Baltimore Ravens
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NFL Team Column |
Don’t Let the Score Fool Ya, Ravens Dominate!
Game 1: Ravens vs. Chiefs
Ravens Win 38 – 24
Overview
Although the Ravens beat the hapless Chiefs by only 14 points, they could have won by 28 points, which is what most expected them to win by. An interception return by un-consistent Derrick Johnson for a score and a blocked punt for a score is where 14 of 24 points got on the board. Every phase of the game is important, but I don’t see the Chiefs making those plays again if they had to do it again.
Offense
Quarterback Joe Flacco was suppose to just hand off the ball and throw a few passes and then grab a Gatorade right? Well, the 2nd year man ended up showing why this kid from Delaware was drafted so high, as he threw for 307 yards along with 3 touchdowns, all to different receivers.
The vaunted run offense was not forgotten, as the trio of monster running backs accounted for almost 200 yards. Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and Le’Ron McClain will be counted on more than they were on Sunday, but the strong showing of Flacco makes this Ravens offense scarier than expected. The only question that presents itself is, “will Flacco suffer a sophomore slump?”
Defense
Once again, the Chief’s offense did NOT put up 24 points on the Ravens. The consistently sturdy Defense only allowed a total of 188 yards…and that includes the tough 50 yard reception that Mark Bradley hauled in with Fabian Washington draped all over him. Jarrett Johnson rounded out the defensive butt-kicking with his second sack of the game late in the 4th quarter.
Ravens DB’s, “Since When Do Tree’s Play Receiver?”
Game 2: Ravens vs. Chargers
Ravens Win 31-26
By John L. Clarke
Overview
The Baltimore Ravens improved to 2-0 by hanging on to a close victory versus the San Diego Chargers. Although the Ravens made the big defensive play (thanks to ageless-wonder Ray Lewis) to preserve the victory, some are concerned about the defense. The offense looked very balanced and cool as Joe “cool” Flacco held everyone together with his leadership.
Defense
Fans and analyst alike seem to think that the defense, for the first time in Ravens’ history, will be holding back an offense that seems to be clicking earlier than expected. With all the hub-bub about the closer than normal Chiefs vs. Ravens score in week 1, and the career passing day from Phillip Rivers, I can understand why there are concerns.
Not to fret Raven fans, the defense may not be as dominant as it has been in years past, but they are not as bad as people think they are. I reviewed their game and most of the yards accumulated were great, high throws from Rivers’ to his 6’5” receivers (hence the tree reference in the title). They’re only a hand full of corner’s that can make a play on taller receivers consistently, and the Raven’s don’t have any of them. With the kind of pass rush the Raven’s generate, the 5’10” cornerbacks are left alone to fend for those jump balls.
The good news, about this situation? There are not that many teams that have 6’5” receivers on their roster’s and the one’s that do will have Ed Reed jumping in to help. With Strong Safety Dawan Landry playing mostly in the box, Reed is set to roam and help the corners, although he was in man coverage most of the time vs. the Charger’s. The Raven’s will start deploying some more nickel packages, which should allow the ball-hawk Reed to roam centerfield and help his fellow defensive back’s with those jump ball’s.
Onto the rest of the game, in which the run defense held the opposing runner (albeit without center Nick Hardwick or All-Pro LaDainian Tomlinson) to below 100 yards rushing for the 37th straight game. That is unbelievable in this fickle free agent market that see’s players and coordinators come in and out of the Raven’s franchise.
Offense
QB Joe Flacco’s sophomore slump will have to wait another game to start. With the three headed monster of team leading rusher Ray Rice, NFL rushing TD leader in Willis McGahee and bulldozer Le’Ron McClain churning out yards, the brittle passing game has found its legs. Derrick Mason is proving to have made a great decision by un-retiring and Mark Clayton and Todd Heap seem to have gone back into time to regain their former selves. Sustainability is the question within the passing game, but so far it looks like this nice balance is here to stay.
Derrick Mason Joins the 800 Catch Club
Game 3: Ravens vs. Browns
Ravens Win 34-3
By John L. Clarke
Overview
Every division game is important and there are upsets every week…but let’s face it, the Browns didn’t stand a chance. While optimism ran high for the Dawg Pound faithful when Bill Mangini, er, I mean Eric Belichick, whoops, I mean that coach whom was an extra on the Soprano’s was hired, they are now functioning in an optimism-free zone. The Raven’s dismantled the Browns, with the only Browns score stemming from a free-bee pass penalty which allowed them to get within field goal range.
