BAL Projections  •  BAL Depth Chart  •  BAL Stats  •  Latest BAL News

All team reports
AFC	BAL	BUF	CIN	CLE	DEN	HOU	IND	JAX	KC	MIA	NE	NYJ	OAK	PIT	SD	TEN
NFC	ARI	ATL	CAR	CHI	DAL	DET	GB	MIN	NO	NYG	PHI	SEA	SF	STL	TB	WAS

2009 Team Report: Baltimore Ravens

Quarterbacks

Starter: Joe Flacco
Backup(s): Troy Smith, John Beck

Starting QB: In 2008, Joe Flacco became the first rookie quarterback in league history to win two playoff games. He wasn't even originally slated to start, but Troy Smith missed too much time in training camp with an illness, forcing Flacco into action. He soon showed that he was the right guy all along. He ran for a 38-yard touchdown in his first NFL game, and did a solid job of managing the offense for Baltimore early on. Despite a one to seven touchdown to interception ratio through his first five games, he turned things around statistically the rest of the way. Even though his final season numbers didn't wow anybody, he more than proved that he belonged. While he was never really asked to shoulder the offensive load, he showed enough that the Ravens likely believe that he can if need be. He has a big arm and already throws one of the best deep balls in the entire league. He demonstrated considerably better decision-making as the season went along (just five interceptions over his final eleven games) and is poised to jump into fantasy relevance in 2009.

Backup QB: Troy Smith was possibly in line to start for the Ravens last season while Joe Flacco learned the job from the comfort and safety of the bench. But an illness in preseason wiped out Smith from consideration for the job, leaving Flacco unchallenged for the starting gig. Smith is still the same athletically gifted player he was at Ohio State three years ago, but the problem he now faces is that he's buried on the bench behind an up-and-coming star. Beck was expendable in Miami but managed to find a new lease on life by outlasting Todd Bouman in camp this year.

Running Backs

Starter: Ray Rice
Backup(s): Willis McGahee, Jalen Parmele
Fullback(s): Le'Ron McClain

Starting RB: Ray Rice was drafted in the second round a season ago, presumably to be the heir apparent to starter Willis McGahee. While Rice did get the Week 1 start, there were only two other games all season long in which he saw 10+ carries. He was the most effective rusher on a per carry basis (4.2 YPC) and showed a lot of ability in the passing game as well, with 33 receptions. But he gave up a lot of carries to unheralded FB Le'Ron McClain, who saw by far the most rushes on the team. By all accounts, Rice will be given a more legitimate chance to excel in 2009, and should be the lead ball carrier for the Ravens, but not at the expense of a decent amount of work for the other backs on the roster.

Backup RBs: Willis McGahee's time as a starter may be over, but his importance to the Ravens isn't. Last year, his 170 carries were second on the team to fullback Le'Ron McClain and just 63 more than rookie Ray Rice. He did crack the 100 yard mark three times, but he also had less than twenty yards on three different occasions as well. Surprisingly, despite 124 fewer carries in 2008 than in 2007, he scored just one less touchdown. His numbers are close enough to his career norms that it would seem that he didn't lose anything ability-wise. But his opportunities greatly decreased from the previous season despite playing only one less game. The reason? Because of the presence of the aforementioned Rice and McClain.

Fullback: A year ago at this time, very few people would've given Le'Ron McClain a second thought as a fantasy option. A year later, there is debate as to which of the Ravens running backs is the most valuable -- the former first round pick, the former second round pick, or the fourth round fullback who stampeded his way to 11 touchdowns. McClain started and finished strong a year ago, and only missed out on his first career 1,000 yard season because of underutilization in the middle of the year. From Week 6 to Week 11 (a six game stretch), McClain had just 35 carries for 110 yards and 1 touchdown. In his other ten games, he had 196 carries for 797 yards and 9 touchdowns. How he'll be used this season is a subject of great debate. McGahee and Rice are still on the roster, and McGahee was the go-to guy in the postseason. Rice is considered the future of the franchise at the position, yet McClain was by far the most productive.

Wide Receivers

Starters: Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton
Backups: Demetrius Williams, Kelley Washington

Starting WRs: Try as we might, fantasy football owners just can't seem to be able to get rid of Derrick Mason. He followed up an unexpected 1,000 yard season in 2007 with yet another in 2008. Along the way, his 13.0 yards per reception average was his highest since his 13.7 in 2003. At 35, it's clear that Mason's best days are behind him. But with 183 receptions and ten touchdowns combined over the last two seasons, it's just as clear that Mason still is a very viable option and the clear-cut number one receiver in Baltimore. Lining up across from Mason is Mark Clayton, who faces an important test in 2009. Clayton experienced early success with 939 yards and five touchdowns in just his second NFL seasons. His third year was expected to be a breakout campaign, but an ankle injury derailed that before it ever really began. So in 2008, most expected that THAT would be the year he would really break out and establish himself as a top-flight option. While he did turn in a solid campaign, he didn't really come close to a breakout performance. This year should really tell us a lot going forward about what to expect from Clayton. Is he a budding superstar, waiting for his opportunity to shine? Or is he a good, not great, receiver who will simply be bye week filler in fantasy circles?

