Can the Ravens Compete for a Championship?
The Ravens were one of those football teams that got stronger and stronger as the season progressed. Rookie QB Joe Flacco continued to develop through the course of the 2008 NFL season and looked almost like a veteran by the end of the season.
While the team made the playoffs, they were stopped short in their tracks, but the 2008 season was by and large considered a successful one for the Baltimore Ravens.
Entering the 2009 season, there were a few small question marks, especially those relating to the departure of defensive coordinator Rex Ryan. Ryan, who had left the Ravens to take on the head coach position with the New York Jets, was largely credited for the defensive dominance in Baltimore through the course of this decade.
Would the Baltimore Ravens still be a great defensive team, or would Ryan's departure lead to the demise of this defensive unit? The team certainly has some great talents in Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, but Lewis is aging and the fate of this defense would be uncertain.
While the defense in Baltimore seems to be somewhat weaker than in seasons past (the team allowed 24 and 26 points in weeks 1 and 2), this hasn't been too much of an issue just yet. The offense has made up for it, as the Ravens have scored over 30 points in both week 1 and week 2.
The Ravens are averaging over 400 yards in total offense per game thus far. With the combination of a consistent offense and a defense that still strikes fear in other teams, there is no telling how far the Ravens can go.
The running game in Baltimore is as strong as it's ever been. Willis McGahee already has four touchdowns, Ray Rice has been superb, and Le'Ron McClain is a bruiser with a great goal-line presence.
If anything, the Ravens look stronger this year than last.
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