They had quite a year in Baltimore. A new coach and a new quarterback and the Ravens were right back in the AFC Championship Game. Now can they do it again?
The Ravens though have been inconsistent throughout the years. One year they make the playoffs, the next they are mediocre. It was one of the biggest reasons why the Ravens let go former coach Brian Billick. The Ravens though finally have a franchise quarterback in Joe Flacco and a no-nonsense coach in John Harbaugh. One of the steps the Ravens have to take is beat the Pittsburgh Steelers. Half of the Ravens six loses came against the Steelers. This season will be the barometer for the futures of both Harbaugh and Flacco.
Thorn In The Ravens Side: Three of the Ravens six loses last season came at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- A three-point loss in Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football.
- In week 14 the referee's stole a victory from the Ravens. The refs ruled that Santonio Holmes crossed the goal line for a touchdown with 43 seconds left.
- Then the Ravens were crushed by the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. Flacco struggled in the game throwing three interceptions and no touchdowns.
So you can see why the Ravens would be focused on the Steelers. The biggest thing the Ravens have to do is put more pressure on Ben Roethlisberger. Terrell Suggs, Trevor Pryce, and the returning Kelly Gregg must put more pressure on Roethlisberger. During Training Camp the Ravens defense has been working on ways to put more pressure on quarterbacks for the upcoming season.
The Rex Ryan Factor: Ryan was the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens for the past four years. He continued the success of the Ravens defense and even added a more aggressive schemes. Well Ryan left for the head coaching job with the New York Jets and he hasn't mind throwing jabs towards the Ravens since his departure. Let's just say, Ryan thought he was more deserving of the Ravens head coaching job then Harbaugh. The Ravens play the Jets in a pre season game on Monday.
"I throw it out there because I'm just being real. Of course, I alwaysthink it's BS. I always thought I was the right guy for the job. ...Hey, I want (the Ravens) to know my guys are playing like Jets.We're to be taken seriously. Our guys are going to play hard....He also doesn't like the fact that the Ravens gave the jersey number 99 to a rookie in Pual Kruger.
"I'm disappointed they gave his jersey to some rookie who hasn'tproven sh--, excuse my language," said Ryan.Bitter at all? If the Ravens have proven anything at all, is that the defensive coordinator doesn't matter. Marvin Lewis, Mike Nolan, and Ryan have all been the Ravens defensive coordinator's and they have all left for head coaching positions. And guess what? The Ravens defense has continued their success. And I'm sure they will continue their success with new defensive coordinator Greg Mattison.
Rushing Attack: One of the biggest reasons the Ravens were a success last year is because of the running backs. The Le'Ron McClain, Ray Rice, and Willis McGahee trio were fourth in the league last year in rushing, and they helped Flacco transition into the starting quarterback position. The biggest mystery surrounding this team though is McGahee. Injuries last season derailed his performance and it also seems like he is in Harbaugh's dog house. The Ravens need a big year out of McGahee if they want to look for continued improvement.
Schedule: From the look on paper, the Ravens seem to have a easy schedule. They play eight games against AFC West and NFC North opponents. But then you see where they have to travel. They have to go to San Diego, New England, Pittsburgh, Green Bay, and Minnesota. Those are five potential games the Ravens could possibly lose.
Video: Remember the name!
Prediction: 11-5, 2nd AFC North. The Ravens will once again make the playoffs. Their running attack and defense can carry this team. Joe Flacco will continue to improve with a new and improved offensive line in front of him. But I don't think this team is better than Pittsburgh.
(also posted at keith's sports journal)
ReplyDeletegood job and i agree with you on the record. however, you missed the big issue with the Ravens, and that is the kicking situation. Matt Stover was not resigned and camp has been a competition between Steve Hauschka and last years Lou Groza winner Graham Gano. Stover was incredibly clutch for this team and will be very hard to replace. also, i believe you are overrating the impact of Rex Ryan's departure. many fans thought he blitzed too much, leaving the secondary vulnerable. it looks like they're going rely on the DL to generate pressure allowing them to play more passive defense. otherwise good preview, and this team will be in the thick of things in the AFC. also, one other problem is that the Ravens cheerleaders are in the bottom 1/3 of squads in the league :)