The Ravens’ review: 2012 season

GS: 0 | GP: 11 | Snaps: 170

Season in review: Williams, a Baltimore native, once again battled to make the 53-man roster. He made a bunch of spectacular catches in training camp, but he mostly played on special teams during the regular season. Williams was placed on injured reserve in late December and did not play in the playoffs.

Signature moment: LaQuan only played a handful of offensive snaps in the regular season, but he flashed potential with a leaping grab for a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the preseason.

Stat that stands out: five -- special-teams tackles for Williams during the regular season.

Pro Football Focus grade: -0.5 on special teams | -3.0 penalties on special teams| 0.0 as a wide receiver.

Outlook for 2013 and beyond: Williams must once again fight for a roster spot this summer, and while his body control and leaping ability are a little intriguing, it appears Williams will have to make it on special teams.   (Algerina Perna / Baltimore Sun)

GS: 6 | GP: 6 | Snaps: 404

Season in review: Webb, whom the Ravens rewarded with a five-year, $50 million contract extension last offseason, appeared to be one his way to his first Pro Bowl when he tore his ACL in Week 6, ending his season. It was Webb’s second major knee injury -- one to each knee -- in his first four NFL seasons.

Signature moment: In a Week 4 win over Cleveland, Webb made six tackles and broke up three passes.

Stat that stands out: zero -- touchdowns allowed by Webb in 2011 and 2012, per Pro Football Focus.

Pro Football Focus grade: +3.5 overall | +0.4 in coverage | +4.4 as a run defender | -1.0 as a pass rusher.

Outlook for 2013 and beyond: The hope is that Webb will be ready to go in Week 1, but if his knee comes along slowly, he could start the season on the PUP list. Either way, expectations should be curbed for Webb in 2013. Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson has made the expectations unreasonable for players coming off torn ACLs. Webb should eventually get back to top form, but it may take him some time.   (Patrick Smith / Getty Images)

GS: 9 | GP: 16 | Snaps: 874

Season in review: Despite being the team’s top draft pick in 2012, Upshaw flew under the radar, perhaps because he was often doing the dirty work in the trenches. The second-round pick had just 1 1/2 sacks, but he was a reliable run defender who finished eighth on the team with 60 tackles last season.

Signature moment: In the first half of the Super Bowl, Upshaw short-circuited a San Francisco 49ers drive deep into Ravens territory when he forced 49ers running back LaMichael James to cough up a fumble.

Stat that stands out: 35 -- defensive stops in 2012, fourth on the team, as charted by Pro Football Focus.

Pro Football Focus grade: +0.4 overall | -20.1 against the run | -21.4 as a pass rusher | -1.7 in coverage.

Outlook for 2013 and beyond: The Ravens signed three-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil, but that shouldn’t be viewed as a lack of confidence in Upshaw, who will still have a meaningful role. He will probably be used similarly to how the team used Jarret Johnson. He should often be on the field in running situations and will play plenty of snaps, especially if he improves his pass-rushing skills in the offseason.   (Gene Sweeney Jr. / Baltimore Sun)

GS: 0 | GP: 16 | Snaps: 165

Season in review: Tucker, whom the Ravens signed as an undrafted free agent last spring, beat out incumbent Billy Cundiff in the most compelling training camp battle of last summer. He never showed signs of cracking then, and it was a sign of things to come. The rookie was as clutch as kickers come, missing just three of his 33 field-goal attempts during the regular season and none in the Super Bowl run.

Signature moment: Tucker’s 47-yard game-winning field goal in double overtime in Denver will go down in Baltimore sports lore. Years from now, though, we may forget just how easy he made that kick seem.

Stat that stands out: 61 -- touchbacks booted by Tucker last season, including 12 in four playoff games.

Pro Football Focus grade: +46.6 overall | +31.8 on kickoffs | +14.3 on field goals and extra points.

