2008 Baltimore Ravens
Written by Jason Lowry
We are nearing the beginning of another NFL season, and Jason Lowry is ready to bring you his 2008 Baltimore Ravens season predictions. Last season the Ravens really struggled going just 5-11 for last in the AFC North. The Ravens continued to have struggles at quarterback, and now face a 3 way battle for the starting job that does not include Steve McNair. The Ravens defense showed possible signs of slowing down, and this could be one of a few years they have left with this dominating unit. To see just what the Ravens will look like in 2008, lets take a closer look at just who they will be sending to the field.
Offense:
Its not likely the Ravens come into the season and start putting up more points, but that will really depend on who lands the starting quarterback job. It depends if they want to go with former Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, the rookie Joe Flacco that the team wanted so bad, or Kyle Boller who has already had his chances. We think Boller will start the season, but we see either Smith or Flacco taking the job early on. The team seems pretty solid at running back in Willis McGahee who rushed for over 1,200 yards last season. The team is pretty thin at the wide receiver spots, besides pro bowler tight end Todd Heap. It look like Demetrius Williams and Derrick Mason will be the teams starters, while they continue to hope that Mark Clayton can become the player they thought he would be. The offensive line took a big hit when they loss long time star Jonathan Ogden to retirement. This unit is likely the reason that this unit struggles again in 2008. The Ravens are +4000 to win AFC Championship.
Defense:
Even thought this unit is starting to get old it still remains one of the best in the league. The defensive line should be a real force this season, if end Trevor Pryce can return to his form before missing action with injuries. Both Haloti Ngata and Kelly Gregg continue to be a force against the run. With the line being so good it really frees up a great linebacking corp that includes the hard hitting Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, and Terrell Suggs. These 3 combined with longtime backup Jarret Johnson this 4-some is one of the best you will find. The secondary is headed by the man at safety in Ed Reed and one of the top corners in the game in Chris McAlister. Overall this unit still has some life, so don’t expect any worse than it was last season. The odds to win the Super Bowl show Baltimore at 75-to-1.
Special Teams:
The Ravens special team unit is pretty well off with kicker Matt Stover and punter Sam Koch both continuing to put up solid seasons. Where this team really comes after ya, is in the return game of backup receiver Yamon Figurs. The NFL win totals have Baltimore’s over/under set at 6.
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Prediction: 4th in the AFC North
Though the defense remains strong, and continues to wait on just another average offense to get this team back in the playoffs. If Flacco comes in and has a season like Roethlisberger did in his first year with the Steelers, the Ravens could be your surprise team of the year. We are going to guess that doesn’t happen and thanks to a bad offensive line, not one of the 3 quarterbacks get it going this season. We are thinking 5 wins sounds just about right for this team.
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