How Good Is Our Defense? Really?

[FlaccoFlicker]

Ok something i have been thinking about as i was away is how good is our defense? we have great players and all that and have that long outstanding consecutive games without 100 yd rushing against us,and we were in 14 of our 16 games last year...
looking at our schedule how many division games do we win?
vs. nfc north? afc west?
and then the dreaded colts who we haven't benn able to beat
the patriots whom we shouolda beaten last time we played.
what concerns me is the fact that the giants ran over us and be honest we couldn't stop the rushing of the titans until spasm boy went down.
now i still fell we can go 12-4 at least but i was just wondering your opinions.

[lowrider]

[quote name='FlaccoFlicker' date='15 July 2009 - 12:16 PM' timestamp='1247674564' post='207271']
Ok something i have been thinking about as i was away is how good is our defense? we have great players and all that and have that long outstanding consecutive games without 100 yd rushing against us,and we were in 14 of our 16 games last year...
looking at our schedule how many division games do we win?
vs. nfc north? afc west?
and then the dreaded colts who we haven't benn able to beat
the patriots whom we shouolda beaten last time we played.
what concerns me is the fact that the giants ran over us and be honest we couldn't stop the rushing of the titans until spasm boy went down.
now i still fell we can go 12-4 at least but i was just wondering your opinions.
[/quote]
Imo the fact we have held running backs to below 100 yds shouldn't still count because against the Giants, Jacobs got like 90 yards and ward got 96. So I donno about that. But I think our defense is going to be better this year. Cornerback is a lot better and a lot deeper and that will help us against high powered offenses like the colts. (and apparently Washington and Foxworth are getting better at tackling). And i think our offensive line and Flacco will improve. Now if we get Marvin Harrison I feel we will be right back where we were when we had Mason which is what we want. I like our chances this year

[darklight1216]

Our defense has never been good; it's always been our weakest area. I don't know what well do now that we're missig one starter.... oh wait, this isn't the Bengals forum.

Our front seven is solid. We'll have Kelly Gregg back and McClain will pick up where Bart Scott left off; and the secondary is probably going to be upgraded next year. Couple that with some easy pickings in our schedule and it should be good times in Baltimore. Now if our offense can continue to take some of the pressure off the defense it will really be scary for opposing teams.

[BMore27]

[quote name='lowrider' date='15 July 2009 - 11:33 AM' timestamp='1247675622' post='207292']
Imo the fact we have held running backs to below 100 yds shouldn't still count because against the Giants, Jacobs got like 90 yards and ward got 96. So I donno about that. But I think our defense is going to be better this year. Cornerback is a lot better and a lot deeper and that will help us against high powered offenses like the colts. (and apparently Washington and Foxworth are getting better at tackling). And i think our offensive line and Flacco will improve. Now if we get Marvin Harrison I feel we will be right back where we were when we had Mason which is what we want. I like our chances this year
[/quote]

+1

I think our secondary this year will impress most cynics out there.

[WinnipegRaven]

If the question is "How good is our defense" id have to say top 3 in the league, really.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

[quote name='BMore27' date='16 July 2009 - 05:46 AM' timestamp='1247676399' post='207312']
+1

I think our secondary this year will impress most cynics out there.
[/quote]
I agree - Fabian has been working very hard down at IMG. I hope he has a great season! He's one of my fave players.

The return of Dawan Landry cannot be understated either, he's a very good SS.

[Michael]

Honestly, I think our defense is going to be overlooked, and also be criticized for the first few games. They make it as if the defense got A LOT weaker with losing some guys to the Jets. But, in my opinion we will be slightly better in some category's as I feel our secondary will be a lot stronger this season. We all know that the media loves to jump on us, so don't be shocked if all you hear is criticism, lawd knows that if our defense has one bad game, the media will be debating on what we should do to improve.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

The media is fickle, annoying and down-right stupid. I merely relish when we do well even more after the media has trashed our team and chances.

[berad]

Don't discount the return of Dawan Landry and Kelly Gregg. Gregg is an elite DT when on his game and our DL rotation should be much stronger if everyone can stay healthy.

