Ravens: Five Key Players For Success In 2015
By Paul Frances
Dec 14, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
1. Quarterback – Joe Flacco
There is no doubt about it – the NFL is a quarterback driven league. Joe Flacco had his most productive season in 2014, with 3,986 yards through the air, a passer rating of 91.0, and 27 touchdowns.
Since drafting Flacco in 2008, the Ravens have been in the playoffs six times, only missing out in 2013. Flacco has proven to be one of the leagues best quarterbacks and the results show that. He is now working with Mark Trestman, his fourth offensive coordinator in four years, but seems unfazed by all the changes.
Trestman has been known throughout his career for his ability to effectively work with quarterbacks and is said to be impressed with Flacco and how he has been able to adapt to so many new offenses.
Ravens’ General Manager Ozzie Newsome and the front office have added several new weapons for Flacco to work with this offseason. The Ravens drafted wide receiver Breshad Perriman in the first round (who looks like he is set to be the number one or two wideout), receiving tight end Maxx Williams, giant receiver Darren Waller, and some intriguing free agent receivers.
There is a lot of talent for Joe to work with next season and I expect him to improve on last year’s numbers. His postseason record is amazing and few other quarterbacks in the league can do what Flacco does in January. But he must continue to produce at a high level and make good decisions if they hope to have a shot at another Super Bowl.
I think that Joe breaks the 4,000 yard barrier next season and has his best season yet.
There is so much talent on this roster, and if these five players do their bit, then I believe the Ravens will hoist the Lombardi trophy for the third time in their relatively short history.
Next: Who will pick up Ravens' free agent snaps?
Aug 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) jogs to the line of scrimmage in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
4. Steve Smith Sr., WR