Repeat Champions? These 5 Things Must Happen

With Baltimore celebrating their memorable Super Bowl 47 victory on Wednesday at the White House, the Ravens will undoubtedly be rejoicing in one last celebration before they get back to work. As much as they would like to bask in their victorious glory all off-season, reality permits otherwise. Here are 5 things that need to happen in order for the Ravens to repeat as Super Bowl Champions.

Win The AFC North

This seems like an obvious first point, but nevertheless an important one. If Baltimore wants to repeat as Super Bowl champions, they must repeat as AFC North champions, rather than settling for a wildcard spot.

Why?

Cincinnati has been knocking on the door for the past few years, and seem poised to take the next step as a franchise. The Bengals have a young roster that has had some time to grow together over the past few seasons. They should be considered real threats to win the AFC North next year. 

Pittsburgh, year in and year out, has been in contention or in the AFC North lead. While some may argue that their roster is aging and depleted, they still have the coaching and the quarterback to get it done. Totalling 10 wins is never out of the question for this franchise.

Considering both of these AFC North rivals have a legitimate shot of winning 10 games next year, the Ravens should aim to wrap up the division instead of hoping for a wildcard spot. Judging by the current roster, 10 wins shouldn't seem that farfetched for the Ravens either.

Improve the Defense

Baltimore ranked an uncharacteristic 16th in total defence last year, putting a real test to the 'bend but don't break theory'. While Dean Peas publicly proclaimed that the defense "has to be better" next year, Ozzie Newsome seemingly agrees. As the wizard does best, Newsome brilliantly played free agency as well as the draft board, stockpiling a number of key signings and youngsters. Look for four or five new starters on the defensive side of the football for the Ravens this season.

Flacco Need to Take The Next Step

First came the Super Bowl, then came the contract. While Joe Flacco has always had a cool, calm, and collected manor, now more than ever is his time to back it up. Baltimore has lost a ton of veteran leadership this off-season with the departures of Ed Reed, Anquan Boldin, and most notably Ray Lewis. Look for Joe Cool to not only cement his status the undisputed leader of this evolving Ravens franchise, but to also take the next step as a playmaker. I fully expect him to finally eclipse the 4,000 yard and make a strong push at 30 touchdowns.

Consistency Along the O-Line

Re-signing Bryant McKinnie was perhaps the most underrated move the Ravens made this off-season. Struggling with weight issues again last season, McKinnie took the O-Line to another level towards the end of last campaign and in the playoffs. Look for McKinnie to have a full season at left tackle with Michael Oher shoring up the right. Pro-bowler Marshall Yanda could be joined by Kelechi Osemele in Hawaii, as Osemele himself has stated 'Pro Bowl or Bust'. A true training camp battle could arise with Gino Gradkowski and A.Q. Shipley at the center position.

Wildcard on Offense  

Besides Flacco needing to take his game to the next level, who will step up for the production and leadership for the departure of Boldin? The competition for the number two wide receiver spot has been the recent talk in Ravens Nation, but will that be the answer? With Dennis Pitta, Ed Dickson, Ray Rice and even Bernard Pierce very capable of being viable threats in the passing game, will the Ravens even need another star pass catcher? It will be interesting to see how this scenario pans out, as Ozzie could dip back into the free-agency pool in training camp.