Ravens-Giants Preview

The Baltimore Ravens have proven they are a good football team, entering Week 11 on a four-game winning streak including three straight on the road. Sunday's game gives Baltimore the opportunity to show they deserve to be mentioned in the NFL's elite.

Traveling to Giants Stadium to take on the Super Bowl champions will be a daunting task. Quarterback Joe Flacco will be pressured by the best front four in the NFL. The Giants' defense is so effective, because they do not have to blitz to pressure the quarterback, allowing the linebackers to drop into pass coverage. Look for the Ravens to use Ray Rice on draws and short passes out of the backfield to keep the linebackers close to the line of scrimmage.

This will be a classic case of each team trying to impose its will on the other as both pride themselves in running the ball and stopping the run. New York's top-ranked running game will be tested against the best run defense in the league. Brandon Jacobs brings a freakish combination of size (264 pounds) and speed, but the Baltimore defense never backs down from a challenge. Linebackers Ray Lewis and Bart Scott will have to keep an eye on Derrick Ward, a receiving threat out of the backfield.

This game will be decided by the quarterbacks where the Giants have the edge. The Ravens will contain the Giants' running game, but the secondary will have difficulty stopping Eli Manning and the Giants' passing game. Plaxico Burress presents a matchup problem, as cornerbacks Fabian Washington and Samari Rolle lack the height to defend the jumpball. The Ravens must find a way to pressure Manning, or he will gradually pick apart the secondary.

Flacco will have a difficult time finding open receivers while being pressured by defensive ends Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka. Having wide receiver Derrick Mason (dislocated shoulder) on the field would be a major boost, but he will be a game-time decision. Tight end Todd Heap will need to be involved in the passing game as he was last week against Houston. If the offensive line can give Flacco enough time, the Ravens will test the New York secondary with the deep ball.

Flacco has exceeded nearly everyone's expectations in his rookie season, and he will have to do it again for the Ravens to pull off the upset. The Ravens will bring a courageous effort, proving they belong in the playoff hunt, but will come up short at The Meadowlands.

The prediction: Giants 20-17

Ravens Throw Away Old Script

It appeared to be the same exhausted script in Cleveland on Sunday afternoon.

After taking an early 10-0 lead and outplaying the Cleveland Browns for much of the first half, the Baltimore Ravens allowed their lead to vanish after giving up a late second-quarter field goal to make the score 13-13 at halftime. It appeared the Ravens would summon the ghosts of last season, outplaying a team early, only to fall apart in the second half on their way to another loss.

Quarterback Joe Flacco and the offense promptly went three-and-out to begin the second half before Cleveland return specialist Josh Cribbs returned a punt 32 yards, setting up a Braylon Edwards 28-yard touchdown catch, giving Cleveland the 20-13 lead.

Here we go again. How would the offense respond? Another three-and-out. We’ve seen this story before.

It got worse when running back Jason Wright caught a 7-yard touchdown pass on the next drive. Cleveland was ahead 27-13. The Ravens’ secondary, decimated by injuries, appeared to be on life support, unable to slow the Browns’ passing attack. Surely, the offense would not be able to help the Ravens’ tiring defense.

Time to change the channel, right? Not so fast.

Flacco and the offense responded with an inspiring drive covering 11 plays and 79 yards. Fullback Le’Ron McClain’s 1-yard touchdown run put the Ravens in striking distance.

All right, at least they’re going to make it respectable.

Then, on the Ravens’ first drive of the fourth quarter, Flacco hit Derrick Mason on a 28-yard touchdown, tying the game.

Wait a minute. Is this really the Ravens’ offense?

The offense would orchestrate another drive for the game-winning field goal on their way to an impressive 37-27 victory in an AFC North battle. Besides keeping pace with the Pittsburgh Steelers and improving their playoff chances, the Ravens showed things are changing in Baltimore.

Over the past decade, the Ravens’ defense would always have to rescue the inept offense. A big play from Ray Lewis or Ed Reed would turn a surefire defeat into an unlikely victory for the Ravens. Very rarely would former coach Brian Billick’s offense provide the spark to make the difference late in the game.

So naturally, on those rare occasions when the defense would begin to falter, as it did in the third quarter on Sunday, there was little hope.

Enter Flacco and Cam Cameron. The rookie quarterback and new offensive coordinator have brought confidence to the defense’s ugly stepsibling. A group that for years was only asked to “not mess it up” for the defense is now showing it can contribute when the defense needs the assist.

Instead of panicking and abandoning the strong running game, as the coaching staff often did in past seasons when falling behind, Cameron stuck to the game plan. From the time Cleveland took a 27-13 lead until Matt Stover kicked a 22-yard field goal to put the Ravens ahead 30-27, the Ravens ran a total of 21 plays, 10 passes and 11 runs.

The defense needed a lift? No problem, said Cameron. If the offense is able to continue in doing so, the Ravens can be a factor in the AFC after few expected it.

How did the defense show its appreciation to the offense for picking up the slack? Linebacker Terrell Suggs crushed Cleveland’s faint hopes by intercepting a screen pass and returning it 42 yards for the touchdown.

So that’s what a team victory looks like.

Of course, the defense still reigns supreme, ranked 2^nd in the NFL, while the offense is a modest 19^th, but those paying close attention can see the subtle shift taking place.

It started back in April when general manager Ozzie Newsome drafted Flacco in the first round and running back Ray Rice in the second. Rice ran for 154 yards on Sunday in place of the injured Willis McGahee.

The Ravens are committed to building a more-balanced team, especially as the punishing defense continues to age. There is more work to do, as the front office still needs to address the wide receiver position in the offseason, but Sunday provided a glimpse into a brighter future for the Ravens’ offense.

Championship teams do not have to have a record-breaking defense to carry a struggling offense as the 2000 Ravens did. Teams like that only come along every 40 or 50 years. One unit cannot do it alone, as the Ravens have painfully learned in the seasons following their victory in Super Bowl XXXV. A championship team needs an offense, defense, and special teams that can provide a lift to one another when the game is on the line.

Sunday provided a sample of what coach John Harbaugh and Newsome envision for the Ravens moving forward.

"We're going to be a dynasty," said Harbaugh earlier this season. "If you're not willing to say it out loud, how do you expect to get there?"

Harbaugh’s plan is clear. While defense remains king in Baltimore, the offense is beginning to show it’s ready to play.

The State of the Ravens - 6 Questions to Ponder

As the Ravens sit at 4-3, second place in the AFC North, here are six questions to ponder at the halfway point.

1) How will the Ravens finish?

The Ravens face a difficult stretch of three straight road games, starting this Sunday in Cleveland. If they can go 2-1 against Cleveland, Houston, and the New York Giants, they will put themselves in position to contend for a playoff spot.

Facing the impressive NFC East will allow the Ravens to show what they’re made of. A 2-2 record against New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and Dallas would impress and put them in contention. They also face difficult home games against Pittsburgh and Jacksonville at the end of the season.

