A REALLY Early Look at the Ravens in 2014
By Joe Pistorio
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Well, that’s that. Our Baltimore Ravens have had one heck of a 2013.
It’s no secret the Ravens have some work to do this off season. The O-line would be my main focus. But we’ll talk about that another day. At least they were still in it right up until the last game of the season. That’s a lot better than a bunch of other teams.
For now though, let’s take a very premature look at the Ravens’ opponents next season.
A couple of interesting things to point out about next season:
The Ravens will return to both cities where they have won a Super Bowl, New Orleans and Tampa. We’ll go to Florida twice next season; Ohio, too.
We’ll travel a total of 6,306 miles in 2014, an average of 788 miles per road trip, the furthest being to Houston (1,446), the closest, Pittsburgh (247).
We play 13 teams, eight of which will not be in the playoffs this year.
Our opponents at home and on the road had combined losing records in 2013.
Our 2014 opponents are:
At Home: Jacksonville, Tennessee, Atlanta, Carolina, San Diego, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. (59-69 in 2013)
Away: Houston, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Miami, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh (59-71 in 2013)
Even though we face an “easier” schedule next season, we still may need 11 wins just to get into the playoffs. The Bengals should be just as good as they are this year, or better. The Steelers will also be better. The Browns are already rebuilding…again.
There is no doubt in my mind Ozzie, John and company are already plotting moves to make us a contender again in 2014.
Absurdly early prediction for next season: 11-5 and back into the post season.
Thanks to the Ravens organization for a fun, albeit disappointing season. We still love you!
While yesterday was the start of a new year, Fansided/TiqIQ’s took a look back at last year with their top ten most expensive sporting events of 2013. The Super Bowl was number one on that list. Check out the entire top ten here.