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Cautious Optimism Best Approach For Ravens Fans

By Chris Schisler

Nov 22, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens players are introduced prior to the game against the St. Louis Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens players are introduced prior to the game against the St. Louis Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ravens Fans Should Be Excited, Just Don’t Get Carried Away

The Baltimore Ravens have had a very productive offseason. The franchise entering its 21st year in Baltimore, has done almost everything possible to improve the team. There is surely reason for optimism, but let’s make it of the cautious variety.

The Ravens have key players recovering from injuries that ended their 2015 season. Joe Flacco, the franchise quarterback, is recovering from an ACL tear. For the first time, Flacco has sustained a game costing injury. The prognosis is good from all reports, but it’s still concerning.

The leader of the defense, Terrell Suggs, is still recovering from a brutal injury from week one of the 2015 season. The 33-year-old linebacker is facing his football mortality. While he had a 12 sack 2014 season, replicating that in 2016 would be a feat of superhuman strength.

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Steve Smith Sr. is also recovering from a season ending injury. Literally playing with a broken back, Smith Sr. collapsed as his Achilles tendon tore. The 37-year-old receiver is as tough as anyone in football; but at 37 what can we expect from him? The Ravens enter the season with his health being a key.

I’m not saying that doomsday is coming. But we have to at least prepare for the potential struggles these key players could have. In a perfect world they come back 100%. In the real world there may be complications or setbacks.

The Ravens defense could function without Suggs, but it would not be dominant. The Ravens offense has options other than Smith Sr., but you know how important he is. If Flacco faces a setback and misses a chunk of the season, you can kiss the Ravens playoff dreams goodbye.

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The Ravens went into last seasons with blinders on. This season we should not repeat the same mistake. The good news is that the team looks strong. The roster looks stacked and the depth chart is deep. There is reason for optimism. Let’s just make it cautious optimism.

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