustion and injuries. Cali McClave, the team’s leading scorer and captain last season, stated, “I played at Western for five years, and as an athlete, you’re built to be able to do conditioning; to be able to do a lot. A lot of it is mental toughness, but they used it in the way of fear and a way of (saying), ‘I’m holding this over your head. I have all the power here.’ Pretty much everyone was in the training room due to these coaches and that excessive running.”
Key factors in the medical negligence claim include statements from Ana McClave, the sister of Cali McClave, who is also one of the nine players involved in the lawsuit. As a junior guard for Western last year, Ana alleged she was pressured to participate in practices despite not being medically cleared after knee surgery. Additionally, during a bout of bronchitis, even with a doctor’s note to excuse her, she claimed she was forced to play.
Former forward Jodi Noyes also had a lot to say about the mental health interferences she experienced while playing under Peatross. Noyes reported that coaches urged her to discontinue prescribed antidepressant medication. She was allegedly mocked with the nickname “Eeyore” and told that taking medication before games made her weak. “(Peatross) would question me before games and stuff being like, ‘Did you take it today?’ One time I missed a shot in the middle of a game and just wasn’t playing good, and (Marlow) ripped me out. He was like, ‘Jodi, did you take your pills today?'” Noyes stated.
Players who voiced concerns claim they faced severe consequences, including increased conditioning, less playing time and, in some cases, expulsion from the team. The situation escalated further Feb. 12, 2024, when Peatross filed a police report accusing freshman guard Hanne Hopkins of assault. Surveillance footage disproved the claim, but the lawsuit alleges this was a “false police report” as well as an attempt to intimidate players into silence. The plaintiffs argue that Western failed to take adequate action despite multiple complaints.
When the coaches were reinstated in April 2024, six of the eight players who had filed complaints and still had remaining eligibility were dismissed from the team by Peatross and Marlow.
In 2024, “The Western Howl” covered this incident, gathering information from multiple sources to provide a detailed account of the situation. Reflecting on Peatross’ past, the original article included the following quote: “An anonymous source stated that ‘The head coach lied on her resume that she played division one basketball when she didn’t.’ Further investigation shows that the introductions for Coach Peatross into both Salem University and Western Oregon University included that ‘Peatross received a Division-1 scholarship to play golf, basketball and track at Chicago State University’ — however, there are no digital records of Peatross ever competing or being on the roster of the Chicago State women’s basketball roster between 2010-2014, when she attended the university; there are records of Peatross competing at Chicago State in track and field and golf.”
After reaching out to both sides of the legal dispute, “The Western Howl” was able to get a statement from attorney Jason Kafoury, who is representing the nine former players. As for the university, “The Western Howl” was informed, “The university cannot comment on open litigation, WOU personnel or student matters. We appreciate your understanding and patience as the university handles this matter and will share updates as appropriate.”
Kafoury alleged that Western negligently hired Peatross despite her controversial history at previous institutions. The lawsuit claims the university failed to properly vet her background and overlooked allegations of abusive behavior at Salem University, her prior coaching job in West Virginia. Additionally, line 208 of the complaint document alleges that both Peatross and Marlow “lied on their resumes and lacked requisite qualifications,” raising further questions about the university’s hiring practices.
Kafoury went on to state, “Western Oregon University hired an abusive coach, and when the student-athletes stood up to the horrible treatment, they were retaliated against by losing their basketball careers and scholarships.” He argued that this lawsuit is not just about Western, but about setting a precedent that holds coaches responsible for their treatment of student-athletes. The claim suggests that if universities continue to overlook red flags in hiring while also failing to address player concerns, they could face similar legal and financial repercussions.
“This case is about sending a message to coaches across the country that they just can’t treat players this way and get away with it,” said Kafoury.
Western has yet to release a detailed response to the student body and local community regarding the dispute.
The lawsuit has sparked mixed reactions among students here at Western. One student commented, “I am extremely nervous for the future of Western. If this goes through — it could be detrimental for us.” A first-year student stated, “I was not fully aware of what was even going on, but now I am a little concerned considering I am a freshman planning to graduate from Western.” However, skepticism remains among some students, with one saying, “I wonder if anything really happened, or if this story is fabricated due to a losing season. I guess time will tell.”
This lawsuit brings potentially broader issues to light regarding the importance of player welfare and university accountability. If successful, it could set an example for how institutions should handle abuse allegations within collegiate athletics. As the legal battle unfolds, Western faces not only financial consequences but also a reputational crisis that could impact recruitment, enrollment and the future of its athletics program. The outcome of this case may serve as a landmark decision in the evolving conversation about player rights and coaching accountability in college sports.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

What just happened?

