Injuries ravaged the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, as 22 players ended the season on injured-reserve, and the Ravens finished 5-11, their first losing season in the John Harbaugh-Joe Flacco era. Despite an 11 loss season, the Ravens were in every game, with 14 of their games decided by 8 points or less. If quarterback Joe Flacco, running back Justin Forsett, defensive end Terrell Suggs, and wide receiver Steve Smith return to full strength, Baltimore should pick up where they left off, as perennial contenders in the physical AFC North. 2015 was supposed to be Smith’s retirement tour, but after a torn Achilles tendon ended his season the veteran wideout decided to come back in 2016. Smith joins second-year receiver Breshad Perriman, Mike Wallace, and Kamar Aiken to form a potentially dangerous group for Flacco. Baltimore drafted rookie offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley sixth overall from Notre Dame to propel an already strong offensive line, featuring Pro Bowl guard Marshall Yanda. What made the Ravens a threat year in and year out for the past decade has been their defense. Edge rusher Elvis Dumervil was their lone Pro Bowler from that unit in 2015. Baltimore needs more from third-year defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan, but the return of Suggs should help improve the front seven. C.J. Mosley is a rising star in the middle. The Ravens secondary hasn’t been the same since safety Ed Reed retired, but the free agent signing of Eric Weddle will help improve the defense greatly. Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith are two very talented defensive backs, and the Ravens will need them to be productive. The Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers are projected as front-runners in the AFC North, but if the Ravens return to form they should find themselves right in the mix for the division.
