The Opposition’s Depth Chart: Baltimore Ravens

The Miami Dolphins face a difficult task this week, facing up to Joe Flacco’s Baltimore Ravens. However, Baltimore are no longer the force they once were. The Dolphins have every chance to take a win against this team.

So without further ado, lets check out the Ravens’ Depth Chart.

Offense

One of the biggest pieces of news that no one is talking about on the offensive side of the ball for the Ravens is the injury to wide receiver Torrey Smith. He failed to play in the team’s last series in the game against the Chargers, and received medical attention on the sideline for his knee. So far, the team hasn’t provided an update on the injury. It had been a disappointing season until the Chargers game for Torrey Smith (Torrey was one of the best players of the field after San Diego’s Brandon Flowers shut down Steve Smith for the game), as quarterback Joe Flacco has rarely targeted him, preferring the big-play threat of Steve Smith. Wide receiver Marlon Moore also left the field, suffering a concussion in the first half.

Baltimore running back Justin Forsett must be one of the bargains of the summer.  When they team signed him in April, he was fourth on the depth chart.  Now he’s gone for over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, with 1,009 yards to date.  While he isn’t the biggest of running backs and doesn’t have great speed, he’s very clever and can shoot through the gap at the right time to make the run.

Defense

To suggest the season-ending injury to cornerback Jimmy Smith is a loss is an understatement.  He’s not only the team’s best cornerback, but a top 5 corner in the NFL.  Lardarius Webb has also struggled with injury this season, while rookie safety Matt Elam can’t hold his own against the very best quarterbacks.  Phillip Rivers joined Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger as quarterbacks who have produced Madden statistics against the Ravens. Our very own Ryan Tannehill must do the same.  Of course, the Ravens will look to compensate this with their fearsome pass rush, consisting of Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil and Pernell McPhee.  All three have combined to produce 23.5 sacks so far this season.

Special Teams

Punter Sam Koch has had a decent season, averaging 46.7 yards from 38 punts. 21 of those punts have been within the 20, while he’s had a long of 73. Kicker Justin Tucker is also quietly having a good season. He made four field goals last Sunday, the longest from 33 yards. His three misses this year are 55-, 57- and 64- yard field goal attempts. Jacoby Jones and Michael Campanaro are the two main kick and punt returners. Jones scored a crazy-good touchdown a few weeks ago, returning the ball 108 yards from a kickoff.

Alex Parish is an Associate Editor at The Phinsider. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @AlexParish89.