What we like, and what concerns us about the Ravens

With Training Camp just about a month away for the Baltimore Ravens, we take a look at some of the things we like, and some of our concerns.

Like 1) The Ravens have made the playoffs in each of the past 4 years, and won at-least one playoff game in each of those seasons. There has been plenty of roster turnover during that time frame, but there has been a year-to-year consistency in the results.

Concern 1) We might feel differently by the middle of the season, but here in late June, it appears that the Ravens are facing a challenging schedule. Challenging enough where even if the Ravens make it back to the playoffs, that securing a bye might be a very difficult proposition.

Like 2) There is more youth on the roster, than the Ravens often get credit for having. Flacco and Rice are no longer ‘young’, but they are the leaders of the offense and in the prime of their careers. If Osemele or Reid starts at LG, Baltimore will have 3 O-line starters with a lot of tread on their tires. Pitta and Dickson are going into their 3rd year. T. Smith is going into his 2nd. It is the same story on the other-side of the ball. Ngata is the ‘grizzled veteran’ of the D-line. With Suggs’ injury, Upshaw will start as a Rookie at LOLB. On the right-side, Kruger gets the opportunity to start for the first time. Next to Lewis is a returning McClain, going into his 5th year. In the Secondary, you have two young starting CB’s.

Concern 2) Having Courtney Upshaw available as an option to start after losing Suggs’ is a luxury most teams would not have. The concern is not Upshaw’s talent, it is wondering how much the Ravens will be able to ask of the Rookie early on. Coming from Nick Saban’s system, you expect a player that has been well groomed for the pro game. We’ve seen the reports about Upshaw being a capable run-stuffer, and having a motor as a pass-rusher. He won’t get much of a honeymoon, he will be expected (and needed) to produce from Day 1.

Like 3) I’m excited to see Jimmy Smith as he enters his 2nd year. With the experience of last year, mini-camps, and Training Camp; I think you see his play take a drastic leap. Together with Webb, they should form one of the best CB duo’s in the league.

Concern 3) Where is Cundiff going to be mentally when the bell rings? He went into the Playoffs last year dealing with the left-calf injury. He missed the kick vs. New England at least in-part because he was rushed out onto the field. His teammates, and the organization as a whole have been very supportive of him. Still, that is a miss that can stay with anyone. How will he, Baltimore, and his teammates react if he misses a kick early?

Like 4) Last year I liked getting Anthony Allen out of Georgia Tech, and I ecstatic with this year’s draft selection of Bernard Pierce. Ricky Williams had 108 carries last year for 444 yards (4.1 ypc), with 2 TD’s. I think they can equate or exceed Williams’ production as a runner, and as Williams only had 13 receptions, I’m not really worried about Allen and Pierce having shown little as receivers out of the backfield during their collegiate careers. Williams had 4 games last year with 10+ carries. I’d like to see a concerted effort to give Pierce regular and consistent carries. Use his fresh legs, protect the legs of Rice, and try and improve the time of possession numbers (the Ravens were 11th last year, at 30:35 per game.)

Concern 4) The Ravens defense was excellent last year in getting off the field on 3rd down. Without Suggs bringing the heat on passing downs, will Baltimore be able to equate that success in 2012?

Like 5) McPhee, and Kruger were strong situational players last year. I’m looking forward to seeing them as full-time starters this season.

Concern 5) Another year, another Defensive Coordinator. I’m sure Dean Pees will be fine. He’s been a Coordinator in the league before. He has been with the Ravens defense the previous two years. Lewis, and Reed will continue to command the defense on the field, but there are still going to be adjustments. Every Coach has their own wrinkles, and some of the veteran knowledge is gone.

Like 6) I like the TE duo of Pitta and Dickson. There was some frustration with Dickson’s drops last year, but this TE combination has the tools to compete with any TE tandem in the league, including New England’s.

Concern 6) If Flacco and Rice do not receive extensions prior to beginning of the season, I do not believe it will impact their play and production on Sunday’s. I do wonder if it would be a distraction to the team during the year though. It would certainly be a question those two players (and their teammates, and their Coaches) would be asked about on a weekly basis by fans, local media, and National media. Also, what happens to the locker-room if Flacco gets an extension, and Rice does not?

Like 7) The Ravens have quietly made some nice additions to their depth with LG Bobbie Williams, C Tony Wragge, and the NT’s Ma’ake Kemoeatu, and Ryan McBean. Both lines are more secure.

Concern 7) A lot of people locally are concerned about Bryant McKinnie. I am not, I believe he will again be adequate at LT. I went into last year concerned about Birk’s ability to hold-up at Center. I felt Birk had a better 2011 vs. 2010. The Ravens would be hurting if they lost Birk for any significant length of time, but I feel pretty good with both Wragge, and Gradkowski behind him. With Osemele, Reid, and Williams; I feel good about LG. One of them will be productive. You know what you have with Yanda at RG. My concern is wondering if Michael Oher will ever reach his ceiling, and become the perennial Pro Bowler many thought he would be after his Rookie season.

Like 8) Jacoby Jones was a nice addition. Twice in the last 3 years he has averaged over 16 yards per reception. For his career, he averages 4.9 yards after the catch. Also have to like the success he has had as both a KR, and PR. Before last year, most believed Tandon Doss would be the Ravens 3rd WR. He had showed strong hands in camp, and looked like he could help in the slot. After having Sports Hernia surgery, he did not have a single catch. In College he was an outstanding KR. Both have a chance to really help the receiving corps, and the return game (even better if Webb is not used as a PR this year). If Streeter makes the team (and does not wind-up on IR), the Ravens will have a big-bodied, WR with speed that could help in the red zone.

Concern 8) The decision to bring in Jim Caldwell as the QB Coach was interesting to me. When the Ravens parted with Jim Zorn, we heard that there were too many voices in Joe’s ears. Yet, a year later, another voice is being brought into the equation? Is Caldwell serving as a mediator between Flacco and Cameron? If so, what does that say about the relationship between Flacco and Cameron?