Considering the injuries to the offensive line and secondary, 9-7 would be a realistic goal and would exceed the expectations of most people entering the season. Given the competitive balance of the AFC this season, this would allow the Ravens to contend for the playoffs, quite a feat for a team with a rookie quarterback and coming off a 5-11 season a year ago.

2) What will quarterback Joe Flacco's final statistics look like?

Flacco’s poise and confidence as a rookie has to excite Ravens fans that have yearned for a franchise quarterback since the team’s inception in 1996. His calm demeanor is exactly what you want in a starting quarterback.

As for this season, Flacco simply lacks the weapons to really take the next step, production-wise. Though Derrick Mason is as reliable as they come in the short to intermediate range, the Ravens lack a receiver that can stretch the field, especially now that Demetrius Williams is on injured-reserve.

Flacco has clearly struggled when throwing beyond 12 or 13 yards. Part of this is due to inexperience, but the receivers’ lack of separation is a major reason why. Mark Clayton is too similar to Mason and cannot beat his man consistently.

Flacco’s season stats will be somewhere in the area of 2,800 yards with 13 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

3) Will Todd Heap's role in the offense increase?

Heap is starting to see more passes being thrown his way. Due to the uncertainty at both left and right tackle, Heap has been used more as a blocker, especially earlier in the season. As Jared Gaither and Willie Anderson continue to gel with the rest of the offensive line, Heap’s blocking will not be needed quite as much. However, the injuries to Adam Terry and Marshal Yanda (injured-reserve) have depleted the line’s depth, further complicating the situation.

Heap is still trying to win over the new coaching staff. His toughness has come into question, as he missed much of training camp with a calf injury after missing most of last season with a torn hamstring.

It will be interesting to see if Cam Cameron attempts to throw a few more wrinkles into the offense, trying to get Heap more involved. If not, it will be difficult to justify keeping him around after this season, given his high salary.

4) Now that he's healthy, will Troy Smith continue to get more playing time?

The “Suggs” package has sparked much excitement in Baltimore this past week. It is refreshing to see a Ravens offense with imagination and trickery after so many years of vanilla packages and ineffectiveness.

However, let’s not print the playoff tickets yet. This is a gimmick offense. It will only remain effective in small doses. As Smith continues to play, more tape will be available to opposing teams for scouting. Smith is athletic, no doubt, but he is not as fast as a young Donovan McNabb or Michael Vick.

John Harbaugh and Cameron must also remember they have a rookie quarterback to groom. Though Flacco appears to have nerves of steel, there’s no telling what effect it could have on him if Smith is inserted into the offense more and more, especially in passing situations.

Flacco is clearly the starting quarterback and the future of the organization. Fans calling for Smith need to remember that Flacco now has seven career starts compared to Smith’s two. Smith’s edge in experience is no longer there.

Flacco needs to be given every opportunity to grow into the offense and make it “his.” Can Smith be a part of that offense? Yes, but Cameron needs to look at the long-term progress of the offense, not just this week or this season.

5) What positions will the Ravens target in the 2009 NFL Draft?

General manager Ozzie Newsome will continue to live by the mantra “best player available.” The Ravens’ history of drafting in the first round is outstanding.

Depending on how they finish, the Ravens will look to draft a good young cornerback such as Malcolm Jenkins from Ohio State or Vontae Davis from Illinois. The current tandem of Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle are on the wrong side of 30 and may not even be with the team in 2009.

If no corners are available, they will look to grab a wide receiver that can really stretch the field. Maryland’s Darrius Heyward-Bey would be a popular choice. Heyward-Bey has good size and blinding speed. Jeremy Maclin of Missouri and Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech could also be good fits.

The Ravens could also look at defensive end, as veteran Trevor Pryce may not return in 2009.

6) Who will not be a Raven in 2009?

With the recent clash between cornerback Chris McAlister and Harbaugh, it appears the former first-round pick could be on his way out of town. McAlister’s knee is in bad shape, and his attitude is even worse. It would be hard to justify keeping a high-priced veteran cornerback with a bum knee and a bad attitude beyond this season. He is not a Harbaugh guy.

Cornerback Samari Rolle has battled injuries the past two seasons and could be a salary-cap cut. The team desperately needs to get younger at cornerback.

Inside linebacker Bart Scott will likely leave as a free agent, because the Ravens will have to sign linebackers Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis to new contracts. Scott is a product of Rex Ryan’s system and can easily be replaced by Nick Greisen or a healthy Tavares Gooden next season.

Pryce may retire or could possibly be cut to save cap room.

The Ravens will definitely look to get much younger in 2009 while maintaining Lewis and their core group of younger players.

McAlister Becoming Unnecessary Distraction

Ravens coach John Harbaugh promised to bring a hard-nosed, no-nonsense approach to a team sorely lacking discipline over Brian Billick’s final seasons in Baltimore.

The new philosophy figured to ruffle the feathers of a few veteran players accustomed to playing by their own rules during Billick’s tenure.

While most veterans appear to have bought into Harbaugh’s approach, what about cornerback Chris McAlister, the loose cannon of the Ravens’ dominating defense over the past decade?

The issue came to the forefront last Sunday when McAlister did not start and was limited to only eight plays in the Ravens’ 27-13 victory in Miami. Fourth cornerback Frank Walker started in his place.

Following the game, Harbaugh told reporters McAlister was rested due to a recurring injury, but McAlister insisted to reporters that his injured right knee was healthy. He was not listed on the injury report.

Then, earlier this week, Harbaugh began to change his story in explaining McAlister’s absence.

“It's a football decision,” Harbaugh told reporters. “We're always going to put the best 11 players on the field for that situation. That's what we did [Sunday]. We had the corners out there in those situations that we wanted to have out there.”

Though McAlister played poorly the previous week in a loss to Indianapolis, he leads the team with three interceptions. The secondary is already missing injured starters Samari Rolle and Dawan Landry, so the decision to sit McAlister after one bad game appears suspicious.

Anyone following the 1999 first round pick’s career had to wonder if McAlister was being punished. Harbaugh confirmed McAlister violated the team’s dress code policy prior to boarding the team bus before Sunday’s game but refused to confirm the violation caused the benching.

Why such a mysterious explanation when it’s clear McAlister was yanked for breaking team rules?

“You have to read between the lines,” McAlister told reporters on Wednesday. “I don't know. He said I wasn't disciplined, so I wasn't disciplined.”

For all of his accomplishments, including a victory in Super Bowl XXXV and three Pro Bowl appearances, McAlister’s conduct has been a sticking point in his 10 seasons in Baltimore.

He was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana in 2000 and was arrested for driving under the influence in 2003. The charges were dropped in both cases.

In addition to legal issues, McAlister has also faced team discipline in the past. In 2003, McAlister broke curfew and skipped a team meeting before being fined and sent home prior to a game in San Diego.

Though the former coach Billick was often criticized for manipulating the media and spinning various stories, he acted definitively in suspending McAlister for his conduct. The suspension seemed to have no harmful effect on McAlister, as he went on to earn his first trip to the Pro Bowl following the season.