Outlook for 2013 and beyond: Tucker was one of the unlikeliest of stories in the team’s Super Bowl season. He was brought in to push Cundiff and ended up having one of the best seasons a kicker has had in Ravens history. Tucker was also excellent on touchbacks, something that was a question mark while he was in college. If Tucker can perform like this every season, he will be heading to multiple Pro Bowls.   (Gene Sweeney Jr. / Baltimore Sun)

GS: 7 | GP: 9 | Snaps: 586

Season in review: The Ravens hoped that Reid, a third-round pick in 2011, would secure a starting spot on the offensive line during training camp, but he was sidelined with a calf injury and missed the first two months of the season. When he was finally healthy enough to play, he started at left guard, though he didn’t exactly seize the position. Reid was placed on injured reserve after injuring his toe late in the season.

Signature moment: After a rocky game against the San Diego Chargers in Week 12, Reid bounced back to play much better the next week, allowing just one quarterback pressure in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Stat that stands out: 16 -- quarterback pressures allowed by Reid in eight games, per Pro Football Focus.

Pro Football Focus grade: -4.6 overall | -0.9 as a pass blocker | -2.3 as a run blocker | -1.4 penalty.

Outlook for 2013 and beyond: Reid is one of several young offensive linemen who should compete for playing time next season, though it is unclear exactly where he will fit. Kelechi Osemele played well at left guard after Reid injured his toe and could remain at the position, though Ozzie Newsome said Tuesday that Osemele couuld move to left tackle. Michael Oher could stay at right tackle. That being said, the Ravens always say they will play their best five offensive linemen. If he shows improvement, they will try to find a spot for him somewhere.   (Gene Sweeney Jr. / Baltimore Sun)

GS: 0 | GP: 5 | Snaps: 167

Season in review: When training camp opened, Reed was still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered late in the 2011 season. He started the season on the PUP list and returned to action in December. His return helped out a special teams unit that was depleted some due to injuries to starters. Reed also made his first NFL catch in a Week 15 loss. In five regular-season games, he had five catches for 66 yards.

Signature moment: In the third quarter of a lopsided loss to the Denver Broncos, Reed caught a pass from quarterback Joe Flacco for a 12-yard gain. It was an insignificant play in that game, but a huge one for Reed, a former 2010 fifth-round pick who had finally made his first career catch in his third NFL season.

Stat that stands out: six -- special teams tackles in eight games for Reed, according to Pro Football Focus.

Pro Football Focus grade: 0.0 overall | 0.0 as a receiver | -1.0 on special teams.

Outlook for 2013 and beyond: The Ravens brought back Reed, who was a restricted free agent, with a two-year, $2.5 million contract. He will be in the battle during training camp to replace Anquan Boldin’s snaps. Reed can also secure a roster spot on special teams. He may not be a popular player amongst the fans after fumbling twice in an ugly loss in Seattle in 2011, but the team feels he can be a very good special teams player.   (Gene Sweeney Jr. / Baltimore Sun)

GS: 11 | GP: 14 | Snaps: 710 Season in review: McClellan started the first seven games of the season and was solid, particularly against the run. However, he saw his role diminish in the second half of the season due to the return of Terrell Suggs and the emergence of Paul Kruger and Courtney Upshaw. His versatility was an asset, though. Signature moment: In a Week 2 loss to the Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles, McClellan was all over the field -- and it was usually in a good way. He recorded six tackles, many of them being key stops. Stat that stands out: three -- missed tackles for McClellan, all in Week 12, according to Pro Football Focus. Pro Football Focus grade: +5.0 overall | +4.2 against the run | -0.2 in pass coverage | -0.5 as a pass rusher. Outlook for 2013 and beyond: McClellan could be buried as outside linebacker after the addition of Elvis Dumervil, but Ravens coach John Harbaugh hinted that McClellan, who played defensive end in college, could be moved to inside linebacker. He has some experience on the inside in the NFL, and that could help keep him in the defensive mix for the Ravens, who lost Ray Lewis and Dannell Ellerbe this spring.   (Algerina Perna / Baltimore Sun)

