Breakdown Of The Ravens Heading Into Training Camp
Training camp begins this Wednesday, July 27, in Owings Mills, Maryland.
LAST YEAR: Ravens stumbled to first losing season since coach John Harbaugh took over in 2008. Injuries began on first day of training camp, when top draft pick WR Breshad Perriman tore ligament in knee that sidelined him entire season. Injuries to LB Terrell Suggs, WR Steve Smith, RB Justin Forsett and QB Joe Flacco followed. Eight starters ended up on injured reserve.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: S Eric Weddle, WR Mike Wallace, TE Benjamin Watson, RB Trent Richardson, rookie OT Ronnie Stanley.
IMPORTANT LOSSES: OL Kelechi Osemele, LBs Courtney Upshaw and Daryl Smith, QB Matt Schaub, S Brynden Trawick, OT Eugene Monroe, DE Chris Canty.
CAMP NEEDS: Most of all, Ravens need to be healthy. Flacco returns from knee injury that sidelined him over final six weeks, and will be used sparingly in camp. Elsewhere, Ravens have several positions up for grabs. Release of Daryl Smith leaves LBs C.J. Mosley and Arthur Brown competing for playing time inside. Also, secondary has shortage of bodies.
EXPECTATIONS: Ravens don't intend to endure rebuilding season. Harbaugh will take it easy on veterans coming back from injury, and newcomers have already gone through basics in minicamp. Hope is additions outweigh losses and Baltimore will avoid rash of injuries that helped ruin 2015. Also on agenda is finding way to improve 5-9 record in games decided by eight points or fewer.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
