Ravens Special Teams The Ravens feature one of the most dynamic kickers in the league in Justin Tucker. With six game-winning field goals in the last two seasons, Tucker has proven to be extremely valuable. Tucker has been clutch, making 22 of his 24 field goals in the fourth quarter. Tucker was 38-for-41 (92.3 percent) last season. Punter Sam Koch and long snapper Morgan Cox are back and should provide consistency on special teams. Harbaugh has always put together strong special teams units and this season is no different. The only real question marks will come on kick returns and punt returns. Jacoby Jones will likely get every opportunity to show he can return kicks and punts. Deonte Thompson and Lardarius Webb could also work their way into the picture. If the Ravens can locate a legitimate threat here, it will add a major dimension to the overall unit. They’re solid on coverage teams. Prediction The Ravens missed the playoffs at 8-8 last season. They made enough upgrades to be competitive in 2014, but if they finish 9-7, will it be good enough for a spot in the playoffs? Smith’s presence on offense and Kubiak’s coaching on defense should add at least one win for the Ravens. Key Additions: S Will Hill, WR Steve Smith, TE Owen Daniels, OL Jeremy Zuttah, TE Dennis Pitta Key Subtractions: OL Michael Oher, S James Ihedigbo, CB Corey Graham, DE Arthur Jones, TE Ed Dickson Rookies: LB C.J. Mosley, DT Timmy Jernigan, S Terrence Brooks, TE Crockett Gillmore, DT Brent Urban, RB Lorenzo Taliaferro, OL John Urschel, QB Keith Wenning, WR Mike Campanaro Terrell Suggs ROB TRINGALI/GETTY IMAGES SPORT Without the likes of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, along with other key pieces from years past, the Ravens were suddenly average on many fronts. The big play really hurt the Ravens last season as evidenced by four touchdowns of 40 or more yards. Baltimore’s defense ranked in the bottom three in the NFL in completions, completion percentage and touchdowns of 40 or more yards downfield. Lewis was the leader of the Ravens’ defense for more than a decade. After winning the Super Bowl in 2000, the Ravens went on to rank in the top 10 in points allowed in 10 of the next 13 seasons. The last two seasons haven’t been as effective as the Ravens have fallen below the top 10. For the Ravens to get back to the playoffs—and thrive in the playoffs—they’ll need to find their identity on defense. Defensive coordinator Dean Pees has a daunting challenge ahead without the big names from the past. But there’s enough talent to spread around to help the Ravens win plenty of games this season. Defensive leader Terrell Suggs will be back to carry the leadership role and the young players will surely feed off his aggressive play. If the Ravens can avoid giving up chunks of yardage, they’ll likely be back in the playoffs. Coach John Harbaugh is never afraid of change and that has made him one of the most successful coaches in the league. Expect a tweaked and improved defense in 2014. Defensive Player to Watch Linebacker Terrell Suggs is competing in his 12th training camp. But Suggs missed the playoffs last season, the first time since 2007 that has happened. Finishing 12th in the league in total yards allowed had to bother Suggs, one of the most emotional and passionate players in the league. The 31-year-old Suggs had 80 total tackles and 10 sacks last season. For his career, Suggs has 668 tackles and 94.5 sacks. Individual statistics don’t drive Suggs. Rather, he’ll be motivated by missing the playoffs and how much work and dedication it will take to get back to the postseason. The Ravens’ first-round pick in 2003, Suggs is used to competing in the playoffs. Missing the postseason two seasons in a row would be devastating to a proud player such as Suggs. The difficult task will be mentoring a number of young players, who haven’t been through a grueling 16-game season. SCOREBOARD 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 PLAYOFF FINISH - SB CC DIV DIV REGULAR SEASON W-L 8-8 10-6 12-4 12-4 9-7 POINTS PER GAME 20.0 24.9 23.6 22.3 24.4 POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME 22.0 21.5 16.6 16.9 16.3 YARDS PER GAME 224.4 233.7 338.6 322.8 351.1 YARDS ALLOWED PER GAME 230.1 228.1 288.8 318.9 300.5 TURNOVERS 23 15 22 18 20 TAKEAWAYS 27 25 26 27 32
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