OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens made some strides in the annual survey compiled by the NFL Players Association, but they still rank in the middle of the league regarding their overall performance with coaching, training, nutrition, and travel.
Overall, the Ravens ranked 15th among th 32 NFL teams, compared to 17th last year.
The Miami Dolphins earned the top ranking, followed by the Minnesota Vikings. The Green Bay Packers were third, the Philadelphia Eagles fourth, and the Jacksonville Jaguars finished in fifth place.
The Washington Commanders finished last at 32, just ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs (31), Los Angeles Chargers (30), New England Patriots (29 ) and Pittsburgh Steelers (28).
The Ravens made huge strides with the hiring of a new head strength coach, who received solid marks this season. Scott Elliott and his staff earned a B, compared to an F for former assistant Steve Saunders last year.
The biggest issue raised by players in this year’s survey was about the quality of care in the training room. The players reported they lack access to one-on-one treatment time to prepare and recover. There is a consistent request for more physical therapists, modalities, and better-quality equipment.
However, the players think “very highly” of owner Steve Biscotti and believe he is very willing to make the necessary changes and investments in their facility.
Here are the specific grades for the Ravens:
- Treatment of families: B-
- Food/cafe.: C+
- Nutritionist: B-
- Locker room: B-
- Training room: C+
- Training staff: B-
- Weight room: B-
- Strength coaches: B
- Team travel: C-
- Head coach: B+
- Ownership: A
Saunders was criticized by former players and fans when he was the team’s strength and conditioning coach. The Ravens replaced Saunders in February 2023 with Elliott, who had just completed his fourth season in Baltimore and second as an assistant strength and conditioning coach.
Saunders joined the team in 2016 and was promoted two years later, but the team dealt with numerous injuries over his tenure. In 2021, the Ravens had 25 players land on injured reserve. That prompted former Ravens outside linebacker Matt Judon to criticize Saunders on social media.
Former defensive end Derek Wolfe also criticized Saunders for allegedly ending his career prematurely.