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2017 Baltimore Ravens: 5 Problems That Still Face Them

By Chris Schisler

Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) under pressure during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) under pressure during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Where Is The Pass Rush Coming From?

Terrell Suggs had eight sacks in 2016, which is incredible. Suggs was dealing with a biceps injury most of the year and he was still the Ravens most productive pass rusher. The Ravens only had 31 sacks this past season, a number that isn’t good enough. The Ravens parted ways with Elvis Dumervil. It was inevitable that the highly paid pass rusher, would be cut. The problem is that the Ravens don’t have a ton of proven commodities at the outside linebacker positions; in fact Suggs is the only one.

Matt Judon and Za’Darius Smith show potential. Judon had four sacks in his rookie campaign while Smith struggled to do much in his sophomore slump. The Ravens need to bring in another pass rusher. I know the Ravens fans are clamoring for cornerbacks but the Ravens would be justified if they used their first round pick on a pass rusher.

The Ravens lack of pass rush hurt them last season. The Ravens are a pass rusher and a cornerback away from having the best looking defense in the NFL. 31 sacks just isn’t cutting it. Additional pass rushers would make a huge impact on the Ravens.

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