Baltimore Ravens: Best Year Ever?

Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) cannot make a catch as Baltimore Ravens defensive back Rashaan Melvin (38) defends during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

OK.  I admit the headline of this story is a bit of a joke. I might as well say that the Baltimore Orioles MVP was Ryan Flaherty. Oh….I did that back in September. But I do mean this in a way, so just sit back and I will tell you why this is possibly the Baltimore Raven’s best year ever.

A 10-6 record and into the NFL playoffs as the last Wild Card slot does not sound like the best of years, although it is still successful. But back in June, what would you think if I told you the following was to happen to the Ravens?

• Ray Rice would no longer be with the team.
• Jimmy Smith would be on IR.
• Dennis Pitta would be on IR.
• The Ravens would lose TWO long snappers during the season.
• Their starting right tackle would be Rick Wagner, but even he finishes the season injured.
• Haloti Ngata gets suspended for using Adderall.
• Justin Forsett is their leading rusher.
• At some point the starting secondary includes Danny Gorrer, Rashaan Melvin and Anthony Levine.
• They lose to a team that signed their starting quarterback only days before the game.

I could probably go on. And on………………And………..

Well you get the point.

The Baltimore Ravens are not having the best season ever. But they are having the best season ever for a team that has been hit with such a combination of media scrutiny AND injuries.