2007 Outlook:

The reigning AFC North champions are coming off of a 13-3 regular season, but they still ended the ’06-’07 campaign with a sour taste in their mouths. That’s because they lost in the divisional playoffs to the Super Bowl winning Indianapolis Colts in a game that they were supposed to win! A 15-6 defensive struggle was exactly what the Ravens wanted, but Ray Lewis and company were the ones that ended up on the wrong side of that score line. After a solid off season, Baltimore looks to defend its divisional title with the goal of returning to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2001. They’ve reshaped their backfield, but on the whole this team figures to be very similar to last year’s squad, which features a juggernaut defense and a ball-control offense with just enough firepower to win ball games.

2007 Draft Review:

The Ravens’ draft simply didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me on paper. You have to love the addition of QB Troy Smith at the end of the fifth round because it’s a very cheap investment on a player who could eventually develop into a capable replacement for the aging Steve McNair. The rest of Baltimore’s draft provided a lot of depth on the offensive line and in the linebacking corp, but they did nothing to address the offensive skill positions (aside from the potential long-term gain from Smith). They also reached too early for the Kansas State speedster Yamon Figurs. Draft Grade: C

Key Acquisition:

Without a doubt, the acquisition of running back Willis McGahee from Buffalo was the key offseason pick-up. The rushing attack won’t even skip a beat following Lewis’s departure and McGahee will most likely surpass him statistically. McGahee will be able to hit the holes quicker than the aging Lewis did last season, resulting in openings in the passing game for McNair and Co.

Key Departure:

Yes, the Ravens’ defense is probably still the best in the NFL, but the loss of Adalius Thomas leaves an 11-sack hole in the pass rush. Although often overshadowed by the likes of Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, and Terrell Suggs, Thomas will be missed.

Offensive Preview:

There’s much less mystery surrounding Baltimore’s offense this offseason. Steve McNair will begin his second season as the signal-caller and his chemistry with Clayton, Mason, and Todd Heap will click from the get-go. The addition of Willis McGahee at tailback even adds some optimism for Ravens’ fans. Yes, McGahee is an injury risk, but the fine citizens of Baltimore should take solace in knowing that they have one of the top back-ups in the league in Mike Anderson, who once was a 1,000-yard back for the Denver Broncos.

Defensive/Special Teams Preview:

Like the changing of the seasons, there are few certainties more reliable than the Baltimore Ravens defense. Ray Lewis will once again spearhead one of the most fearsome defensive units in the NFL. The defensive line is anchored by four-time Pro Bowler Trevor Pryce and young talent Haloti Ngata. Bart Scott will again team up with Lewis at inside linebacker, with Terrell Suggs manning the LOLB position. If that wasn’t formidable enough, don’t forget to throw in a lights-out secondary headlined by All-Pro FS Ed Reed and cornerbacks Samari Rolle and Chris McAlister. Brady Quinn, meet Mr. Ray Lewis. You two will get to play twice a year! Matt Stover, Mr. Reliable, will be given the kicking duties for another year. He’s a former Pro Bowler and the owner of the record for most consecutive made field goals (38). We’ll also get to see whether or not Yamon Figurs was worth a first-day draft pick as a return specialist.

Season Prediction:

The Ravens still appear to be the class of the AFC North division. The season-opening road game in Cincinnati will be a nice barometer to see how far the Ravens offense will allow this team to go. McGahee's impact will be pivotal to the possible Super Bowl Championship finding a home in Baltimore. Look for the Raven to be your AFC North Champions once again followed up by an AFC Divisional Playoff game loss to New England or San Diego.

Projected Finish

12 Wins, 4 Losses (AFC North Champions)