ExtremeRavens Posted 16 hours ago Posted 16 hours ago INDIANAPOLIS — A year after John Harbaugh got high marks in the annual NFL Players Association team report cards, the Ravens coach took a step backward on this year’s survey. Harbaugh, who last year got a B-plus and ranked 20th among the league’s 32 coaches after helping guide Baltimore to the NFL’s best record (13-4) and the AFC championship game, was given a grade of B and slipped to 28th in this year’s report, which was released Wednesday. This season, the Ravens won one fewer game and rallied to win the AFC North but fell to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs. The survey, which was conducted among 1,695 players across the league, noted that only 75% of Ravens players felt that Harbaugh is efficient with his time, which ranked 28th. Players also said that he is “moderately receptive” to feedback from the locker room on the team’s needs, which ranked 25th among coaches in the NFL. Still, Baltimore took a step forward, ranking 13th overall compared with 15th a year ago. Players “appreciate the strong leadership from the owner, general manager, and head coach,” according to the survey, which also noted suggested improvements from players that include larger, more functional lockers, upgraded hot and cold tubs, and better communication with their families throughout the season. The Miami Dolphins, meanwhile, finished with the highest overall mark in the league, followed by the Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers. The Arizona Cardinals were the lowest-graded team, with the New England Patriots (31st), Cleveland Browns (30th), New York Jets (29th) and Pittsburgh Steelers (28th) rounding out the bottom five. The biggest jump was made by the Chargers, who climbed from 30th overall to fifth in the first year under coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager and former Ravens director of player personnel Joe Hortiz. As for the Ravens, the category they were rated the highest in was ownership, with a mark of an A. “Owner Steve Bisciotti’s average rating for perceived willingness to invest in the facilities is 9.28 out of 10 from the Ravens players, a ranking of 9 out of 32 owners in the league,” the survey said. “Players feel Bisciotti significantly contributes to a positive team culture, a rank of 8 out of 32.” It also said that Bisciotti is “extremely committed” to building a competitive team, ranking ninth among all teams. Team travel also graded highly (A-minus). They rank seventh among teams as 95% of Ravens players said that they feel they have a comfortable amount of personal space on team flights. Players added that the team’s travel schedule is only “somewhat efficient,” which ranked 14th. The survey also said older players appreciate that their head coach allows them to stay at home before home games instead of sleeping at the team hotel. That was a big improvement from last year when the Ravens got a C-minus for team travel and were ranked 21st. Baltimore has also continued to make strides with its strength coaches. Two years after Ravens strength coaches got a failing grade and were ranked worst in the NFL, they took another step forward from last year’s grade of B for strength coaches and B-minus for the weight room. This year, both were given marks of B-plus. According to the survey, 91% of players said that they get an individualized training plan from their strength coaching staff, ranking the team 22nd. Players also said that they feel that the strength coaches “moderately contribute” to their overall success and ranked 20th. Players also said that the weight room equipment quality is “good” overall and that they have “adequate” space in the weight room. The training staff and training room, meanwhile, both got grades of B-minus as 87% of players said that they receive enough one-on-one training treatment (18th). But they also said that the training staff only “slightly contributes” to their overall success (28th). The locker room also got a mark of B-minus, with 68% of players feeling that they have enough room in their individual lockers (26th), while 87% believe that the overall locker room size is adequate (18th). Ravens players gave owner Steve Bisciotti high marks in this year’s NFLPA team report card. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) The team’s food/dining area and nutritionist/dietician, meanwhile, both were graded with a B. Less flattering was the Ravens’ C-plus grade for the treatment of families. The survey noted players’ desire for better, more direct communication between the team and their families. Players also rated the postgame family area a 7.67 out of 10 (14th) and said that the team organizes several family events a year (21st). The Ravens also provide daycare during home games and a family room during home games, the survey said. “The feedback is something we always welcome,” team president Sashi Brown said during the NFL owners meetings last March following last year’s survey results. “Steve is very clear: We want to have the best football operation in the NFL.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article Quote
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