Baltimore Ravens: Five Players Set to Disappoint in 2015

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Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first quarter in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Smith

2014 Production: 79 receptions for 1,065 yards, 6 touchdowns

Seriously, how much longer can 89 keep it up? Now 36 years old and coming off a season where he was used more than the Ravens had originally anticipated, Smith is hard to bet against. He just keeps proving us wrong, time and time again.

But the proof of decline is there, if you look hard enough. Sr. only cleared 100 yards four times in 2014, and all of those games came before week 6. He only had one catch over 30 yards in the last nine games of the season. This, in spite of his targets increasing exponentially down the stretch.

The Ravens have already publicly stated that they want Smith’s snaps to decrease in 2014. They saw the slow down, and they recognize the need to keep him fresh for the stretch and the postseason. Smith is still a game changing player when he’s 100%, and that will probably continue in 2015. Just don’t expect him to clear 1,000 yards again.

Next: Elvis Dumervil

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