And, Bart Scott was not as big of a loss as most people think he was. I was actually glad to see him go in a way. He blew so many tackles, showed lackluster pass-rush skills, and improper technique that he was a big disappointment. Watch the Divisional [url="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=54459&displayPage=tab_gamecenter&season=2008&week=POST19"]highlights[/url] versus the Titans. Every Chris Johnson highlight and nearly every Titans highlight, Scott is making mistakes, blowing tackles (0:24, 6:00), taking wrong angles (0:52), being blocked out of the point-of-attack (1:47), and missing coverages (2:30). That's just one game, and one [i]highlight[/i] reel, I watched it week-in and week-out and cringed every time Scott ended up on the ground without the ball carrier.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

[quote name='berad' date='16 July 2009 - 06:10 AM' timestamp='1247677846' post='207348']
Don't discount the return of Dawan Landry and Kelly Gregg. Gregg is an elite DT when on his game and our DL rotation should be much stronger if everyone can stay healthy.

And, Bart Scott was not as big of a loss as most people think he was. I was actually glad to see him go in a way. He blew so many tackles, showed lackluster pass-rush skills, and improper technique that he was a big disappointment. Watch the Divisional [url="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=54459&displayPage=tab_gamecenter&season=2008&week=POST19"]highlights[/url] versus the Titans. Every Chris Johnson highlight and nearly every Titans highlight, Scott is making mistakes, blowing tackles (0:24, 6:00), taking wrong angles (0:52), being blocked out of the point-of-attack (1:47), and missing coverages (2:30). That's just one game, and one [i]highlight[/i] reel, I watched it week-in and week-out and cringed every time Scott ended up on the ground without the ball carrier.
[/quote]
Yeah, two very good players. I think we'll be a league-leading defense

[BMore27]

The return of Gregg is HUGE! you think we were tough last year stopping the run wait until we have Ngata and gregg taking up 4 Down linemen every play. Our linebackers will be swarming all over the place. Watch this year we will force a ton of fumbles from clean open hits by our LB's Then we have Landry stepping up and destroying people with a 5- 10 yard head of steam. It should be fun to watch.

[berad]

And, for the record, I have never pretended to be a fan of Bart Scott. Good player? Yes, but nowhere near as great as Ray Lewis is now. He broke out in 2005 and 2006 but seemed to regress since then, I hate his arrogance because [i](unlike Ray)[/i] he cannot back up his banter.

[lowrider]

[quote name='berad' date='15 July 2009 - 01:19 PM' timestamp='1247678390' post='207355']
And, for the record, I have never pretended to be a fan of Bart Scott. Good player? Yes, but nowhere near as great as Ray Lewis is now. He broke out in 2005 and 2006 but seemed to regress since then, I hate his arrogance because [i](unlike Ray)[/i] he cannot back up his banter.
[/quote]
Agree completely about Scott. I will not miss him. I felt he gave the Ravens a bad appearance because of how much he talked and didn't back it up

[Reddawn36]

[quote name='lowrider' date='15 July 2009 - 12:33 PM' timestamp='1247675622' post='207292']
Imo the fact we have held running backs to below 100 yds shouldn't still count because against the Giants, Jacobs got like 90 yards and ward got 96. So I donno about that. But I think our defense is going to be better this year. Cornerback is a lot better and a lot deeper and that will help us against high powered offenses like the colts. (and apparently Washington and Foxworth are getting better at tackling). And i think our offensive line and Flacco will improve. Now if we get Marvin Harrison I feel we will be right back where we were when we had Mason which is what we want. I like our chances this year
[/quote]


The count still continues for not allowing a single 100 yd rusher for X amount of games.... yeah they came close.... but they didn't break it

[flynismo]

huh? How good is our defense? Are you referring to last year's second ranked defense, that if anything, will be even better this year after a couple key players returning and some new additions? There's a reason why we are the measuring stick for defensive football.

[Ravensfan23]

I think the Ravens defense will be the same ol reliable dominate defense. I actually think we will improve. Many people see Rex leaving as hurting us, but his scheme hurt us just as much as helping so well see. I think as long as you have players like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Sizzle, Gregg, Ngata, and Koch(yes he is a defesnsive player) most guys can have success with our defense. Remember Rex didn't build this defense like a Dick did with Blitzburgh, he just continued the success.

