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Ravens: Coach Harbaugh has embraced the early adversity

By Karl Nelson II

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Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

After Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh let the media know that he’s not discouraged after the tough loss.

“Adversity is all about how you respond to it,” said Harbaugh when asked about Terrell Suggs’ season ending injury.

Harbaugh is right and while he might have said that in response to a question about Suggs, that motto applies to everything.

The Ravens have no choice but to focus on the next game, but one thing they’re allowed to harp on is the fact that losing their season opener was definitely a sign of adversity. And while it’s about what they do next like Harbaugh said, the question is what will they do next?

Sunday’s loss exposed a lot of things for the Ravens and while it’s not necessary to worry this early, they definitely have some things to think about.

The Ravens loss their veteran linebacker Terrell Suggs from an Achilles tear that’s going to keep him out for the season. The defense was impressive, keeping Peyton Manning and Denver’s offense to 19 points, but it’s not like they capitalized off of it.

Baltimore’s offense only put up six points, which has some guys on the hot seat; guys like Marc Trestman, Joe Flacco and Steve Smith Sr., to name a few.

Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive back Darian Stewart (26) intercepts a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens tight end Crockett Gillmore (80) during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Last year, I would be saying the complete opposite as the offense was the force to be reckoned with and their secondary was an embarrassment. This season though, we’re talking about the offense, not the defense.

I like the fact that Harbaugh is remaining positive, Flacco took responsibility for the offenses lack of production Sunday, and Steve Smith Sr. says he needs to be better, but talk is one thing. They now have to respond on Sunday in Oakland as they’ll take on the Raiders, who are not only coming off a 3-13 record last season, but also a blowout loss in their opener.

That said, this will be the perfect game for the Ravens to fine tune some things before they host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3.

Next: Ravens highest and lowest rated players, week 1

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