Loss of key players brings difficulties for any team

Throughout the current NFL season, one can clearly see that the loss of key players and coaches can easily turn a team from good to bad within a few games.
Recently the Baltimore Ravens lost three of the team’s best defensive players, two to season-ending injuries and one to a minor injury. Cornerback Lardarius Webb tore his anterior cruciate ligament on Oct. 14 playing against the Dallas Cowboys. Ray Lewis tore his triceps when playing against the Cowboys as well. Finally, defensive end Haloti Ngata has seen less playing time the last two games due to injuries. These injuries on the defense led to a humiliating 13-43 loss to the Houston Texans which, although a good team, has never beaten the Ravens.
The New Orleans Saints have had a similar experience as well. After the Bounty Scandal, the Saints lost two of its better defensive players, linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive end Will Smith, as well as Head Coach Sean Payton and linebacker and current replacement Head Coach Joe Vitt, this season. The Saints, normally a strong team, lost four of the first six games this season. However, Vilma and Smith played on Oct. 21 for the win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Coach Vitt was allowed to return on Oct. 22. With their return, the team already looks ready to win.
Not only does the loss of a star player affect the team’s playing ability on the field, but can emotionally affect a team as well. Lewis, a team captain, and Vilma are both considered huge motivators of their respective teams. Unfortunately, these losses can be extremely damaging, and might cost a team a shot at the championship, or even just playoffs.
This can happen on any playing level. In high school, key players will eventually graduate, and the stellar record from one season might not transfer to the next. Players might become ineligible or have to drop out of the their sport midway through the season. However, just like with everything in life, a team must cut its losses, continue on and play its hardest, and make the best out of the situation that team is in.