3 reasons the Ravens offensive line could be problematic

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens drops back to pass while teammate offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley #79 blocks against cornerback Dwayne Gratz #36 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens drops back to pass while teammate offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley #79 blocks against cornerback Dwayne Gratz #36 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 25: Kyle Juszczyk #44 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after rushing for a 10 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 25, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 25: Kyle Juszczyk #44 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after rushing for a 10 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 25, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

2. James Hurst is the right tackle:

I have to admit, I was really excited about James Hurst in the beginning of his career. He put forth some really impressive game tape at UNC. Before injuring himself at the end of his collegiate career, he could have been a high draft pick. I thought maybe, the Ravens got a bargain when they signed Hurst as an undrafted free agent. Hurst hasn’t been the same player since the injury. He’s never played all that well in the NFL. While I have to hope this potential is still there, I have no evidence that it is.

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Remember, James Hurst is the reason that Joe Flacco got hurt in the 2015 season. He struggles with speed off the edge and he isn’t as physical as a 6’5″ 312 pound man to be. Hurst has been frustratingly mediocre. The Ravens seemed way too content to walk into the season with Hurst as their plan at right tackle. He isn’t their back-up plan, he’s their plan. That is a leap of faith for the ages ladies and gentlemen.

If Hurst struggles, the Ravens could have a problem. The center situation combined with the right tackle situation means a lot of helping out  will be on the shoulders of Marshall Yanda. Hurst could be a huge problem for the Ravens. Hopefully he finally realizes his potential.

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