NFL Baltimore Ravens

5 Reasons Why Baltimore Ravens Should Be Taken Seriously

5 Reasons Why Baltimore Ravens Should Be Taken Seriously

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After winning the Super Bowl almost two years ago, the Baltimore Ravens seem poised to make another run at the championship this season. Many felt that the absence of Ray Rice, due to well-documented issues, would lead to an anemic offense that wouldn't be able to match their defensive intensity. However, this hasn't been proven to be the case. Let's take a look at the top five reasons why the Ravens should be taken seriously this season.

5. Torrey Smith's Awakening Makes Them More Dangerous

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5. Torrey Smith's Awakening Makes Them More Dangerous

torrey smith baltimore ravens wr wide receiver
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After struggling to get going over the first few weeks of the 2014 season, the former Maryland Terrapin finally broke out against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. He caught four out of five of his targets for 52 yards and two touchdowns. His numbers would have been higher if the Ravens didn't have the game won before halftime. Expect more success for Smith against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7 and beyond.

4. They Are Hungry For a Second Super Bowl In Three Years

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4. They Are Hungry For a Second Super Bowl In Three Years

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As the Seattle Seahawks proved in their upset home loss to the Dallas Cowboys, it's hard for the Super Bowl champion to maintain the same level of dominance the following season. The Ravens learned this last season, and now that they're one season removed from their last celebration with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, they've regained that hunger that led to their championship in 2013.

3. The Running Game Is Still Potent Without Ray Rice

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3. The Running Game Is Still Potent Without Ray Rice

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The Baltimore Ravens have the second-best run blocking effectiveness in the NFL this season, and it's being proven through the success seen from their stable of running backs. This wasn't expected due to the absence of superstar Ray Rice, but Justin Forsett and Lorenzo Taliaferro have proven to be more than capable of carrying the load. The only issue is that the ineffective Bernard Pierce continues to get touches, but that will be ending soon.

2. Steve Smith Sr's Energy and Productivity

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2. Steve Smith Sr's Energy and Productivity

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Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

He has earned the nickname "Angry Bird", and it's extremely fitting for Steve Smith Sr. His playmaking ability and fiery demeanor were a staple for the Carolina Panthers for many years, and now he has taken his passion and skills to Baltimore. When you add in the fact that he has taken offense to the notion that a 35-year-old WR is washed up and is disproving it every week, his presence alone is enough to take the Ravens seriously.

1. Baltimore's Pass Rush is the Best in the NFL

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Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

1. Baltimore's Pass Rush is the Best in the NFL

terrell suggs elvis dumervil baltimore ravens defense
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil and Haloti Ngata are three of the 12 Ravens players who rate above the league average in terms of pass rushing effectiveness. This has led the Ravens to possessing the NFL's best pass rush rating so far this season. When you also consider the fact that 20 NFL teams this season rate below league average in pass blocking effectiveness, it becomes clear that the Ravens' pass rush is their most serious aspect.

Roje Smith is a Fantasy Sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RoKnowsDFS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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