The Baltimore Ravens lay on the canvas, beaten and bruised, struggling to make the 10 count after six weeks of NFL football at 1-5.
It was panic stations as playoffs were out of reach, the offense didn't have Lamar Jackson, and the defense was allowing 30 points nearly every week.
But fast forward five weeks, and the Ravens, with Lamar back and the defense improving, have rattled off five straight wins to be 6-5 and tied for the lead in the AFC North ahead of Thursday's Thanksgiving game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
And for head coach John Harbaugh, when asked what he's thankful for, his answer was outstanding.
“Thankful for, I guess, with this team, is who they've proven to be,” Harbaugh said. “Adversity builds character. I think shows character, the more success you have, sometimes it shows who you really are, and the more challenges you have, sometimes it shows who you really are, right? Through these challenges to see these guys respond the way they did, together every day, was really great.
"Now that we're on the brink of having success, they haven't changed one bit. They're the same. So, I'm kind of proud of that, and I'm grateful for that. Just who they are character-wise.”
More: Ravens' Zay Flowers has interesting response to Joe Burrow's return in Week 13
Ravens season on the line vs. Bengals
Given Baltimore's remaining schedule, every game is a must-win, especially at home, as Harbaugh's team has done a mountain of work to get itself above .500 for the first time this season.
But with the Bengals twice and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the next three weeks, coupled with the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers also on the schedule, Baltimore has to win the games against inferior opposition.
Yes, Joe Burrow is back, but the Bengals' defense allows 32.7 points per game, the worst in football, so the Ravens have to be winning this one.
It's at home, on Thanksgiving, against a division rival. What more could you want?
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