The bye week serves several critical purposes for the Ravens this season.
For starters, it gives an opportunity for the team’s “walking wounded” to heal, get caught up on some practice time and generally start to get themselves right for the final 10 games of the regular season.
It also gives the coaching staff the chance to look at some film, do a little self-scouting, and get an early start on preparing for the Minnesota Vikings when they get back on the field.
And, in terms of outside noise, the extra week will probably allow the airwaves and Internet to clear itself of some of the rancor being tossed around since the team’s disappointing loss to the Bengals at home last weekend.