Ravens one win away from first place

The doom and gloom feeling that has been hovering over the Baltimore Ravens fanbase in the past few weeks has been warranted. But even with a four win losing streak unfolding, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has his team in the thick of the AFC North race.

The Ravens coaching staff has surprisingly not blamed injuries though they have been major part of the losing streak. With the bye week coming at just the right time, the pro bowl heavy injury list could be vacant by the time the Ravens face the Pittsburgh Steelers next week.

The Ravens defense should see a big boost with the return of inside linebacker C.J. Mosley, which will allow linebacker Albert McClellan to stay clear of the middle of the field where he is a glorified pylon. While the Ravens pass rush will remain below par, Terrell Suggs' return will keep other rushers fresh and with his tremendous edge-setting, his presence will help get opposing offenses in third-and-long situations.

Ravens right guard Marshal Yanda is arguably the team's best player. If any other team were to lose their best player, a losing streak would be easier to forgive. In any case, Yanda and rookie left tackle Ronnie Stanley return which will stabilize the offensive line and while they still might not become dominant, they will keep quarterback Joe Flacco from being flattened on every third down.

The season is in a dark place. But the crossroads lies ahead and a victory against the possibly Ben Roethlisberger-less Steelers will steer it back on track.