Baltimore Ravens Struggles Continue in 2017

The Baltimore Ravens once again failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive season, and third in the last four years. With an offense that raises doubts, numerous injuries, and a division where Pittsburgh seems to have the upper hand, the Ravens' prospects for the 2017 season are limited.

The problems start with Joe Flacco, who, after missing the end of the 2015 season due to a knee operation, had his highest completion percentage in the league in 2016, but also threw 15 interceptions, his second-highest as a professional.

The quarterback entered this preseason injured, and although it was announced as a minor problem, the Ravens are looking for a reliable backup in case the starter cannot start the regular season.

Coach John Harbaugh's idea is to rely more on the running game to reduce the burden on the passer and improve their ranking in that department, which was 28th in the previous season.

Terrance West will enter his second full year with the team. In 2016, he had 774 yards and five touchdowns. Danny Woodhead arrived from the Chargers, although he will contribute more to the passing game. The Ravens also let go of fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

Flacco also does not have many weapons. Following Steve Smith's retirement, Mike Wallace is the main receiver, surpassing a thousand yards last year. Jeremy Maclin joined from Kansas City to strengthen the unit.

In the tight end position, Benjamin Watson and Nick Boyle tend to get injured, while Dennis Pitta and Crockett Gillmore will miss the entire season.

On the offensive line, Marshal Yanda is a Pro Bowl regular, although he is recovering from a shoulder injury. Ronnie Stanley has the potential to be a star, but the rest of the line only meets expectations.

The defense is the team's greatest strength, ranking seventh in the league overall and fifth against the run.

One of their secrets is their defensive front, with Brandon Williams as a wall, accompanied by Michael Pierce and Brent Urban, making it the strongest unit in Baltimore.

Among the linebackers, Zach Orr was selected to the second All-Pro team but decided to retire at the end of the season. Although he later regretted his decision, he will not continue with the Ravens. Kamalei Correa will replace him and will be alongside C.J. Mosley, on his way to becoming one of the best linebackers in the league.

Veteran Terrell Suggs remains a threat to opposing quarterbacks, although at 34, he will not be on the field all the time.

The secondary was one of the team's priorities, and they acquired Tony Jefferson from Arizona to help with the run defense, and Brandon Carr from Dallas to provide consistency as the cornerback complementing Jimmy Smith, who has also suffered from injuries. Their first-round pick was Marlon Humphrey.

But on a team where doubts start with Flacco, the outlook is not encouraging.

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