Offense
Joe Flacco continues to get better, as he surpasses his two-game old career-high with 342 yards passing, including a beautiful 72 yard scoring throw to Derrick Mason. Mason also joined an elite group of wide receivers, as he caught his 800th ball during the game…only 7 other active players’ can say that. He finished with 5 catches for 118 yards and a touchdown.
The running game still appears to be resting up for the long haul as they efficiently rushed for 142 yards on 28 total carries from the running back core. McGahee seems to like his new role of touchdown maker as he scored twice, and starter Ray Rice scored his first td of his young career
Defense
The Ravens intercepted both Derek Andersen and Brady Quinn a total of 4 times. Special teams Pro Bowler Brendon Ayanbadejo showed off his linebacking chops, as he had one of those interceptions and a sack on the day. The defense only surrendered 11 first downs during the game as the held the opposing rusher to below a 100 yard’s for the 38th straight game, and is looking to extend that streak to 39 with the next opponent in the pass happy Patriots.
Patriots Shoot Down Ravens in AFC Supremacy Hunt!
Game 4: Ravens vs. Patriots
Ravens Lose 21-27
By John L. Clarke
Overview
They had to lose sometime right? In the end of this AFC slugfest, the Patriots came out victorious. The game had gone back in forth, as the defense gave up a few big plays, but for the most part, held the Patriots in check. Unfortunately, those big plays ended up being the deciding factory for the loss. Besides getting handed their first loss, the Ravens lost special teams ace Brendon Ayanbadejo for the season and watched Jared Gaither leave on a stretcher for the game.
Offense
Joe Flacco seemed to finally look mortal as he threw an interception and was only 2-6 on the final drive (although Mark Clayton notoriously dropped the 4th down conversion). He still did complete almost 60% of his passes for two scores and 246 yards. Pretty darn good numbers for it being his worst game of the season thus far. The run game was ever steady moving the ball, although some (including me) worry that coordinator Cam Cameron has been too reliant on the pass. With the offensive line mauling the opposition and the running backs pounding through the holes, he should be running the ball more to control the clock. Allowing the Pats to have Brady, Moss and Welker to have 34 minutes to score is explained by the 17 total rushing attempts the Ravens had.
Another positive note was the play of rookie Michael Oher, whom replaced Gaither at left tackle and did an amazing job. Although Gaither is expected back, it was nice to see Oher get some left tackle time in and do well.
Defense
The defense remains the heart of the team, scoring for the 2nd straight week, although it wasn’t enough to secure a win. The pass rush got to Brady 3 times for sacks, one of which produced a fumble that turned into a score. Outside Linebacker Jarrett Johnson continues to impress, as he leads the team in sacks and added another one in this game, while Ray Lewis led the team in tackles.
The secondary did not have an interception this week, but kept the passing game in check, minus Moss’s score. The defense kept their streak going of holding the opposition to under 100 yards rushing, although the Pats are not a running team. The defense looks to rebound vs. the fickle Bengals in a division game next week.
Off-Season Update of the Baltimore Ravens Offense
Offense:
The run-first mentality the Ravens have had through the franchise’s history will remain with John Harbaugh and Cam Cameron as coaches.
Wide Receivers:
With veteran Derek Mason’s un-retirement, Joe Flacco can breathe easy with his favorite target returning. The Ravens still need address the #1 wide receiver (WR) spot with Mason most likely retiring, for good, after this season. Even with Mason’s return one of the younger WR needs to step up THIS season in order for the Ravens to keep defenses honest. Mason had twice as many catches and yards as the other starting WR, Mark Clayton. An upgrade is needed.
Clayton is going to be sidelined most of training camp and the pre-season with a bad hamstring. Hamstring injuries are strange things, with some people recovery quickly while others struggle for months. He has had trouble with this hamstring before, which indicates it may nag him all season long. He needs to emerge as a ‘go-to’ receiver now more than ever as this former 1st round pick has not lived up to the hype and is in his final year of this contract.
Perhaps a short term solution in free agent veteran Marvin Harrison would allow younger WR’s, such as Yamon Figurs and Clayton, to learn for a few more seasons. Starting a young WR with the plan to develop him on the fly is an option, but with a young QB, a veteran may be more useful. Figurs has plenty of speed, but has been used as primarily a return man. He needs to learn a lot of the nuances of route running, catching and a host of other refining qualities, but he has a shot.