As for the people that are still here. I think they will be great this year. Like many have said, Landry and Gregg coming back is huge. Gregg is great at the point of attack, McKinney and Banna both played great last year, but Gregg is the man. He will make us so much better, if that is possible.

Landry will bring so much passion and fire to the secondary. I think a lot of those missed tackles from last season will be taking care of with the return of Landry. As good a Leonhart was, he couldn't set the tune for our defense like Landry can. The guy was on his way to being one of the better young Safeties in the league before he went down, if he gets back to that things will be great.

I've heard that Nakamura has been a beast during OTA, consistently around the ball. We lost so much with Corey Ivy on the field last year. If Ivy wasn't blitzing he was a liability. I think u will see a lot of Nakamura in that Dime package biltz role. He will improve that positon imo.

Gooden adds more speed to this defense and that is scary. Many people worry about his size, but trust me, with Ngata, Gregg, Pyrce, Bannan, McKinney, and Edwards, down in front of him he won't be touched much. I think he will bring more pressure up the middle then what Scott did. He has the chance to be better then Scott on coverage as well.

Suggs will earn his money nuff said. Kruger is a wildcard for me. He could come in and get 6-9 sacks or he could just be a guy that adds some good pressure on the QB, it all depends on how aggressive coach Matty wants to be.

Antwan Barnes has to show and prove this year. 2 seasons ago when he first came here, he was a explosive guy off the edge and many of us thought he would put up some good numbers last year. He was hurt most of the year, but if he gets the chance to take the field he has to take full advantage of it.

Foxy, Wash, and Rolle will allow Walker to be more of a blitz type, TE/RB zone guy. He will keep Webb off the field early but as the season goes on i think he will start to be more of a special teams guy.

JJ and Pryce will be the same solid guys they have been the pass 3 years. Having Kurger will keep Pryce fresh imo, and Barnes,McClain, and maybe even Burgress will provide the constant pressure from the outside when JJ slides down to DE.

All in all i think the Ravens defense got stronger. However the x factor for these guys is the offense. If we can win the turnover battle more often then not, and captalize on the short fields the defense gives, the Ravens will put about 24-28 points a game. That is more then enough for the defense week in and week out.

Remember we are something like 60-1 when protecting a 14 point lead. Also we didn't allow a team to score more then 13 points at home all season last year.

[BMore27]

Sweet sassy molassy Ravensfan23 if I wasnt ready for the season to start I am now!!!

[edreedfromtheu]

If we don't get pressure on the QB relatively fast... our corners are going to get burned. We need to let Reed blitz a little more. He was great at it earlier in his career when they let him do it more. Yes, he's deadly in the backfield... but throw in a surprise blitz every now and then.

I'm not concerned about our defense against the run, especially with Suggs back. But our defense against the pass... I'm a little worried. Luckily we play some pretty bad teams. But the Patriots, Steelers, and Colts... I'm not looking forward to.

[Alexir]

I would say that our 2 biggest weaknesses on Defense are Jarrett Johnson and Trevor Pryce. Pryce is just getting a little older. JJ is no AD, and there is no one on these forums that think that. I think drafting Paul Kruger was definitely a great idea to fill these spots since he will either be a DE or OLB.

[funky141]

Easy top 10

[WinnipegRaven]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='15 July 2009 - 01:37 PM' timestamp='1247686620' post='207435']
If we don't get pressure on the QB relatively fast... our corners are going to get burned.
[/quote]

How do you figure that? Saying our corners cant compete?


Anyway, last season did you guys realize we had the #1 point differential in the entire league (+8.8 pts/game)!
If our Defense is in fact better than last year, and our offense IS getting better, one has to wonder what that number is going to be at the end of this season?!?!?!

[JEEPercreepermd]

[quote name='WinnipegRaven' date='15 July 2009 - 03:44 PM' timestamp='1247687049' post='207440']
How do you figure that? Saying our corners cant compete?


Anyway, last season did you guys realize we had the #1 point differential in the entire league (+8.8 pts/game)!
If our Defense is in fact better than last year, and our offense IS getting better, one has to wonder what that number is going to be at the end of this season?!?!?!
[/quote]
That right there is a very telling statistic.

