AFC North Power Rankings: Post Week 2

Sep 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) pursued by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Mike Mitchell (23) and cornerback William Gay (22) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

2. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens did enough to earn this ranking by scoring a win over the Steelers and playing the Bengals tough at home.  The team’s offense may have been stagnant in the first half against the Bengals, but their defense kept the Bengals out of the endzone and kept the game within reach.  The Bengals scored the win in the end, but it was as close as it could get.  The Ravens then made up for their opening season loss by demolishing the Steelers at home.  The Steelers were never really in the game as the Ravens dominated on both sides of the ball.  Steve Smith may have quietly been one of the best off-season signings any team scored.  He’s made a huge impact with this team thus far possessing a new motivation following his release from Carolina; the only team he had ever known.  Steve Smith’s feisty attitude fits this division perfectly and he’s given opposing defenses fits so far.

Between Steve Smith, Dennis Pitta, Owen Daniels, and Torrey Smith, this offense has the receiving weapons to open up the field for its running game.  With a tough defense to match, the Ravens are dangerous and can certainly make a playoff run.  Only two years removed from a Super Bowl victory, it would be unwise to overlook this team going forward.  If they continue to follow the motivation of Steve Smith, this team could certainly be in the playoffs at year’s end.