Two receivers’ to keep an eye on are Kelley Washington and Demetrious Williams. They may challenge for the 2nd spot with Clayton’s absence. Washington has the size and savvy to be a viable threat over the middle and in the red-zone. Williams has been very injury prone, but has a lot of speed and ability. He may be better in the slot, however. Washington may have the edge, because Coach Cameron likes short routes and bigger targets like Washington are better suited for Cameron’s style of offense.
Some other receiver’s of note are 2008 NFL Draftee Marcus Smith and Justin Harper .
Tight Ends:
Oft-injured tight end, Todd Heap, has a running mate in former Eagle L.J. Smith. Although Smith never lived up to his athletic hype, he gives the Ravens much needed depth as well as a bail out target for 2nd year quarterback, Joe Flacco. Heap CAN be dangerous with his 6’5 frame in the middle and in the red zone. Flacco can start his 2nd year off with a bang with Heap healthy. Cameron loves designing pass plays for his tight ends, as evidenced by a former Kent State basketball player turned All-Pro named Antonio Gates.
Offensive Linemen:
The offensive line proved to hold its own, considering the retirement of future Hall of Fame left tackle, Jonathan Ogden following the 2007 season. Replacing him, as any front office can do when a Hall of Famer retires by drafting the best available tackle in the draft. Michael Oher, the hulking tackle from Ole Miss, fell perfectly into the Ravens lap. He fits their temperament, their style of run blocking and has enough veterans around him to really harness his natural ability and mold it into an unstoppable offensive lineman. Oher’s learning curve will be increased due to Center Matt Birk taking the place of Jason Brown, whom left for St. Louis this past off-season.
Birk’s must regaled Harvard alumni status has always made him the teacher of younger linemen. Although he is 32 years old, he still has several good years. Birk has more of a tackles body, but has enough finesse to pull, trap and get to the second level. His wide frame will also be valuable with the Ravens facing stout nose tackles in the 3-4 base defenses throughout their conference and the NFL.
The all important guard play is a staple of any power rushing team and the Ravens have a good pair in Ben Grubbs and Chris Chester. Chester may have a lot in common with his new line mate Birk, as Chester is currently enrolled in the highly prestigious Wharton Business School program. Chester also brings a lot of athleticism to the position, as he bounces between guard and tight end since high school. He has excellent feet and uses good leverage.
Grubbs was a highly touted offensive lineman that was drafted in the 1st round in 2007, who also had a brief stint as a tight end. While at Auburn, he developed into a powerhouse lineman, earning team and national honors along the way. He parlayed those awards into bigger ones, as he was honored by the NFL on several All Rookie teams. His intensity and run blocking skills kick start the power running game for the Ravens, as a lot of up the middle runs come behind him.
The Ravens have some solid depth on the offensive line as well, with hold over’s David Hale, Marhsal Yanda and Oneil Cousins can swing from Guard and Tackle with little drop off.
Overall
The strength of the team remains running the ball between the tackles and stopping the run of the opposition. Flacco’s growth as the franchise quarterback will be challenged this year by the publicity he and fellow 2nd year player Matt Ryan has received. Flacco has a target on his back and only marginal receiver’s outside of Mason, but the 3 headed monster running game and offensive line should power through their schedule.
Off-Season Update of the Baltimore Ravens Defense
Defense:
This Ravens off-season has been one of great change, as several key people on the defense have left, opening up huge holes on that side of the ball. 3 of the starting defensive players are not going to be on the 2009 roster and there will be a new defensive coordinator calling the shots this year as Rex Ryan has taken over as the New York Jets head coach. Greg Mattison takes over the defensive play calling after successful stints at the University of Florida and the University of Michigan.
Inside Linebackers:
Ageless Ray Lewis has settled his contract dispute and will remain a Raven, conceivably until the end of his career. Although he has lost a step, he still can command a huddle, the locker room and most importantly, the gap he controls.
With Bart Scott also headed to the Jets, that leaves a vacancy next to team icon Lewis at the inside linebacker position. Tavares Gooden, a 2nd year player from Lewis’ alum, the University of Miami, is the front runner to fill that void, although he was lost for much of his rookie year with a hip injury.
Also watch for rookie’s Dannell Ellerbe and Jason Phillips to see some time on the inside. Both have athletic limitations, but make up for it with toughness and instinctive play. Lewis and Gooden should be on the field a lot however.
