10-6

[Steady Ballin']

Yo, I don't think we will repeat our stunning record from last year, due to a harder schedule and injuries, etc, etc. But, I do see us hittin' the 10 and 6 mark and winnin' the division.

Which is all right with me... playoffs, and another banner in stadium!

Randy and the Pats ain't got nothin' on us.

BRING IT ON!

[Guest Birdfan]

What six games do you think we're going to lose?

Me, I'll think we're going 16-0 until proven otherwise.

[shutdownculdeSACK]

Birdfan, I love the team just as much as anyone, but you can't REALLY believe that. With the Chargers, Patriots, & Colts on three consecutive weekends, 16-0 is asking too much.

HOWEVER, does anyone think we can start the season 7-0? It's a fairly winnable first 7 games if we get past the season opener with Cincy. Then we have the Jets & Cards at home (should win both), then at the Browns (a win) and at 49ers (probably still a year away, but will be a good game). Then we come home for the Rams (not very good) & at Buffalo (terrible). What do you think?

[Khaine]

I think we should come out of the gates very, very strong. We do have that rough patch at the last 1/3 of the season.

I know the Stealers will be tough on their 75 ann game when they are wearing those terrible uniforms - The Chargers will br rough in SD, as usual Indy and NE will be rough but those games are all do-able.

Unfortunately we will more than likely lose a few (not that I would complaining if we didn't ) but I expect to take the AFCN again and hopefully get deep into the playoffs and hopefully the Big Game. We definitely have the talent on the team, I'm pretty sure the chemistry is there - and it is possible.

[theFRANCHISE]

I'd like to add on another win or two and finish 11-5 or 12-4 this season. I don't expect us to match 13-3, but we still have the talent and chemistry to win almost as many games. Maybe in even more convincing fashion than before (if that was even possible with the first two blow-outs against Tampa Bay and Oakland).

[Guest Birdfan]

I know we probably won't go 16-0, I just couldn't figure why the thread starter thought we would lose 6 games after only losing 3 last year. If anything, we've improved over the off-season and added some much needed depth to cover any injuries.

Yeah, NE, SD, and Indy will be tough, but Indy has regressed this off-season and we haven't. It's time for us to beat them.

[Mista T]

If anything, we've improved over the off-season and added some much needed depth to cover any injuries.

Yeah, NE, SD, and Indy will be tough, but Indy has regressed this off-season and we haven't.

Improved? How?

13-3 with the league's #1 Defense. After losing Adalius Thomas, our Defense has regressed. 40% of our starting OL is gone. We have a lot of elder statesmen on Offense and Defense who could soon be getting to the point of rapid decline. And this may be the first ever Ravens draft to produce no starting rookies.

That's not to say doom & gloom -- we should still be a top 5 to 10 defense, our RB should be able to catch the ball, and we have solid receivers. 1 to 3 losses to NE, SD, and Irsay's team, split with Pitt and Cincy, and a sleeper loss could get 11-5 to 10-6.

[berad]

Improved? How?

13-3 with the league's #1 Defense. After losing Adalius Thomas, our Defense has regressed. 40% of our starting OL is gone. We have a lot of elder statesmen on Offense and Defense who could soon be getting to the point of rapid decline. And this may be the first ever Ravens draft to produce no starting rookies.

That's not to say doom & gloom -- we should still be a top 5 to 10 defense, our RB should be able to catch the ball, and we have solid receivers. 1 to 3 losses to NE, SD, and Irsay's team, split with Pitt and Cincy, and a sleeper loss could get 11-5 to 10-6.

Not really

Only 20%

Jason Brown started 3/4 of the games for us anyways.

Also, Grubbs should challenge Vincent for RG, and IMO will get it.

[CARavensFan]

Improved? How?

13-3 with the league's #1 Defense. After losing Adalius Thomas, our Defense has regressed. 40% of our starting OL is gone. We have a lot of elder statesmen on Offense and Defense who could soon be getting to the point of rapid decline. And this may be the first ever Ravens draft to produce no starting rookies.

