NFL Preview: Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens 


Key Additions:
CB Jimmy Smith (draft)
WR Torrey Smith (draft) 
WR Lee Evans (trade)
FB Vonta Leach (FA)
S Bernard Pollard (FA)
RB Ricky Williams (FA)


Key Departures: 
OL Chris Chester 
T Jared Gaither 
NT Kelly Gregg 
TE Todd Heap 
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh 
WR Derrick Mason 
S Dawan Landry 
RB Willis McGahee
CB Fabian Washington 
CB Josh Wilson 

Report:
Baltimore's one weakness the last couple of years has been the offense. QB Joe Flacco has made the playoffs in his first three seasons, but has yet to come out of his shell. RB Ray Rice is there to make it easier. Rice is an elusive back that get explode outside the numbers and is a great receiver out of the backfield. Baltimore tried to get a more physical by picking up Ricky Williams. Receiver is a position that is lacking for the Ravens. WR's Anquan Boldin and newly acquired Lee Evans are the starters, but behind there is little to no experience. Fighting for the positions are David Reed, Marcus Smith, Justin Harper, Tandon Doss, and Torrey Smith. They will also need to find a new tight end. Longtime starter Todd Heap is gone and they will need Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta to provide a solid target. The offensive line is good with stalwarts T Michael Oher, C Matt Birk, and G Marshal Yanda.

Defense has been the calling card for the Ravens for over a decade. Leading the rush is future hall of famer LB Ray Lewis. Lewis continues to put up great numbers accounting for 145 tackles last season. By his side are sack master Terrell Suggs, Jameel McClain, and Jarret Johnson. The line is anchored by All Pro DT Haloti Ngata. The defensive line also includes Cory Redding and newcomer Terrence Cody. The dark spot of the defense was the secondary. CB's Chris Carr and Dominique Foxworth must step up or will possibly be replaced by rookie Jimmy Smith. The key is S Ed Reed, who led the league in interceptions in spite of only playing 8 games. At the other safety position Tom Zbikowski and Bernard Pollard are battling for the starter spot. 


K Billy Cundiff is reliable kicker along with P Sam Koch. The Raven's kick returners are David Reed and Lardarius Webb. 


Review:
The Ravens have been one the most consistent teams in the NFL the last 5 years. The defense once again is sound, but need the secondary to improve. The offense has a good line and great running game. The wild card is Flacco. If he can have a good season with his corp of inexperienced receivers they should advance deep into the playoffs.   


Division Finish: TBA