Outside Linebackers:
Jarrett Johnson, the incumbent at outside line backer (OLB) is a heady and scrappy defender, whom will serve as mentor for the younger generation of OLB’s, namely Antwan Barnes, and Paul Kruger.
Kruger’s name will be mentioned later in the defensive linemen conversation, but he may be in contention to see some significant OLB time in a pass rushing role.
Barnes has shown flashes of ability, but still needs work. Kruger has a great first motor and plays fast, but in control. He does not have a lot of experience as a stand-up rush LB, so his learning curve will determine his position and playing time.
Brendon Ayanbadejo is versatile enough to move inside, although he is small for the position. He is also the team’s best special team’s tackler. Expect him to do what he does best…spot start, block and cover on special teams and provide depth.
Terrell Suggs is still in contract negotiations with the team after being franchised, however he will still be a pass rushing force. Suggs contract will get worked out, as the Ravens realize how valuable and rare his pass rushing skills are. Suggs versatility is also something to be appreciated, as he never has to leave the field, often reverting to DE during long passing downs. Prescott Burgess seems poised for a breakout season after slowly earning more playing time in the past couple of years, before he went on injured reserve last year. He has the size and pedigree to spell with Johnson or Suggs and hold his own.
Defensive Backs:
The team let go former starting cornerback Chris McAllister, but got speedster’s Domonique Foxworth and Chris Carr via free agency to compete opposite Fabian Washington for the spot. Both Foxworth and Carr have a legitimate shot at being a productive defensive back, as they both have blazing 40 yard dash times of 4.2 seconds from their NFL combine days just several years back.
Samari Rolle continues to provide leadership to this young group, as the team re-signed him just several weeks after releasing him. With his age (33 when the season starts) and illness (epilepsy), he is going to be a spot starter at best at this point. He still excels in zone coverage and will most likely come in on Nickel packages and push Carr or Foxworth over to the slot corner.
Strong Safety Dawan Landry returns after suffering a spinal cord injury. He looked great during OTA’s as he has gotten more chiseled by dropping about 8 lbs. and adding a little extra speed. His physique was never an issue, but his re-commitment to returning speaks volumes about his desire to compete at a high level. If he is not able to continue to progress as he has been throughout his career, a pair of young safeties will be waiting in the wings to get some more game action.
Both Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura, from the 2008 draft class are very talented players that fit the athleticism and ferocity that the position requires. Nakamura was running with the 1st team during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and looked athletic; although Tommy Z. had several interceptions during drills that made him stand out.
Also entering the defensive back competition is Lardarius Webb, a rookie from Nicholls State. He played cornerback in college, however he projects at free safety because of his superior ball skills, but only average back pedaling technique. He has had a troubled past, but he has acknowledged his previous immaturity, and has locked onto being a professional. He constantly follows Ed Reed around, the best safety in football, asking questions, and tries to meet with Ray Lewis as much as possible to discuss the nuances of playing the Ravens brand of defense. He is the wild card in the secondary.
Speaking of Reed, very few other players, regardless of position, are as instinctive and hard working as he is. When Sports Illustrated surveyed 32 players from the AFC North on whom they think is the best all around player, 14 of them voted for Reed. The 2004 Defensive Player of the Year looks to have another great year roaming center field.
Defensive Line:
Always an intriguing group for the Ravens, the run stopping nose tackles seem to have more depth this year with the return of Kelly Gregg. The big guy is coming off knee surgery, but seems to have recovered nicely and looks to once again be a big part of the line. Teaming with Haloti Ngata and Justin Bannon, the Ravens have the best depth and talent at that position. Ngata is in the top tier of nose tackles within the league, with his massive size and great technique. Gregg is the fierce mountain in the middle that leaves offensive linemen hating their jobs, while Bannon really came on last season and seems to have made the consistent rotation.
The defensive ends are not as deep or menacing as their line-mates are. With aspiring screenwriter Trevor Pryce on the downside of 30, the other ends need to step up and produce more sacks. Pryce is still a great leader and can dominate if he avoids injury. Rookie Paul Kruger still needs to be given a permanent position to excel. He impressed coaches from a defensive end position, but probably has a more balanced future as an OLB. For his first year, he may be situational. That still leaves depth and quality issues outside of Pryce. The new defensive coordinator’s son, Bryan Mattison, may excel due to his extensive knowledge of his father’s defensive scheme. Rookie Will Johnson, sort of a defensive tackle/end ‘tweener, will have a real shot of seeing playing time due to his size and pedigree.
