The Baltimore Ravens were among the best teams in the NFL last season, posting a 13-3 record before bowing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts in the playoffs. And there is plenty of room for optimism again this year but there is also room for concern because of the advancing age of many of the team’s key players. Nine of the club’s 22 starters are at least 30 years old, so the question is, are the Ravens simply a veteran team poised for a big run, or did they miss their window of opportunity in 2006 only to begin a decline in 2007?
What's New?
One new face in town that has a lot of people excited is that of running back Willis McGahee, who was acquired from the Buffalo Bills during the offseason. He’s coming off a disappointing year with the Bills, but is still an upgrade over the washed up Jamal Lewis. McGahee’s vision and agility will make the Ravens run blocking along the offensive line look a whole lot better than Lewis’ inability to find a hole did in 2006.
And speaking of the offensive line, the Ravens actually seem to be in the midst of a youth movement in that area, drafting three guys who could play key roles in the near future in guard Ben Grubbs, who was the team’s first-round draft pick in ‘07, Marshall Yanda, a third-round acquisition, and Jared Gaither, a promising player who was picked up in the supplemental draft. Ideally, the Ravens would like Grubbs to take the place of Chris Chester at right guard, and let Chester battle Mike Flynn for the starting center job. Flynn isn’t going down without a fight, however.
NFL Draft Picks
1st Round - Benn Grubbs, OG Auburn
3rd Round - Yamon Figurs, KR Kansas State
3rd Round - Marshal Yanda, OT Iowa
4th Round - Antwan Barnes, LB Florida International
4th Round - Le’Ron McClain, FB Alabama
5th Round - Troy Smith, QB Ohio State
6th Round - Prescott Burgess, LB Michigan
Who's Gone?
By far the biggest loss of the offseason for the Ravens was popular linebacker Adalius Thomas, who signed with the AFC rival New England Patriots. Thomas recorded 28 ½ sacks over the past three seasons, with a career-best 11 sacks in 2006, and his production on the outside will be missed. The versatile Jarrett Johnson is currently penciled in to replace Thomas, but there will most likely be a noticeable drop in production at the position.
With their running game lacking a spark, the Ravens felt it was time to go in another direction at the position, and released veteran running back Jamal Lewis, a holdover from Baltimore’s Super Bowl XXXV championship team. Lewis obviously isn’t the back he once was, and the Ravens’ rushing attack should be more consistent with the younger McGahee carrying the load.
The team also lost offensive linemen Edwin Mulitalo and Tony Pashos, along with fullback Ovie Mughelli.
What Needs to Change?
Quite simply, the Ravens need to run the ball better. Quarterback Steve McNair is no longer capable of carrying an offense on his shoulders, and a consistent threat on the ground will take some of the pressure off. Last year Baltimore averaged just over 100 yards per game on the ground, which was good enough for just 25th in the league. The addition of McGahee should go a long way toward rectifying this area of concern.
Under Pressure to Perform
Willis McGahee - As mentioned above, the Ravens were among the NFL’s worst at running the ball in 2006, and the club is turning to McGahee to provide that spark. An improved running game will not only help open things up for the passing game, but will help keep an already-elite defense fresh by keeping them off the field.
Steve McNair - Obviously on the downside of his career, McNair still has a lot of game left in him, and he comes into the preseason in fantastic shape. He’s still an effective passer in the short-to-intermediate range, but he’s lost some of the zip on his deep ball. Injuries are always a concern with McNair as well. If he goes down for an extended period of time, the team will be forced to turn to Kyle Boller, which would seriously hamper any championship aspirations the Ravens might have.
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 17th (317.0)
Rushing Offense - 25th (102.3)
Passing Offense - 11th (214.7)
Overall Defense - 1st (264.1)
Rushing Defense - 2nd (75.9)
Passing Defense - 6th (188.2)
Prediction - The Ravens are still a very talented team, especially on defense, but age is setting in at some key areas. Marquee players like Ray Lewis, McNair, Trevor Price, Samari Rolle, and Derrick Mason are all on the wrong side of 30. If some of these guys begin to break down, this team could unravel quickly. Realistically, though, Baltimore should be in the thick of the playoff hunt again this year. It’s tough, however, to repeat in such a competitive division. Just ask the 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers.
Record:9-7 and Third in the AFC North