Why didn’t Harbaugh do the same? If he is trying to protect his Pro Bowl cornerback’s psyche, it doesn’t seem to be working. In fact, it may be doing the opposite.

“The man [Harbaugh] said he put his best 11 [players] on the field,” McAlister said to reporters. “Obviously, he thinks Frank [Walker] is better than me.”

The rookie head coach must stand up to veterans such as McAlister, Ed Reed, and Ray Lewis to show there’s a new man in charge of leading the Ravens.

Swaying on a delicate issue like player conduct does not establish strong leadership with the veterans in the locker room. If a player breaks a team rule, discipline him, explain what happened (simply call it “conduct detrimental to the team”), and move on.

Following Billick’s model for disciplining McAlister in 2003 would have quickly defused the situation. It was a direct approach that worked with the troubled player.

So, instead of talking about the upcoming game against the Oakland Raiders, we’re wondering whether McAlister will be one of the “best 11” on Sunday.

A successful head coach needs to speak and act definitively, or he will lose his football team. Harbaugh preaches accountability and no nonsense with his players, but he needs to take his own advice in handling the McAlister situation. Don’t blame the benching on an injury or performance.

Perhaps it will eventually lead to McAlister’s departure from Baltimore, but Harbaugh needs to think about the rest of his football team. An unnecessary distraction is not what the team needs when it plays three straight games on the road following Sunday’s game in Baltimore.

This is a pivotal point in the season for both the 3-3 team and its rookie head coach. Harbaugh needs to come clean and end the debate. If not, the distraction will continue to affect McAlister and the rest of the team.

Adding another twist to the soap opera, McAlister was listed as limited in practice in Wednesday’s injury report. Maybe McAlister was injured in one of those eight plays against Miami, but critics are not buying it.

Stay tuned, as it seems there may be a few more chapters to this story.

Baltimoreans Still Feel Pain of Lost Legacy

Howard Brothers settles into his living room in Baltimore on a Sunday afternoon in the fall to watch the Baltimore Ravens play on television.

After the Baltimore defense forces another punt, the network telecast breaks to highlights of another game. The studio analyst announces Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has just broken another franchise passing record, eclipsing Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas.

Brothers, 75, gets that familiar twinge in his stomach. Not because he dislikes Manning. He actually admires the quarterback’s play.

The problem is his hero Unitas never played a down in Indianapolis.

The trouble is seeing that old horseshoe and the blue and white uniforms.

The sting is hearing the name “Colts.”

Twenty-five years after the Colts played their last home game at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, these feelings continue to resonate with Brothers and many Baltimore fans over the age of 30.

“It makes me feel lousy really," he said. "[Manning] may set franchise records for Indianapolis, but not for the Baltimore Colts. That’s ridiculous. It should be a separate [history].”

Baltimore fans bristle at the notion that they should let these hard feelings go. How callous is it to tell someone to get over something that brought numerous hardened, blue-collar men to infant tears on the morning of March 28, 1984 when owner Robert Irsay and the Colts skipped town in the middle of the night?

For many, it would be like telling them to forget about the death of a family member. These are scars that will never fully heal no matter how many Super Bowl rings the Ravens may win or how many games Indianapolis might lose.

“It was a shock,” said Brothers. “Even though you knew something was coming, it was just a big shock when you lose a team that you rooted for all that time. You couldn’t believe it. They showed the moving van with the snow coming down [on TV]. It was terrible really, a terrible time to lose something like that.”

Older Baltimore fans still remember their Colts fondly, recalling how it brought the community together every Sunday. Players lived locally and worked there in the offseason. Even the demigod Unitas could be seen mowing his lawn or playing catch with the local children of his neighborhood.

Quite a difference from today’s players.

“There was nothing like the old Colts," said Brothers. "It was like a religious experience every Sunday…That’s what you lived for the whole week. ‘Come on Sunday.’ It was amazing.”

The NFL has changed dramatically since Unitas and the Colts dominated the late 1950s. In Baltimore’s 12-year NFL hiatus, from 1984-1996, the NFL introduced free agency, the salary cap, and personal seat licenses for season tickets.

Though the scars of the Colts’ departure remain, Brothers adopted the Ravens as his new team when they arrived in Baltimore in 1996. His sense of civic pride and devotion to Baltimore sports enabled him to embrace the NFL once again, though it’s not quite the same.

Many fans that experienced losing the Colts were at first hesitant to embrace the Ravens, given the circumstances surrounding their move from Cleveland. It just did not feel quite right, though Baltimore had tried to secure an expansion team when the league awarded teams to Jacksonville and Charlotte in 1993.

“I was thrilled when they came here,” said Brothers. “Of course, the way they got it was the same way that Indianapolis got the Colts. [Cleveland] griped and all, but at least they kept all the Browns’ records and everything. We didn’t get anything from Indianapolis.”

Unlike Brothers, you will not find Mirv Metzger, of Millers, Md., camped in front of the television watching football on an autumn Sunday afternoon. Metzger, 60, still considers the Baltimore Colts to be his favorite team, even though they disappeared in 1984. Metzger has never been able to adopt the Ravens as his new team, still feeling an undying sense of loyalty to the team that takes the field every Sunday only in his memories.

His disgust with the NFL and his belief that the league made Baltimore jump through hoops to secure another franchise was the final straw for him.

“The move was the biggest point, but then realizing that the state of Maryland was using my dollars to dance with the NFL, it just helped legitimize my position. [The league] broke their rules to do what they wanted and to just say to the [city] that really made this team what it was, we don’t [care]…I guess I was really just done with the NFL. The Colts name doesn’t belong in Indianapolis. If you’re going to do that to us, then I’m done with you.”

The 12-year absence of football in Baltimore has created an interesting dichotomy in the Baltimore fan base. While older fans can remember the Colts playing in Baltimore, younger fans are unsure where the history of the old Colts fit with today’s Ravens.

Though younger fans were not around to experience the glory days of the Colts and their subsequent departure, this does not prevent many dedicated younger fans from embracing their city’s rich football tradition. The younger fan’s sense of tradition and appreciation of the Colts stems from oral histories passed down by previous generations.
Michael Guss, a 26-year old Ravens fan from Wilmington, Del., embraces the history of the Colts despite only being a baby when the team left town. Not only does it allow him to connect with his Baltimore roots but also with his family.

“My grandfather had season tickets to the Colts, and I have heard many stories over the years of going to the games [at Memorial Stadium],” he said. “You definitely feel a sense of appreciation when you see old videos like the 1958 championship game.”

Guss believes serious Baltimore football fans, regardless of age, should make the effort to learn their city’s football heritage.

“It is very important because without those players and teams, the NFL would not be like it is today,” he said. “It’s harder for the [younger] fan to appreciate it all due to the disconnect created by the move. Almost a whole generation of football fans was lost by that.”

While some younger fans feel this strong connection with the past, the absence of football for 12 years created a generation gap for many younger fans that failed to have a Baltimore football upbringing. Many of these younger fans grew up rooting for other NFL teams or simply not watching professional football.