[tweety]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='15 July 2009 - 03:37 PM' timestamp='1247686620' post='207435']
If we don't get pressure on the QB relatively fast... our corners are going to get burned. We need to let Reed blitz a little more. He was great at it earlier in his career when they let him do it more. Yes, he's deadly in the backfield... but throw in a surprise blitz every now and then.

I'm not concerned about our defense against the run, especially with Suggs back. But our defense against the pass... I'm a little worried. Luckily we play some pretty bad teams. But the Patriots, Steelers, and Colts... I'm not looking forward to.
[/quote]
Reed is a FS so his blitzing should be limited. The fastest Corner duo won't get burned, and Reed in the backfield won't allow that.

Only questions on defense is how Landry will return from injury and how much Gregg will produce after injury and a year of age. That will be answered very well. Raven always answers question correctly.

[lowrider]

[quote name='tweety' date='15 July 2009 - 04:10 PM' timestamp='1247688652' post='207453']
Reed is a FS so his blitzing should be limited. The fastest Corner duo won't get burned, and Reed in the backfield won't allow that.

Only questions on defense is how Landry will return from injury and how much Gregg will produce after injury and a year of age. That will be answered very well. Raven always answers question correctly.
[/quote]
Blitz Landry if we are going to blitz a safety. I would rather have Reed in coverage. Or blitz one of our fast corners like Webb; just getting to the qb and putting pressure on the qb will do a lot even if they don't bring them down.

[WinnipegRaven]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='15 July 2009 - 01:37 PM' timestamp='1247686620' post='207435']

But our defense against the pass... I'm a little worried. Luckily we play some pretty bad teams. But the Patriots, Steelers, and Colts... I'm not looking forward to.
[/quote]

Funny thing is those are probably the 3 matchups I'm looking forward to most! If you can't beat elite teams what gives us the right to call ourselves "elite".
Also lookin forward to week 6! man o man Im gonna do everything I can to go to that game and rep the REAL purple.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

Someone said if we don't get pressure on the QB, our secondary will get burnt - isn't that the case for all teams? Not even an all-pro secondary can cover receivers for long.

[Geno the booter]

[quote name='FlaccoFlicker' date='15 July 2009 - 11:16 AM' timestamp='1247674564' post='207271']
Ok something i have been thinking about as i was away is how good is our defense? we have great players and all that and have that long outstanding consecutive games without 100 yd rushing against us,and we were in 14 of our 16 games last year...
looking at our schedule how many division games do we win?
vs. nfc north? afc west?
and then the dreaded colts who we haven't benn able to beat
the patriots whom we shouolda beaten last time we played.
what concerns me is the fact that the giants ran over us and be honest we couldn't stop the rushing of the titans until spasm boy went down.
now i still fell we can go 12-4 at least but i was just wondering your opinions.
[/quote]

just read this link: http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2009/6/30/930634/the-beatdowns-reasons-why-the . Read the entire page, mostly the comments as this where it is discussed. I would say how good our defense really is, but every single thing you could think of is on their. And about our schedule--

[quote]Week 1 - Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens (1:00, CBS)

The Baltimore Ravens open their season at home against a Kansas City Chiefs team that certainly improved this offseason, adding Matt Cassel, Monty Beisel, Bobby Engram, and Tyson Jackson.

The Ravens also improved this offseason, adding some good players like Domonique Foxworth, Matt Birk, Michael Oher, Paul Kruger, and Lardarius Webb.

The Ravens shouldn't have much of a problem with the Chiefs. Matt Cassel is obviously a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback, as he proved throughout the 2008 season.

However, the Ravens held some good quarterbacks to nothing in 2008, including Tony Romo, Chad Pennington, and Jason Campbell.

The Chiefs will be forced to go to the air early, as the Chiefs don't have a legitimate No. 1 back and the Ravens have an incredible run defense. That shouldn't work for them.

The Ravens added three cornerbacks in the offseason, all 25 or younger, in Chris Carr, Domonique Foxworth, and Lardarius Webb.

In addition to that, the Ravens already had Fabian Washington lining up at corner, and Ed Reed and Dawan Landry at safety, certainly a dangerous safety duo.

I fully expect the Ravens to walk away with an easy win on Opening Day.