Backup WRs: Kelley Washington, a player who has never quite lived up to his collegiate billing, may have finally found a home on the WR-starved Ravens. Washington has kept his head down, worked hard, and ended the preseason ahead of Demetrius Williams; he'll see the field anytime the Ravens use 3-WR sets. Williams was expected to make more of an impact than he actually did in 2008, as his season ended in Week 8 after an Achilles injury that eventually required surgery. Interestingly, that game featured the biggest contribution of his pro career, a 70-yard touchdown grab. Williams has excellent speed and is the best downfield threat on the team, something the Ravens could look to take more advantage of.

Tight Ends

Starters: Todd Heap
Backups: L.J. Smith

Todd Heap experienced a slight uptick in overall production from 2007 to 2008, but nothing close to his halcyon days from 2002-2006. And despite the increase in overall fantasy points, he was actually significantly worse on a per-game basis last year than in any other season since his rookie year. The Ravens have established a new offensive identity under Cam Cameron, one that utilizes the running backs and receivers a lot more. The tight end spot has sort of been relegated to glorified offensive lineman. The fact that Heap failed to bounce back, coupled his increasing age, doesn't speak well for his ability to have a bounceback campaign in 2009. He'll still be one of the top three options in the passing game, but for a team that established a real run-first identity last year, the opportunities might be tough to come by. Especially with the addition of another proven receiver at the tight end spot in L.J. Smith. For years, Smith has been a productive receiving tight end in Philadelphia. Now he joins Baltimore, where even the starter had trouble making very many big plays. Smith is very good after the catch and could prove to be a viable red zone option, but he's never been known for having the best hands in the world.

Place Kicker

Steve Hauschka : At N.C. State in 2007, Steve Hauschka had a stellar year, making 16 of 18 (88.9 percent) field goals, including a perfect 8 of 8 from 40+ yards. He was also perfect on all 25 PATs and was named a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award. Last year for the Ravens, he handled kickoffs and two long field goal attempts (missing from 53 yards and good from 54 yards) during the latter half of the year.

Kick and Punt Returners

Kick Returners: Chris Carr, Tom Zbikowski, Ray Rice, Yamon Figurs, Haruki Nakamura, David Jones

After Yamon Figurs did not become the return specialist the Ravens had hoped, they signed free agent CB Chris Carr this offseason. As a rookie in 2005, Carr stepped into the return specialist role for the Raiders and did a commendable job with a heavy workload for three years. In a one year stop at Tennessee in 2008, he had less quantity but higher quality (28.1 avg.). Although WR Yamon Figurs strength is punt returns, he also took over on kickoffs when B.J. Sams was lost for the season during opening week in 2007. Figurs proceeded to average 24.7 yards on 46 returns and scored a TD. Last year he didn't fare as well (29 returns, 21.0 avg.). Between in effectiveness and injury, he lost the starting job to DB Tom Zbikowski in the playoffs. Zbikowski had returns of 22 and 26 yards during the regular season. RB Ray Rice handled returns among many other roles in high school, but did not have a single return during his three years at Rutgers. The Ravens periodically used him in that role last year (7 returns, 23.0 avg.). DB Haruki Nakamura had more experience during college at Cincinnati, albeit with only three returns (20.3 avg.). Most of undrafted rookie WR David Jones' 20 career kickoff returns at Kentucky were during his freshman year, although he did take one 99 yards for a TD last year.

