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The Baltimore Ravens have been heavily at work this offseason, more than they probably have ever been. Team general manager Ozzie Newsome and his staff have made it their mission to try to go from falling just short of the playoffs last season, to punching their ticket in 2017. ESPN's voting panel of 80 writers, editors, and TV personalities took notice as they moved up the Ravens two spots in their latest post-free agency power rankings. Baltimore was number 13 in their post-Super Bowl rankings.
#Ravens move up to No. 11 in ESPN's post-free agency power rankings https://t.co/av6K6SxOXF
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) March 27, 2017
Below is what ESPN stated about the Ravens offseason in their power rankings:
"The Ravens allowed 30 passing touchdowns in 2015 and 28 in 2016, the two highest totals in franchise history. It may come as no surprise , then, that the secondary is undergoing an overhaul. Brandon Carr and Tony Jefferson are now in Baltimore, and it appears Lardarius Webb, Kendrick Lewis, and Shareece Wright are all out."
Yeah, 58 passing touchdowns in the last two seasons might result in an offseason like this one. That's enough to drive any Ravens fan crazy. The acquisition of Danny Woodhead, if he stays healthy, should also prove to be a solid signing for the offense. Baltimore still has work to do on the offensive side of the ball, and they know it.
When it comes to the rest of the AFC North, the defending division champion Pittsburgh Steelers are ahead of the Ravens, and in the top five on the heels of re-signing star wide receiver Antonio Brown.
With Baltimore being more aggressive in free agency, they have made their intentions clear that they want to play January football in 2017. Ozzie Newsome isn't done and he usually does some of his best work not only on draft day, but post-draft as well. There is still a long way to go.