The Baltimore Ravens experienced a Super Bowl hangover by finishing 8-8 and missing the playoffs, but they are bound to bounce back and return to the playoffs.
The Baltimore Ravens were coming off a Super Bowl victory in 2013, but they lost many of their key pieces from their championship run, including Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis.
These losses were felt early in the season when the Ravens were humiliated by the AFC champion Denver Broncos, 49-27. They allowed Peyton Manning to throw seven touchdown passes.
However, the team finished strongly and looks ready to make another run at the playoffs.
Here are five reasons why the Ravens will win the AFC North.
5. More weapons for Flacco
The trading of Anquan Boldin is still inexplicable since it only cost the 49ers a sixth-round pick, and his play didn’t drop off one bit as he finished with 85 receptions, 1,179 yards and seven touchdowns. Torrey Smith was Flacco’s only solid weapon since Dennis Pitta sat out most of the season with a hip injury. Steve Smith signed a three-year contract, so he will provide a solid weapon for Flacco as Pitta returns healthy. Owen Daniels was also signed to provide depth at tight end.
4. Team chemistry
The Ravens lost eight players from their Super Bowl-winning squad, which marks an NFL record. They are entering their second year with their newly renovated team intact, and they were able to finish with an 8-8 record despite all the adversity they faced.
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