NFL Season Preview 2016: Baltimore Ravens

Joe Flacco likes to go deep, and when you're looking for a sleeper quarterback, that's what you're after. (Nick Wass/AP)

The NFL is back, and Sportsnet is breaking down everything you need to know about each of the 32 teams—including why you should or shouldn’t be rooting for them this season—in the month leading up to kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 8. Today, the Baltimore Ravens.

Last year’s record: 5-11

Head Coach:John Harbaugh

Core players: Joe Flacco, Steve Smith, Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil

2016 is about… staying healthy and hungry. No team had more injuries to more key players last season than the Ravens. Baltimore spent time without their QB, best receiver and two best defenders. Flacco, Smith, Suggs and Dumervil all have Pro Bowl talent; any team would struggle losing that.

While keeping their aging stars healthy is the first priority, finding and grooming replacements has to be the second. Young guys like Ronnie Stanley and Kamalei Correa can push the veterans, supporting them if they need a rest and eventually giving the organization a succession plan.

They lost… Eugene Monroe but they feel like that will be an addition by subtraction.

But they got… Notre Dame left tackle Stanley to replace Munroe. They then grabbed Correa in the second round and he’s impressed in camp. He’s expected to play outside linebacker but has the versatility to slide inside and create havoc alongside C.J. Mosley. Signing safety Eric Weddle will give their defence a strong spine for the first time since Ed Reed patrolled the middle of the field. They also traded for Mike Wallace hoping to revitalize his career after he struggled in Miami and Minnesota. His best football came while in the division with the Steelers so hopefully a return to the North means a return to the end zone. Benjamin Watson also comes into the fold to provide veteran leadership and insurance at tight end behind the injury prone Dennis Pitta.

Kamalei-CorreaBaltimore Ravens second round draft pick Kamalei Correa had a strong camp and should start the season at outside linebacker. (Gail Burton/AP)

Growing from within: The plus side of having so many injuries is the players who got reps during that time. One of which is Kamar Aiken who broke out when given more playing time to the tune of 944 yards receiving. Terrence West and Anthony Dixon should see improvements with another year of football under their belts.

Why this team? Last year was their first losing season in seven years. They have some continuity and a strong nucleus as John Harbaugh enters his ninth season in charge. Law of averages says they can’t be as banged up as they were last year. Plus they boast explosive special teams units and great leadership.

Why not? Their best pass rushers Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil are both returning from injuries, as are their best offensive targets Breshad Perriman, Steve Smith and Dennis Pitta. The latter two even considered retirement. This is an aging and often broken football team. The chances that they stay healthy enough to make a deep run are unlikely.

How much hope? 4/10 It’s been awhile since the Ravens had depth. The best years of most of their impact players are behind them. In what should be a fight to the end for the division crown, the Ravens face an uphill climb.

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