February 12, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

In a shocking move, the Dallas Mavericks have traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team deal finalized February 2, 2025. The trade sent Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to L.A., while Dallas received Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz also joined the trade, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.
This trade sent shockwaves throughout the league, as there were no rumors or reports leading up to it — just a sudden announcement on a Saturday night. Even more surprising, Dončić never requested a trade and was expected to sign a supermax extension this summer. CBS Sports graded the trade for the Lakers an “A+” for acquiring a 25-year-old generational talent, while Dallas received an “F” for trading away their franchise cornerstone for an aging, injury-prone Davis.
Mavericks general manager, Nico Harrison, is facing intense backlash for the move. Fans feel betrayed, considering Dončić had just led the team to the NBA Finals last season and even purchased a $15 million home in Dallas, proving his commitment to the franchise.
For Dončić, the trade came as a complete shock. “I wanted so badly to bring you a championship,” he told Mavericks fans in an emotional farewell. Now in Los Angeles, he joins forces with LeBron James, forming, potentially, one of the most skilled duos in NBA history. For the first time in his career, LeBron might not be the best player on his team — allowing him to take a lesser role and let Dončić shine.
The Lakers’ biggest concern is defense, as losing Davis leaves a hole in the frontcourt. General manager Rob Pelinka quickly moved to sign Mark Williams, a 7’0” center from the Charlotte Hornets. This addition aims to compensate Davis’ absence, while also providing stability on the defensive end.
For Dallas, acquiring Davis highlights a positive shift toward defense, but concerns about his age, 31, and injury history loom large. While he remains an elite player when healthy, his long-term durability is extremely questionable.
Some speculate the Mavericks made this move for financial reasons, avoiding Dončić’s upcoming supermax contract. However, most fans see it as a massive misstep, as Dončić was the face of the franchise and still had years of prime basketball ahead of him.
This deal is the first time in NBA history that two reigning All-NBA players have been traded for each other midseason. Some compare it to the 1988 Wayne Gretzky trade, which changed the NHL landscape forever.
Regardless of whether the Lakers secure a championship in the coming years, this trade will be seen as a successful, franchise-defining move. However, if the Mavericks fail to remain competitive, this move will go down as the worst in franchise history.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will focus on how Dončić adapts in L.A. and whether Dallas can recover from losing their biggest star. The debate over this trade is far from over — and its true impact will only be revealed with time.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Outdoor season begins

February 12, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

With the transition from indoor season to outdoor season, Western’s multi-event athletes Macy Clemens and Alexa McGowan are preparing to take on new challenges. 

A native of Albany, Oregon, first-year Alexa McGowan has been steadily adjusting to collegiate competition. Her track and field journey began in middle school as a way to stay in shape for soccer, but she soon discovered a profound passion for the sport. Initially a sprinter, she later expanded her skill set, competing at the state level before discovering her love for multi-events. During the indoor season, McGowan competed in her first collegiate multi-event meet.
While she is still refining her technique in hurdles, McGowan has embraced the challenge, knowing that she is only starting out and will improve with more experience. However, pole vault is McGowan’s strong suit and remains her favorite event, despite it not being part of the heptathlon. “Ever since I started my junior year of high school, the more I do it, the more I have fun.” 