W (1-0)



Week 2 - Baltimore Ravens vs. San Diego Chargers (4:15 PM, CBS)

The San Diego Chargers have a tendency to start slowly, but I don't expect that to resume next season. The Chargers added a solid defensive end in Larry English, have one of the best young quarterbacks in Philip Rivers, and have a good 1-2 punch of LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles in the backfield.

The Ravens can certainly handle the Chargers offense, but I don't see the Ravens winning this game purely because they are on the road against the Chargers, who play very well at home.

The Ravens are capable of winning this, because Joe Flacco showed he could win on the road throughout the 2008 season, but San Diego, with a healthy Shawne Merriman, along with Larry English and a resurgent Antonio Cromartie, could cause some problems for the Ravens.

The key for the Ravens to win is stopping Rivers, plain and simple. If they can limit him, they can easily win this.

While the Chargers have a good 1-2 punch, it's not a great one, as L.T. has clearly lost a step and there are still questions on whether Darren Sproles can handle a big workload.

L (1-1)



Week 3 - Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens (1:00 PM, CBS)

It'll be interesting to see who wins the quarterback battle for the Cleveland Browns. It could be Brady Quinn, but it could also be Derek Anderson. I don't think the Ravens care, because they can give both quarterbacks headaches.

The Browns traded multiple times in the 2009 NFL Draft and ultimately decided to add California center Alex Mack with the 21st overall pick. I'm not sure the Ravens care about that, either.

I fully expect the Baltimore Ravens to win this game. Flacco didn't have a good game the first time against the Browns last year, but was 13-for-19, and in his second game against Cleveland, he won AFC North Offensive Player of the Week.

The Browns lost some weapons over the offseason, losing Donte Stallworth, Kellen Winslow, and being at odds with receiver Braylon Edwards. If the Ravens can handle Edwards and Winslow healthy, they can certainly handle a disgruntled Edwards, and an unknown No. 2 wide receiver.

The Ravens not only are a much improved team, but the Cleveland Browns are a team with even fewer offensive weapons than they had last season.

W (2-1)



Week 4 - Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots (1:00 PM, CBS)

The New England Patriots are obviously a Super Bowl contender. With Tom Brady returning healthy, Patriots Nation fully expects a Super Bowl run. The Ravens are also a team who could go all the way, but stopping the New England Patriots is no easy task.

It wouldn't surprise me if the Ravens came out victorious in this game, as the Ravens did almost beat the hated New Englanders in 2007, but some tough penalties and breaks led to a loss.

However, I'm not expecting a Ravens win in Week 4. Especially not if Baltimore plays at Gillette Stadium, where the Pats are practically unbeatable.

The Ravens will need to be able to limit Randy Moss, not an easy task. Despite being up there in age (turned 32 in February), Moss appears to be at the top of his game.

He adjusted to a new quarterback in 2008, and still managed to catch 69 passes, gain over 1,000 yards, and score 11 touchdowns. It wasn't comparable to his record-breaking 2007 campaign, but it was definitely a solid year.

On top of that, the Ravens will need to watch for Wes Welker. I see this game being a close one, but the Pats coming out on top.

L (2-2)



Week 5 - Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens (1:00 PM, CBS)

Earlier in the week, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer made a likely unrealistic prediction, saying his team would be 6-0 after six games and 10-2 after 12 games. I'll be honest, I laughed.

The Bengals return linebacker Keith Rivers 100 percent healthy and also have Rey Maualuga, which will be big. Adding Andre Smith with the No. 6 overall pick was a wise decision, as the reason for Palmer's injury troubles was his lack of protection.

However, the Bengals don't have a top ten caliber defense, and despite adding Smith, don't yet have a good offensive line. On top of that, they lost T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson continues to express his discomfort.

I expect the Ravens to take this game in a cakewalk. The Bengals did improve as the year progressed, but not to a point that they were a playoff team. The Ravens are a Super Bowl caliber team, and the Ravens embarrassed Cincinnati in a Week 13 matchup, 34-3.

The Bengals have no run game whatsoever. Cedric Benson is a capable back, but mustered just 19 yards on 10 carries in the second Ravens/Bengals contest.

The Ravens will have to commit a huge gaffe to let this one slip away, especially if the guy who has owned them for so long, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, is long gone.

