Ravens vs. Chargers: Ravens Need to Be More Consistent to Reach Super Bowl

Headed into Sunday night's game against the bumbling San Diego Chargers, the Baltimore Ravens were legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

But after their fourth loss to an underwhelming team, it's time to start wondering if the Ravens are due for an inevitable letdown.

The Ravens have lost to the Tennessee Titans (7-7), Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10), Seattle Seahawks (7-7) and, after Week 15, the San Diego Chargers (7-7).

On Sunday against the Chargers, the Ravens were bad on both sides of the ball; a rarity considering their offense was usually the unit consistently letting them down.

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco not only threw two interceptions, the Ravens allowed Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers to complete nearly 74 percent of his passes for 270 yards and a touchdown. They also allowed three rushing touchdowns.

What is encouraging for the Ravens is that they have stepped up against better competition, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers.

But it is bothersome that this team simply forgets to show up some weeks. It makes you wonder if some of the team doesn't have the drive necessary to win a Super Bowl.

The AFC as a whole is littered with problems this season. The Steelers don't have as good an offense. The New England Patriots aren't nearly as dominant as they have been in seasons past. And the Texans have rookie T.J. Yates under center at the moment.

But you wonder if it even matters in the Ravens' case—you wonder if they could lose to any team in the playoffs.

They do have a dominant defense, but what happened to that defense against the Chargers?

The Ravens do have the ability to get to the Super Bowl, but whether they get there all depends on the players' collective heart.