Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens A Year Away From Being Real Contenders

By Chris Schisler

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Aug 16, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh on the sidelines during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Baltimore beat Dallas 37-30. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh on the sidelines during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Baltimore beat Dallas 37-30. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

The Baltimore Ravens made big improvements from their 5-11 season in 2015. However they are a year away from being real contenders:

The Baltimore Ravens have improved dramatically from last season, but they are still not where they need to be. The Ravens are missing a few key pieces that will help them beat the top level of competition. Baltimore is 7-6 and most of those seven wins came against weaker opponents. The Ravens may squeak their way into the playoffs but this is not an overly compelling team.

What Baltimore desperately needs are play-makers. The Ravens don’t have an Antonio Brown, a Rob Gronkowski or a Julio Jones like player. When opponents come into Baltimore, there are no Ravens that scare them. There are no unstoppable threats on the Ravens offense. Joe Flacco is throwing to a tight end that had two hip injuries and a 37-year-old receiver. Mike Wallace is fast, but he is a role player at best.

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The offensive line is another place where improvement is needed. The Ravens have to find an answer other than Jeremy Zuttah at center. Yanda will continue to be the leader but finding his replacement early is not a bad idea.

The defense has been really strong this season, but it can be better. Lardarius Webb, as much as we love him, is not a long-term solution at free safety. That being said, he is probably good for another year. Baltimore needs an upgrade at the cornerback position; Shareece Wright and Jerraud Powers are simply liabilities. When Jimmy Smith inevitably gets banged up, the Ravens defense is not the same.

The defense could use some more big plays. This unit is excellent at getting opponents off the field, however they could use more sacks and interceptions. Look for Baltimore to add fast twitch talents in the secondary and explosive players up front.

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