Punt Returners: Chris Carr, Yamon Figurs, Ed Reed, Tom Zbikowski, Haruki Nakamura, Mark Clayton, Derrick Mason

Chris Carr hadn't been as productive on punts, where he averaged between 6.2 and 6.6 yards during his time in Oakland, but last year he averaged 10.1 yards on 32 punt returns for the Titans. Yamon Figurs scored twice as a senior at Kansas State and posted the fastest time at the NFL Scouting Combine that year. In 2007 as a rookie he averaged 10.7 yards on 17 returns and scored once, however he also had troubles handling the ball at times. His struggles continued in 2008 (23 returns, 6.0 avg.) and he lost the job to the since departed Jim Leonhard. FS Ed Reed has occasionally returned punts during his career with the Ravens, including an 8 yarder last year. Tom Zbikowski averaged 10.2 yards on 23 returns during his final year at Notre Dame, and scored three times during his college career. Haruki Nakamura averaged 6.7 yards on 31 career college returns. WR Mark Clayton practices punt returns every year, but hasn't had one in a game since 2005. Although WR Derrick Mason had no returns the last four years, he has plenty of experience returning punts from his years with the Titans (career 182 returns, 8.7 avg., 2 TDs). The Ravens ranked 30th in fantasy return points in 2005, jumped up to 5th in 2007, and then dropped back down to 30th last year.

Offensive Line

Projected Starters: LT Jared Gaither, LG Ben Grubbs, C Matt Birk, RG Marshall Yanda, RT Michael Oher
Key Backups: G/C Chris Chester, T Adam Terry

The Ravens have added veteran center Matt Birk this season to provide leadership to the young players along the offensive line. Three of the other four starters are entering their third season, but the RT position will likely be manned by a rookie in the form of Michael Oher from Mississippi. The Ravens featured a power rushing attack last year, and the hogs up are good at moving defenders back and creating holes. The pass blocking isn't nearly as polished, but the Ravens are in good shape along the offensive line both in 2009 and the future.

Team Defense

Baltimore finished near the top of nearly all important defensive categories in 2008. Second in yards allowed, third in scoring, top three against both run and pass, but the most telling statistics for fantasy owners were the league leading 26 interceptions, 31 total takeaways and six touchdowns. The club lost ILB Bart Scott to free agency but have Tavares Gooden waiting in the wings to replace him. They released former starter Chris McAlister who missed most of last season anyway, then added veteran Dominique Foxworth and drafted Lardarius Webb who they believe will eventually start for them. They get DE Kelly Gregg back from injury and used a second round pick on OLB Paul Kruger to boost the pass rush that produced the 10th most sacks in the league. The Ravens have added some young talent and lost very little. They may be even better than last year.

Defensive Line

Starters: DE Trevor Pryce, DE/NT Kelly Gregg, NT Haloti Ngata
Backups: DE Dwan Edwards, DE Justin Bannan, DE/NT Brandon McKinney

Starting DL: Trevor Pryce equaled a career best 12.5 sacks in his first year with the Ravens but has just 6.5 to show for 21 starts since. He'll be 34 years old when the season starts and the slacking production has people speculating once again that he is near the end. Baltimore however, has done nothing to address the position so the coaching staff must be confident that he can contribute for at least one more year. Kelly Gregg spent last season on IR with a knee injury but is raring to go in '09. Gregg is a mobile, productive and very versatile big man who is equally effective at tackle in a 4-3 as at NT or DE in the 3-4. He along with several other versatile Baltimore defenders, allows the play caller to shift between fronts without having to substitute personnel. That is a huge advantage in today's game of situational substitutions as the offense never knows what to expect. Ngata is a 340 pound road grader who does a great job of anchoring the interior of the line in either front. He has the ability to neutralize multiple blockers while holding his ground, allowing the inside linebackers room to operate.

Backup DL: The defensive line will remain a strength for the Ravens so long as there are no serious injuries. Dwan Edwards was the team's second round pick in '04 but has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Edwards moved into the lineup when Trevor Pryce was injured in '07 and made his first significant contribution since joining the club. He then proceeded to join Gregg on IR for the entire '08 season due to a back injury. Edwards inked a new deal in February but this may be his last opportunity. The club has to be growing frustrated. Injuries forced the Ravens far into their depth chart last year and gave Justin Bannan an opportunity to get on the field. He stood up to the run well and did a good job eating up blockers as the 3-4 requires of it ends, but recorded only one sacks. He was simply not a difference maker. Even with all the injuries Brandon McKinney saw very little action. He move up a slot in the pecking order with the loss of Marques Douglas to free agency. The bottom line here is a huge drop off after the starting 4. We saw it last year and an injury up front could again be real trouble for Baltimore.

