A Tale Of Inconsistency: The Baltimore Ravens Through 5 Weeks
The Baltimore Ravens have all the tools on paper to make a strong playoff push. They have veterans in key positions and young players making an impact on both sides of the ball. However, a promising week one showing has manifested into a modest 3-2 record after five contests.
The Ravens didn't shy away from their pocket book in the offseason. They acquired young up-and-coming safety Tony Jefferson and the consistently healthy Brandon Carr to reinforce a secondary that had problems defending the pass last season. Rookie linebacker Patrick Onwuasor has been a pleasant surprise, as he has shown the ability to play ILB as well as move out to WLB when Kamalei Correa moves inside. C.J. Mosley has been the staple in the middle for three seasons, and Onwuasor along with Correa have been taken under his wing to form a strong one-two-three punch at ILB. As a life-long Ravens fan, A Ray Lewis, Bart Scott manned 3-4 replicated by these young Ravens linebackers would be nostalgic to see.
The offense has struggled mightily. Most of their issues stem from an injured Joe Flacco struggling to play with his hurt back. However, issues have formed all over the offense. Last season's leading rusher Terrance West has been demoted to third-string behind second-year rusher Alex Collins and 3rd-down-back Javorius Allen. Injuries have also accumulated on the offensive line. Alex Lewis and Marshal Yanda have gone down with season ending injuries, to the running and passing game's detriment. The passing game is also in shambles. Breshad Perriman looks like a bust, and despite having one of the fastest wide receivers in all of football, the Ravens do not throw the ball to Mike Wallace often enough.
What has looked like a promising start for the Baltimore Ravens is quickly turning into a lost season. Without their best player, Marshal Yanda, navigating the running game, and a healthy Joe Flacco able to connect deep with Jeremy Maclin and Mike Wallace, the team seems doomed to finish around .500. We will see how the Ravens respond to their misfortunes, and if rookies and second year players can step up to right-the-ship.
