After the fiasco was finally cleared up, the Ravens managed to land on their feet and land a veteran player, although not of Owens’ caliber, to patch the problem. Former New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel was hired to help in the development of a passing game that will potentially remove the one-dimensional aspect they possessed last season. And with off-field issues that threaten to disrupt a powerful running game, it would certainly be in their best interest to have some early-season success in that department.
Quarterback
Starting quarterback Kyle Boller battled injury and struggled as a rookie last season, but team officials believe the addition of Fassel will help the youngster adjust quicker to the NFL. He has good size and excellent physical tools, along with the potential to be a top-level QB in this league. But he must keep improving his reads and learn to dump the ball off better against the blitz. A strong running game will help keep some of that pressure off the second-year starter, but the lack of a true No. 1 receiver could hamper his development.
Anthony Wright did a nice job filling in for the injured Boller, but he will not be fully recovered from a shoulder injury until October, so it is likely his job will be taken by veteran Kordell Stewart, who was signed during the off-season. Sixth round draft pick Josh Harris will be given the chance to win the No. 3 role as a developmental prospect, which could make Wright the odd man out.
Running Backs
The legal problems of running back Jamal Lewis, who rushed for 2,066 yards last season, are potentially devastating to this team. However, if he is found not guilty of the drug charges against him, as he has maintained all along, they should continue to have one of the top rushing attacks in the NFL. Lewis has deceptive speed, and his strength to run over defenders makes him one of the best between-the-tackle runners in the league.
Chester Taylor is a nice change of pace as a third-down back, but he would likely struggle if forced into a larger role. He is a shifty back with good receiving skills, but he lacks the bulk to consistently run between the tackles. Second-year player Musa Smith, who saw little action as a rookie, should get in the game more this year, and would probably fill in for Lewis if he were to miss significant time. Alan Ricard, who opened a lot of holes for Lewis last year, has developed into one of the better blocking fullbacks in the league.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Concerns at wide receiver were compounded by the failure to land Owens because Marcus Robinson was allowed to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. The Ravens traded for veteran Kevin Johnson to fill his spot, but they still lack a true No. 1 receiver. Johnson is a strong receiver with good hands and speed. He also runs very solid routes and would probably produce very well in a No. 2 role. Travis Taylor will start opposite Johnson, and while he possesses nice size, he doesn’t have the speed to be a consistent deep threat and is more of a possession receiver.
The Ravens are hoping rookie third-round pick Devard Darling can provide a deep threat in the No. 3 role, and he has the potential to be a very good NFL receiver. If he proves to not be ready to fill that spot, however, Baltimore will probably look to possession receivers Randy Hymes or Ron Johnson as a temporary fix. Todd Heap, one of the best receiving tight ends in the league, helps ease the lack of talent at the receiver position. He has the speed to stretch the middle of the field and is great at finding holes in zone coverage. He does lack elite blocking skills though.
Offensive Line
Baltimore’s offensive line is anchored by one of the best left tackles in the game in Jonathan Ogden, who is dominant in both the running and passing games. He has a fantastic initial punch and he simply engulfs players once he gets his hands on them. On the opposite end is the massive Orlando Brown, who is nearing the end of his career. He can still push the pile as a run blocker and generally does a decent job of keeping defensive ends out of Boller’s face.
