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Baltimore Ravens 2009 NFL Predictions

Written August 7, 2009 by InfoPlays

2009 Baltimore Ravens NFL Predictions The team’s single Vince Lombardi Trophy sits underneath a large oil panting of former majority owner Art Modell in the lobby of the Ravens’ training complex. There is a spot reserved for another one, but in order for that to happen the Ravens must figure out how to overtake the Steelers, who will be looking for their seventh. With a rookie QB and a rookie head coach, the Baltimore Ravens improved from a 5-11 campaign in 2007 to an 11-5 record in 2008 and an AFC Championship appearance. The bad new is that the team they lost to in the championship game, the Pittsburgh Steelers, remain in the AFC North and two games against the defending champs await. The Ravens are listed at +300 to win the AFC North Division at Sportsbook.com. These NFL lines show that Baltimore is the top contender to take down the Steelers in 2009.

Offense: Joe Flacco is composed and mobile for his size, with one of the strongest arms in the game. He became the first rookie QB to win two playoff games and Baltimore appears to have a franchise quarterback after years of failed searches. His first five games weren’t spectacular, but he settled himself and went on to lead the Ravens to a 9-2 record in the final 11 games of the regular season. The centerpiece of the running game last season was supposed to be Willis McGahee, but he struggled with injuries after reporting to camp out of shape. McGahee seems to be hungrier and more humble entering camp this season after registering a career-low 671 rushing yards last year. Ray Rice will take snaps away from McGahee again this season. Le’Ron McClain is coming off a breakthrough season, but the Pro Bowler is slated for a more traditional lead-blocking role after excelling in short-yardage and goal line duties last year. Cedric Peerman may earn third-down duties after proving he was the fasted running back in the draft with a 4.45-speed.

The wide receiving corps is the greatest area of concern. Derrick Mason is Flacco’s favorite target with 790 career catches and 10,061 receiving yards. But he’s coming off a painful shoulder injury. Former first-round pick Mark Clayton has displayed flashes of ability, but he lacks size and rarely performs well against the league’s best cornerbacks. Demetrius Williams is the top deep threat. Marcus Smith wasn’t sure of himself as a rookie and didn’t catch a pass as several slants bounced off his hands. Todd Heap had a disappointing ‘08 campaign at tight end. He was asked to block more and as a result he registered just 35 catches for 403 yards and three touchdowns. The team signed L.J. Smith from Philly, so Heap and the Ravens could be parting ways very soon. Rookie tight end Davon Drew is regarded as a sleeper. The Ravens have a very talented young offensive line spearheaded by the tandem of left tackle Jared Gaither and left guard Ben Grubbs. Six-time Pro Bowl center Matt Birk was their big signing in the offseason to replace free agent Jason Brown. Right guard Marshal Yanda had major knee surgery but is expected to make a healthy return. Four-time Pro Bowler Willie Anderson has retired, paving the way for rookie Michael Oher to step in right away and take his place.

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Defense: Haloti Ngata is one of the most underrated interior lineman in the league. He is a former rugby player and he’s nimble at 6-4, 345 pounds. He led the entire defensive line with a whopping 77 tackles last year and also intercepted two passes. Noseguard Kelly Gregg is attempting a major comeback from knee surgery. Trevor Pryce is a four-time Pro Bowler, but he turns 34 in August and hasn’t been nearly as effective since recording 13 sacks in 2006. Dwan Edwards is a quality role player. Rookie Paul Kruger will be groomed as a potential replacement for Pryce if he bulks up a bit. He can also play linebacker. Middle linebacker Ray Lewis signed a seven-year, $44.5 million contract that will allow him to retire as a Raven. His leadership is just as important as his play on the field. He can still deliver big hits, but he has lost his effectiveness on third downs with his inability to get from sideline to sideline in a hurry. Tavares Gooden has some big shoes to fill in trying to replace the departed Bart Scott. He is very mobile, but he’s unproven after hip flexor and sports hernia surgeries hampered his rookie season. Jameel McClain or rugged fifth-round pick Jason Phillips could claim Scott’s old spot if Gooden isn’t quite ready. Terrell Suggs is coming off one of his best seasons, recording 68 tackles and 8 sacks. Jarret Johnson had a career year last season on the strong side.

Free safety Ed Reed returns to lead the secondary. He is the most instinctive, intelligent safety in the league. He intercepted nine passes last year and returned one 107 yards for a touchdown. Reed’s run support and blitzing were limited last year because of a nerve impingement, though. Dawan Landry has been cleared medically after a scary spinal-cord concussion, and he’ll return to his hard-hitting strong safety spot. Free agent Domonique Foxworth was signed to replace starting corner Chris McAlister, who was cut this offseason. Cornerback Fabian Washington defended a team-high 19 passes, but poor hands limited him to just one interception. Veteran Samari Rolle is the nickel back, providing insurance behind Foxworth and Washington. Rookie CB Lardarius Webb could be an x-factor with his versatility and athleticism.

InfoPlays Prediction: 2nd in the AFC North – If Flacco can avoid a sophomore slump, the Ravens will contend for the division title with the Pittsburgh Steelers. A hungry McGahee back on the field should keep the running game going, and with Derrick Mason back, Flacco has his favorite target on the field. The defense could take a hit with the loss of Bart Scott, but they are still in great shape up front with Ngata and a solid set of linebackers led by Lewis and Suggs. Ed Reed still roams the secondary, but teams should be able to pick on the Ravens’ corners provided they get enough time to throw the ball.

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