3 early keys to Ravens’ success in 2022
By Kristen Wong
3. Limit player injuries
It’s no secret that the Ravens were more injured than any other NFL team last season, seeing nearly every position group get decimated week after week over the course of the year.
They weren’t just backup players, either — Ronnie Stanley, Marcus Peters, Marlon Humphrey, both starting running backs, and so many more important pieces of their roster missed time. In total, Baltimore placed 25 players on injured reserve. That can’t happen again in 2022, though it may be out of Baltimore’s hands.
Want a visual representation of just how many injuries the Ravens suffered in 2021 and how much they impacted Baltimore on the field?
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) March 29, 2022
Here’s one courtesy of @arjunmenon100 pic.twitter.com/YnmFMzLzf1
In 2022, Ravens are reportedly changing the practice structure for the offseason spring workouts and training camp. Head coach John Harbaugh recently stated that every third practice at training camp will be different than a typical one, which he believes will keep players energized and less prone to injuries. Those practices will be “shorter and a little more execution oriented” with possibly fewer one-on-one drills featuring starters.
There’s no way to tell how successful this method will be, but it’s worth a shot. Baltimore additionally hired a new athletic trainer, Adrian Dixon, who will oversee player rehabilitation and make sure the team doesn’t get overworked.
It kind of goes without saying, but the Ravens fielding the best (and healthiest) starting lineup will give them the best shot at winning games. If that means encasing Lamar Jackson in bubble wrap, so be it.