Justin Milesky, a 25-year old Ravens fan from New Freedom, Pa., acknowledges what the old Colts accomplished in Baltimore but does not feel a connection with the city’s former team. He believes the influence of family has the greatest impact on whether a younger fan will embrace the history of the Colts.

“I didn’t grow up with the strong Baltimore Colts, Baltimore sports fans in my family, so I didn’t have that appreciation drilled into me and learn the history until the past couple years,” said Milesky. “Your dad, your parents, your grandparents are the biggest influence on who you’re a fan of.”

Perhaps the most effective way for younger fans to feel a connection to the city’s rich tradition is the Baltimore Ravens.

December 28, 2008 will mark the 50th anniversary of the 1958 NFL Championship game between the Baltimore Colts and the New York Giants. Baltimore won 23-17 in overtime, ushering in the explosion in popularity of professional football in America . The Ravens play at home against Jacksonville on that day and plan to honor the living members of the 1958 team, including Lenny Moore, Art Donovan, Gino Marchetti, and Raymond Berry.

“This city will really see that in the coming months,” said Guss. “The Ravens will do a great job like always with events like this.”

Though the name, colors, and records remain in Indianapolis, the Ravens have embraced the city’s football history, placing the Baltimore Colts’ Hall of Famers in their Ring of Honor and erecting a statue of Unitas in 2002. The rubbing of Unitas’ famous high top has quickly become a ritual for Ravens fans passing the statue as they enter M&T Bank Stadium.

Despite the Ravens' attempt in preserving Baltimore football history, one issue commonly agreed upon by the different generations of Baltimore fans is a belief that the NFL failed miserably in protecting the legacy of the Baltimore Colts. Where was the NFL in 1984 when Irsay was allowed to not only move the franchise but also take the team’s colors, name, and records? While the NFL learned from their mistake in preserving these for the city of Cleveland in 1995, how does this help heal the wounds of long-time Baltimore fans?

Does it make any sense for Unitas, Moore, and other Colts legends to be honored in the Indianapolis Colts wing of the Hall of Fame despite never playing there or having any ties to the present franchise in a different city?

“I think it’s one of the worst things associated with the move, how [Indianapolis] was able to keep the logo and records all of this time,” said Guss.

A compromise would be to separate the history of the Baltimore Colts (1953-1983) and Indianapolis Colts (1984-present) into separate displays at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Fans have been clamoring for the NFL to do this for years.

Even if the NFL can work out a satisfactory compromise for both Baltimore and Indianapolis, will Baltimore fans ever move on completely from the Colts and eventually view them just like any other NFL team? Some will, others refuse to, and some cannot move on, even if they really wanted to. It still hurts that deeply, even 25 years later.

Critics point to the fact that Baltimore has now had a second football team for 13 seasons and even won a Super Bowl title six years before the Indianapolis Colts were able to. To put it in proper perspective, the Colts have now played in Indianapolis only six fewer years than they did in Baltimore.

“As much as it has been written and opined to ‘get over it,’ it really cannot be the case for many people,” said Guss. “The people that say and write those things are not the people that lost an NFL team. While it may be okay for the younger crowd to think that, it definitely will never go away from the fans that were here in 1984, even if they had stopped going to the games years before that.”

While time and the budding love for the Ravens may continue to dull the sharp pain of the Colts leaving town, the pain in losing their football identity continues to linger in the hearts of many Baltimore football fans. Older fans lost their team, and all Baltimore fans lost a legacy that should have remained, even if the franchise did not.

Costly Mistakes Doom Ravens' Impressive Effort

The Baltimore Ravens displayed their ability to play with a top gun of the AFC on Monday night but also renewed an old habit of self-destructing at a critical point in the game.

The Ravens outplayed the Pittsburgh Steelers for most of the night, but a costly penalty and protection breakdowns in the third quarter ultimately led to a 23-20 defeat in overtime at Heinz Field on Monday night.

Santonio Holmes' 38-yard touchdown catch followed by LaMarr Woodley's 7-yard fumble return for a touchdown turned the Ravens' 13-3 lead into a 17-13 deficit in only 15 seconds during the third quarter, but rookie quarterback Joe Flacco led the Baltimore offense to a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to force the extra period.

The Ravens failed to muster any points on the opening drive of overtime before Pittsburgh kicker Josh Reed kicked the game-winning 46-yard field goal.

Despite the disappointing loss, the Ravens' impressive performance showed a national audience that their previous wins against the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns were no flukes.

Here is a final look at the Ravens' overtime loss in Pittsburgh.

The Good

Derrick Mason

Mason continues to be Flacco's main target in the passing game, accumulating 137 yards on eight receptions. The pair connected for several key first-down receptions throughout the night.

A questionable incomplete call in the first quarter wiped out a potential 15-yard touchdown. Replays showed that Mason appeared to get both feet inbounds and control the ball, but head coach John Harbaugh decided not to challenge the ruling. Matt Stover later kicked a 33-yard field goal on the drive.

Unlike past seasons, Mason is gaining more yardage after the catch, breaking tackles and even throwing an occasional stiff arm. With the lack of production from the other receivers, Mason has developed a strong chemistry with the rookie Flacco.

Sam Koch

The punter had a 47.4 average and placed two punts inside the 20, giving the Ravens the edge in field position for much of the night. Koch is getting good hang time on his punts, allowing the coverage team to get down field and neutralize the return.

His only blemish came in the third quarter when he shanked a 27-yard punt to give better field position to the Pittsburgh offense on their own 33-yard line. Pittsburgh eventually scored their first touchdown on the ensuing drive.

First-Half Defense

The defensive unit played very well for most of the night but was especially dominant in the first half. The Ravens allowed only 46 yards of total offense in the first half, as defenders were able to pressure quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the secondary provided strong coverage.

The front seven allowed very little room to run and controlled the line of scrimmage.

Corey Ivy, Terrell Suggs, and Trevor Pryce each accumulated a sack in the first half. Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata intercepted a Roethlisberger pass to swing the field-position battled and lead to the Ravens' first points of the game.

Ray Lewis

Critics continue to insist that Lewis has lost a step from his best years, but any steps that he may have lost have been replaced with a higher football intellect and tremendous instincts.

Lewis was all over the field, accumulating 13 tackles to lead the Ravens' defense. He also had two key tackles on the goal line to hold Pittsburgh to a field goal in the fourth quarter and give the offense the opportunity to tie the game in the closing minutes.

At 33-years old, Lewis is still one of the best defensive players in the game and continues to lead a ferocious Baltimore defense.

Joe Flacco

Despite Flacco's two fumbles in the third quarter, the rookie refused to wilt and displayed strong composure in his first road game against the Ravens' biggest rival. Few could have expected such a strong performance by Flacco in his first road start in a hostile environment such as Heinz Field.

Many young quarterbacks would have folded in the aftermath of the disastrous third quarter, but Flacco rebounded to lead the offense to a touchdown in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter to tie the game.

Flacco still needs to improve in protecting the football, as his second fumble could have been avoided by tucking the ball away.

