What Is 2017 Baltimore Ravens football team

Overview

The 2017 Baltimore Ravens represented the National Football League (NFL) in its 32nd season, competing in the AFC North division. Under head coach John Harbaugh, the team showed moderate improvement on defense but struggled with offensive consistency.

Despite a promising 4-1 start, the Ravens faltered in the second half of the season and ultimately missed the playoffs with a 9-7 record. They ranked 27th in points scored but finished 10th in points allowed, highlighting their defensive strength.

• Record: The Ravens finished the regular season 9-7, placing second in the AFC North behind the Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3).
• Head Coach:John Harbaugh led the team in his 10th season, maintaining a disciplined, defense-first philosophy throughout the year.
• Quarterback:Joe Flacco started all 16 games, passing for 3,148 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
• Offensive Output: The team scored 313 total points, averaging 19.6 points per game, ranking 27th in the NFL.
• Defensive Performance: The defense allowed 302 points, averaging 18.9 points per game, ranking 10th best in the league.

Performance & Season Breakdown

The 2017 season was marked by a strong defensive foundation and inconsistent offensive production. The Ravens relied heavily on their defense and special teams to stay competitive in most games.

• Early Success: The Ravens began the season 4-1, including a Week 3 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and a victory over the Steelers in Week 6.
• Midseason Struggles: After a 5-4 record at midseason, they lost four of their next five games, including a blowout loss to the Jaguars in Week 10.
• Running Game:Alex Collins emerged as the lead back, rushing for 1,052 yards and 4 touchdowns, the first Raven to surpass 1,000 yards since 2014.
• Defensive Standouts:C.J. Mosley recorded 115 tackles and 3 interceptions, while Terrell Suggs contributed 7 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.
• Special Teams: Kicker Justin Tucker made 34 of 36 field goals, achieving a league-best 94.4% success rate.
• Final Game: The Ravens lost their season finale to the Cincinnati Bengals 31-27, a result that officially eliminated them from playoff contention.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2017 Ravens to division rivals and league averages across key performance metrics:

The Ravens ranked below average in scoring offense but significantly above average defensively. Their 9-7 record reflected a team that won close games but lacked the firepower to compete consistently with elite offenses. The Steelers dominated the division with superior offensive output and a 3-0 season sweep over the Ravens.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a transitional year that set the stage for future changes in Baltimore’s offensive strategy. While the defense remained competitive, the lack of offensive innovation became increasingly evident.

• Joe Flacco's Decline: Flacco’s 61.3% completion rate and 18 TDs were below his peak years, raising questions about his long-term role.
• Coaching Decisions: Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg was criticized for conservative play-calling, leading to his replacement in 2018.
• Draft Implications: The 9-7 record meant the Ravens picked 16th overall in the 2018 draft, where they selected linebacker Hayden Hurst.
• Lamar Jackson’s Arrival: The team drafted Lamar Jackson in the first round of 2018, signaling a shift toward a mobile quarterback future.
• Defensive Identity: The team’s reliance on defense continued a long-standing franchise tradition, exemplified by Justin Tucker’s league-leading accuracy.
• Missed Opportunity: Finishing just one game behind the 10-6 Titans for the final wild card spot underscored how close they were to playoff contention.

The 2017 season ultimately served as a bridge between eras, highlighting the need for offensive evolution while maintaining the Ravens’ trademark defensive toughness.