Baltimore Ravens: 3 players who need to avoid a sophomore slump

Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon (30) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon (30) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers (98) and Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (79) reach for a loose ball during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers (98) and Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (79) reach for a loose ball during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Ronnie Stanley

There is no question the Ravens nailed their first round draft pick last season. After just one season, Ronnie Stanley has already established himself as a cornerstone on the left side of the offensive line. He dealt with some nagging injuries at the beginning of the season, but finished out strong. It will be important for him to use that momentum from last season and carry it over this year.

Along with Alex Lewis, Stanley is one of the major keys to the offensive line this season. With holes still left on the line, the Ravens are going to need a 16 game season out of him. There really isn’t much depth behind him. That  is the problem that hurt the offense last year. It’s hard to get consistency on the offensive side of the ball when you have to start a different line combination every game. If we look at the two teams who made the Super Bowl last season (Patriots/Falcons) both had solid offensive lines. I believe Stanley is a franchise left tackle for this team and he needs to continue to show that this season.

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