That's not to say doom & gloom -- we should still be a top 5 to 10 defense, our RB should be able to catch the ball, and we have solid receivers. 1 to 3 losses to NE, SD, and Irsay's team, split with Pitt and Cincy, and a sleeper loss could get 11-5 to 10-6.

Yeah we lost AD to NE, but Johnson should be able to fill in at his place (maybe not with the same versitility as AD, but add in Antwan Barnes for a special pass rushing effect and we should be ok) and Scott is also taking over some of AD's roles on defense. So I don't think I'd go with the idea that our defense has regressed, it takes more than one player to make a defense worse and we're returning 10 of our 11 starters so I don't think that we've regressed much if anything I think we have moved forward with our new depth.

As for the missing parts of our OL we either have solid back-ups already on-campus or we picked up draftees who can fill in, Chester, Brown and Terry have all had playing time while filling in for injured starters so it won't be like the OL has to completely relearn how to operate adn with Yanda and Grubbs I think they can chanllenge exisiting players for starting jobs, especially Grubbs.

I won't try to make any ppredictions for how our defense will perform until we get closer to the season opener and the final roster, but I don't think its a reach to think we could still be the number 1 offense again unless injuries plague us like they have in past seasons.

Sorry for rambling just had to organize my thoughts.

[Guest Birdfan]

I think our O-line will be more athletic this year, certainly younger. I think our running game will be improved. I think our passing game will also be improved as D-Will sees more playing time.

I don't think our D took that much of a hit. Although I would have LOVED to keep AD, his loss will not hurt the D as much as some people think. Rex will find a way to keep offenses guessing.

[FellsPointRaven]

Improved? How?

13-3 with the league's #1 Defense. After losing Adalius Thomas, our Defense has regressed. 40% of our starting OL is gone. We have a lot of elder statesmen on Offense and Defense who could soon be getting to the point of rapid decline. And this may be the first ever Ravens draft to produce no starting rookies.

That's not to say doom & gloom -- we should still be a top 5 to 10 defense, our RB should be able to catch the ball, and we have solid receivers. 1 to 3 losses to NE, SD, and Irsay's team, split with Pitt and Cincy, and a sleeper loss could get 11-5 to 10-6.

What was your prediction last year? 8-8 at best, I believe. If you're predicting 11-5 already I think the '72 Dolphins had better watch out!

Seriously, as was said above we've lost 20% of our O-line and while Pashos was serviceable, I don't think we'll drop off much if at all at RT. RG should be an upgrade with Grubbs and the left side looks solid with J.O. back and Chester hopefully getting the nod at center.

With McGahee's addition I can see us posing a serious running threat (with a more diversified running game) for the first time in three years and after a year in the system where he didn't get beaten up that badly, McNair and the passing game should be somewhat better.

Defensively, we'll miss AD but with the depth of talent at almost every position, I expect us to be top 5. My primary concern is whether Rolle can bounce back from a poor season and provide decent cover as #2 CB. I think, like last season, our achilles heal could be pass defense.

But all that said, I see us being extremely competitive this year and on paper, no worse talent wise than last year's squad. Yes, the schedule is tougher and injuries happen, which is why I don't make record predictions, but we are position to challenge for all the marbles again this season.

[theFRANCHISE]

If Billick can continue the steady, balanced, effective play-calling that he demonstrated in the latter half of last season, then our offense should be fine. As for our defense, as long as the injury bug doesn't bite our starters, the cohesiveness of the unit and Rex Ryan's unique schemes should call for an encore of "Organized Chaos."

[BmoreBlitz]

It's going to come down to how our run game pans out this year. If McGahee can come in and get us atleast 1200 this year along with our D staying healthy we will be in position to win most of our games this year. The key is going to be how we start out the first half of the season because the second half is brutal especailly the middle of our schedule. If we can start out 6-1 or 5-2 I can see 11-5.

[Reed_4_President]

14-2

[Jesse Conroy]

What six games do you think we're going to lose?

Me, I'll think we're going 16-0 until proven otherwise.

I feel the same way man. Thats how I felt last year, till they lost one, then I figured they would go 15-1. (and so on)

We always have to hope for the best!

