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Ravens trying to solve offensive struggles

They looked like the Ravens often have through seven games, when they were ranked fourth in rushing defense, fourth in total defense, tied for fourth in takeaways and ninth in scoring defense.

It's the other side of the ball that's been the problem in Baltimore.

The Ravens also ranked 18th passing offense, 24th in total offense, tied for 25th in scoring offense and 26th in rushing offense entering last weekend's bye.

And offensive coordinator Marc Trestman didn't make it that far.

He was replaced on Oct. 10 by quarterbacks coach Marty Mornhinweg.

In the wake of a season-opening, three-game winning streak, the Ravens limped into the bye at 3-4 after four consecutive losses.

But they'll host the Steelers (4-3) on Sunday just a game behind the AFC North Division's leaders.  

"We've been here before," quarterback Joe Flacco acknowledged prior to the Ravens' 24-16 loss to the Jets on Oct. 23. "It's a tough league. There are a lot of tough games and a long road ahead. We've got to stay as confident as we can and we've got to move forward and just keep our head down.

"Our division is still up for grabs, and a lot of things are, so we've got to keep fighting and do our best to win games."

The loss to the Jets didn't change any of that from the Ravens' perspective.

Baltimore's first three losses were by a combined 11 points (28-27 to Oakland on Oct. 2, 16-10 to Washington on Oct. 9 and 27-23 to the New York Giants on Oct. 16).

The Jets game, likewise, was a one-score game.

But the Jets game was also representative of the struggles the Ravens have had scoring points this season.

Baltimore managed just 11 first downs, went 3-for-14 converting third downs (21 percent), amassed only 245 total net yards, held the ball for 23:23 and didn't score an offensive touchdown.

Head coach John Harbaugh emerged from the Ravens' gut-punch loss to the Giants Baltimore surrendered a 66-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. on fourth-and-1 with 1:23 left in regulation as determined as ever to right the Ravens' ship.

"I don't think we've played the kind of football we're capable of playing yet, by far, this year," he said. "I'm very confident in our guys and our ability to play really good (football and in) our ability to coach really well. I'm excited about where the season is going to go, without question.

"I know exactly what needs to be done, in terms of what needs to be corrected, but we have to get it corrected. It's not a mystery. It's not new, and it's not news. It's the same thing it's been. We will keep just pounding away at the things we have to do better and the things we have to eliminate from our football to play winning football.

"No matter how long it takes us in practice, or no matter who it takes to do it with, we're going to continue to do that. We're going to get that done."

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