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Baltimore Ravens: Their top 3 biggest problems

By Dustin Cox

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 17: Offensive guard Marshal Yanda #73 of the Baltimore Ravens holds in ankle before exiting the game with an injury against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 17: Offensive guard Marshal Yanda #73 of the Baltimore Ravens holds in ankle before exiting the game with an injury against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Joe Flacco
BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Joe Flacco /

The offensive line is in dire straits.

The offensive line was the main concern for the Ravens going into the season, and it’s only gotten much worse. They lost starting right tackle Ricky Wagner in free agency. Possible starting center John Urschel retired on the first day of training camp. Starting left guard Alex Lewis and backup guard Nico Siragusa suffered season-ending injuries in training camp as well. To make everything much, much worse, starting right guard Marshal Yanda was lost for the season in week 2.

The Ravens currently have three former undrafted players on the line. Austin Howard, James Hurst, and Matt Skura. Ryan Jensen has played decently at center but he has much room for improvement. I would like to think having Marshal Yanda and Alex Lewis next to him at both guard positions would have helped him tremendously this season as he transitioned to his new position. Even last years first round draft pick Ronnie Stanley has suffered somewhat so far, but I can’t fault him when he has James Hurst as support next to him.

This line isn’t pretty. In fact, it’s quite hideous. What’s really scary is what it would look like if one more injury occurs. Losing Marshal Yanda was one of the worst things that could have happened to this team in my opinion. What he means to this offense cannot be overstated. Protecting Flacco was super important after he injured his back in training camp, and so far the line has not done a good job of that. This line must gel and play better for this offense to have any success going forward in 2017.

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