W (3-2)



Week 6 - Baltimore Ravens vs. Minnesota Vikings (1:00 PM, CBS)

The Ravens stole a great Viking offensive lineman when they acquired free agent center Matt Birk, agreeing to terms with the six-time Pro Bowler on a three-year, $12M deal. The Vikings hope to get their vengeance on the Ravens by beating Birk's new squad.

The Ravens will visit the Vikes in the Metrodome for a Week 6 matchup that will feature two great defenses, two young quarterbacks, and two powerful running games. I think the Ravens have the advantage in all three.

The Ravens did lose Bart Scott, but it doesn't appear as if the loss will be as devastating as some pictured, and the Ravens consistently have a better defensive unit than Minnesota.

There is almost no argument for Tarvaris Jackson when you compare Flacco and Tarvaris, and while Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the NFL, he fumbled nine times, most for any running back.

The Vikes also don't have the depth the Ravens have in the backfield. The Ravens can look to four guys to pick up the slack. Le'Ron McClain, Willis McGahee, and Ray Rice proved last year they can play well at the NFL level.

The Ravens also added Cedric Peerman in the draft, a guy who looked sharp in minicamp, and the Ravens rushing offense will only be stronger with Michael Oher, a solid offensive lineman, lining up on the right side.

W (4-2)



Week 8 - Denver Broncos vs. Baltimore Ravens (1:00 PM, CBS)

Last year, the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens were polar opposites. The Broncos relied on a strong aerial attack, featuring now departed quarterback Jay Cutler, wide receivers Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, and tight end Tony Scheffler.

However, the Broncos had no stability in the backfield, had a poor defense, and lived and died by the pass.

The Ravens, on the other hand, used their solid defense and run game to their advantage and looked to rookie quarterback Joe Flacco on occasion for a big play.

However, that has changed. While the Broncos defense isn't yet great, it definitely has improved, adding Brian Dawkins, Andra Davis, and Andre Goodman.

They also added to their backfield by drafting Knowshon Moreno and signing Correll Buckhalter. Moreno appears to be a great Rookie of the Year candidate, as he has a good offensive line, led by Ryan Clady, and will start.

Nonetheless, the Ravens are at home, and due to the fact that the Ravens defense and run game is plainly better than Denver's and are also at home in this contest.

W (5-2)



Week 9 - Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals (1:00 PM, CBS)

The Ravens again meet up with the Bengals, who, in Carson Palmer's book, will at this point be 7-1. I don't see it.

The Ravens played a good, solid game on Opening Day in 2008 against Cincinnati in 2008, coming out victorious at home, 17-10.

However, they looked considerably better in a Week 13 matchup again against Cincy (this time on the road) in a 34-3 shellacking.

The Bengals, I think, will be hit hard by the loss of T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who is one of the most reliable targets for a quarterback. Even with an unstable quarterback position last year, he managed to catch 92 passes and gain 904 yards.

Along with that, people can say what they want about Carson Palmer's productive career thus far, but he has carried the Bengals to ONE playoff appearance despite having wide receivers to throw to that some would drool over.

I expect the Ravens to come away with this one in a cakewalk. The Bengals don't have a bright outlook for the 2009 season, and the Ravens do, and I would be very surprised if the Ravens walked out of Cincy defeated.

W (6-2)



Week 10 - Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns (8:30 PM, ESPN)

For the first time, the Ravens will appear in prime time, facing the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night at Browns Stadium. Like I said, the Browns aren't anything to scare the Baltimore Ravens defense.

They have two quarterbacks who were very below average last season, have no consistency running the ball, and lost one of their main targets in Kellen Winslow.

This is a game the Ravens should be licking their chops for, especially Joe Flacco, who succeeded in his second game against Cleveland in 2008, winning AFC North Offensive Player of the Week.

The Browns will have to establish a flashy aerial attack, because, let's face it, Jamal Lewis is far past his prime. I don't see a scenario in which the Browns have considerable success throwing the football, especially considering the speed the Ravens corners have.

After all, the Ravens have Ed Reed back at safety, and Dawan Landry returning, who was a playmaker in 2006 and 2007 before getting hurt in the second game of the 2008 campaign. I expect the Ravens to win this game...without breaking a sweat.

