As Steve Smith Sr. was helped off the field during yesterday’s 29-26 win over the Chargers my initial reaction was, “Where do the Ravens go from here?”
There is no replacing the fiery Smith Sr., who exhibits a passion for the game that can’t be taught. No one on the Ravens’ roster has the ability to outplay the NFL’s best defenders like Smith can. He was the leader of the pack on offense.
Tied at a 2-6 record with the Browns in the basement of the AFC North, the Ravens have a choice to make for the next eight games. While it’s certainly premature (even before the injury to Sr.) to think the team has a chance to achieve the postseason, their remaining schedule is favorable.
It’s unlikely that the team will trade any players prior to Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, but the Ravens will have to add another body to the receiving corps.
Where does that body come from?
Firmly implanted at the position is Kamar Aiken. He performed well against the Chargers in Smith Sr.’s absence, recording 5 receptions including a key first down on the Ravens winning drive. He finished the day with six total receptions for 62 yards and will remain the number one target moving forward.
Chris Givens continues to earn more snaps each week. Givens, who was brought to the Ravens via trade from the St. Louis Rams, is the Ravens’ biggest deep threat. His great over-the-shoulder catch along the sideline proved that speed kills.
He ended the day with three receptions for a total of 57 yards. The rapport between him and Flacco should continue to get better each week, and his role in the offense will continue to grow.
Kick returner Jeremy Ross has been a bright spot for the Ravens in the return game since the Ravens signed him following his release from the Lions. The Ravens would likely ease rookie first-round pick Breshad Perriman into the gameplan, so Ross should be the team’s number 3 wideout moving forward. He will need to make more of his opportunities, however. Despite being targeted six times against San Diego, Ross managed just three receptions worth 21 yards.
Marlon Brown has consistently disappointed this season. He has been given every opportunity to prove himself each week, but it’s clear that Joe Flacco has lost confidence in the undrafted receiver. Yesterday, Brown was targeted just once and failed to haul in Flacco’s pass.
After the season ending injury to rookie Darren Waller, the Ravens promoted training camp star Jeremy Butler to the active roster and has been a healthy inactive the last two weeks. Butler shined at times in training camp the past two seasons, but he’s been unable to translate that success to game situations. His stock dropped throughout the preseason which earned him a spot on the practice squad.
Who’s left?
There are a few veteran free agents that are still available. The Ravens may opt to bring a few in to workout including the likes of Hakeem Nicks and Reggie Wayne.
Given the Ravens’ current salary cap picture, the organization would obviously only ink them to a vet minimum deal, and that doesn’t consider whether such a player would even want to play for a 2-6 football team.
Nicks, 27, is a player who could pique the Ravens’ interest. If signed, it would be a win for the organization considering where the organization has its biggest need, and it would be a win for Nicks who may want to showcase his ability to potential employers next season.
Nicks last played for the Indianapolis Colts in 2014, where the former 2009 first round draft played in all 16 games recording 38 receptions for 405 yards and four touchdowns.
The fact that both Wayne and Nicks are out there on the market makes you question both of their ability, so the Ravens may just stick with their own guys and see how the season plays out. With the way the team looks this season, that may be their best bet.
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