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Baltimore Ravens’ 2014 Midseason Report Card

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Baltimore Ravens' 2014 Midseason Report Card

Joe Flacco Ravens
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After their Week 8 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, it’s easy to lose sight of what has been a solid first half of the season for the Baltimore Ravens. The offense, led by newly acquired veteran Steve Smith and offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, has shown flashes of greatness and the defense is back to their dominant form. Here is the Ravens’ midseason report card.

5. Offense

Steve Smith Baltimore Ravens
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5. Offense

Steve Smith Baltimore Ravens
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The Steve Smith acquisition elevated the Baltimore Ravens to a playoff contender after having a very average offense a season ago. Justin Forsett and Lorenzo Taliaferro have been pleasant surprises for the Ravens and have consistently produced on the ground. However, after injuries sidelined Dennis Pitta and Owen Daniels, the passing game stalled and Joe Flacco had trouble finding receivers over the middle.

Grade: B-

4. Defense

Elvis Dumervil Baltimore Ravens Sack Matt Ryan
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4. Defense

Elvis Dumervil Baltimore Ravens Sack Matt Ryan
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The Ravens have returned to their roots and have one of the most dominant defenses in football. The front seven has hidden a mediocre secondary that has proven to be costly in Baltimore’s losses. The Ravens play bend-but-don’t-break defense and hold opponents to 16.4 points per game, good for second in the NFL.

Grade: A-

3. Special Teams

Justin Tucker Baltimore Ravens Field Goal Kick
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3. Special Teams

Justin Tucker Baltimore Ravens Field Goal Kick
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It’s been a tale of two players on special teams this year. Kicker Justin Tucker has been one of the best in football while Jacoby Jones has regressed and seems to have lost confidence. Once one of the most feared returners in football, Jones can’t seem to catch the ball anymore. It seems every game he makes a mistake, whether it’s pressing too hard and taking the ball from deep in the end zone or muffing a punt.

Grade: C

2. Coaching

Gary Kubiak Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator
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2. Coaching

Gary Kubiak Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator
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New offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak has proven to be valuable when he has a healthy tight end and the offense has looked as good as it ever has at many points throughout the season. Defensive coordinator Dean Pees has done well with a monster front seven, but has inexplicably given safety Will Hill very limited playing time in a mediocre secondary. Head coach John Harbaugh is 0-3 on challenges and is aggressive on fourth down.

Grade: B

1. Draft Picks

CJ Mosley Baltimore Ravens
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1. Draft Picks

CJ Mosley Baltimore Ravens
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C.J. Mosley and Lorenzo Taliaferro lead a Ravens’ draft class that should be considered a success midway through their rookie season. Mosley is leading the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation and his 76 tackles rank fourth in the NFL. Taliaferro has been great in his limited opportunities, averaging 4.4 yards per carry and scoring four touchdowns. Many draftees have received playing time and at least have held their own.

Grade: A-

Brenden McLaughlin is a Baltimore Ravens writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @b_maction or add him to your network on Google.

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