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Ravens vs. Broncos: Keys to Victory

By Brett Foote

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Aug 29, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Redskins inside linebacker Keenan Robinson (52) tackles Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Kamar Aiken (11) during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Key #3: Somebody has to step up behind Steve Smith

This offseason was supposed to be an exciting one for the Ravens, with an epic battle taking place at both the wide receiver and tight end positions.  It didn’t exactly turn out that way, and Steve Smith is currently the only one who has shown much juice as a pass catcher.

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First round draft pick Breshad Perriman is still sidelined with a knee issue that might keep him out until October.  Kamar Aiken has won the starting job opposite Smith, but didn’t stand out in the preseason. Neither did anybody behind him.

Marlon Brown had one good preseason showing and three bad ones, Darren Waller looked good but is raw and inconsistent, and Michael Campanaro is always hurt.

At tight end, Crockett Gillmore has won the starting job, but is a better blocker than receiver.  He provides a nice, big, red zone threat but isn’t going to threaten a defense deep.

Second round pick Maxx Williams was supposed to come in and be the seam stretcher and play maker, but he is developing slowly and might not be a factor until next year.

Out of this group, at least one (preferably two or three) of these guys must step up, or Joe Flacco is going to have a hard time moving this offense.  Even the great Steve Smith isn’t going to consistently beat double teams all day.

Next: Ravens regret losing this fan favorite

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