Bright Future In Baltimore

Of course they were saying that in places like San Diego and Jacksonville in 2007. Frankly, I believe Ozzie Newsome has proven he can build on past progress for the most part. So I think 2009 should be a cause for excitement.

New Head Coach John Harbaugh has shown he can Coach in this league at the top level. He also is smart enough to hire competent and proven Coordinators to run his offense and defense. Cam Cameron is a top notch offensive mind in this league and did well with a team who has never had an offense to speak of. He got something out of a new batch or personnel. The loss of D Coordinator Rex Ryan may or may not be a factor but time will tell if his replacement Greg Mattison is up to the task. Having the personnel he has should make it easier to hit the ground running. Ed Reed and Ray Lewis will make sure that the defense stays hungry.

Rookie QB Joe Flacco had a very good year for a rookie QB in the NFL. He physically and more importantly, mentally, has all the raw skills to do the job. If he can mix in some steady mid range passing and make quicker and yet wise decisions, he will be an All-Pro QB someday.

He has a great backfield with Willis McGahee, LeRon McClain, and Ray Rice. They provide all the styles of running and receiving from the backfield you need for a elite rushing attack. That makes any QB and offense a threat. Especially with the Ravens defense.

I think the Ravens could address the wide out position. After the aging Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason, I am not sold on any of the others. They need to bring in or develop a big time #1 wide out. They have time to develop a kid if they know what they got and they continue to pound the ball at 150 yards per game.

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The All World defense could use some tweaking in the sack department. Terrell Suggs led the team with 8. They need to get a little more pressure as a unit up front. They were ranked 11 th in the league with 34 sacks. They also need to get some young blood in the mix. Ray Lewis is not going to be around forever. And turnovers are a huge difference maker but can not be manufactured at will forever. NFL history has proven that teams do not go year in and year out leading the league turnovers. The takeaway/giveaway ratio is also a factor. The Ravens lead the league in takeaway but not in ratio. Although they were a +13.

A back up QB may be something to consider. Troy Smith has had his moments and may grow into the job but I would keep my eyes open. I do not want Kyle Boller on the team. The Ravens need to shed some dead wood and put on some freshness and forget the Boller experiment.

All in all given a strong draft this spring, the 2009 Ravens should again battle the Steelers for the AFC North Title.

By Andy Natalie
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer