In 2006, the Baltimore Ravens earned 13 wins and went to the post-season. In 2007, the club was 5-11 and out of the running. This season, the organization brought in John Harbaugh, a rookie coach, to rebuild the team.
Harbaugh, who wants his offense to be aggressive, will design his attack around Steve McNair’s replacement, Kyle Boller.
Offense
Boller tossed nine touchdowns and 10 picks in limited action last season. This year, he needs to make faster reads and better decisions. QB Joe Flacco, a rookie, has talent and a lot of college experience. He may have the stuff to be a starter. The wideouts are solid, but there’s no game breaker. The primary ground gainer is Willis McGahee. He notched 1,207 yards and seven TDs running and 231 yards and one score catching the ball. The O-line, which gave up 39 sacks in 2007, will be better but not quite good enough.
Defense
The Ravens sport the best D-line in the NFL and the linebackers are top-notch. Baltimore’s defense was ranked second versus the run in 2007, but they were 22nd against the pass. With 120 tackles, LB Ray Lewis is the leader on defense. Linebacker Terrell Suggs will attempt to find his game again after an off year in 2007. Safety Ed Reed, who had seven interceptions, leads a solid secondary.
Special Teams
Placekicker Matt Stover is extremely accurate and consistent, and punter Sam Koch offers fine placement and a powerful leg. The return squad needs help.
Overview
The defensive unit may be getting older, but it’s also better! The offense needs a few seasons to really come together and mature. The Ravens are better than they were last season but not good enough to be a playoff team. If they go eight-and-eight, that will be progress.