Steve Smith Sr. is one of the Ravens key players recovering from an injury. Can the Ravens live without him?
There is no doubt that the Ravens are a talented team. The roster looks pretty solid. Injuries can be the a big concern that could knock the Ravens off the winning track. One of the Ravens most important players, 37 year old Steve Smith Sr., is recovering from an Achilles tendon tear. The Ravens are hoping he can come back and be the same dynamic play-maker he has always been. They still have to be ready for the possibility of a failed return.
This offseason was mostly about creating contingency plans. Last season the Ravens needed a plan B to their plan B. The Ravens addressed every concern of theirs in the offseason, that they could control. But do they have a viable plan for their number one receiver being hampered by his injury?
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The answer is yes. The Ravens have plenty of talented players, all whom want the football. Kamar Aiken proved himself last season by catching 75 passes. Mike Wallace was a big addition. Wallace projects to have a bounce back season with Joe Flacco throwing him the football. The Ravens have a lot of hope that a guy like Michael Campanaro or even Keenan Reynolds can step up and make plays. The Ravens have enough at the wide receiver position to get by. This is especially true is Breshad Perriman is able to make an impact.
Without Smith Sr., the Ravens would rely heavily on their talent at the tight end and running back positions. You would see a lot of two tight end sets. The Ravens could even employ a three tight end set. The Ravens most prolific pass catchers may be the tight ends anyway. Ben Watson is coming off a 74 reception season. Dennis Pitta has a chemistry with Flacco. Crockett Gillmore and Maxx Williams are big bodied targets with big play capability.
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The only good that would come from an Agent 89less offense is that it would force Marc Trestman to run the football more. The Ravens need to get back to setting up the pass with the run. This seems to be a foreign concept to the Ravens’ offensive coordinator. With a solid performance from the offensive line, the Ravens could get back to having a top-tier rushing attack.
Don’t forget that Justin Forsett, Buck Allen and Kenneth Dixon can all help in the passing game. The Ravens are clearly best when Smith Sr. is on the field. He is a great player. The 2015 Ravens needed him desperately. The 2016 Ravens need him too, but its not a deal breaker if he gets hurt. I believe the Ravens could win without him.
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For now let’s just hope that the veteran receiver can make a full recovery and shred secondaries across the league. The Ravens are a much better team with him. With a healthy Smith Sr. the Ravens offense could dominate. Without him I believe it could still be functional.