Will the Ravens have a winning record against the AFC North?
The last time the Ravens had a winning record in the division was 2012, when they went 4-2. That was also the last time they won the division, and the last time they won the Super Bowl.
How the Ravens fare head-to-head vs. the AFC North in 2016 will be crucial in determining their playoff fate. Despite beating the Steelers twice last season, the Ravens went 3-3 in the division and were swept by the Bengals for the second straight year. The Ravens have lost five straight to the Bengals, who won the AFC North last season and went 5-1 in the division.
Both the Bengals and Browns beat the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium last season, when quarterback Joe Flacco, wide receiver Steve Smith, and running back Justin Forsett were still healthy. That was part of a 1-6 start that sent the Ravens spiraling to a miserable 5-11 season.
The way the Ravens’ 2016 schedule sets up makes it imperative that they play well in divisional games. Three of the Ravens’ final six games are against either the Steelers or Bengals – Week 12 vs. the Bengals; Week 16 at Pittsburgh; and Week 17 at Cincinnati.
It’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Ravens lose those three games and still make the playoffs. Both the Steelers and Bengals expect to be playoff teams again, and star Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell sounds driven and determined to play well in a contract year.
The Ravens still view themselves as a playoff team, but the AFC North remains strong at the top. A winning record in the division would go a long way toward helping the Ravens return to the postseason.
As we countdown to training camp, Clifton Brown and Bo Smolka will take turns putting 25 key Ravens under the microscope this month. They’ll speculate on a best-case, worst-case scenario for at least one player every day. They’ll begin with players looking to carve out a role, or a roster spot. They’ll end with the Ravens’ most important players, concluding with quarterback Joe Flacco on July 25.
UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: Kamalei Correa, rookie linebacker
Best-case scenario:
Correa starts at inside linebacker, or plays regularly as a pass-rushing outside linebacker.
Why it could happen:
The starter at inside linebacker next to C. J. Mosley hasn’t been determined. Though he played outside linebacker at Boise St., Correa got reps both inside and outside during minicamps. The Ravens like Correa’s versatility. He was an elite pass-rusher in college, and there is no guarantee Terrell Suggs will be a double-digit sack artist coming of his Achilles injury at age 33. Correa could be a situational pass rusher, but if he looks better than Zach Orr and Arthur Brown at inside linebacker, Correa could crack the starting lineup.
Worst-case scenario:
Correa doesn’t play much, making him a disappointment as a second-round pick.
Why it could happen:
While he’s quick, Correa won’t be able to overpower NFL pass blockers until he gets stronger. Suggs, Elvis Dumervil, and Za’Darius Smith won’t concede their snaps to Correa, either. If Correa can’t get to the quarterback, and if doesn’t adapt to playing inside, he could be relegated to a special teams role as a rookie.
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As we countdown to training camp, Clifton Brown and Bo Smolka will take turns putting 25 key Ravens under the microscope this month. They’ll speculate on a best-case, worst-case scenario for at least one player every day. They’ll begin with players looking to carve out a role, or a roster spot. They’ll end with the Ravens’ most important players, concluding with quarterback Joe Flacco on July 25.
UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: Michael Campanaro, third-year wide receiver
Best-case scenario:
Campanaro becomes the No. 1 slot receiver
Why it could happen:
The Ravens are short on prototypical slot receivers, and Campanaro has the skill set for the job – good in traffic, good at changing directions, good hands. When healthy, Campanaro has shown an ability to get open in key situations, despite his limited action. Campanaro had four catches for 39 yards in a playoff game against the Patriots as a rookie. That’s the Campanaro the Ravens could use on a regular basis. He also brings value as a sure-handed returner.
Worst-case scenario:
Campanaro is cut:
Why it could happen:
Another injury during training camp or preseason could doom Campanaro. He has played only eight games in two seasons, dealing with a variety of injuries. He missed minicamps this spring with a calf injury, but has declared himself healthy for training camp. Rookie wide receiver Keenan Reynolds is being groomed as a returner, and even if he’s raw as a rookie, Reynolds has intriguing potential. Reynolds and rookie receiver Chris Moore provide young competition that Campanaro didn’t have last season. Assuming Steve Smith Sr., Mike Wallace, Kamar Aiken, Breshad Perriman, and Moore are on the 53-man roster, the Ravens may only keep one additional wide receiver. Campanaro could be the odd man out.
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