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djtestudo · 07-22-2004, 01:43 PM

Baltimore Ravens

2003 Record: 10-6

2004 Projected Record: 12-4

Defense:

The defense is, as it has been, the strength of the team. Starting up front with a solid front in the 3-4. Anchored by Kelly Gregg, with a successful rotation of tackle/ends Tony Weaver, Marquis Douglas, Jarrett Johnson, Maa'ke Keamatu, and Aubreyo Franklin, they showed solid ability increasing throughout last year, and that should continue.

The linebacker corps is as strong as ever. Defensive Rookie of the Year Terrell Suggs was great in his pass-rush role last season, and is likely going to be the starter at OLB if he can improve his coverage ability. Along with Peter Boulware, the underrated Ed Hartwell, and the football god known as Ray Lewis, they would likely be the best LB corps in the league. Plus, they have solid depth in Cornell Green and the versitile Adalious Thomas.

The secondary rivals the best in football. Chris McAlister is considered by experts to be one of the top three or four corners in football. On the other side is Gary Baxter, who had a breakout year last year. Playing strong saftey is Ed Reed, who is among the best at his position. The question is at free safety, where Will Demps has shown flashes of talent, and is expected to have a year like Gary Baxter last year.

Offense:

This year's offense could be the best of any team the Ravens have had. Jamal Lewis is looking at court troubles which could be the hinge on how the entire season turns, but all indications are that he will play the season. If not, Musa Smith is a very similar player to Jamal, and Chester Taylor is a solid third-down option.

The passing attack is looking solid. Kyle Boller showed steady improvement from his first game until his injury last year, and has something to prove this year. The Ravens traded for the ideal possesion receiver in Kevin Johnson, allowing Travis Taylor to move to a more natural speed receiver role. Also drafted was Devard Darling, who in most years would have been a first-round talent.

The offensive line is as solid as ever. Last year there were question marks at center, and right guard and tackle. Now, only right guard can be considered a question mark. Mike Flynn and Orlando Brown sure up center and right tackle, while Benny Anderson is still servicable at guard. The left side is All-World with Jon Ogdan and Edwin Mullitallo. They were a large part of the reason for Jamal's 2,000 yard season last year, and will attempt to repeat it.

Overall:

I think that the Ravens are looking at a possible Super Bowl season. If Boller continues his improvement, the receivers play like they should, Jamal's legal troubles stay in the background, and the defense plays like they have over the past few years, they will be.

(Edited to add the part on the O-line)

07-22-2004, 01:43 PM	#10 (permalink)
djtestudo Baltimoron Location: Beeeeeautiful Bel Air, MD	Baltimore Ravens 2003 Record: 10-6 2004 Projected Record: 12-4 Defense: The defense is, as it has been, the strength of the team. Starting up front with a solid front in the 3-4. Anchored by Kelly Gregg, with a successful rotation of tackle/ends Tony Weaver, Marquis Douglas, Jarrett Johnson, Maa'ke Keamatu, and Aubreyo Franklin, they showed solid ability increasing throughout last year, and that should continue. The linebacker corps is as strong as ever. Defensive Rookie of the Year Terrell Suggs was great in his pass-rush role last season, and is likely going to be the starter at OLB if he can improve his coverage ability. Along with Peter Boulware, the underrated Ed Hartwell, and the football god known as Ray Lewis, they would likely be the best LB corps in the league. Plus, they have solid depth in Cornell Green and the versitile Adalious Thomas. The secondary rivals the best in football. Chris McAlister is considered by experts to be one of the top three or four corners in football. On the other side is Gary Baxter, who had a breakout year last year. Playing strong saftey is Ed Reed, who is among the best at his position. The question is at free safety, where Will Demps has shown flashes of talent, and is expected to have a year like Gary Baxter last year. Offense: This year's offense could be the best of any team the Ravens have had. Jamal Lewis is looking at court troubles which could be the hinge on how the entire season turns, but all indications are that he will play the season. If not, Musa Smith is a very similar player to Jamal, and Chester Taylor is a solid third-down option. The passing attack is looking solid. Kyle Boller showed steady improvement from his first game until his injury last year, and has something to prove this year. The Ravens traded for the ideal possesion receiver in Kevin Johnson, allowing Travis Taylor to move to a more natural speed receiver role. Also drafted was Devard Darling, who in most years would have been a first-round talent. The offensive line is as solid as ever. Last year there were question marks at center, and right guard and tackle. Now, only right guard can be considered a question mark. Mike Flynn and Orlando Brown sure up center and right tackle, while Benny Anderson is still servicable at guard. The left side is All-World with Jon Ogdan and Edwin Mullitallo. They were a large part of the reason for Jamal's 2,000 yard season last year, and will attempt to repeat it. Overall: I think that the Ravens are looking at a possible Super Bowl season. If Boller continues his improvement, the receivers play like they should, Jamal's legal troubles stay in the background, and the defense plays like they have over the past few years, they will be. (Edited to add the part on the O-line) __________________ "Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen." --Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun Last edited by djtestudo; 07-22-2004 at 07:02 PM..