W (7-2)



Week 11 - Indianpolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens (1:00 PM, CBS)

We Baltimore Ravens fans all remember the tragedy that was the Week 6 matchup between the Colts and Ravens in 2008. We all know the story: Colts win 31-3, Peyton Manning carves up the Ravens secondary.

However, this time, the Ravens have corner play that is considerably better, have an improved Joe Flacco, and an offensive line that can match up with just about anybody in the NFL.

The Colts lost Tom Moore, their genius offensive coordinator, and Tony Dungy, who is the mastermind behind the Indianapolis Colts.

However, I don't see the Ravens winning this game purely because the Ravens have always had troubles against the Colts, and that includes a 15-6 loss in the 2006 playoffs, that coming after the Ravens magical 13-3 season.

While losing both Moore, Dungy, and wide receiver Marvin Harrison will hurt Indianapolis, they still have the best quarterback in the game in Peyton Manning, a star receiver in Reggie Wayne, and a good tight end in Dallas Clark.

L (7-3)



Week 12 - Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (8:20 PM, NBC)

This is the game Ravens fans want the most, I'm sure. Right now, it's pretty obvious the Ravens and Steelers are going to finish atop the AFC North. In what order has yet to be determined.

This matchup features two teams with incredible defenses, well coaches squads, and clubs with a history. Both teams respective fanbases are bitter. For now, the Steelers have bragging rights.

They beat the Ravens three times last year, if you include the AFC Championship. However, much of that is due to the constant duress Joe Flacco was under during those games.

While you wouldn't think a rookie drafted 23rd overall would make such an immense impact, offensive tackle Michael Oher would change that.

We know he's not going to completely limit James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley, both extremely good pass rushers, but we can expect Oher will stop the bleeding, and give Flacco some time to find the open receiver.

That was such a huge problem last year, as Flacco often had to automatically lob the ball to Derrick Mason by default when under pressure. That should change, and I expect a win in Week 12.

W (8-3)



Week 13 - Baltimore Ravens vs. Green Bay Packers (8:30 PM, ESPN)

This is a game I'm intrigued by. While the Green Bay Packers are a team who finished just 5-11 last season, I see them as a team who can turn it around.

They have a good back in Ryan Grant, a bright young quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, two solid receivers, and while the Packer defense was miserable last year, they did add Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji into the mix.

While I'm expecting the Ravens to leave Lambeau Field victorious, I wouldn't be surprised if the Ravens, in such an environment, fall short.

While Packers fans can use the excuse that Flacco, a young quarterback, will get rattled, that point is invalid. As you may or may not remember, this is a guy who went into Heinz Field (on Monday Night Football, in his third career start) and threw for nearly 200 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions.

However, I see Green Bay as a surprise team and if the Ravens and Packers have identical records going into this game, I would not be very surprised, as the Pack definitely have potential.

W (9-3)



Week 14 - Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens (1:00 PM, FOX)

Unless you lived under a rock during the 2008 NFL season, which if you're a Lions fan, you probably considered, you'd know the Ravens have a clear advantage going into this game.

The Martin Mayhew/Jim Schwartz era in Detroit appears to be a better one than that of Matt Millen/(insert name). While it's unclear whether Matthew Stafford will emerge as the franchise quarterback, he certainly has the potential, and the Lions finally have some direction.

However, that direction in this game will be straight into the ground. The Lions have a dismal pass AND run defense. While they improved that during the draft by adding Louis Delmas, adding one second round safety can only do so much.

Unless the Ravens are 12-0 going into the game and prepared to tank the season, I'd be shocked if the Ravens fell in this game.

While teams like the Falcons, Ravens, and Dolphins turned it around last season, they had solid offensive lines and legitimate defenses, and in the Ravens case, great defenses.

However, I don't see the Lions as a team to have such a dramatic turnaround, as they don't have a legitimate defense or a good offensive line, and I don't see them coming out victorious...especially not in Baltimore.

W (10-3)



Week 15 - Chicago Bears vs. Baltimore Ravens (1:00 PM, CBS)

The diva of this offseason was Jay Cutler. He went through a rift with the management of the Denver Broncos, and ended up getting traded to the Chicago Bears.

