The Ravens will hold the annual season-review press conference Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Owner Steve Bisciotti, General Manager Ozzie Newsome, Head Coach John Harbaugh and President Dick Cass will look back on last season and also provide their insights as to what needs to happen to get the Ravens back into playoff contention in 2016.
[Note: The press conference will be streamed live on the Ravens app and on the team website.]
Here are some of the top questions likely to be addressed:
Biggest Offseason Needs
Newsome doesn't like to divulge many secrets, but in the past he has opened up about what he views as the most pressing needs going into the offseason. Positions like cornerback, pass rusher and receiver seem to be at the top of the offseason wish list, but Newsome's comments could provide some insight as to what the Ravens view as the biggest priorities.
Terrell Suggs' Future
The defensive leader didn't meet with the media Monday during locker cleanout interviews, leading to some speculation about his plans for 2016. Suggs, who tore his Achilles in the season opener, has not spoken publicly since that time. Team brass will certainly be asked if they fully expect the 33-year-old linebacker to enter his 14th NFL season next fall.
Any Coaching Moves?
The first couple weeks of the NFL offseason is a busy time in the coaching world. There are already six teams looking for new head coaches, and the movement for those jobs will certainly create a ripple effect around the league. Some Ravens assistants could be pursued for other jobs arounds the league, as coaching staffs regularly fluctuate from year-to-year.
Upcoming Flacco Negotiations
Quarterback Joe Flacco acknowledged that his agent and the Ravens work on another contract negotiation this offseason, saying Monday that "you know this day is going to come." Flacco is entering just the fourth year of a six-year contract, but the two sides would like to work out an extension that lowers his salary cap hit for the upcoming season. Bisciotti and Newsome have been asked about these looming negotiations in previous years, and that is likely to happen again.
Future At Left Tackle
The Ravens signed Eugene Monroe to a long-term contract two years ago with the expectation for him to be the franchise left tackle. Injuries have forced Monroe to spend more time on the sidelines than on the field the last two seasons, and that has led to questions about whether the Ravens will move on from Monroe. Having quality blindside protection for Flacco is imperative, especially with the quarterback recovering from a season-ending knee injury. The front office will have to decide whether they want to go with Monroe, pending free agent Kelechi Osemele, or another option at left tackle.
How Do Ravens Close The Gap On AFC North?
The Ravens haven't won the division since 2012, and Bisciotti acknowledged at last year's press conference that failing to win the division has been a "blemish on our resume." The Bengals or Steelers have won the last three division crowns, and Cincinnati has beaten the Ravens five-straight games. What needs to happen for the Ravens to knock the Bengals and Steelers from their perch? Closing the gap in the division will be critical for the Ravens to get back to the playoffs next year, and it will be particularly important if the Ravens are going to bring the playoffs back to Baltimore.
Bisciotti's View Of First Losing Season In Harbaugh Era
The Ravens have enjoyed tremendous success since Harbaugh arrived in 2008, winning a Super Bowl in 2012 and making the playoffs in six out of eight seasons. This was the first losing season in Harbaugh's tenure, it was just the third losing season since Bisciotti took over majority ownership of the team in 2004. Bisciotti typically gets asked to provide a big-picture view of the franchise during this annual press conference, and his perspective on the 5-11 season will attract plenty of attention.