This group has the most potential to get better with the elder Mattison coaching. His defensive line had always had success in pressuring the quarterback…just ask current Ravens Quarterback Troy Smith whom faced Mattison’s d-line during the National Championship game back in 2006.
Overall:
The Raven’s have always prided their selves on being a defense first kind of team. Although they still need an influx of youth, they are transitioning nicely from “older” to “younger” with several key back-ups learning from some of the game’s bests.
Look for the new wave of linebackers to catch on quickly and be coached up for this season, and more importantly for the season’s to come. Every level of their defense has a mentor and a mentoree, from Pryce to Kruger, Lewis to Gooden, Suggs to Barnes, Rolle to Washington, Reed to both Zbikowski and Nakamura.
If Mattison’s sticks to what works from the Ryan coaching days, he should succeed early and often. The AFC North boats the Super Bowl champions, and 2 Ohio teams that are due to break out eventually. Injuries could derail this team, but overall, the defensive is still to be feared.
Round 1 (pick 23) – Michael Oher, OL, Ole Miss (6’5”, 309 lbs.)
The Ravens have always been a running team and proved it last year by finish 4th in the NFL in 2008. The Ravens found their replacement Jonathan Ogden, a sure fire first ballot Hall of Fame left tackle, potentially in Oher. Most people had him coming off the board in the teens with several offensive line challenged teams possibly reaching for him. The Ravens are once again going to dominate the run game if Oher’s production starts to match his potential. He could be a steal if that happens sooner than later.
Round 2 (pick 25) – Paul Kruger, DE, Utah (6’4”, 263 lbs.)
Kruger is a bit of a mystery. He was away on Mission work for 2 years and his body of work is productive, but short lived. He does have the size and motor to succeed as a strong side outside linebacker in a 3-4. He has a good chance to be the primary back up for incumbent Jarrett Johnson during his rookie campaign if he is a quick study.
Round 3 (pick 88) – Lardarius Webb, CB, Nicholls State (5’10”, 180 lbs.)
With some good veterans at corner back, the Ravens took a gamble on a kid whom is talented, but troubled. Webb got dismissed from Southern Mississippi after a promising redshirt sophomore year which led to his Nicholls State enrollment. Although he has excellent ball skills, his style of play is better suited for free safety due to his size and average backpedaling skills. Webb could become a factor on special teams as a gunner/return man.
Round 5 (pick 137) – Jason Phillips, ILB, TCU (6’1”, 240 lbs.)
Phillips belongs as a Raven. This was a great pick in terms of value to skill ratio and also addresses some depth issues Baltimore has at ILB with the loss of Bart Scott to the NY Jets. Phillips has a high football IQ and is tough which fits in nicely with similarly attributed teammates. Although he probably will not be a starter during his career, he is a capable backup and can fill in when needed.
Round 5 (pick 149) – Davon Drew, TE, East Carolina (6’4”, 256 lbs.)
Another good depth pick with his receiving skills being above average and his ability to understand zone coverage even better. He does not have great straight line speed to separate and although he has some nice girth, he will need to improve on his technique in the blocking game. Drew is a good 3rd string tight end to have around for goal-line situations. He may move to a H-Back type of player which would increase his playing time since Le’Ron McClain is more of a power tailback than fullback.
Round 6 (pick 185) – Cedric Peerman, RB, Virginia (5’10”, 216 lbs.)
Although the Ravens have a crowded backfield, Peerman was a good selection. Clearly they took the best player available instead of drafting a need position. Peerman has some great measurable’s as he ran a sub 4.5 second 40 yard dash at the NFL combine and also put up 27 repetitions of 225 lbs. on the bench press. He also has very good hands for the passing game as Cam Cameron likes to utilize his running backs a lot. He does have some durability issues and he needs to work on some fumbling concerns. Although the 3 running backs in the Ravens stable are good, he may force the team to carry four running backs come Week 1.
Overview:
This was a solid effort from the Ravens during this year’s draft. They didn’t seem to reach for guys and also drafted players that should transition into their system with ease. Not drafting a wide receiver is a sore spot that needs to be addressed, perhaps with short term answer Marvin Harrison still out on the market. Still, with Oher locked up and some depth added, this seems to be an above average class.