[Guest Crowdog89]

I said 8-8 last year, and that worked out very well. So, I will predict the same this year.

That way once they win 8 games, my expectations are met and I am not disappointed.

[ChampRavens]

I would say about 11-5.

I think our schedule is much harder this year, and we got a lot of bounces last year.

[Raven07]

ima have to say 12-4, we make the playoffs, Win the Division and the AFC championship on our way to the SuperBowl, we do face a harder schedule, yes, BUT its not like those teams arent unbeatable, they're human just like everyone else, if you remember the last loss the Colts had last year was to none other than.....the Houston Texans.... plus the fact that those teams have lost players during Free agency, plus we've added/addressed most of our needs in the Draft, in which shows ALOT of Potential and talent for us, we'll do just fine....just sit back, relax and watch it all unfold

[Guest ravensteve9]

I believe at least a 13-3 or better. The young players we have that did so well last year will be back and better. Spider man, Clayton, Landry, Scott and Suggs are still coming into their own good as they were last year. Ray is healthier than ever. I think our D and O will be even better than last year. Plus we get BJ back to help on the kick/punt returns. A healthy Mcnair and an overhauled running game is gonna give other defenses fits. Our schedule works to our advantage as well. By the time we get to the last 1/4 of the regular season, we will have had many games to gel with McGahee and younger O line. This year is going to be exciting!

We keep hearing every year from the "haters" that our offensive line and defense is gettin old and on the slide. Im still waiting. I guess if someone keeps saying that eventually they will be right!

[Jesse Conroy]

EDIT- I have changed my mind for this season and it always happens.

I see another 13-3 or better year for the Ravens, with a super bowl win!

[Tiz]

My serious prediction would have to be 11-5, much harder schedule.

But for some reason I feel that Steve McNair is going to suffer an injury, and put Troy up to the plate. I am just wondering if he is going to be able to step it up and get the job done.

But being the Ravens fan that I am I always hope for 16-0.

You have such low expectations. I will not settle for anything less than 23-1..i'll allow us to lose the pro bowl because we will have to share time with players from inferior teams...

[Jesse Conroy]

well I don't much care for the preseason (it doesn't count), and I should have counted the playoffs.

But the one thing you cant count is Pro Bowl, the Pro Bowl doesn't have a certain NFL team on either side, so you cant give them a loss for some thing they haven't lost.

So with this said, lets hope for 19-0

[raysqueen]

i won't predict records, but i will say this, after the loss to the colts THE RAVENS ARE OUT FOR BLOOD, AND WE WILL DRINK THE BLOOD LIKE VAMPIERS AND WIN THE SUPERBOWL! how's that for a prediction?

[Tiz]

well I don't much care for the preseason (it doesn't count), and I should have counted the playoffs.

But the one thing you cant count is Pro Bowl, the Pro Bowl doesn't have a certain NFL team on either side, so you cant give them a loss for some thing they haven't lost.

So with this said, lets hope for 19-0

TO show that I'm an open minded fan I'm willing to accept your counter point and I will now change my mind and reset my expectations to coincide with yours...

[Tiz]

i won't predict records, but i will say this, after the loss to the colts THE RAVENS ARE OUT FOR BLOOD, AND WE WILL DRINK THE BLOOD LIKE VAMPIERS AND WIN THE SUPERBOWL! how's that for a prediction?

Have you been rereading the Ray Lewis article?

[Jesse Conroy]

I am just worried about are line up to the Colts. I mean we have Chargers, Patriots, and then Colts.

We are going to be quite tired after facing those 2 competitors.

