“The pieces are in put in which we can be seriously very good,” Pro Bowl guard Marshal Yanda reported. “But that would not necessarily mean nearly anything appropriate now. You even now have to go out and make. We are carrying out a great deal of superior matters in all 3 phases. That is a truly excellent offer. We’re all energized about it.”
In the ESPN Electrical power Rankings, the Ravens had been No. 21 in the preseason. Now, they’re No. 7.
The only two groups to rank in the best 5 in points scored and details authorized are the Ravens and the Rams. Baltimore has had a tougher routine. The Ravens’ very first 4 opponents have a combined seven-eight-one document. Los Angeles’ opponents are 4-11-1.
“You want to be a well balanced crew,” coach John Harbaugh mentioned. “You want to be strong in each individual location. That’s a thing we’re developing towards correct now.”
The Ravens have their noticeable weak places. The jogging game has sputtered all season, averaging 3.1 yards per have. The pass rush was nonexistent in opposition to Andy Dalton and Ben Roethlisberger. The return video game has been underwhelming, and Baltimore is presently on its next returner.
But the Ravens have experienced number of groups as well-rounded as this 1 in their 23-12 months heritage, even in their Tremendous Bowl seasons. In 2000, the Ravens experienced a historically solid protection and a touchdown-challenged offense. In 2012, Flacco received on a warm streak in the postseason and the protection completed No. 17 in the league.
“We have experienced a lot of fantastic groups in listed here. We have experienced a whole lot of teams that have sustained great many years by way of 16 games-plus,” Flacco explained. “It really is tough to evaluate a staff that is only been likely at it for four months and discuss us up much more than we ought to. It’s early in the 12 months. We are enjoying perfectly, but we’re however earning issues. We have probable to be a fantastic soccer crew.”
The Ravens rank No. 2 in protection with considerably of the credit history likely to the playcalling of first-yr coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale. The protection has shut out teams in 10 of 16 quarters this season.
And Tucker has made 28 of his past 29 subject aims (96.five p.c), with his only miss resulting from a blocked kick.
Baltimore ought to be even better likely ahead. Jimmy Smith, the team’s major cornerback, is again from a four-activity suspension, and tight stop Hayden Hurst, the Ravens’ major draft decide this year, is expected to make his Terrell Suggs NFL Jersey debut Sunday soon after currently being sidelined for the reason that of a anxiety fracture in his foot.