*FAN SUBMISSION by Deion Broxton of Baltimore. Follow him on Twitter @SwagReflex.*
Sitting at 8-7, the Baltimore Ravens are on the outside looking in. After the 41-7 blowout loss, the Ravens are now 7th in the AFC conference. There are a number of scenarios for the Ravens to get the last wild card spot. The simplest route to the playoffs is for the Ravens to win at Cincinnati and losses by San Diego and or Miami. In the result of a loss at Cincinnati, the Ravens would need San Diego, Miami, and Pittsburgh to all lose to advance to the postseason.
Courtesy: Rant Sports
Are the Ravens poised for another playoff run possibly resulting in a return to the Super Bowl? Most believe Baltimore can be a legit threat if they could return to the playoffs. The Ravens have won 4 of their last 5 games, despite their nasty loss against the Patriots. History also shows that the Ravens always bounce back after a tough loss, including rematches in the post season (i.e. Broncos in 2012).
The defense has been playing well over the late season sprint, but the concerns remain with the offense. The offensive line has been struggling for the better part of season, resulting in sacks and a poor running game. Speaking of, will Ray Rice return to his Pro Bowl caliber self of the past? He too has been struggling all season, but will not admit to playing hurt for the better part of the season. The return of Dennis Pitta is valuable to Joe Flacco, as Pitta has been one of Joe’s safety blankets in previous seasons. He may able to help open the running game up, because of his ability to stretch the middle of the field.
If Baltimore can sneak their way into the postseason, then their possible opponents would be New England, Cincinnati, or Indianapolis in the first round. Ravens’ fans would most likely would want to face the Bengals or Colts, but I believe we have what it takes to defeat Tom Brady in a rematch. Same as last year, the biggest concern is the Denver Broncos, but we will cross that bridge if or when we get there.
