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5 Reasons The Baltimore Ravens Missed The Playoffs

By Chris Schisler

Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) has his fasemask grabbed while he extends the ball across the goal line to score the game winning touchdown against Baltimore Ravens strong safety Eric Weddle (32) in the fourth quarter. The Steelers won 31-27 at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) has his fasemask grabbed while he extends the ball across the goal line to score the game winning touchdown against Baltimore Ravens strong safety Eric Weddle (32) in the fourth quarter. The Steelers won 31-27 at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) leaves the game on cart with an injury during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) leaves the game on cart with an injury during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Injuries At Key Times

Sometimes you don’t know what you have until it is gone. When Jimmy Smith was not on the field it became painfully obvious what the Ravens were missing. Smith is the Ravens best cornerback and it is not even close. Smith’s injury was the biggest reason the Ravens lost to the Giants. When he left the game Odell Beckham took it over. His absence is also the biggest reason for the Ravens loss to the Cowboys. Shareece Wright got picked on, which opened everything up for the Cowboys offense. When Smith went down, against the Patriots it made it that much harder.

The injury to Terrell Suggs impacted the Ravens against the Jets. Matt Forte had 100 rushing yards against the stout Ravens defense. Suggs was the missing piece that allowed Forte and the Jets to get the job done. If the Ravens were able to contain Forte, they probably would have won the game.

Alex Lewis going down really hurt the Ravens offensive line. Marshall Yanda had to move to the left guard spot while Vlad Ducasse played right guard. Lewis played great this season. When he was not available, the Ravens offensive line struggled. This was a huge problem against the Patriots, Eagles and Steelers.

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