2009 2010 Baltimore Ravens Prediction and Preview

Last Season -

The Baltimore Ravens had a solid season last year going 11-5 and were among only a few teams who really came on strong as the season progressed. The Ravens were backed by one of the best defenses in the NFL which ranked 2nd overall. Baltimore’s defense impressively held opponents to only 15.6 points per game last year. The Ravens offense found faith in a young emerging quarterback in Joe Flacco. Baltimore stuck to a solid running game which carried the offense early in the year. However, as Flacco matured the passing game became a lethal threat in their arsenal. Baltimore in the end just could not overcome inner division rival Pittsburgh as they lost 3 times to the Steelers including the AFC Championship. Outside of Pittsburgh, the Ravens won 11 of their last 12 games to close out the season. The Ravens offense progressed throughout the season and will be key to their success in 2009.

Off-Season -

The Baltimore Ravens did a very solid job this off-season in the NFL Draft. The Ravens did not have one of the top selections, but landed a big time offensive lineman in Michael Oher out of Mississippi. Oher was just one of the four extremely talented offensive linemen that received so much attention heading into the draft. Oher was as high as number 1 in some initial draft boards, but fell down the board after questions arose about his work ethic. Baltimore definitely landed a steal with Oher and can add some talent to their offensive front which should work great considering how the Ravens love to run the football. On the defensive side of the ball, the Ravens added linebacker Paul Kruger. Kruger is a player that flies to the ball and gives great effort every down. Kruger may not make an immediate impact, but could find some playing time in the near future. Ladarius Webb was added to the roster at cornerback. Webb is an undersized player, but can make a lot of plays at the same time. It will be interesting to see how Webb develops through the NFL camps in late July

2009 Preview -

The Ravens will return another very solid unit on the defensive side of the ball. Look for Baltimore to set in the 3-4 a good bit again in 2009 and fill the gaps with a lot of blitz packages. Terrell Suggs is expected to remain one of the big keys to hold down the defense. Suggs contract expired back in 2007, but Baltimore has franchised the talented outside linebacker for the 2nd straight year. Baltimore also locked down an agreement with Ray Lewis. Lewis who has been the heart and soul of the defense for many years and has earned 10 Pro Bowl trips will likely finish his career in Baltimore. Those key moves make Baltimore defense likely again one of the premier defenses in the league. On the offensive side of the ball, it will be interesting to see how Flacco starts the 2009 campaign. Willis McGahee may become the main running back while LeRon McClain could play a fullback role and get consistent touches running the football. The Baltimore air attack became very confident in Flacco at the end of last season and began taking more chances down field primarily to WR Derrick Mason. If Baltimore can establish that type of homerun threat, all the pieces could come together and perhaps they can beat the Steelers this year when it counts.

2009 Prediction -

We expect the Ravens to be among the top 3 teams in the AFC this season. Baltimore’s offense should be a solid unit, but their defense will be the difference maker. The Ravens defense will be very similar to last year’s impressive unit and could be even better. The defense held opponents to only 271 yards per game last season. If Baltimore gets just equal success this season out of the defense, they should be a better football team. Look for the offense to be more consistent and balanced. The Ravens really need either McClain or McGahee to have success. The ground success plays big part to the defense success in that old school style football that Baltimore has perfected over the last decade. Also expect the passing game to be more efficient and maybe even a step more explosive. As long as Flacco keeps his composure, this team looks has all the ingredients to be very dangerous. Baltimore could very well take down the defending Super Bowl Champions and snatch the AFC North if everything goes as planned.

Pick: 12-4 First in the AFC North Read the rest of our NFL previews here.