TEAM PREVIEW: Baltimore Ravens

9-7 in 2009

For the past few years the Baltimore Ravens have been defined by their defense, and in 2010 look for the offense to shoulder the workload. Don't get me wrong the Ravens still have a very good defense, especially the front 7, but the offense has caught up, and even surpassed the defense in talent this year.

Joe Flacco looks primed for a breakout season and has been granted all of the weapons to do just that. Ray Rice has established himself as a top-tier RB, with capable backups in McGahee and McClain. The knock on the Ravens offense had always been their WR corps but the addition of Anquain Boldin should put that to rest. He was a beast with Arizona, although his production may fall a bit he is still a true number 1 WR. Derrick Mason is coming back for his 800th season, one behind Brett Favre, and somehow still has some gas left in the tank. The Ravens also have a stout offensive line, with 2 monsters in Oher and Gaither. Look for a 50-50 balance on offense, with this the Ravens should put up a great deal of points on the opposition.

While the defense is aging, they are still a solid unit. Ed Reed needs to get on the field, as he is one of the biggest game-changers in the league at his position. The CB position will pose the most question marks. It is a young group with some injuries to deal with. The CBs do not have to be great but in a passing league they need to hold their own. The Ravens LBs are always very good even with Ray Lewis getting up there in years. Terrell Suggs is a manimal on the outside and the addition of Sergio Kindle should pay dividends immediately. Across the board the D-Line is good and will free up a lot of space for the LBs to fly around and make plays. While the defense is not what they used to be, it is still a strong unit and should be tough to run on.

The Ravens are a team who have taken some great strides in recent years, getting younger and much more talented on offense are the reason. If Flacco can take a big leap forward and utilize his weapons the Ravens could make a deep playoff run and build on last years beating of the Patriots. It should be a tight division but I think they edge out Cincinnati by one game or so.

-Prediction: 10-11 wins in 2010