D-FENCE
A Super Bowl contender, that's the consensus as the Ravens kick off their 15th training camp in Westminster. The national media has pegged the Ravens as one of the powers in the AFC and the Ravens actions tell us they feel the same way.
Signing Marc Bulger, and hoping he doesn't have to play, for 3.8 million is a pricey insurance policy. That type of commitment by the owner speaks volumes of how close the Ravens brass feel this team is.
Fans are encouraged by an offense that has been lacking since the Modell's landed in Baltimore. On paper this looks good. Joe Flacco has 2 years of experience and 3 road play-off wins under his belt, he also has more playmakers than any Raven QB has ever had.
Ray Rice is coming off a 2-thousand yard total offense season, Anquon Boldin is a Pro Bowl wideout who "plays like a Raven" and I don't have to tell you what Derrick Mason is about. Throw in a field-stretching Dante Stallworth, Todd Heap complimented by a couple of talented rookie tight ends and a very good offensive line and watch the scoreboard light-up!
Before you book your flight to Dallas you may want to take a look at the defense that's been the back-bone of this franchise for about a dozen years. I understand the excitement of a big play offense but in the end I think the defense will write the final chapter for the 2010 season.
The offense matters, and may be able to make up for defensive sins, but come crunch time in December and the playoffs the defense will determine if this team is Roman Numeral worthy. This is a defense in transition, it's still led by two future Hall of Famers. You know you'll get everything that's left in Ray Lewis's tank, he's somewhat limited at this stage of his career but he's still Pro Bowl worthy and a world-class leader. Can Ray still be Ray and stay healthy in year 15?
Ed Reed is the games best defensive play-maker and the Ravens biggest question mark. I'm not worried about his differences with the team, that's just business. I am worried about his reconstructed hip and his neck impingement and wonder when he might return to the field and in what type of condition. Losing Reed and his play making ability puts a bigger question mark on a secondary that was already a question mark.
Then there's Terrell Suggs, a Pro Bowl pass rusher who's averaged less than 6 sacks over the past 3 seasons! Injured and out of shape last year Suggs needs to bounce back and earn his money this season.
It's not all doom and gloom the Ravens have added some talented rookies to the "D" including top pick Sergio Kindle who could impact the pass rush. Haloti Ngata, and Jarrett Johnson always come to play and despite some glaring issues last season the defense ranked 3rd best in the league in points and yards against.
It's probably outdated in todays pass happy game but for the 2010 Ravens I'll buy that "offense sells tickets, defense wins football games". I'm anxious to see the Ravens offense, but in the end the Ravens defense will determine if this story has a happy ending.
