Thursday, October 29, 2009

Can the Baltimore Ravens do it Without Rex Ryan?

By Chad Kimbell

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.

While the team made the playoffs, they were stopped short in their tracks, but the 2008 season was by and large considered a successful one for the Baltimore Ravens.

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.

The Ravens are averaging over 400 yards in total offense per game thus far. With the combination of a consistent offense and a defense that still strikes fear in other teams, there is no telling how far the Ravens can go.

The running game in Baltimore is as strong as it's ever been. Willis McGahee already has four touchdowns, Ray Rice has been superb, and Le'Ron McClain is a bruiser with a great goal-line presence.

If anything, the Ravens look stronger this year than last.

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