2017 NFL Power Rankings Preseason Week 2: Los Angeles Rams take major step forward

25. Baltimore Ravens (18)

There’s been concerns over the status of Joe Flacco heading into the 2017 NFL season since the Baltimore Ravens quarterback has yet to participate in training camp while dealing with a back injury. For an offense that already struggled even with Flacco in the lineup, just imagine how much this unit could struggle if the veteran’s unable to suit up for the first game of the regular season for the Ravens.

If Flacco is unable to go, Baltimore will be forced to rely on Ryan Mallett instead as their quarterback, and if his performance against the Washington Redskins is any indication of what to expect, the Ravens could be in trouble. Baltimore may have gone on to win the preseason matchup 23-3, but Mallett’s inability to display impressive numbers could make this whole situation even more reason for concern.

To see someone like Mallett, even if the receivers of the Ravens aren’t the best, only complete 9 of 18 passes for 58 yards (3.2 average) makes it seem like he doesn’t have what it takes to be a starter at the NFL level. At the moment, Flacco claims he’ll be ready to go in Week 1, but even if that is the case, chances are he’s still going to be a little rusty after missing training camp and the preseason.