At the end of the 2012 season once the confetti had fallen, there was an unsettling nervousness in the city of Baltimore. Although they had just watched their beloved heroes parade their way to M&T Bank Stadium with the imposing Lombardi trophy in tow, it was apparent the Ravens landscape was practically in the midst of an implosion.
Ray Lewis, the proverbial model Raven, had announced his retirement, Ed Reed was informed he wouldn’t be receiving another contract, the three main targets for Joe Flacco were on their way to new cities and to top it all off the main cog to the offensive line in Matt Birk embarked on his retirement.
History has shown that when an organization loses its main component to its success, the team begins its descent. Put that theory into play for the 2013 Baltimore team whom lost five superstars, and it is sure to overly cripple them. To no ones surprise, the team fell into an enormous funk the following season, missing the playoffs for the first time in years.
They were well on their way to a world without their purple blooded warriors whom so effortlessly carried the team for what seemed like an eternity.
Though the pain was deep and scars were fresh, Ozzie set out to mold another legitimate Super Bowl contender. Drafting a defensive stalwart in CJ Mosley was the first step to recovery. Follow this up with the legend Steve Smith, Sr. joining the team, the newly acquired in 2016 Eric Weddle, Mike Wallace and Ben Watson and you have the recipe for success. Weddle is an impressive boost to the secondary while Watson and Wallace bring some size and speed that was more than needed. Not to mention the unproven undrafted players looking to make an impact this season.
As the puzzle pieces begin to fall into place, putting the Ravens potentially back into the playoff race. Little is left to be done. For the first time in his career, Joe (Don’t call me Fluky) Flacco will have numerous targets on offense. Critics will be advised to revisit his Super Bowl MVP performance where he undoubtedly shot the lights out. Posting an unreal 11-0 TD/INT ratio with a mediocre Torrey Smith, Jacoby Jones and Anquan Boldin, all but shows his “Elite” status. Doing it against the big 3(Luck,Peyton,Brady) With receivers whom are miles above those three, now playing under second year coordinator Marc Trestman, they will look to emphatically dominate the AFC and ultimately the league. My prediction? An out of this world showing. 44 TDs, 4000+ Yards and another ring for #5.
In closing, let it be known that the Super Bowl hangover which was so highly unwanted has begun to lift its ugly head. The black clouds have made way for the purple rain this year and the Ravens fan base couldn’t be more happy. The nervousness has turned into excitement and the anxiety has began to morph into acceptance.
The journey is far from over but the end is most certainly in sight.
