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NFL 2015: Team-by-team grades

By Matt Verderame

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Daniel Brown (83) leaps for the ball but cannot make the catch during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium. Kansas City defeated Baltimore 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Daniel Brown (83) leaps for the ball but cannot make the catch during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium. Kansas City defeated Baltimore 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Baltimore Ravens

Grade: D

What went right: Kamar Aiken has become a playmaker. Outside of that, it was a brutal season for a team that is used to being one of the elite groups in the league. However, Aiken showed that he can make some plays, racking up 802 yards and five touchdowns. On the defensive side, the linebackers remain very solid. Elvis Dumervil, Daryl Smith and C.J. Mosley have been very good on a defense that needs help everywhere else.

What went wrong: All the injuries. Get a load of this list: Joe Flacco, Terrell Suggs, Jeremy Zuttah, Crockett Gilmore, Eugene Monroe, Steve Smith, Chris Canty and Justin Forsett. All of those players ended up on injured reserve, and that does not even include Dennis Pitta and first-round pick Breshad Perriman. Neither of those players ever saw the field in 2015, with Pitta perhaps on the verge of retirement.

Offseason expectations: It’s time for general manager Ozzie Newsome to get younger and start looking at how this team is going to replace some of the aging veterans on defense. Speaking of the defense, the secondary needs a total overhaul. Kendrick Lewis is a mediocre safety at best and the cornerbacks are both sub-standard. The Ravens are a good team when healthy, but the defense will hold them back.

Next: Cincinnati Bengals

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