Linebackers

Starters: ILB Ray Lewis, ILB Tavares Gooden, OLB/DE Terrell Suggs, OLB Jarrett Johnson
Backups: ILB Jason Phillips [R], ILB/OLB Jameel McClain, OLB Paul Kruger [R], OLB Presscott Burgess, OLB Antwan Barnes

Starting LBs: Ray Lewis is the unquestioned leader and the face of the Ravens defense. When healthy he is among the best to have ever played the position. Unfortunately he has found it increasingly difficult to stay on the field in recent years. The 34 year old has played a full slate of games just once since 2003. The good news being that last year was the one time. He is a fourteen year veteran with a lot of mileage, but still has the burning desire to be the best and has shown no sign of slowing down. With Bart Scott gone the door is open for last years 3rd round pick Tavares Gooden to get on the field. Gooden saw very little action as a rookie but the Ravens drafted him in expectation of this situation and believe he is ready. Many people believe Gooden is being groomed to eventually fill Lewis's shoes. Terrell Suggs doesn't get the fan fare of guys like Shawne Merriman, James Harrison or Demarcus Ware but year in and year out he is one of the most dependable 3-4 OLBs in the game. Only once in his career has he failed to reach 8 sacks in a season. Suggs versatility has been a key to Baltimore's defensive success over the past several years. His ability to shift from 3-4 OLB to DE in a 4-3 gives the coaching staff great flexibility and keeps offenses guessing. Jarrett Johnson is coming off a career best 5 sacks. He has been a solid contributor over his 2 years as a starter but he has to make anyone forget Adalius Thomas.

Backup LBs: The Ravens always have good young linebackers developing behind the starters and this year is no exception. Fifth round pick Jason Phillips has a knack for getting to the ball and was very productive at TCU. He's a guy with a lot of upside and will be groomed to eventually step into the lineup alongside Gooden. Jameel McClain made the club last year as an undrafted rookie and made the best of his limited opportunity recording 2.5 sacks. His playing time last season came at OLB but he is versatile enough to be moved inside if needed and contributes on special teams. Since Adalius Thomas left a couple of years back the Ravens have been without a bookend pass rushing OLB to pair with Suggs. In Paul Kruger they hope to finally have that player. He's raw but is a high motor with natural pass rush ability. He'll likely contribute right away on passing downs and could push for an expanded role as early as this year. Kruger projects as an OLB but he could be one of those guys like Suggs who can shift from 3-4 OLB to 4-3 end on a per play basis. Presscott Burges and Antwan Barnes are also young developmental guys who should make the final roster and contribute on special teams.

Defensive Backs

Starters: CB Fabian Washington, CB Dominique Foxworth, FS Ed Reed, SS Dawan Landry
Backups: CB Samari Rolle, CB Ladarius Webb [R], CB Chris Carr, CB Frank Walker, SS Tom Zbikowski, S Haruki Nakamura

Starting DBs: There will be new faces at the corner positions in Baltimore this season. When healthy Chris McAlister was a physical shutdown corner who made a lot of big plays. Now that he has moved on, the club has a huge hole to fill. Former starter Samari Rolle is coming off back to back injury plagued season as well and has slipped down the depth chart heading into training camp. Fabian Washington was supposed to be the team's nickel corner last season but was forced into action full time. He's a solid cover man with excellent speed but is not very physical and lacks a knack for making big plays. With just one interception in each of the past two seasons he needs to step up this year or his new starting job may not last long. Free agent addition Dominique Foxworth is a veteran player who has been in and out of the starting lineups for Denver and Atlanta over the past four years. He's a serviceable player but like Washington, doesn't make enough big plays. He is probably better suited as a nickel corner or quality depth and is not likely to be a long term answer as a starter. With this tandem at corner the club may have to rely on FS Ed Reed to supply the big play bang. With 43 interceptions since 2002 and 16 in the past two seasons alone, Reed is up to the task. He's not the most physical of safeties but the Ravens don't need or expect him to be. Dawan Landry landed on IR very early last season with a neck injury. He signed the one year tender as a restricted free agent and is expected to reclaim his starting job once he's cleared for contact. Landry's physical nature makes him a perfect compliment to Reed and a great fit in the Ravens aggressive scheme.

Backup DBs: The Ravens don't really have any true starters at corner but they are very deep with experience. If he can stay healthy Rolle could reclaim a starting job but the club may elect to use him in the nickel role to limit his snaps in an effort to reduce the threat of injury. He would be an outstanding fit in that situation. Neither Carr nor Walker are long term NFL starters but both are solid backups with plenty of experience and could hold down the fort in a pinch. The player with the most upside among the corners is third round pick Ladarius Webb. Like all the other corners on this roster, Webb is smallish at around 180 pounds but unlike the rest of them he has a reputation as a playmaker. Webb will compete for playing time early and could work his way onto the field in some situations right away. Zbikowski and Nakamura are a pair of second year safeties who will compete for their place in the packing order. Both had an opportunity last season but were bypassed in favor of journeyman Jim Leonhard when Landry was injured. The club is either showing confidence in these guys or gambling that they won't need a veteran backup this year.

Last modified: 2009-09-06 15:34:14