Over the past few years, the Baltimore Ravens have been as a power-house team in the NFL, but that does not seem to be the situation this year.

At the end of week seven, the Ravens were 1-6, the worst start in their 20-year franchise history. This is mostly due to the injuries they are facing.

Some of the most critical injuries include first round draft pick, Breshad Perriman, who suffered a knee injury the first week of the season, as well as six-time Pro-Bowler Terrell Suggs, who helped lead the defense to victory in the 2012 Superbowl. Suggs suffered a torn Achilles during week one of the regular season. This is the second time Suggs has suffered through this injury, but is expected to make a full recovery.

The solution to dealing with all the injuries is simple: young players need to step up.

The Ravens have always been known as a defensively dominant team. Filling the role of such a great linebacker like Suggs will not be easy, but with the help of linebackers Courtney Upshaw and Elvis Dumervil, it is definitely possible.

According to the article, “Terrell Suggs Suffers Torn Achilles, Done for Season,” by Garret Downing, Upshaw said, “Terrell is our leader, especially in the outside linebacker group. He’s been the cornerstone of this defense for a long time. Everybody knows the accolades, the stats and everything he does for this team. A lot of guys have to step up and try to replace the things he did on the field.”

“Bottom line, if Dennis Pitta was playing, the Ravens would be 7-0. It’s that simple,” said Griffin Wilhelm (’16).

Although the Ravens are off to a rough start, playoff hopes are not completely lost. Last year, the Carolina Panthers became the second team in NFL history to finish below .500 in the regular season, and still make it to the playoffs.

The down year for the Ravens has had an impact on people’s overall view on the team.

“I’m a little salty and feel that they can do better but I think they will pull through in the end,” said Caroline Kosco (’17).

“It causes a lot of emotion distress on Sundays. Hopefully the Ravens can turn their season around and get a chance at the wild card game,” said Matt Benna (’16).

In the eyes of head coach, John Harbaugh, there is still plenty of hope.

According to espn.com, John Harbaugh said after their week 5 loss to the Cleveland Browns, “It’s not necessary to pump guys up or give pep talks or anything like that. Our guys are grown men. They understand the situation. I told the guys today, I said, ‘We should be a confident football team, because we have prepared properly. We have worked very hard, and we’ve worked smart, and we have a talented football team, and we have a well-coached football team.’ I think our coaches do a great job. Our players work really hard. So, the results are going to come.”

“You know, Flacco is a great player. He will put the team on his back, and when he does, we’re going to the Bowl,” said Grant Brown (’16).

“Their 1-6 record was just to bamboozle the rest of the league. They will go undefeated the rest of the season,” said Campbell Thibedeoux (’16)

“It was kind of predicted in my opinion. I think we need Ray Rice back,” said Cole Quattrocche (’16).

If the Ravens are unable to turn their season around, Sundays will continue to be an overall disappointment.