The moves he displayed in buying time and completing a 26-yard pass to Mason in the third quarter should silence any questions about his mobility. Unlike many young quarterbacks, Flacco keeps his eyes downfield as he scrambles instead of simply tucking the ball and looking to run.

He and Mason are quickly becoming an impressive passing duo.

The Bad

Return Unit

The kick and punt return teams failed to provide any spark throughout the night. The units failed to provide any seams to spring returner Yamon Figurs. Figurs also fumbled a punt in the second quarter but was able to recover.

In overtime, a holding penalty negated Figurs' return to the Baltimore 48 and moved the offense back to their own 15. Not only did this spoil the Ravens' opening drive of the extra period, but it also allowed Pittsburgh to control the field position and win the game with a 46-yard field goal on their next drive.

With the Ravens lacking explosive playmakers on offense, the return teams need to provide more of a spark than they did against Pittsburgh. One or two big returns could have put the Ravens in better position to win the game.

Tackling

Although the defense turned in a strong overall performance, the unit needs to improve its tackling. On Holmes' touchdown reception in the third quarter, defensive backs Chris McAlister and Ed Reed missed tackles that could have prevented the receiver from scoring.

Safety Jim Leonhard, starting for the injured Dawan Landry, missed a tackle in overtime that allowed Pittsburgh to move closer for the winning field goal. Safety Tom Zbikowski and linebacker Bart Scott also missed opportunities to sack Roethlisberger.

Adam Terry

While other members of the offensive line such as Jared Gaither struggled with protection in the second half, Terry allowed a sack while lining up on the left side and allowed pressure from Woodley that led to Flacco's second fumble of the third quarter.

Terry needs to sure up his pass blocking, or the coaching staff will look to veteran Willie Anderson to take his spot at right tackle.

Deep Passing Game

Though Flacco has built a strong chemistry with Mason, the Ravens' passing offense needs more explosive downfield plays with receivers Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams. Neither receiver has been able to create much separation or make plays on deep balls.

Flacco needs to get his deep throws away much sooner and has to break the habit of throwing flat-footed on some deeper passes. His arm strength is an obvious strength, but he needs to use it more effectively.

Opposing defenses will continue to creep up to the line of scrimmage and stack more defenders in the box if the offense is unable to stretch the field.

Where is Todd Heap? The Ravens' tight end has virtually disappeared, though he stayed in to block on many max protection formations.

The Ugly

Lack of Discipline

Much like recent seasons, the Ravens continued to hurt themselves with critical extracurricular penalties after the play.

The most critical penalty came in the third quarter when linebacker Jarret Johnson shoved Hines Ward on the sideline, drawing a 15-yard penalty and pushing the struggling Steelers' offense into Ravens' territory. Three plays later, Roethlisberger connected with Holmes for the score, swinging the momentum in Pittsburgh's favor.

Penalties are part of the game and are easier to swallow when they take place during play, but the Ravens' lack of discipline continues to hurt them in big games. While Johnson is a classy player who simply lost his cool during the heat of the moment, the mistake ultimately led to the series of events that caused the Ravens to lose the lead and, ultimately, the game.

Linebacker Antwan Barnes was also flagged for a personal foul on the Steelers' first drive of the game. The penalty offset a Pittsburgh penalty that would have turned a 3rd and 3 situation into a more difficult 3rd and 8. Pittsburgh converted the play, leading to the eventual field goal.

Special teams’ standout Brendon Ayanbadejo earned an unnecessary roughness penalty, pushing a Ravens' punt return from their own 33-yard line to the 18.

Harbaugh was extremely unhappy with these penalties and will be sure to repeat the importance of discipline, both during and after the play, to his players.

"Rantin' and Raven" - Week 1

In addition to providing “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” for each game (which will return next week after a brief hiatus), I bring to you a new weekly piece, offering analysis with a fan’s touch, called “Rantin’ and Raven.”

Here's a final look at the Ravens' 17-10 victory over Cincinnati.

Ray-Ray

Ray Lewis’ pre-game dance to the Nelly song “Hot in Herre” creates unparalleled electricity in M&T Bank Stadium that is sustained through the opening minutes of the game. Despite the critics that say it’s self-promotion and is a distraction for the rest of the team, no one can deny its profound effect on the home crowd.

Lewis’ moves and swagger may not be loved by everyone, but the end result of a frenzied crowd and a stronger home-field advantage is a major plus.

Black Birds

The new look of wearing black pants, in addition to the white jerseys that have previously been worn in early-season home games, was a sharp, menacing way to ring in a new era of Baltimore football.

Old-School

The Baltimore defense, decimated by injuries last season, proved it still has the personnel to dominate even the best of offenses in the NFL. The unit was relentless in all aspects of the game and made a talented Cincinnati offense look like the “Bungles” of the past.

Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan’s schemes are as complex and confusing to opposing offenses as any in the league. Ryan employed packages that sometimes included eight defensive backs and even exotic looks such as linebacker Terrell Suggs lining up at corner to bump Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson (or Chad Ocho Cinco or The Artist formerly known as Number 85 or whatever he’s calling himself this week).

Rumbling Raven

Fullback Le’Ron McClain runs with a downhill style reminding fans of Bam Morris (and unlike Morris, McClain’s not running from the law) or even the hated Jerome Bettis in his early days.

McClain’s running in the fourth quarter was the nail in the coffin for a Cincinnati team that completely quit or had never really shown up, depending on who you ask.

Veteran Lorenzo Neal’s influence may be able to transform McClain into one of the best fullbacks in the league.

Joe Cool

Joe Flacco looked as calm as any quarterback seen in Baltimore since the days of Johnny Unitas and Bert Jones.

While no one knows how good Flacco will eventually be, his calm demeanor has a soothing effect on a team that would otherwise be holding its breath with a rookie at the helm.

The sight of Lewis encouraging Flacco and the rookie staring back at him confidently was a stirring image.

Heeeeaaaappp (Eeeeek?)

Todd Heap had one of his worst games in recent memory, losing a fumble in the first quarter and dropping a touchdown pass in the second.

Heap needs to get more reps in practice to improve his timing with Flacco and get back into game-playing shape. Once this happens, Flacco and the Ravens will once again have a dangerous red zone option to utilize.

F-16 becomes A.D. the II?

Yamon Figurs is known for his return ability but is quickly becoming a force on the coverage units.

Figurs has the potential to become the team’s best punt team gunner since Adalius Thomas made the Pro Bowl in 2003 as a special teams player.

He has blazing speed and continues to improve his tackling every week.

Déjà Vu?

When running back Ray Rice put the ball on the ground, and Cincinnati's Johnathan Joseph scooped it up for a 65-yard touchdown, Ravens fans could not help but think back to last season and the many debacles that plagued a 5-11 season.

The play cut the Ravens’ lead to 17-10 with over 10 minutes to play in the game.

Was the start of the 2008 season going to look exactly like 2007?

The suffocating defense and the punishing running game clearly answered that question and put the fears to rest. Cincinnati didn’t threaten again.

Offense Offensive, Nevermore?

Though it only managed to score 17 points, the Baltimore offense played with good tempo and confidence.

The double-reverse call that led to a 42-yard touchdown run by wide receiver Mark Clayton was executed brilliantly with a key block by Flacco to spring him.

The no-huddle offense kept the Cincinnati defense from substituting and maintained a quicker pace than what was typically seen in the past.

It will be interesting to see what offensive coordinator Cam Cameron does with this offense as Flacco continues to grow into the system.

Wacko for Flacco

The rhythmic chants of “Let’s Go, Flacco” echoing from nearly 71,000 fans symbolically marked the beginning of Flacco’s reign. It was difficult to listen to the chants without thinking this could be the start of something special in Baltimore.

Will Flacco be the next Johnny Unitas? That’s an unfair and unreasonable question to ask of anyone.

But maybe, he’ll be the man to stop the revolving door of quarterbacks that has plagued this franchise since its beginning.

Time will tell, but the crowd’s display of love was enough to get even the most skeptical fan excited about the debut of Baltimore Joe.

Ravens Stare into Uncertain Future: 2008 Season Preview

The Baltimore Ravens begin the 2008 season with the same theme resonating wherever they look. Uncertainty.

From new head coach John Harbaugh’s effect on a veteran-laden team to the health of free safety Ed Reed, the Ravens face many questions and can provide few answers as they prepare for the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7.

Will Harbaugh be able to turn around a team that finished 5-11 a year ago and seemingly tuned out former coach Brian Billick?

Can rookie quarterback Joe Flacco help improve the offense and become the franchise quarterback the team has lacked in its 13-year history?

Will Reed’s injured shoulder prevent him from leading an aging secondary that battled injuries last season and finished 20^th in passing defense?

Despite these questions, the Ravens believe they are much more like the team that finished 13-3 in 2006 than the injury-plagued group that collapsed last season.

The AFC North looks to be a competitive division in which a 9-7 or 10-6 record could potentially win the division crown.

One thing is certain. The Ravens are a team in transition as the defense continues to age and the offense must overcome the retirement of left tackle Jonathan Ogden.

More changes are likely to come, as several veterans will be free agents after the season, including Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Terrell Suggs, and Kyle Boller.

The team’s veterans will play with a sense of urgency, as they see their window for winning a championship continuing to fade. The Ravens will try to prove the window has not already closed by making another playoff push.

Here is a look at the 2008 Baltimore Ravens.

Coaching

Harbaugh brings a passion and intensity that had been missing from the coaching staff in recent years. His enthusiasm for football was apparent to his players from the moment he was hired.

Veterans faced a more difficult training camp and had to stay in Westminster instead of being able to commute, departures from what the players experienced under Billick.

The early reviews on Harbaugh have been positive, but how the team responds to adversity during the season remains to be seen.

In addition to lacking head coaching experience, Harbaugh never held an offensive or defensive coordinator position, the common progression for most head coaches. Harbaugh made the jump to head coach after being the secondary coach for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2007 and spending the nine previous seasons as the Eagles’ special teams coach.

With his own inexperience in mind, Harbaugh hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron as his offensive coordinator. Cameron will try to improve an offense that has chronically finished in the lower half of the league for much of the team’s existence. Harbaugh hopes that Cameron can bring production to the Baltimore offense much like he did with the San Diego Chargers a few seasons ago.

Once again, Rex Ryan will call the defensive signals after choosing to remain with the organization despite being passed over for the head coaching position. Ryan is known for his complex, blitz-heavy schemes that cause confusion to opposing offenses.

Quarterback

The Ravens entered training camp expecting the veteran Boller or second-year player Troy Smith to seize the starting quarterback position while the first-round pick Flacco would be brought along slowly as he learns the offense.

These plans changed dramatically in an Aug. 23 game against the St. Louis Rams when Flacco was given the emergency start, with Boller nursing a shoulder injury and Smith suffering from a viral infection.

Flacco played with confidence and did not turn the ball over in the team’s final two preseason games. This caused Harbaugh to name him the starting quarterback.

Flacco has great size, standing at 6’6”, and a strong throwing arm. The coaching staff is impressed with his intelligence and calm demeanor in the huddle

The biggest question will be his ability to adjust to the speed of the NFL after spending his college career at the University of Delaware, an FCS (Division 1-AA) school.

Cameron will likely implement a conservative game plan to nurture Flacco’s development and allow him to continue growing into the offense. Flacco looked most comfortable using three-step drops and throwing quicker passes in the preseason.

Depth is a major concern, as Boller could miss the entire season with a partially torn labrum and Smith continues to recover from illness.

The Ravens looked to sign a veteran to use as the backup quarterback until Smith returns to form.

The quarterback position will continue to be an area of concern until Flacco can prove that he is ready to lead the offense. The coaching staff will ask Flacco to manage the offense and protect the football as he enters the season as the starter.

Running Back

Starter Willis McGahee (1,207 rushing yards in 2007) missed the entire preseason after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery and remains a question mark for opening day.

The new coaching staff was disappointed with his absence from off-season activities and his struggles with learning the new offensive system.

These circumstances have led to the emergence of rookie Ray Rice as a viable threat in the offense.

Rice had an impressive career at Rutgers, leading the Ravens to draft him in the second round.

Standing only 5’8”, Rice presents a problem to opposing defenses as he often seems to disappear behind offensive linemen while he finds the hole.

Starting fullback Le’Ron McClain was a bigger part of the offense in the preseason and will occasionally be used at tailback with veteran Lorenzo Neal lining up in front of him in a big-back set.

The experienced Neal will also act as a mentor to the younger McClain.

The Ravens will need to have a strong rushing attack to support the inexperienced Flacco.

Wide Receiver

The wide receiving unit is led by veteran Derrick Mason (103 catches and 1,087 yards in 2007). While Mason is not a deep threat, he remains one of the best possession receivers in the league. Flacco looked his way regularly in the preseason and will need his consistent production.

Starting opposite of Mason, Mark Clayton hopes to rebound from a disappointing 2007 season in which he did not score a touchdown. Much like Mason, Clayton lacks size and breakaway speed.

The offense will look to Demetrius Williams to be the deep threat in the passing game. Williams has good size at 6’2” and shows good speed in deep routes. He will need to remain healthy, as a sore Achilles’ tendon sidelined him for most of the preseason.

Rookie Marcus Smith showed promise in the preseason but needs to catch the football more consistently to make an impact.

The Ravens lack a big-play receiver and need production from receivers other than just Mason. Clayton has failed to live up to expectations after being the team’s first-round pick in 2005.

The receivers will need to show more consistency since the team lacks an experienced quarterback.

Tight End

Heap continues to struggle to remain on the field. He missed most of last season with a torn hamstring and was slowed by a sore calf during training camp.

Heap is still capable of being one of the top tight ends in the league.

Flacco will desperately need Heap to anchor the short passing game and provide a security blanket for the rookie quarterback.

