In 2007, the Ravens were affected by injuries – and not just setbacks to any players, but Pro Bowl standouts. When LT Jonathan Ogden missed 5 games and most of 2 others, the Ravens started 3 rookie O-linemen (RT Adam Terry was also out with an ankle sprain). Starting CBs Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle, important keys to the Ravens’ attacking defense, started just 3 games together. DT Trevor Pryce, who led Baltimore with 13 sacks in 2006 – when the Ravens’ defense was the NFL’s best – played just 5 games in ‘07. TE Todd Heap also missed the last 9 games. Sure, all teams have to cope with injuries, but the Ravens may have been impacted more because of which players suffered these setbacks. Below is a chart comparing the injuries suffered during 2007’s 5-11 campaign and the 13-3 2006 season.

Injury Note: In 2006, Baltimore lost only 2 games by a defensive starter the entire season – both by Ray Lewis in early November. The Ravens’ 10 other defensive starters were available all 16 games during the season.

In 2007, the Ravens lost 31 games to defensive starters, all of whom are Pro Bowlers: Trevor Pryce (11), Samari Rolle (10), Chris McAlister (8) and Ray Lewis (2). Amazingly enough, the unit still finished ranked 6th in the NFL.