[Raven07]

hey we Beat The Chargers last year remember? and we were 1 Steve McNair Touchdown away from possibly hoisting the Lombardi Trophy again here in Baltimore.....so i see the Chargers and Colts as nothing to worry about, Plus the This is not going to be the same Colts team that won the SB last year, they lost some players......and the the Chargers? we beat them last year, our Defense held L.T. to under 100 yards (correct me if im wrong), our Defense Completely Dominated The Chargers....hands down, the only threat would yes be the patriots, with the addition of a few new faces on that team and all, But listen up! they are not Invincible....They can be beat, and they Will be beat, it can and will happen, i highly doubt that the patriots will go with a Perfect season, all this talk about how Good the patriots are.....and the addition of A.D. to their defense nothing but talk and hype, A.D. wouldnt have been half the player that he was when he was here in Baltimore, We Still have Rex Ryan for a while, that means a part of A.D. is still here in B-More, if it wasnt for Rex, A.D. probably wouldnt of gotten all the credit that he is now...it's Rex that told A.D. to do this or do that, it was Rex that Created those Defensive schemes to shut down the run exc...... with all this said i see now reason why raven Fans Have to Worry, Any Team can and Will be beaten......just sit back and Watch

Ravens Represent!!!!!

[Tiz]

hey we Beat The Chargers last year remember? and we were 1 Steve McNair Touchdown away from possibly hoisting the Lombardi Trophy again here in Baltimore.....so i see the Chargers and Colts as nothing to worry about, Plus the This is not going to be the same Colts team that won the SB last year, they lost some players......and the the Chargers? we beat them last year, our Defense held L.T. to under 100 yards (correct me if im wrong), our Defense Completely Dominated The Chargers....hands down, the only threat would yes be the patriots, with the addition of a few new faces on that team and all, But listen up! they are not Invincible....They can be beat, and they Will be beat, it can and will happen, i highly doubt that the patriots will go with a Perfect season, all this talk about how Good the patriots are.....and the addition of A.D. to their defense nothing but talk and hype, A.D. wouldnt have been half the player that he was when he was here in Baltimore, We Still have Rex Ryan for a while, that means a part of A.D. is still here in B-More, if it wasnt for Rex, A.D. probably wouldnt of gotten all the credit that he is now...it's Rex that told A.D. to do this or do that, it was Rex that Created those Defensive schemes to shut down the run exc...... with all this said i see now reason why raven Fans Have to Worry, Any Team can and Will be beaten......just sit back and Watch

Ravens Represent!!!!!

Yes we beat the chargers but it was a Chargers offense that was playing conservative and had a 1st year starter playing. In all fairness if you are willing too look at the Colts game in the manner you did why are you unwilling to view the Chargers game in a similar manner. LT got some yardage against us and the Chargers play calling in this game was vastly different and much more conservative than what they called later in the year.

It's also going to be a differently coached team than what we saw last year, good or bad, so it should go without saying. Just because we beat a team last year doesn't mean it's going to happen again or that it's going to be easy to beat them this year.

[Raven07]

we still beat the Chargers though none the less, and yes L.T. did get yardage BUT i said he was Held to Under 100 yards i didnt say that he didnt get any yardage LOL, the fact is that we still won the game, therefore it is Possible to win against whoever we are playing, you'll see, and the coaching style yes, will be different from last year, But so will ours, some teams (like the cahrgers have a 1st year head coach, coaching them) so you have to take that into consideration, this is a Winning Organization, The Ravens know how to win games, Since Billick took over as the head coach for the Ravens back in 1998, we've only had 1 Losing season (6-10) plus we went from having a losing record to (again) having a Winning record (13-3) and the divisional Title, so we can only get better from this point on, plus when he Colts game rolls around i would expect we (the Ravens) will be out for revenge and to dominate that game, so that right there is an added motivational key for us, Ray wont just let ANY game go to the other team (he hates losing, as we all do) so Look for Ray to be another key in our Success on and off the field with his motivational speeches and things!!!!! whooooo!

Go Ravens!!!!!!!

[Tiz]

we still beat the Chargers though none the less, and yes L.T. did get yardage BUT i said he was Held to Under 100 yards i didnt say that he didnt get any yardage LOL, the fact is that we still won the game, therefore it is Possible to win against whoever we are playing,

Well this goes with out saying, there hasn't been an 0-16 much like there hasn't been a 16-0 team so yes, it's possible for everyone to beat anyone.....

So thanks for the insight... I just thought our team was good enough that we don't have to drink I just used the EMB's #1 Cliche and ignore other teams like fans of lesser teams do...