As she transitions into the outdoor season, her focus is on gaining experience in the full heptathlon. While she doesn’t see herself competing beyond college, she is determined to make the most of her time as a student-athlete. Her advice to younger athletes is, “Put in the effort. Once I committed to training, I saw real progress. Trust your gut and have fun.”
Senior Macy Clemens, from Klamath Falls, Oregon, is embracing her last season with Western’s track team. Like McGowan, she initially took up track in high school to stay in shape for other sports but soon became drawn to the competition track had to offer. Originally a hurdler and jumper, she transitioned into multi-events in college at the encouragement of her coach. For Clemens, the transition to outdoor track means preparing for the full heptathlon — a seven-event competition that tests every aspect of the sport. Out of all the events, the 800-meter run poses the biggest challenge for Clemens. “Whenever I run the 800, I have to switch up my entire mindset. It’s a really tough event, and even though I dread it at times, I know I have to run it regardless. I just get myself hyped up to do it and try my hardest.” 

One of Clemens’ proudest achievements this year was her performance at the Reno Invitational, where she recorded personal bests despite coming off an injury. This moment validated her dedication and effort she invested throughout the offseason.. 

Balancing track and academics has also been a priority for Clemens. While succeeding on the track, she has also gained experience in digital marketing, a field she hopes to pursue after graduation. With a degree in business marketing and a current focus on organizational leadership in graduate school, she is preparing for life beyond athletics. 

As the outdoor season gets underway, Western fans can expect to see these two athletes continue to push their limits. While first-year McGowan aims to gain experience and build a strong foundation, fourth-year Clemens looks to end her collegiate career on a high note. With their sights set on personal bests and strong performances, Alexa McGowan and Macy Clemens are ready to take on the upcoming outdoor season with style.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Meet Gabe Burchfield

February 5, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Gabe Burchfield, a fourth-year for Western hailing from Grants Pass, Oregon, has always been an athlete willing to push his limits. Now, as a standout multi-event competitor, he’s making his mark by breaking records and setting his sights on nationals.
Burchfield’s journey in track and field began in sixth grade when his mother encouraged him to join sports. Initially a distance runner, he quickly realized his passion was in a different field. “When I looked over and saw the technique and explosiveness of the high jumpers, I realized that was the stuff I wanted to do,” he recalled.
In high school, Burchfield expanded his resume, adding high jump and long jump to his skill set. While he found these events enjoyable, he craved a greater challenge, leading him to the decathlon. Unfortunately, as soon as he made this decision to compete, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his plans. However, upon arriving at Western, head coach Octavious Gillespie-Bennett, also known as Coach G, recognized his potential in multi-events and encouraged him to pursue them fully. Training for multiple events is no easy task, as it requires a strict balance of strength, speed, endurance and technique. “Every day, you’re doing something different,” Burchfield explained. “One day it’s explosive work, the next it’s technical. Without the guidance of Coach G, my body wouldn’t be able to handle the wear and tear.”
Though it may sound confusing, Western’s track season consists of two separate seasons: indoor, running from early December to mid-February, and outdoor, spanning late February through late May. During the indoor season, men’s multi-event athletes compete in the heptathlon, which consists of seven events, while the outdoor season features the decathlon, which includes ten events. Of the seven indoor events, Burchfield finds the 1,000-meter run the most challenging. Still, he remains dedicated to improving. “In our last meet, I got a five-second PR. I’ve been adding more cardio on off days, and have already seen results. I’ve realized that I just have to try to enjoy running, because, honestly, the distance events suck.”
On the flip side, his favorite events consist of high jump, hurdles and pole vault. “The adrenaline from pole vault is unmatched, the high jump feels amazing when you clear the bar and hurdles are super intense the whole way through.”
Success in the multis requires more than just raw talent; a rigorous training schedule is essential. Burchfield’s daily practice schedule includes two hours on the field, alternating between explosive and technical workouts, sprints and endurance runs. As a team, they lift three days a week, but Burchfield often trains beyond that, working with sports performance coach Josie Boucher even on his off days. “I’ve been in the weight room for at least three days a week since June 2024 and haven’t missed a single session. Showing up on the days you don’t feel like it is what makes the difference.” His relentless discipline has paid off, as he has already broken Western’s indoor heptathlon record twice, surpassing the previous mark of 4,850 points set by J.J. Walker.
While breaking records is significant, Burchfield remains focused on the bigger picture. “The goal has always been to chase greatness. I wasn’t necessarily aiming for the school record, it was about making it to nationals. Breaking the record was just a step toward that goal, but for now, the job’s not finished.”
One of his proudest moments this year was setting a personal best in his most challenging event during Western’s last multi-event competition in Washington. “I ran with no fear and came out on top. That gave me a lot of confidence heading into my next 1,000-meter run.”
Looking ahead, Burchfield remains dedicated to his primary goal: qualifying for nationals. As for competing beyond college, he remains open to the possibility. “I won’t say it’s impossible, but I want to see where life takes me. If I get the opportunity to compete professionally, I’d take it and run with it — literally.” With his work ethic and hunger for greatness, Gabe Burchfield is proving that the sky’s the limit.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Dropped, defeated, denied

