Baltimore Ravens: 5 Big Weaknesses That Could Limit NFL Playoff Success

The Baltimore Ravens are now considered the frontrunners in the AFC by most analysts; they are certainly playing at a very high level right now.

With a dominant defense and an improving offense, the Ravens look poised to make a deep playoff run. With improved play from Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense, this team could be unstoppable.

Despite their solid play recently, the Ravens still have several issues that could hinder their chances in the playoffs. Time may be running out on dealing with these issues.

Here are the five biggest weaknesses that could limit the Ravens' playoff chances.

Inconsistency in the Running Game

Ray Rice is one of the Ravens' brightest young stars, and he is deservedly one of the most popular players on the team. He is riding a solid string of rushing performances, and he looks likely to continue to dominate the month of December.

Still, the Ravens' running game has not always been successful this season. While ranked 13th in the league in total rushing, the Ravens are only 18th in the league in yards per carry, at 4.1.

While the Ravens' offense clearly works best with a healthy dose of Ray Rice, that depends on being able to run the ball successfully. Too many carries have gone for one or two yards, setting up the offense with third-and-long situations.

Good defenses have stifled the Ravens' running game this season. The San Francisco 49ers held Ray Rice to 2.8 yards per carry, while the New York Jets held him to 2.6. Even the Arizona Cardinals held Rice below 4 yards per carry.

The Ravens won't get to feast on the Cleveland Browns' and Indianapolis Colts' defenses in the playoffs. They need to step up against the best competition, or they will not be able to get anything going offensively.

Special Teams

The Ravens are lucky that Billy Cundiff kicks so many touchbacks, because they have among the worst kickoff- and punt-coverage units in the league. They've allowed two total returns for touchdowns and have given up over 30 yards per return to opposing kick returners.

Meanwhile, Billy Cundiff has struggled from beyond 50 yards this year. As the weather gets colder, Cundiff will likely have even more trouble kicking long field goals.

Finally, while the return units have improved in recent weeks, the Ravens might be afraid to continue to use Lardarius Webb, their best cornerback, as a punt returner. He is the only solid option they have, but he is currently fighting injury.

The Ravens' offense is not good enough to consistently drive down the field with poor field position, making the return units more crucial. The battle for field position will be important throughout the playoffs.

The Ravens' special teams in general will need to improve if the Ravens want to make a serious playoff run.

Run Defense

The Ravens' run defense has stepped up without Ray Lewis, but it is still a concern heading into the playoffs. The Ravens have allowed big games to Maurice Jones-Drew, Marshawn Lynch and even Beanie Wells.

The Ravens seem to struggle with big, powerful backs. Marshawn Lynch was able to find success against the Ravens by finding small holes and exploding through them, breaking numerous tackles.

Many of the running backs the Ravens could face in the playoffs mimic this style, including Willis McGahee and BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

If the Ravens can continue their dominance in run defense, this shouldn't be a problem. The Ravens have not won a game this year in which they allowed a 100-yard rusher. If they hope to achieve playoff success, they need to lock down opposing runners.

Joe Flacco's Playoff Performances

By most accounts, Joe Flacco is having an off year, but he has done enough to move the chains and keep the wins rolling. In general, Flacco has been an excellent regular season quarterback for the Ravens.

In the playoffs, though, Flacco has struggled. His career playoff passer rating is a mere 61.6, with a completion rate of 53.3 percent and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 4:7. These types of performances will not get it done against the Patriots or the Steelers.

The Ravens cannot advance in the playoffs without decent quarterback play. Flacco needs to step up in the postseason if the Ravens want to make a playoff run.

Drops

Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith and Ray Rice are a nice trio of weapons to build around. Their 18 combined drops, though, leave something to be desired. All three are among the league leaders in drops, and as a team, the Ravens have the seventh most drops in the league.

Boldin and Smith, especially, need to do a better job of holding onto the football. Joe Flacco needs a reliable outside target, and right now, none of his receivers have been reliable catching the football.

The Ravens cannot afford to waste opportunities by dropping the football against elite defenses. When Flacco is on point, the Ravens need to capitalize with big receptions.

None of these issues have been constant throughout the season, but each one has reared its head on occasion. The Ravens are still a strong team, but they will need to avoid these pitfalls and play their best football of the season if they hope to advance in the playoffs.