Since winning Super Bowl XXXV with a defense for the decades in 2000, the Ravens have definitely fallen on hard times. Bears ‘85 / Ravens ‘00…no difference. They were both one hit, defensive wonders. This will not be pretty.

We are almost tempted to pull out and move on right out of the gate. There is some talent however, so let’s take a closer look.

Coaching: John Harbaugh takes over as Head Coach after a dismal 5-11 season in what was the final nail in Brian Billick’s coffin. Out of respect, Billick got a lot out of very little during his tenure that included a SB win ‘00 Harbaugh takes over with no Head Coaching experience but a wealth of time as an assistant coach (25 years) and NFL playing experience (11 years). Rex Ryan, son of Buddy, adds Assistant Head Coach to his Defensive Coordinator role. Ryan is the only coaching holdover from the SB XXXV team. Cam Cameron steps in as the Offensive Coordinator following a brief, though unsuccessful, stint as the Miami head coach.

Stats Slant: This is a very green group of coaches that will try to right this sinking (some will say sunken) ship.

Quarterback: Kyle Boller and Troy Smith are competing to win the right to hand the starting job over to first round selection Joe Flacco once the ship has officially sunk. Both are journeyman QB’s and neither is worth any consideration other than a bye week replacement if the match up is good. Even then, use caution. At this point it looks like Smith will be the starter and Boller the backup. Flacco was the Ravens first pick (18th overall) in the 2008 draft. At 6′ 6″ and 235 he has the new prototypical size of a starting QB. He has a rocket for an arm, is highly accurate and very intelligent. We forecast him starting by Week 8.

Stats Slant: As mentioned this crew is, at best, nothing more than bye week replacements and have limited value across the board.

Running Back: One of the few bright spots for the Ravens in 2007 was Willis McGahee. As the workhorse of the offense McGahee had 1,207 (8th) rushing yards with 7 TD’s and another 231 receiving yards and a TD. His 4.1 YPC was a career high. Look for the Ravens to lean on him heavy again this season. Rookie tailback Ray Rice has the inside track as the guy to spell McGahee. Rice has shown he can catch the ball out of the backfield and makes a must handcuff.

Stats Slant: You will get good numbers out McGahee on a pretty consistent basis and he makes a good low #1 or high #2 RB.

Wide Receiver: Derek Mason (103 C 1,087 YDS 7 TD) was a solid WR for the Ravens and Fantasy owners alike. He is entering his 12th year and at 34 is getting up there but still warrants a solid 3rd WR rating. Mark Clayton, Demetrius Williams and Yamon Figurs don’t provide much of anything to the Ravens or Fantasy Owners.

Stats Slant: Pretty much same old same old here. After Mason and given the QB situation, there is no value here.

Tight End: When healthy Todd Heap is as talented a TE as there is in the league. Word is that he had actually had a hamstring tear in ‘07 and is now back to 100 % healthy. Cam Cameron’s offense is geared towards active TE’s. So, if healthy, Heap should make a good value pick as a low-end #1 selection.

Stats Slant: Health and the Ravens QB situation make Heap a risk/reward candidate.

Place Kicker: Matt Stover enters his 19th season and obviously has started showing signs of decline. That being said kickers seem to kick on forever. He is in the final year of his current 5 year deal so if plans to continue playing, he will want to have great year.
Stats Slant: With everything going on in Raven land we just don’t see it. He is however a safe low end #1 and bye week replacement kicker.

Defense/Special Teams: This once proud Defense unit has fallen on tough times and no there is not relief in site. There is nothing special on the Special Teams side of the ball either.
Stats Slant: Nothing to see here!

Red Flag: The retirement on Tackle Jonathan Ogden leaves a huge hole on the O line.

Keep a pre-season eye on: The Ravens are very high on QB Joe Flacco. He will probably start sooner rather than later.

Stats Sleeper: Injuries will have a lot of owners sour on Todd Heap. Keep and eye on him as your draft progresses as he could be a great value pick.

Last word: These birds won’t fly!

Up Next: Buffalo Bills On Deck: Carolina Panthers In The Hole: Chicago Bears

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