February 5, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

With yet another devastating playoff exit at the hands of Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, the Baltimore Ravens and their fans find themselves subject to a regrettable — yet predictable — fate. Supporters of the team were full of hope during the regular season, only to be left disappointed when it mattered most. This time, it wasn’t quarterback Lamar Jackson’s performance under the postseason spotlight that cost them; it was a gut-wrenching drop by one of the team’s most reliable weapons, Mark Andrews.
The Ravens entered this season with high expectations, holding a 12-5 record and winning the AFC North title. They had the potential league MVP, Jackson, a dominant running back in Derrick Henry, and a defense that proved to hold its own against the best. Everything was set up for a deep postseason run, but once again, the Ravens failed to deliver when the moment called for it.
Throughout the season, Baltimore displayed grit, following an 0-2 start to the season with a stretch of dominant wins. Per usual, Jackson silenced doubters with his regular-season performances, throwing for over 4,000 yards while showing off his explosiveness as a dual-threat quarterback. Andrews was his dependable target, making clutch plays and serving as a crucial red-zone option. But all of that came crumbling down in the divisional round against Buffalo.
The game itself was a battle. After falling behind early, the Ravens clawed their way back, led by Jackson’s poise and eagerness to win. The absence of wide receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman in the final minutes made things even tougher, yet Jackson led a brilliant 88-yard touchdown drive to bring Baltimore within two points of tying the game. And then, disaster struck. On the two-point conversion attempt, Jackson found Andrews in the end zone — wide open. A perfect throw — a moment frozen in time. And, then, the unthinkable — Andrews dropped it. Just like that, Baltimore’s season ended, not with a fight, but with a gut-punch.
Unfortunately for the Ravens, that drop wasn’t just a fluke mistake. It was emblematic of their continued failures in the postseason, where one crucial mistake seems to define each agonizing exit.
In the 2022 NFL season, a Tyler Huntley-led Ravens team had a chance to take the lead against the Bengals, only for a fumble at the 1-yard line to be returned 99 yards for a Cincinnati touchdown, sealing their fate.
Last year, Zay Flowers fumbled at the one-yard line against the Chiefs, followed by a Jackson interception on the next drive, another playoff dream crushed.
And now, a dropped pass on a two-point conversion attempt that should have sent the game into overtime. It’s a devastating cycle that keeps repeating, and for Ravens fans, patience is wearing thin.
Jackson, despite his excellence, will continue to face criticism. Fair or not, his haters will point to his 2-4 playoff record and question whether he can win when it truly matters. No matter how many spectacular regular-season performances he delivers, the postseason narrative will menace over him. Until he and the Ravens break through, this cloud of doubt may linger.
As Baltimore enters the offseason, tough questions must be asked. The roster is talented, but is it built for playoff success? The receiving corps needs reinforcements, the offensive line requires more depth and though the defense is strong, they could benefit from additional playmakers in the secondary line. Coaching decisions will also be questioned, as the Ravens must figure out how to avoid these self-inflicted wounds when the stakes are highest.
Head coach John Harbaugh has built a culture of toughness and competitiveness, but the results simply haven’t been there come January. It’s not about getting close anymore. It’s about finishing. If Baltimore wants to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender, they must stop beating themselves when pressure peaks.
For now, Ravens fans are left with another painful what-if. Mark Andrews has been a great player for this team, and one bad play never defines a career, but his moment will be hard to forget. Jackson will return, driven as ever. The team will regroup and potentially reload their roster. But until they prove they can handle the pressure of the playoffs, skepticism will remain.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu