NFL Predictions – Baltimore Ravens 2007 Preview
The 2007 Baltimore Ravens will showcase a suffocating defense (again) and a revamped offense. This is an aging team. Nine of the 22 starters are 30 or older, including stars Ray Lewis, Steve McNair, Derrick Mason, Samari Rolle and Trevor Pryce. It may be now or never for the Ravens.
INSULTED
Steve McNair played well last season. The Ravens intend to use multiple formations this season, which should suit McNair, who is good at improvising and reading defenses. McNair likes to check down, so he expects running backs and tight ends to catch a lot of passes.
Willis McGahee replaces Jamal Lewis at running back. McGahee is younger, more versatile and will be the only running back in sets of three and four receivers most of the time as the Ravens spread things out. Expect fewer downhill running plays and more throws, sweeps, traps and deflection plays with McGahee carrying the rock.
With WR Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams along with TE Todd Heap, the Ravens have four solid receiving options to use on the field at the same time. OC Rick Neuheisel will be able to exploit a lot of mismatches with this foursome.
The offensive line will be without Tony Pashos and Edwin Mulitalo from last year’s starting roster. They still have the huge Jonathan Ogden at left tackle. Adam Terry replaces Pashos at right tackle. Terry is more versatile than Pashos, but not as strong. Jason Brown should replace Mulitalo at left guard. First-round pick Ben Grubbs (guard, Auburn) won’t start right away, but expect him to find his way into the starting lineup before long.
DEFENDING
You have to love this defense, unless you’re a fan of their AFC North foes. DC Rex Ryan loves to bomb. The Ravens will charge at least 70% of the time and from all areas of the field. They move players around a lot, making it difficult to set up to play against this unit.
The line is solid with Trevor Pryce at one end and the massive 340-pound Haloti Ngata at the other end. Pryce has a good combination of power and speed. Ngata usually fights in double teams and is incredibly fast for someone his size. Kelly Gregg anchors the middle and excels at stopping the run.
The loss of Adalius Thomas will not be as significant as some may think. They still have Ray Lewis, who can play on the strong or weak side in a 4-3 lineup and also on the inside in a 3-4 scheme. Bart Scott plays inside with Lewis in 3-4 lineups. Scott is coming off a great season and may be asked to take on some of Thomas’ roles. Jarrett Johnson can then be asked to take much of the bombing responsibility from Scott. Then there’s Terrell Suggs. Suggs is a passing demon who just happens to be playing for a new contract. Opponent beware.
The Ravens are solid on the corners, with veterans Samari Rolle and Chris McAlister. Rolle allowed too many big plays last season, but he played better as the season went on. Free safety Ed Reed is a playmaking machine in the secondary. Strong safety Dawan Landry is a great hitter with good size and a muscular build.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker Matt Stover is one of the best clutch kickers in the game. Punter Sam Koch covered opponents inside the 20 on a regular basis last season. Cover units are solid. BJ Sams returns from a broken ankle and must prove that he is healthy. The Ravens selected Yamon Figures in the third round as insurance. Super speedy figures are a scoring threat every time he touches the ball.
PREDICTION
If McGahee and the offensive line team up, it will be another double-digit win total for the Ravens this season. They will battle the Bengals and Steelers for the AFC North title and a playoff spot. I see them finishing 10-6 and earning a spot in the wild card playoffs.