Along with the New York Jets, we have to consider teh Baltimore Ravens among the favorites to win the AFC and reach the Super Bowl. This team is extremely well built, and they added Anquan Boldin to the mix, that might be a little payback for the failed trade for Terrell Owens all those years ago. Boldin comes to the Ravens to be the legit number one receiver, and for QB Joe Flacco he is an extremely good weapon to have. General Manger Ozzie Newsome is arguably one of the best GM’s in the NFL today, and this team may just be his master piece.
Of course Flacco leads the offense, and beyond Boldin he has Derrick Mason, Donte’ Stallworth, Mark Clayton, and TE Todd Heap to throw too. It is one of the deepest WR corps in the NFL. Ray Rice will be the get the job done RB, with Willis McGahee being a change of pace back (if McGahee stays with the team). The offensive line is set, and is an above average unit. This is an offense that should score a lot of points.
The Ravens are all about defense, and the run a base 3-4. They are led on the field by ILB Ray Lewis and the only really question about this unit is the status of FS Ed Reed. He is recovering from off season hip surgery, and should be able to make a return to the defense. If he doesn’t it leaves a little hole in the secondary, but this defense is very good. Their are pro bowlers all over the place, and they should do their usual stingy job of not allowing Ravens opponents to score often.
On Special Teams Shayne Graham will have to win a position battle to be the kicker, while Sam Koch is firmly in place as the punter. Lardarius Webb should be the kick returner, and Chris Carr is the most likely the punt returner.
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