Dan Wilcox is still feeling the effects from off-season toe surgery but is ready to go for the start of the season. His versatility is useful, as he can line up at tight end or in the backfield as an H-back.

Converted linebacker Edgar Jones will be the third tight end and is an intriguing story. Jones possesses good speed and blocked well after moving to tight end during the preseason.

Offensive Line

Replacing a future Hall of Fame tackle is never an enviable position, but Jared Gaither will attempt to fill Ogden’s large shoes at left tackle.

Gaither has great size (6’9” and 330 pounds), but his work ethic and immaturity are concerns. In addition, Gaither missed most of training camp with an ankle injury.

Starting at right tackle will be veteran Adam Terry. Mostly backing up Ogden at left tackle the past few seasons, there are questions as to whether Terry can play on the right side.

Like Gaither, Terry was slowed by an ankle injury in training camp after undergoing surgery on the same ankle in the off-season.

The interior line looks strong with second-year players Ben Grubbs and Marshal Yanda lining up at left and right guard respectively.

Grubbs was the team’s first round pick a year ago, and Yanda plays with a mean streak.

The team’s most consistent offensive lineman is center Jason Brown. Brown moves from guard to center, where he played in college.

Brown will need to show more leadership after the retirement of Ogden and the departure of long-time center Mike Flynn.

Defensive Line

The starting defensive line is as good as any other in the AFC.

Trevor Pryce missed most of 2007 with injuries and is key to the team’s pass rush. The coaching staff is hopeful that Pryce can regain his 2006 form when he led the team with 13 sacks.

Nose tackle Kelly Gregg continues to be a productive player that goes unnoticed around the league.

Gregg underwent arthroscopic knee surgery during training camp, so his status at the beginning of the season remains uncertain. However, Gregg’s health is not expected to be a long-term concern.

Haloti Ngata is one of the most dominating tackles in the league, often taking on two blockers and protecting the inside linebacker Lewis. Ngata suffered a sprained knee in training camp but returned for the final preseason game.

Ngata should receive strong consideration for the Pro Bowl.

Backups Justin Bannan and Marques Douglas provide solid depth and are strong against the run.

The health of Gregg and Ngata is a concern entering the season, but if they prove to be 100 percent, the defensive line will be one of the team’s strongest units.

Linebacker

Linebacker is easily the team’s best unit and has strong depth from top to bottom.

As usual, Lewis is the heart and soul of the linebacker corps and the entire defense. While Lewis has lost a step or two from his best years earlier in the decade, he is still one of the better inside linebackers in the league.

Next to Lewis on the inside is Scott, hoping to rebound from a disappointing 2007 campaign.

Scott exploded onto the scene in 2006, posting 9.5 sacks and earning a trip to the Pro Bowl but struggled last season after the departure of linebacker Adalius Thomas.

Lewis and Scott are both in the final year of their contracts, so they will be looking to earn a big payday with strong performances this season. The team will likely only be able to afford one, so Scott could be moving on after the season.

Outside linebacker Suggs is the team’s franchise player. Suggs skipped training camp after receiving the franchise tag but reported to camp in time to play in the final two preseason games.

Suggs is depending on Pryce to remain healthy and take away double-teams that Suggs routinely faced last season, limiting him to only five sacks.

The starting unit’s most unheralded player is dependable veteran Jarret Johnson. Johnson is one of the team’s most consistent tacklers.

The Ravens have quality backups on the inside with Nick Greisen, rookie Tavares Gooden, and special teams ace Brendon Ayanbadejo.

Antwan Barnes and Jameel McClain will provide good speed as backups on the outside.

A name to remember is the third tight end Jones, who could be moved back to linebacker if injuries become a reality at linebacker.

Cornerback

While the Ravens possess well-known names in veterans Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle, cornerback is an area of concern entering the season.

McAlister and Rolle are both on the wrong side of 30 and were slowed by injuries last season. McAlister’s injured knee continues to be a concern, as he missed large portions of training camp due to continued swelling.

The Ravens acquired Fabian Washington from the Oakland Raiders during April’s draft and will look for him to be the team’s third corner. Washington could challenge Rolle for his starting position as the season progresses.

Veterans Corey Ivy and Frank Walker struggled in the preseason as injuries forced them into the starting lineup.

Ivy is better suited to play the nickel position, and Walker is slow in reacting to the ball.

Derrick Martin started three games in 2007 and grabbed two interceptions. He figures to earn more playing time should Ivy and Walker continue to struggle.

Cornerback will continue to be an area of concern with Rex Ryan’s tendency to use blitz packages that leave the secondary in one-on-one situations.

Safety

Free safety Reed is the team’s best player, but serious concerns remain over his status for the entire season. A nerve impingement in his neck and shoulder continues to limit him in practice.

Reed has not been cleared for live contact by the medical staff. The Ravens and Reed continue to be in a holding pattern, waiting for his shoulder to improve.

Reed has told media that the injury could eventually require surgery that would potentially end his career, but this is only being discussed as an option several years from now.

The absence of Reed will severely hinder the defense’s ability to defend the pass, as Reed is known for his instincts to read the quarterback and create turnovers.

The coaching staff will continue to hold their breath and hope that Reed is able to return to the field as soon as possible.

Veteran newcomer Jim Leonhard played well in the preseason and is expected to start in Reed’s place in the early stages of the season.

Starting at strong safety will again be Dawan Landry. Landry improved his strength and speed in the off-season and will be counted upon to hold more responsibility with the absence of Reed.

Rookies Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura played well in the preseason and figure to be strong contributors on special teams.

Both players seem to have a sixth sense for finding the football and making plays.

The selection of these two in April’s draft looks even better with the unclear status of Reed.

Special Teams

With Harbaugh’s reputation for strong special teams in Philadelphia, the Ravens expect to have good coverage units.

Ayanbadejo was signed to lead the special teams, leading the team to release veteran linebacker Gary Stills.

Zbikowski, Nakamura, and Leonhard also showed strong ability on kick coverage in the preseason.

Return man Yamon Figurs is a threat to take the football all the way as long as he is able to catch it consistently.

Figurs possesses explosive speed, and the Ravens will count on him to give the offense better field position.

The reliable veteran Matt Stover will once again be the team’s kicker. Stover may not have much range beyond 47 yards, but he is still one of the better kickers in the league from inside that distance.

Stover struggles to get distance on kickoffs, so the team signed Steven Hauschka to aid in this area if the roster flexibility will allow it.

Punter Sam Koch punted very well in the preseason, specifically with punts inside the 20. He will be counted upon to provide favorable field position for the defense.

Matt Katula is one of the league’s most reliable long snappers.

How the Ravens will make the playoffs…

1. Flacco blossoms in his first year, managing the game effectively and posting similar numbers to Ben Roethlisberger’s rookie season for Pittsburgh in 2004.
2. The defense returns to its dominant form of a couple seasons ago, and Reed and McAlister return to lead the secondary.
3. McGahee and Rice become the Baltimore version of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, providing a dominant running game for the offense.

