Baltimore Ravens 2005 season preview

Updated: September 2, 2005, 11:23 AM ET

Email Print Share

ESPN.com

Ravens Home | Schedule | Roster | Photos | Search: Baltimore Ravens

THE BOTTOM LINE

By Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com

Five years ago, the Ravens employed a simple formula in capturing a Super Bowl title: Play great, suffocating defense, one that batters opponents into submission. Run the ball between the tackles. Only throw when necessary.

Ravens officials would prefer to think, given their insistence that third-year quarterback Kyle Boller is poised to make a quantum leap forward in terms of both his maturity and his performance, that they don't have to adopt a back-to-the-future approach in 2005 to vie for another championship. But they might want to consider it, especially since all of the pieces seem to be in place, and since Boller has offered no definitive evidence in camp or the preseason that he is a changed man.

If tailback Jamal Lewis has recovered from ankle surgery, and the rust that accumulated during his offseason incarceration, the running game will be strong. The receiving corps, which has been upgraded, is capable of making just enough plays. And the defense, with coordinator Rex Ryan going back to a 4-3 front and featuring some of the "46" scheme, might be dominating. Ray Lewis' teammates and coaches insist that getting back to the 4-3, where he is a pure middle linebacker and doesn't have to take on blockers, will permit him to wreak further havoc. That's a frightening prospect for opponents.

ESPN's TAKE

By Merril Hoge, ESPN.com

The Big Question?
This team's success is all about quarterback Kyle Boller, who threw only 13 touchdown passes last season despite starting all 16 games. He's the big question mark for the Ravens because they are set defensively and have a great running game. They need him to be enough of a threat throwing downfield that opposing defenses can't stack the line with nine guys.

FANTASY TAKE

By Scott Engel, ESPN.com

Sleeper: WR Mark Clayton: You might have heard a lot by now about how Clayton is the most polished, professional rookie receiver. Clayton could develop a good on-field relationship with Kyle Boller quickly. When defenses clamp down on Todd Heap and Derrick Mason, Clayton will get open and make important catches for Boller.

Bust: WR Derrick Mason: While Clayton fits in well as a rookie, Mason could struggle in his first year away from Tennessee, especially if TE Heap doesn't stay healthy. Even with Heap on the field, Mason is going to draw extra defensive attention, and his numbers are sure to drop as he plays with a less efficient QB.

From ESPN The MAGAZINE

The Big Number

24 The Ravens tied the Redskins last season for the second fewest touchdowns on offense: 11 rushing, 13 passing. Their D and special teams total? Nine.

STRENGTH --> THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

Sure, the defensive front might have a hiccup or two moving from a 3-4 to a 4-3. So what? Just try finding a weakness in the 'backers and D-backs behind them. Lewis (left) will have more protection in the 4-3, and he's perfectly complemented by the stout Thomas and the speedy Polley. Man coverage gets even better with Rolle now opposite McAlister, and Demps' reliability fits nicely with Reed's spectacular ball-hawking.

WEAKNESS --> BOLLER'S BODYGUARDS

Quarterback is an issue, but it's protection that might sabotage the season. The offense has one of the NFL's most physical lines -- averaging 336 pounds a starter -- so few units are better at road-grading. But aside from Ogden (left), there's not one above-average pass-blocker. The line struggles when the team's forced to throw. Not good when you have a young QB trying to find a rhythm.

PROSPECTS

Boller comes from a long line of firefighters, so maybe that's why he has yet to light it up as an NFL passer. After their starter registered a lowly 70.8 QB rating and completed just 28 passes of 20 yards or more in 2004, the Ravens would settle for a little smoke. To avoid last season's predictability, Baltimore added two wideouts: Free agent Mason (96 catches) and top pick Mark Clayton. The offense has some wiggle room; the new 4-3 scheme should allow the defense to wreak even more havoc by blitzing at any time. (Just ask preseason victim No. 1, Mike Vick.)

"This could be the best football team I've had since I've been here," says Brian Billick, who won the Super Bowl in 2000. It's definitely good enough to win the AFC North -- maybe more, if Boller starts throwing TDs instead of wet blankets.

Team Preview Centers