We are all well aware the Ravens’ chances at making the playoffs were ended Sunday night in Pittsburgh, but there is still one more game left on the schedule against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. It may not have any “meaning” so to speak, but in a lot of ways it could be a big game for a number of players on the roster who are either looking for personal achievement or to demonstrate their value on the field.

(You can discuss this final game and it’s impact on the season at the BSL Message Board.)

WR Steve Smith: This game in all likelihood will be Steve Smith’s last. He has compiled impressive, HOF-caliber, career numbers, and you had best believe he is itching to go out with a bang. He is unlikely to pass anyone in the career stats leaderboard but I would be on the look-out for a big day from Senior.

WR Mike Wallace: Wallace is on the precipice of 1,000 receiving yards for the season, currently sitting at 984. The 1,000 yard mark may not be a major accomplishment anymore, but Wallace almost assuredly has it on his mind. He has only surpassed the number twice in his career, so it would be a pretty significant personal achievement.

WR Breshad Perriman: Perriman has had a season full of highs and lows which isn’t too surprising for a player who is a rookie for all intents and purposes. He’s shows flashes of brilliance and playmaking ability while also being highly inconsistent with drops and route-running. This Sunday might be a chance for him to showcase his talents for 2017.

QB Joe Flacco: Flacco has already surpassed the 4,000 yard mark for the first time in his career this season, but I am sure he is looking to add on a few TDs to his mark of 20. Statistically, Joe has been right in line with his career passer rating this season, but a few more scores would make the numbers look a bit nicer.

RBs Kenneth Dixon and Terrance West: Who knows what the split will be between Dixon and West on Sunday, but they are both going to be hungry to demonstrate their worth. West will be a RFA in the offseason and in my opinion has more than proven his value to the team. Sunday will be his last opportunity to make a case for himself as a free agent. For Dixon, it’s more about how big of a role he might get next season. Granted that will mostly be determined in training camp next season, but they Front Office could make a decision on West based off what they see in Dixon.

Young Offensive Lineman: We don’t know how much the veteran OL will or won’t play on Sunday, but it is likely at least one position, RT, will need a back-up to start with Ricky Wagner in the concussion protocol. Last Sunday James Hurst came in to replace Wagner, but Alex Lewis could also be in line to take snaps at RT. Hurst will likely be scrapping for a roster spot in 2017 while Lewis could potentially be the starter at RT if Wagner walks in FA. We could also see some of Lewis, Urschel or Jensen at OG/C depending on who plays.

OLB Terrell Suggs: Suggs is sitting at 8.0 sacks on the season, and double digits is very much a possibility. I fully expect Suggs to be back in 2017, but ending the season on a high note might send a message to the team that he still has it.

CBs Shareece Wright and Jerraud Powers: Wright has had an up and down season after being signed by the Ravens to start next to Jimmy Smith. He had some major lapses early on in coverage, was injured, and then played much better down the stretch while Smith was hurt. Powers also showed flashes of nice play, but became a liability on defense down the stretch. He simply couldn’t stick to slot WRs in man coverage. Both will likely play on Sunday and will probably be playing for their future roles either in Baltimore or elsewhere.

OLB Matt Judon: Judon has had a very nice rookie season, notching 4.0 sacks and being one of the Ravens more consistent pass-rushers when he was on the field. With Elvis Dumervil’s future on the team in question, Judon could be looking to make a case for himself as a starter in 2017.

Head Coach John Harbaugh: There will be a lot of talk this offseason about whether Harbs’ time in Baltimore should be coming to a close. While in reality there is little difference between an 8-8 record or 9-7 record when missing the playoffs (besides draft position), a winning season does look a lot better for the HC. If there is nothing on the line does this game matter for Harbaugh? It’s impossible to know what Steve Bisciotti is thinking about the future of his team. One thing I do know is that Coach Harbaugh is not going to roll over and concede this week 17 game or play for a better draft pick.

Gabe Ferguson
Gabe Ferguson

Ravens Analyst

Gabe is an avid fan of the NFL and Ravens football. He grew up in Westminster, MD, and attended college at Johns Hopkins University majoring in Biology. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and now works as a R&D Scientist developing Transplant Diagnostics assays. Gabe has appeared as a guest on 105.7 The Fan.

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