OFFENSE C+
DEFENSE A
SPEC. TEAMS C
COACHING B
FRONT OFFICE C
SCOUTING C
OVERALL B-
STRENGTH LB, DL, DC, OL
WEAKNESS WR, PR, QB
OFF. MVP Le'Ron McClain
DEF. MVP Ray Lewis
TOP ROOKIE Joe Flacco
Comments: I can’t remember a time when the Ravens defense hasn’t been a dominant group. There is some age on some of the key personnel, but this still is a very intimidating group of football players. The season ending injury to Kelly Gregg certainly hurt, but defensive coordinator Rex Ryan is one of the top football coaches in this league and does an excellent job of readying his defense each and every week.
Last spring, I felt that there was only one other college quarterback (Matt Ryan) with near the skills of the Ravens top draft selection Joe Flacco and with each passing week he has done more than enough to justify his selection with the 18th pick in round number one.
The three headed running combination of McGahee, McClain and Rice has been first rate while ageless receiver Derrick Mason, in his 12th professional season has been outstanding. The offensive front, minus retired perennial All Pro left tackle Jonathan Ogden, is rather thin, but has performed far better than expected.
The scouting staff is a veteran unit that has done an excellent job of supplying the coaching staff with the tools necessary to compete within the competitive AFC North division.
General Manager Ozzie Newsome has been around a very long time as both a player and administrator and has done in my opinion a more than commendable job.
I don’t think this Ravens football club is there yet, but I see some very positive signs. The one problem I do see with the Ravens is the age of some very prominent defensive performers. They have a chance to make it to the post season, but I don’t like their chances of advancing past the wildcard round.