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2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

By Russell S. Baxter

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) reacts after a play during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Miami Dolphins 38-6. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) reacts after a play during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Miami Dolphins 38-6. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
16

Baltimore Ravens 8-8

Last week: 2nd, AFC North
Last rank: 16th

Looking Back: From a 3-0 start to four consecutive losses and eventually an 8-8 finish, it wasn’t a bad bounce back year for John Harbaugh’s club. But the Ravens basically did just enough to win and lose close games all season. And when the smoke cleared, the team finished three games out of first place in the usually-formidable AFC North.

Looking Forward: Veteran wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. will now be talking about football instead of playing it. That means it’s time for 2015 first-round pick Breshad Perriman to shift his game into another gear. The club also needs to re-establish a ground attack and the immediate future could be Kenneth Dixon. Tight end Dennis Pitta was a great comeback story and another year of health will mean good things for quarterback Joe Flacco. General manager Ozzie Newsome has always done a good job of restocking the cupboard. But after missing the playoffs three of the past four seasons (after going to the postseason in each of John Harbaugh’s first 5 years as head coach), is this club truly in decline?

Offseason needs: Nose tackle Brandon Williams is one of more underrated players at his position in the NFL. Similar to Damon Harrison and Linval Joseph with the New York Jets and New York Giants, respectively, Williams will command a lot of attention should he hit the open market. That was certainly the case for the aforementioned duo, now members of the Giants and Minnesota Vikings, respectively. It would not be a shock to see Newsome utilize the franchise tag on his sturdy defensive lineman. No doubt the Ravens would also like to re-sign potential free-agent fullback Kyle Juszcsyk, who has impressed with his hard-nosed play.

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