GS: 13 | GP: 13 | Snaps: 823 Season in review: McClain started 13 games for the Ravens, first alongside Ray Lewis and then after Lewis was injured he slid over to his spot in the middle and played alongside Dannell Ellerbe. McClain made 79 tackles before suffering a season-ending neck injury in a Week 14 loss to the Washington Redskins. Signature moment: In a Week 11 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, McClain played arguably his best game of the season, making nine tackles and also landing a hit on Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich. Stat that stands out: 11.7 -- attempted tackles per missed tackle for McClain, per Pro Football Focus. Pro Football Focus grade: -9.9 overall | -6.8 against the run | - 1.2 in pass coverage | +1.0 as a pass rusher. Outlook for 2013 and beyond: McClain’s neck injury continues to be a concern, but McClain has said that he will play this upcoming season. He has become a bit of a forgotten man after he was overshadowed by Ellerbe in the second half of last season, but McClain had been starting over Ellerbe for a reason. With Lewis and Ellerbe gone, the Ravens could really use a healthy McClain -- and improved play from him, particularly against the run as he has a tendency to overrun the play and get caught up in the wash.   (Gene Sweeney Jr. / Baltimore Sun)

GS: 13 | GP: 16 | Snaps: 526 Season in review: After laying out linebackers with crunching blocks week after week, Leach was once again named an All-Pro at the fullback position. He continues to be one of the NFL’s top blocking backs, leading the way for Ray Rice back to the Pro Bowl. But when the Ravens started to throw the ball more on the playoffs, Leach found himself on the sideline. He played just 22 offensive snaps in the Super Bowl. Signature moment: Leach’s crushing block on Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton in Week 13 stood out among a season full of them. Not often do backs put 300-plus-pound linemen on their backs. Stat that stands out: 42 -- percentage of the offensive snaps played by Leach last season. Pro Football Focus grade: +19.8 overall | +17.5 run blocking | -0.3 pass blocking | +1.5 as a runner or receiver. Outlook for 2013 and beyond: Leach will likely return for the 2013 season, but there is a chance that the Ravens could opt to go with a younger and cheaper alternative option at the low-profile position. If Leach does return, though, Rice and fellow running back Bernard Pierce will surely be happy about it. It will be up to still-new offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell to find ways to keep Leach on the field, which won’t be easy if he wants to continue expanding the passing attack for franchise quarterback Joe Flacco.   (Lloyd Fox / Baltimore Sun)

GS: 0 | GP: 16 | Snaps: 164

Season in review: It was another solid season for Koch, one of the longest-tenured players on the roster. He ranked eighth in the NFL with a 40.8 net punting average and dropped 28 punts inside the 20-yard line. Koch did struggle with his trajectory on punts in the playoffs, including a line drive punt that Trindon Holliday returned for a touchdown in the 38-35 divisional round victory over the Denver Broncos.

Signature moment: Hey, punters can score touchdowns, too. In a blowout win over the Oakland Raiders, Koch, who doubles as the team’s holder, took a snap on a fake field goal and ran 7 yards for a touchdown.

Stat that stands out: 22.3 -- yards per punt return for Ravens opponents in the playoffs on eight Koch punts.

Pro Football Focus grade: +23.0 overall.

Outlook for 2013 and beyond: Koch, one of the AFC‘s top punters, will be back in 2013. His postseason struggles are a mild concern, but the Ravens have one of the NFL’s best special teams staffs. He should be OK.   (Gene Sweeney Jr. / Baltimore Sun)

GS: 0 | GP: 16 | Snaps: 193

Season in review: Gradkowski, a 2012 fourth-round draft pick, played sparingly during his rookie season, but he was active for every game, including the playoffs. With veteran center Matt Birk once again being a mainstay in the starting lineup, Gradkowski played mostly on special teams, but he did get mop-up duty in blowout wins over the Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders and New York Giants. Gradkowski also got significant snaps when the Ravens rested many starters in the season finale against the Bengals.

Signature moment: Because his snaps in tight games only came when he did the dirty work on special teams, none quickly comes to mind, but he was solid at center when playing 73 snaps in the season finale.

Stat that stands out: zero -- starts missed the past four years by Birk, whom Gradkowski hopes to replace.

Pro Football Focus grade: +1.3 overall | +1.0 as a pass blocker | +1.1 as a run blocker | -0.8 penalty.

