Here is the Week 15 mailbag for Baltimore Beatdown. Here are the answers to your questions. We apologize for the delay in answering them. Please submit more questions in the comments section below or watch for our next blog post!

Make your predictions! What are your predictions for the remainder of the regular-season? What is the seeding and who will they face in the first round if you predict them to make it into the playoffs? (ursula)

Ursula: When you asked this question, it was tough. The Ravens appeared to be on the verge of a turnaround as they were in the midst of a win streak. The Ravens’ offense still had problems, so the season finale was the real test for their perceived improvements. The Bengals offense let the defense down, while the Steelers’ defense was unable to put together a good game.

With this context, and their remaining opponents (CIN NE GB PIT) they appear doomed to miss the playoffs. They will probably win out and end up 10-7 if they even make it. It is possible that they could win 9-8 if they beat the Steelers. This would make Baltimore the No. As the wild card, Baltimore would be the No.4 seed. It seems like the Chargers or Bills are the most likely candidates, and the Ravens will have a hard time beating either.

Harbaugh has a say in the game-day play-calling. If so, why does he not step in and correct obvious in-game problems? Will the coordinators also cost Harbaugh’s job? (BMore Champs)

BMoreChamps: These are good questions and I will answer them as concisely as possible. First, I don’t believe that the coordinators would have cost Harbaugh his job if he were fired. The head coach is ultimately responsible for the team’s failure, particularly this season.

This question is asked a lot. First, Harbaugh has little (if any) prior experience in the role of primary play-caller on either side. He plays a significant role in game planning and strategy for each game. He could be better at stepping in to guide his coordinators play-calling depending on the game’s situation. Two examples come to mind: sticking with the run or soft zone coverage at the end of a half. While I don’t think that every head coach must be a play caller, it is something to consider for future hires.

What is your real opinion of Todd Monken? The success of the offense in the last few years was it more due to the roster or the play-calling, or both? (The zone27)

Monken played a key role in the Ravens’ success on offense between 2023 and 2024. He was an improvement over Greg Roman. However, you should note that he had a much better arsenal than Greg Roman. Monken’s scripted plays consistently produced points, often TDs, and his game planning against each opponent was excellent. He was able to integrate each player’s specific skill set into his plan.

The problem with Jackson’s offense is that he prefers to use five-man coverages instead of always keeping RBs and TEs in. Jackson can’t always target enough receivers because the Ravens’ offensive isn’t designed for it. Monken’s confidence in the unit is understandable after last year’s successes, but this year he’s struggled to adapt to team issues. Monken’s biggest problem is the offensive line. But he is still the offensive coordinator and he has some responsibility.

What are the chances that both the Steelers & Ravens will have new coaches in the next season, after almost 20 years of tenure? What would that mean for the culture and rivalry between these two teams? (CrabbyDave).

Apologies, CrabbyDave. It would have been better to answer this before the teams met in Week 15, but I believe that the game result also provided some insight. First, neither team is currently a Super Bowl contender. Both teams value stability and strive to make the playoffs each year. If either of them misses the playoffs – Harbaugh, with a healthy Lamar Jackson, and Mike Tomlinson, with his best quarterback for years – they could be fired. Prioritizing stability can lead to greater loyalty, whether for good or bad. Both the Steelers and Ravens are unlikely to want to “fire” their coaches. Neither is likely to retire and both could find interest elsewhere.

A trade would be ideal. Tomlin could be in Tennessee, Harbaugh in New York and I’m sure other jobs will become available. Harbaugh’s ties to Michigan were already discussed after Sherrone’s dismissal. Denver received a third round pick and Sean Payton from the Saints in exchange for first and second rounders. This would be a great return for the Ravens, Steelers and Steelers.

The dynamic of their rivalry and culture would change if Harbaugh or Tomlin left. Both new coaches will want to establish a competitive tone early on in their careers, so that the gritty nature of the matchups will remain constant.