Last week (http://baltimoresportsandlife.com/?p=3036) we asked if the Baltimore Ravens will represent the American Football Conference (AFC) in Indianapolis February 5th for Super Bowl 46.
In that post we looked at some of the other AFC contenders, and reviewed the Ravens roster based on what we saw before the bye.
Today, these are the 15 current questions and thoughts I have for Ravens fans:
1) Baltimore headed into the bye at 3-1. Before the action this past weekend, they lead the league in point differential. In their three wins, Baltimore has won the battles on both sides of the line. Which teams do you see as more talented than Baltimore?
2) In the Ravens loss to Tennessee, the Titans were able to maintain a clean pocket for Hasselbeck. Which teams have the offensive lines to match-up well with the Ravens Front 7?
3) The Baltimore offensive line has clearly improved from last year with McKinney at LT, Oher back at RT, and Yanda back at RG. When Grubbs gets back to LG, who do you think represents a better option at Center – Gurode or Birk? Do you agree that Oher just looks more natural at RT? What defensive lines do you grade as better then the Ravens O-line?
4) Foxworth was not able to fully recover from his ACL injury and was forced to Injured Reserve. Hindsight says the Ravens could have released Foxworth, and attempted to retain Wilson (or sign other), or at the minimum started the year with Foxworth on the PUP list. That said, when Smith returns from his ankle sprain – I’d argue the Ravens still have good depth (Williams, Webb, Carr, Brown) at CB. Do you disagree?
5) 2010 All-Pro Vonta Leach replaced 2x All-Pro Le’Ron McClain at FB. We went into the year believing Leach to be the better pure blocker, and McClain to have the better running and pass catching abilities. Salary was saved by cutting Willis McGahee, and replacing him with Ricky Williams. After what you saw during the first four games, what is your evaluation here? Did the Ravens upgrade over what they have, or do you consider these changes to be a wash?
6) Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald recently told us that when Hernandez and Gronkowski are healthy, the Patriots are using them on the field together 80% of the time. Can the Ravens TE pair of Dickson, and Pitta be used to similar success? Do you believe the Baltimore TE’s are being properly utilized?
7) With Lee Evans out the last couple of weeks, Torrey Smith has received extended time, showing his abilities at St. Louis. As Evans returns, Baltimore is now able to stretch the field with Evans, and Smith (and to a lesser extent Dickson, and Reed). Obviously the Ravens lacked this ability at the end of last year. As these receivers get attention on the outside, clearly Boldin and Rice can benefit underneath. Teams want to be ‘multiple’ and be able to adapt and attack the differing styles of their opponents.
However, Baltimore still looks best when they pound the rock and use play-action off that. Frankly the Ravens can win most weeks without playing perfect or to their primary strengths. Are they better served trying to use the Regular Season to expand their passing attack, or should they spend most weeks trying to perfect ground and pound?
8) Since the bye last year, Suggs is playing at the highest level of his career. However, he is the only Raven brining a consistent rush. 2010 2nd rounder Sergio Kindle was cleared for contact, and looked strong in Training Camp as a 3rd down pass rusher. Even if Kindle is not currently skilled enough to help at LB on 1st or 2nd down (or add to Special Teams), do you think he represents the best opportunity for a pass rush opposite of Suggs?
9) Ngata signed the 5 year contract extension, with $40M in guaranteed dollars. You can make the argument that with Suh, Ngata is one of the two best interior D-lineman in football. As the careers of Lewis, and Reed end; the Ravens defense will be built around Ngata, Suggs, and Smith. What were your thoughts on Ngata’s contract? Is it fair to ask if a cheaper extension could have been negotiated earlier in Ngata’s career, and prior to him having been named a Franchise player?”
10) Next to Ngata on the D-line is Terrence Cody. Cody has lost a considerable amount of weight, and has been another upgrade for Baltimore as a replacement for Gregg. What are you seeing from Cody?
11) Flacco had a horrible game on the National stage against the Jets. His completion percentage dropped to 49.3% (career 60.9%). On the other-side, Flacco was excellent against Pittsburgh, and St. Louis. The 4th year QB currently has thrown for 973 yards, 7 TD’s, and 3 picks. Are you buying or selling the idea that he reaches 4,000 yards and 30 TD’s this year?
12) With the improved line in-front of him, Rice’s yard per carry has increased from 4.0 last year to 4.5 this year. He is on pace to again have 60+ receptions, and over 900 yards receiving. He has also stepped up and made several strong blocks in blitz coverage. Where do you rank Rice among RB’s? Are you willing to hand Rice a blank check, or do you think RB’s are too replaceable to provide him with major dollars?
13) When you look at the roster, what do you like best?
14) What is your primary concern for the team during the remainder of the year?
15) The Ravens host Houston (who will be without Johnson, and has lost Williams) Sunday. Trips remain to Pittsburgh, and to San Diego. Arizona, and San Francisco come East. It would not be shocking to see Baltimore pushed in Division games at Cleveland, and Cincinnati. Outside of that, it is hard to see a lot of possible losses on the remaining schedule. What was your record prediction before the year, and what is it now?
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.