So far this NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens have had a disappointing year. They currently sit dead last in the AFC North, with a 2-6 record. However, the Ravens season hasn’t been completely negative.

The Ravens are only three games behind the Pittsburgh Steelers for second place in the division. The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t impressed me so far, and the Ravens beat the Steelers in Week 4. The final stretch of the season should be interesting as the Ravens end their season against the Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals.

There are also some more bright spots for the Ravens. They have only lost by a combined total of 30 points. The Ravens are so close to having a great record, and if they would’ve won more of these close games their season would be entirely different.

Injuries have been killer for the Ravens so far this year. The team lost Pro Bowl linebacker Terrell Suggs in Week 1 and Steve Smith this week, both due to a torn achilles. Injuries have haunted the defensive backs and receivers as well. The Ravens have had to sign numerous players from their practice squad to fill in for injured players.

In other news this week in the NFL, the New England Patriots have maintained, with no surprise, a perfect record.  The Patriots’ offense, currently ranked eighth in the NFL, is led by two-time NFL MVP Tom Brady.

Brady, a quarterback that is known for his whining to referees and modeling for UGG, is still unfortunately performing very “Brady-like.” However, Brady was not solely the leading passer in the team’s come-from-behind win over the New York Jets in week 7.

Arian Foster, the starting running back for the Houston Texans suffered an achilles injury in week 7. This injury will sideline Foster for the remainder of the year. MRI results confirming the next day that Foster had a torn achilles. Steelers also recently lost all-pro running back Le’Veon Bell after a gruesome knee injury, that was later confirmed to be a torn MCL.

In more heartwarming news, Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive back Eric Berry recorded his first interception since he overcame cancer in the offseason. Berry overcame lymphoma less than a year ago. When you hear stories like this, especially in a league filled with violence, you can’t help but smile.

This NFL season is proving to be a thrilling year, and has been jam packed with action. The Ravens season has been one of disappointment, but don’t be surprised if they turn it around in the second half of the season. This season won’t be one that Ravens fans are used to, but it sure will be one that is exciting.

Alex Rasmussen is the Social Media Manager for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com