Outlook for 2013 and beyond: Though he didn’t get to play much, it was a useful season for Gradkowski, a former small-school college player who got to pick Birk’s big brain for a year while also bulking up in the weight room. Right now, he is the frontrunner to replace Birk, though the Ravens could bring in a veteran at some point to compete with him. It will be interesting to learn if Gradkowski is ready to start.   (Lloyd Fox / Baltimore Sun)

GS: 16 | GP: 16 | Snaps: 1,002

Season in review: After averaging more than 300 passing yards in the first four weeks of the season, Flacco’s play became a little erratic and he endured another inconsistent regular season. He threw for 3,817 yards and 22 touchdowns as the Ravens continued their shift away from the running game. They heavily relied on the passing attack in the playoffs, with Flacco playing the best football of his pro career as the Ravens beat quarterbacks Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady on the way to the Super Bowl.

Signature moment: Trailing the Denver Broncos by a touchdown with less than a minute left to play in regulation, Flacco uncorked a high-arcing throw down the right sideline to wide receiver Jacoby Jones, who somehow got behind the Broncos defense. After tying the game, the Ravens won in double overtime.

Stat that stands out: 11 -- touchdown passes in the playoffs for Flacco, tying an NFL record for a postseason.

Pro Football Focus grade: +16.4 overall on offense | +17.0 as a passer | -2.2 as a runner | +2.1 penalty.

Outlook for 2013 and beyond: Flacco officially established himself as a franchise quarterback in 2012, garnering Super Bowl MVP honors as the Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers. He was rewarded with a new contract that makes him the NFL’s highest-paid player -- for now, at least. But the 28-year-old still has more to prove as he has never been selected to a Pro Bowl. The talent is there, but the consistency has not been. Flacco can continue his climb toward the upper echelon of quarterbacks if he cuts out some of those cold streaks, improves his pocket presence, and becomes more efficient throwing to his left.   (Gene Sweeney Jr. / Baltimore Sun)

GS: 0 | GP: 14 | Snaps: 212

Season in review: After batting injuries in training camp, Doss was slotted as the team’s fourth receiver on the depth chart. He saw time as both an outside receiver and in the slot, and the team seemingly was trying to give him more opportunities to make plays as the season went on. He finished with just seven catches for 123 yards and a touchdown during the regular season and played sparingly in the playoffs.

Signature moment: In the second half of the Week 7 loss to the Houston Texans, the Ravens designed a screen play for Doss, who caught a quick pass and navigated around a couple of blocks for a 15-yard touchdown.

Stat that stands out: zero -- catches on 35 postseason snaps, including four plays in which he was targeted.

Pro Football Focus grade: -2.3 overall | -3.6 as a receiver | +1.0 as a blocker | +2.1 on special teams.

Outlook for 2013 and beyond: It would have been nice to see Doss make more of his opportunities last season, but we have to remember that Doss is just entering his third season and it usually takes time for young players at that position to develop. With Anquan Boldin now gone, Doss is in line to get more snaps on offense, particularly out of the slot, where he was being groomed to eventually replace Boldin.   (Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore Sun)

GS: 3 | GP: 10 | Snaps: 395

Season in review: After a stint on the practice squad, Bynes was promoted to the active roster in October. Due to injuries at linebacker, his role on defense increased and he ended up starting the final three games of the regular season, finishing with 34 tackles in 2012. He was active for every game in the playoffs, but with Ray Lewis and Dannell Ellerbe back in the lineup, he played mostly on special teams.

Signature moment: Bynes made his first career start in the 34-17 regular-season loss to the Denver Broncos. With the Broncos running the ball often, he made a career-high 13 tackles. He also knocked down a pass.

Stat that stands out: 113.0 -- passer rating for opposing QBs when throwing at Bynes, per Pro Football Focus.

Pro Football Focus grade: -0.9 overall on defense | +1.5 against the run | -2.0 in coverage | -1.5 on special teams.

Outlook for 2013 and beyond: Injuries to the team’s top three inside linebackers last season pushed Bynes into the starting lineup, and he got valuable experience, including wearing the green dot on his helmet and relaying calls from the sideline in a couple of games. The 23-year-old has a lot of room to grow, but with Lewis and Ellerbe gone, Bynes could be in line for a larger role if he shows improvement this offseason.  (Gene Sweeney Jr. / Baltimore Sun)