Baltimore Ravens Predictions: Best and Worst of 2014
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) returns a kick-off against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
When I make Baltimore Ravens predictions, I try to be bold. Accordingly, I occasionally whiff. But every analyst deserves a chance to gloat over their best predictions. So I’m going to gloat over my best predictions, while tempering that with some self-deprecation… my worst predictions.
BEST: Baltimore Ravens will make the playoffs
OK, so I said the Baltimore Ravens would win the AFC North and go 11-5. They went 10-6 and got a Wild Card spot. Still, not bad!
I actually got a lot right in the article linked above. I predicted the Ravens’ offense would score about 25 points per game (they scored 25.6 per game) and would have fewer three-and-outs. Bingo!
Best: “Flacco could be in line for a career season“
Career high in passing yards… check. Career high in touchdowns… check. Yes, Joe Flacco had his best season as a pro in 2014. This despite some truly horrific performances (we’re all still trying to forget Houston). Flacco was a natural fit for the Gary Kubiak‘s offense. Using the deep ball more sparingly, Flacco had arguably his best season as a deep passer. Not bad.
Worst: “Reduced pressure should help Torrey [Smith] a more efficient receiver“
While I got right that Joe Flacco wouldn’t be forcing the ball to Torrey Smith as much, I assumed that would lead to Smith catching more of his targets. He did, but Torrey was still a remarkably inefficient receiver. He caught just 52.6 percent of his targets, a horrendous number considering Flacco’s completion percentage was ten points higher than that. Torrey failed at getting open consistently, and he dropped plenty of catchable balls. Some big plays and a career high in touchdowns aside, Torrey had a rough season.
Worst: Comparing Rick Wagner to Gino Gradkowski
Here is the direct quote:
"Rick Wagner played well in the preseason, but he is a mid-round pick from a year ago who barely played. Now he is being asked to start. Doesn’t that story sound a bit like Gradkowski’s story last year?"
Wow, was I wrong to make that comparison. Gino Gradkowski was awful in 2013, and Wagner was awesome in 2014. He looks like he could be a long-term starter, so my fears were completely unfounded. I would guess, though, that I was not the only apprehensive Ravens’ analyst.
Best: Heaping praise on Brandon Williams
Some quotes:
"Williams was a certified monster in the preseason, tossing aside offensive linemen like rag dolls. Having added even more strength to his already monstrous frame, Williams will prove a nightmare for opposing offenses. (Baltimore Ravens Season Preview: Defensive Breakdown)Though the sample size is small, the skills he has shown will not go away any time soon. Williams really is becoming a stud. (Brandon Williams becoming a star)[Haloti] Ngata is on the downside of his career, and Williams is emerging to take his place at the premier space eater on this defense. (Brandon Williams is becoming a Steelers destroyer)"
Clearly, I think highly of Brandon Williams. I’m proud to say that’s always been the case.
Best: Elvis Dumervil will lead the team in sacks
Here’s the quote:
"All things considered, Dumervil should again be a threat this year, and has the best chance to lead the team in sacks. In fact, I would expect him to surpass his mark from last year, 9.5, with relative ease. (Who will lead the Baltimore Ravens in sacks?)"
Dumervil had arguably the best season of his career, notching 17 sacks despite not playing every down. I didn’t foresee his dominance, though.
Worst: Predicting a breakout season for Jacoby Jones
Holy cow, this was a bad one. Here is the quote:
"For the first time in his career, Jones has given every indication that the big plays will come on a consistent basis, and not just in the return game either. (Three Under the Radar Preseason Stars)"
Aside from some nice returns, Jacoby Jones did nothing this year, and he even struggled in the return game at times. He was pressing all season long, looking for the big play rather than just taking what the defense gave him. That led to drops, bad decisions in the return game and a wasted season.
Let’s end it there. I can’t come back from that one. What I learned from all this was what I already knew all along. I’m very good at diagnosing front-seven play on both sides of the ball. Breaking down quarterbacks isn’t all that hard, since they have the ball on every play, so I won’t give myself too much credit for calling Flacco’s big season. But receiver play is not my strong suit. Now it’s time to study up for next year so that I don’t make the same mistakes.
Next: Ray Lewis is wrong