The Bears haven't had a true franchise quarterback in quite some time, and at 25, Cutler is that guy. He'll need more targets, but finally has the running game so that Jay doesn't have to carry the team on his shoulders.

However, passing the ball on Baltimore is no easy task, not even to Jay Cutler. The 25-year old has a rifle arm, but he is not Peyton Manning, who was the only quarterback who had flashy numbers against the Ravens in 2008.

I expect the Ravens to come away with a victory. The Bears have no deep threats that the Ravens need worry about, and Matt Forte is a good halfback, but so are Ronnie Brown, Joseph Addai, Marion Barber, Brian Westbrook, Steve Slaton, Maurice Jones-Drew, Willie Parker, and Chris Johnson, all guys the Ravens completely halted during the 2008 regular season, and the Ravens defense, if anything, has improved. I don't expect the Bears to pose much of a threat, and the Ravens should win this game.

W (11-3)



Week 16 - Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (1:00 PM, CBS)

The Ravens finally play a game in Pittsburgh not in prime-time. The Ravens have been surprisingly equal with the Steelers the last three seasons, as the total score in 2006, 2007, and 2008 games between the two is 117-90 Ravens.

However, when you weigh in that the Ravens outscored the Steelers by a score of 58-7 in 2006, the Steelers do have the advantage.

The Ravens almost never seem to win at Heinz Field, but who does? I expect the Steelers and the Ravens to be in a dog fight for the AFC North in this contest, as they always are.

Again, I think the Steelers will win the game. The Steelers have an incredibly easy schedule going into the season. In fact, the Ravens have the 28th hardest, while Pittsburgh's S.O.S. (strength of schedule) stands at 29th.

The Steelers and Ravens, I believe, will both make the playoffs, but the Steelers will again crawl out of the season as AFC North Division champions.

It'll be close, but the Steelers always seemed to come out with last minute victories, whether it be in the Super Bowl or against the Ravens.

L (11-4)



Week 17 - Baltimore Ravens vs. Oakland Raiders (4:15 PM, CBS)

The Baltimore Ravens have beaten the Oakland Raiders the last two meetings by a combined score of an embarrassing 56-10.

However, both those games were in Baltimore at M & T Bank Stadium. Playing in Oakland is certainly a frightening experience. The fans will, as NFL Films put it: "Raiders fans will eat your baby."

That may be a bit of a stretch, but Oakland Raiders fans take their football seriously, and come Sunday, they come to the game with intent to intimidate their opponent.

However, I doubt Joe Flacco is frightened of Oakland Raiders fans after he has faced the Steelers multiple times.

Al Davis again proved he should seriously consider retiring when he drafted Darrius Heyward-Bey, the fastest receiver available, instead of Michael Crabtree, the BEST receiver available. It was downright shocking.

The Raiders have some offensive support for JaMarcus Russell, and he is on the brink of a breakout. But against the Ravens? The Raiders never have success against the Ravens, and I don't see a change.

W (12-4)[/quote] Baltimorebeatdown.com if you want to read any of their other articles. These 2 just seem to answer both of your questions.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

Sure Scott and Leonhard were lost, but Gregg, Landry are back and we had added some real depth to our secondary. I think Gooden/McClain (whoever starts beside Ray) will do well, as they will be eager to cement their position in the starting line up.

[Geno the booter]

Well I think Barnes wants to break out already. He's a beast the Ravens are holding back and I feel if we unleash him this year (as long as he doesn't get injured) he will really impress everyone. Him and Burress I put money down on, on impressing. Even though Gooden will most likely win battle, whose to say he and McClain won't share time at the position. Of course you don't want to tire them out, so they may rotate and this will really reak havoc on oppsing offencese.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

[quote name='Geno the booter' date='16 July 2009 - 06:48 PM' timestamp='1247723317' post='207602']
Well I think Barnes wants to break out already. He's a beast the Ravens are holding back and I feel if we unleash him this year (as long as he doesn't get injured) he will really impress everyone. Him and Burress I put money down on, on impressing. Even though Gooden will most likely win battle, whose to say he and McClain won't share time at the position. Of course you don't want to tire them out, so they may rotate and this will really reak havoc on oppsing offencese.
[/quote]
Yeah they are bound to be rotated, looking forward to seeing who steps up. I also like Barnes, he seems to be very explosive.