Wednesday, September 7, 2011

2011 Season Preview: Baltimore Ravens



2010 Record: 12-4

2010 Rankings:
Total Offense - 22
Passing Offense - 20
Rushing Offense - 14
Scoring Offense - 16
Total Defense - 10
Pass Defense - 21
Rush Defense - 5
Scoring Defense - 3

Offense

Some teams add weapons for their quarterbacks, like the Ravens tried to do last year by picking up Anquan Boldin. But after Boldin had 1 catch for -3 yards in the playoff game against Pittsburgh, they decided to let him shoulder the load in the passing game, dumping Todd Heap and Derrick Mason, two of the most sure-handed receivers on the team. Ray Rice will probably have a huge year, particularly with Vonte Leach blocking for him.

Defense

The Ravens are a completely different team when Ed Reed is in the lineup. The problem is keeping him healthy for a whole season. They haven't had much luck with that and their corners aren't exactly going to scare anyone off. Up front, Haloti Ngata is a beast. He's at the top of his game right now and can play all 3 positions along the 3-4 front. He might be one of the best defensive linemen in the game right now.

Intangibles

The Ravens will once again be the Steelers primary challengers for the AFC North crown. They have a pretty easy schedule, particularly in the middle of the season, so they will definitely be in the playoff hunt once again.

If the Ravens were a Beer, they would be:


Heavy Seas Winter Storm

This is a very good beer that just gets better and better as the temperatures drop. It's a winter seasonal so you might not hear much about it in the summer months, but when December and January roll around, this has just what you're looking for in a beer.

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