Seahawks to face league’s most injured team Sunday
By Keith Myers
The Seattle Seahawks take on Baltimore Ravens this Sunday, and the Ravens aren’t even close to being at full strength.
There’s been a major focus this week on if the Seattle Seahawks would see Matt Schaub at quarterback for the Ravens this week. The alternative would be that they’d face Jimmy Clausen for the second time this season, and with his second team.
Unfortunately, the possibility of losing Schaub for a game is sadly the least of their worries in Baltimore this season.
The Ravens now have 18 players on injured reserve and one player who is still on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Many of these players came into the season as key players.
Just look at all the starters that are missing on offense:
- Quarterback Joe Flacco
- Running Back Justin Forsett
- Wide receiver Steve Smith
- Wide receiver Breshad Permian
- Tight end Dennis Pitta
- Center Jeremy Zuttah
- Left Tackle Eugene Monroe
The defensive side of the ball is much more intact, but they’re still missing star OLB Terrell Suggs and starting safety Matt Elam. That the Ravens have managed to win four games with all those missing pieces is a testament to the quality of the team’s depth and coaching.
In fact, only one of the team’s eight losses has been by more than a TD. That was an eight point loss to Arizona. Baltimore has been able to stay in every game this season.
That is why, despite all of Baltimore’s injuries, the Seahawks cannot take this game lightly. The Ravens may lack talent in many key areas at the moment, but they are a disciplined team that plays hard on every snap.
Still, no amount of coaching can make up for that much missing talent. If the Seahawks come prepared and ready to play on Sunday, they should win easily.