The Baltimore Ravens were one of the more successful NFL teams in 2008. Under the steady leadership of rookie quarterback Joe Flacco (who, despite his rookie status, showed the steady command of a seasoned veteran), the team had a successful 2008 campaign both offensively and defensively.
With the leadership of Joe Flacco and a stellar defense, the Baltimore Ravens finished the season 11-5, 2nd in the AFC North. 2009 may be the "year" for the Ravens. They can build on the team's success 08' and take it one step further, Super Bowl XXIV in Miami, Florida.
While most of the 2008 Ravens team is still intact, the loss of their defensive mastermind Rex Ryan (who is now head coach in New York for the Jets) led many to wonder whether the team could keep up its level of superiority when it came to defense.
Overall, the defense is becoming older but their competitive spirit is as high as ever. Ray Lewis is their emotional on-field and locker room leader. As long as Lewis is still performing at a high level, the Ravens defense will be a force to be reckoned with. Ed Reed is still one of the best, if not THE, best free-safety in the game today as well.
2009 for the Baltimore Ravens has proven to be something of a surprise - they have a potent offense unlike in years past. RB Willis McGahee, WR Derrick Mason, WR Ray Rice and WR Todd Heap give Flacco excellent targets every Sunday.
Flacco has picked up right where he left off (and in fact improved). If Baltimore can bring in a stud WR for him, he will improve even more.
There is no "sophomore jinx" with Joe Flacco - if anything Flacco has improved as a quarterback. His decision making and poise are a fantastic skill set all young quarterbacks aspire to have.
The AFC must know that the Baltimore Ravens will be a threat to raise the Lombardi Trophy in February. - 31493
With the leadership of Joe Flacco and a stellar defense, the Baltimore Ravens finished the season 11-5, 2nd in the AFC North. 2009 may be the "year" for the Ravens. They can build on the team's success 08' and take it one step further, Super Bowl XXIV in Miami, Florida.
While most of the 2008 Ravens team is still intact, the loss of their defensive mastermind Rex Ryan (who is now head coach in New York for the Jets) led many to wonder whether the team could keep up its level of superiority when it came to defense.
Overall, the defense is becoming older but their competitive spirit is as high as ever. Ray Lewis is their emotional on-field and locker room leader. As long as Lewis is still performing at a high level, the Ravens defense will be a force to be reckoned with. Ed Reed is still one of the best, if not THE, best free-safety in the game today as well.
2009 for the Baltimore Ravens has proven to be something of a surprise - they have a potent offense unlike in years past. RB Willis McGahee, WR Derrick Mason, WR Ray Rice and WR Todd Heap give Flacco excellent targets every Sunday.
Flacco has picked up right where he left off (and in fact improved). If Baltimore can bring in a stud WR for him, he will improve even more.
There is no "sophomore jinx" with Joe Flacco - if anything Flacco has improved as a quarterback. His decision making and poise are a fantastic skill set all young quarterbacks aspire to have.
The AFC must know that the Baltimore Ravens will be a threat to raise the Lombardi Trophy in February. - 31493
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