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Baltimore Ravens: 2015 Wide Receiver Grades

By Joe Serpico

Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Baltimore Ravens teammates surround wide receiver Kamar Aiken (11) after a touchdown catch against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi
Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Baltimore Ravens teammates surround wide receiver Kamar Aiken (11) after a touchdown catch against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi /
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Nov 1, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) catches a pass over San Diego Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett (22) in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) catches a pass over San Diego Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett (22) in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

Baltimore Ravens. STEVE SMITH. A. <p><strong>46 receptions</strong></p> <p><strong>670 yards</strong></p> <p><strong>3 TD</strong> </p>. WR

Smith was off to another terrific start to the season as he racked up 36 receptions for 510 yards and three touchdowns in the first five games of the season. He could not be contained at times, having his way with opposing cornerbacks. He was having a terrific game against the Chargers until he went down on his own in the middle of the field. He passed Cris Carter for 10th all-time in career receiving yards in the game before suffering the injury.

You knew immediately that it was a season-ending blow as Smith had to be carried off the field and had a towel over his head. You can tell he was frustrated that his last ride was going to end with an Achilles injury. We thought that would be end of his Hall of Fame worthy career.

There was speculation for weeks that Smith would come back next season, and he confirmed those rumors just before the start of the New Year. Some were shocked that he did decide to go through the grueling rehab to get back into playing, but did you really think that someone who has been such a fighter throughout his career would go out like that?

His return is a huge boost to the Ravens offense next season otherwise Baltimore could have been faced with losing both Smith to retirement and possibly Aiken to free agency. It would have been interesting to see the Ravens plan to address the position if Smith did retire. He will return for another season, but how much can Baltimore really expect from a 17-year vet coming off a devastating injury? There is no denying that he still had the skills to make an impact in this league, but the Ravens need to find another playmaker on offense.

Next: The Unsung Hero

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