Let me start with a simple declaration: I don’t think the Ravens need to apologize for missing the playoffs for three straight years.
Yes, it’s disappointing. And yes, the most recent miss was beyond frustrating. Never again will a Baltimore fan utter the phrase “fourth-and-12” without experiencing a frightening flashback.
Sunday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals dropped the Ravens’ record to 40-40 since they won the Super Bowl in February 2013. Fans are upset. It’s tough to reconcile.
But apologize? Please. There’s a big picture to consider. The franchise has forged quite a tradition in 22 years here.