In 2010, the Baltimore Ravens reached the playoffs, and won at-least a game. When the Ravens season ended at Heinz Field, a familiar refrain through-out Baltimore was that the team had become a bit ‘plodding.’ I think we are going to see a more athletic looking Ravens team here in 2011.
Part of that is the changing of the guard which is currently taking place on the roster. While Todd Heap averaged a career high 15 yards per reception last year, the 31 year old can no longer fly like the 24 year old Ed Dickson. Dickson ran by defenders whenever he saw the field last year, and is going to be physical mismatch for opposing defenses as the main option this year.
I’d still like to see Derrick Mason return, but one of the major issues the Ravens had last year was that Boldin, Mason, and Houshmandzadeh were unable to create any separation. Look at their yards per reception last year. Boldin 13.1, Mason 13.1, Houshmandzadeh. After they did catch the ball, they were not in position (or able) to get additional yards. Look at their yards after catch last year; Boldin 3.8 (career 5.2), Mason 2.2, Houshmandzadeh 3.0. Teams could position their defenders all around the box (impacting Rice and the running game) because nobody was scared of these receivers beating them deep. The adjustment from Saturday to Sunday is going to be profound for Torrey Smith, and Tandon Doss; but I’m confident their fresh legs are going to help. Smith is going to spend this year improving his route running, and reading defenses. What he is going to be able to do right away, is go deep, and pull defenders out of the box. Doss is a more physical, possession type of receiver, but he might have a chance to immediately impact play as a Kick Returner alongside David Reed (who I also think will get a larger opportunity as a receiver this year.)
Just like Dickson is replacing Heap, Terrence Cody is going to replace Kelly Gregg. There have been multiple stories about Cody reporting to Camp in good shape. His athleticism is off the charts for a man of his size. Gregg had a very nice career for the Ravens, but he was pushed around often at the point of attack last year. Outside of the great 4th and 1 play he had in the Kansas City playoff game, it is hard to recall any instances of Gregg moving the pocket backwards and making plays behind the line of scrimmage. Cody thinks he can be an every down player. I think him lined-up next to Ngata is going to be a devastating combination.
The Ravens drafted Sergio Kindle last year, because they were enamored with his ability to provide a speed rush opposite of Suggs. The issues Kindle dealt with last year were well chronicled. As we have said previously, we feel good for Kindle on a human/personal level that he is going to get the chance to resume his career. For the Ravens, his return is really exceptional news. There were many occasions last year when the Baltimore defense just could not get off the field. Too many 3rd downs converted by opposing offenses. While the pass-defense received a lot of the blame, a major issue was the overall lack of pass-rush. Johnson is aging, and was playing through an injury last year. A healthy Kindle can help keep Johnson fresher, and make it that much more likely for Suggs to continue with the level of play he showed down the stretch.
It is no secret why Ozzie Newsome and company coveted Jimmy Smith. Smith gives the Ravens a potential shut-down option at CB. He’s physical, he can run, and he has good size. That is a major athletic upgrade for the Secondary.
Beyond these players, one also has to consider the change of philosophy from Greg Mattison to Chuck Pagano at Defensive Coordinator. By all accounts, Pagano is going to be more aggressive with the pressure he brings. An attacking / aggressive defense always looks quicker vs. a defense that spends their time trying to read and react.
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.