2008 NFL Preview > Baltimore Ravens Preview
2008 Baltimore Ravens Football Preview
Head Coach: John Harbaugh
2007 Record: 5-11
Key Additions: LB Brendon Ayanbadejo, QB Joe Flacco, LB Tavares Gooden, RB Ray Rice, CB Fabian Washington,
Key Losses: RB Mike Anderson, C Mike Flynn, LT Jonathan Ogden, QB Steve McNair, RB Musa Smith
After 13-3 record and a division title in 2006, the Ravens fell far from their perch atop the AFC North, winning only five games during a season underscored by a pathetic nine game losing streak. As a result, owner Steve Bisciotti fired loquacious head coach Brian Billick and brought in Eagles secondary coach and longtime special teams coordinator John Harbaugh, who will be expected to right Baltimore’s sinking ship. Unfortunately for Baltimore fans, the Ravens may have more leaks than their new captain will be able to plug.
2008 Baltimore Ravens Offense:
With the retirements of Steve McNair and Jonathan Ogden, the Ravens will have to rely on youth to improve an impotent offense. Kyle Boller is the favorite to enter the season as the starting quarterback, but he faces a legitimate challenge from former Heisman trophy winner Troy Smith. First round pick Joe Flacco may see action later in the season, but the rookie from Delaware will probably need extra time to adjust to the speed of the pro game. Todd Heap and Derek Mason are reliable pass catchers, but the Baltimore’s offensive hopes will rest on the sturdy legs of running back Willis McGahee. The team also drafted running back Ray Rice out of Rutgers, who should help ease McGahee’s load. The offensive line must cope with the loss of Ogden, who will be replaced by young tackle Jared Gaither, a mountainous presence at 6 foot 9 and 350 lbs.
> Find a great selection of Baltimore Ravens hats & merchandise online through Pro Football Fans!
2008 Baltimore Ravens Defense:
While the unit offered a weak performance last season, the defense still boasts an array of big name talent. Defensive end Trevor Pryce notched 13 sacks last year in his first season with the Ravens. Haloti Ngata and Kelly Gregg will be relied upon to stuff the run. The linebacking corps is among the best in the league, and is led by legendary middle linebacker Ray Lewis, who at age 33 is still considered by many to be the heart and soul of the ball club. Former Pro Bowler Bart Scott will team up with Lewis again to form a fearsome tandem in the middle of the field. Standout rush linebacker Terrell Suggs will be aiming to rebound from a below average season in which he tallied only 5 sacks. The secondary remains strong and is headlined by Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed, perhaps the league’s finest at the safety position. Number two corner Samari Rolle performed poorly last season and will need to hold off former Raider’s first rounder Fabian Washington during training camp in order to maintain his starting role.
2008 Baltimore Ravens Special Teams:
Dependable veteran kicker Matt Stover will return along with punter Sam Koch, whose skills will be utilized often. Gifted second year return specialist Yamon Figurs, who had two returns for touchdowns last season, will field both punts and kicks again in 2008.
2008 Baltimore Ravens Expectations:
Baltimore suffered from a variety of injuries last year, so it’s not unreasonable for the team to undergo a significant improvement. Nonetheless, the defense is getting older and despite their talent level, the Ravens will find it difficult to overcome their lackluster offense and may not win more than 6 or 7 games. The onus will be on the offensive line to open up holes in the running game for McGahee. Moreover, whether it is Boller or Smith, the quarterback will need to avoid turnovers and demonstrate enough ability to prevent opposing defenses from stacking the box against the run.
2008 Baltimore Ravens Prediction: 4th place in the AFC North
By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer
View all of the 2008 NFL football previews online here at Pro Football Fans!