How the Ravens will miss the playoffs…

1. The secondary battles injuries throughout the season, and the defense struggles to get off the field on third down.
2. The offensive line fails to protect Flacco consistently, and the rookie struggles in his first season in the league.
3. Heap, Clayton, and Williams are unable to provide the big-play ability needed to pump life into the passing attack and aid in Flacco’s development.

Outlook: 6-10, 3rd place in the AFC North

The Ravens will have a difficult time moving the football with an inexperienced quarterback in the rookie Flacco. The organization hoped to refrain from playing Flacco early in the season, but injuries have forced him into the starting role.

In addition, the inexperience at offensive tackle creates doubt in the offensive line's ability to provide sufficient protection for Flacco.

McGahee and Rice will have to carry the load offensively, as the team lacks the big-play receivers necessary to scare opposing defenses.

While the defense can still be a dominant unit, the health problems of McAlister and Reed leave the secondary very unstable.

Ryan may have to refrain from blitzing as much as he would like to provide more help to the secondary.

The defensive line will need to provide more pressure on the quarterback than they did a season ago.

Overall, the Ravens simply lack the offensive talent and depth in the secondary to pose a serious threat in the competitive AFC North.

A brutal road schedule, with games at Indianapolis, the New York Giants, Dallas, and division rivals Cleveland and Pittsburgh, will prevent the Ravens from making the playoffs.

The Ravens are likely looking at a 6-10 season, as the team will look to acquire younger talent at several positions, including defensive end, cornerback, and wide receiver, following the season.

The Ravens will take some positives from the 2008 season as Flacco will continue to improve as the season progresses and other rookies such as Rice will make strong contributions.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Ravens vs. St. Louis

The Baltimore Ravens received a glimpse into their promising future despite a 24-10 loss to the St. Louis Rams on Saturday night.

After a viral illness sidelined starter Troy Smith, rookie Joe Flacco received the emergency start. Though Flacco struggled with accuracy, he performed better than any other quarterback in the team’s first two preseason games.

While the coaching staff is still expected to go with either Smith or veteran Kyle Boller, Flacco has at least thrown his name into the discussion of who will be the starting quarterback against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7.

Here is a breakdown of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for Preseason Week 3.

The Good

Tom Zbikowski

The rookie safety continued to impress on special teams and in the secondary. Zbikowski blocked a punt in the first quarter that led to a Matt Stover 22-yard field goal.

Zbikowski also showed his cover skills by breaking nicely for the ball on an interception in the fourth quarter.

With the unclear status of Ed Reed’s injured shoulder, the Ravens have to keep Zbikowski, Haruki Nakamura, and Jim Leonhard on the roster as all three contribute on special teams and show solid play in the secondary.

Joe Flacco

After learning that Flacco would make the emergency start due to Smith’s illness and Kyle Boller’s sore shoulder, Ravens fans braced themselves for a disastrous result.

Flacco performed admirably despite learning he would get the start only hours before kickoff. He went 18-37 for 151 yards and a touchdown, a 15-yard throw to Derrick Mason in the third quarter. Unlike Boller and Smith in their starts, Flacco did not turn the ball over.

Flacco gained confidence and looked more comfortable in the second half. He was most effective using three-step drops where he was able to release the ball quickly. He also showed enough mobility to avoid the pass rush on several occasions.

He struggled with accuracy, completing less than half of his attempts. Flacco threw several passes high or too hard. He also needs to remember to throw the ball away instead of trying to force throws to covered receivers.

His overall performance surpassed any previous work by Boller or Smith in the preseason. This is probably more a reflection on how ineffective the two veterans have been than a compliment to Flacco.

While Flacco needs to continue to improve and mature as an NFL quarterback, he definitely showed glimpses of why the Ravens selected him with the 18^th pick in April's draft.

Flacco’s performance will at least force coaches to consider accelerating his learning curve, especially if Smith and Boller continue to struggle when the regular season begins.

Derrick Mason

The Ravens lack a receiver that can stretch the field, but Mason is still one of the best possession receivers in the league. He and Flacco showed impressive timing on several sideline routes.

Mason caught six passes for 85 yards and the touchdown from Flacco.

Mason is the only consistent receiving threat in this offense until Todd Heap can show he is healthy.

Special Teams

The special teams continue to shine despite the struggles of both the offense and defense.

Sam Koch punted for an average of 49.9 yards per kick, pinning three kicks inside the 20. His new form of kicking the point of the ball rugby-style on shorter kicks has been very effective in the preseason.

Yamon Figurs continued to show improvement and nearly broke his first kickoff return for a touchdown if he had been able to cut left at the last moment.

Matt Stover was able to get more distance on his kickoffs this week.

Coverage units continued to play strongly as many young players try to make the roster by contributing on special teams.

Le’Ron McClain

McClain led the Ravens on the ground with 41 yards on eight carries. He saw more time at tailback, showing good acceleration and some shifty moves for a big running back.

His emergence is significant with the uncertain status of Willis McGahee and the need to lighten the workload for rookie Ray Rice.

The Bad

Offense

Dealing with the chaotic quarterback situation, the offense struggled, only gaining 76 yards and three first downs in the first half.

Though the offense put together an impressive drive for a touchdown to start the second half, it failed to generate any big plays following that.

The offensive line did a fair job in protecting the inexperienced Flacco but were inconsistent in run blocking at times, gaining 70 yards on the ground for a 3.8 average per rush.

It is crucial for the offensive line to be strong in the running game with the lack of production from the quarterbacks and receivers.

Cam Cameron surprisingly called for Flacco to throw 37 passes instead of focusing on the ground game with an inexperienced quarterback in the lineup.

The Ravens lack talent on the offensive side of the football and desperately need the returns of Todd Heap and Willis McGahee to the starting lineup.

Defensive Line

Still missing starters Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata, this unit continued to show its lack of depth.

The defensive line was pushed around and failed to control the line of scrimmage for much of the night. J’Vonne Parker was able to get good penetration on several running plays but is too inconsistent to be considered as anything other than a rotation player.

Ronnie Prude

Prude had an opportunity to gain strong consideration for a roster spot with the absence of Derrick Martin, but likely played his way off the roster.

Prude missed tackles and was too slow in coverage throughout the game.

Corey Ivy

While Ivy defended a couple passes nicely, he continued to show why he is only effective in the nickel package.

He played too soft in coverage and lost his receiver several times when Rams quarterback Marc Bulger would pump-fake elsewhere and then throw his way.

The Ugly

Frank Walker

For the second straight week, Walker was torched repeatedly. He played too soft in coverage and was slow to react when the ball was in the air.

He allowed a touchdown pass in the second quarter and was called for pass interference and illegal contact.

If Walker is the best the organization has for cornerback depth, the coaching staff needs to pray that Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle can remain healthy this season, something that is unlikely to happen given their age and injury history.

Team Defense

For the second straight week, defensive coordinator Rex Ryan’s unit played poorly throughout the night. While still missing four starters, the return of Terrell Suggs and Samari Rolle seemed to have little impact on the first unit.

The defense came out flat from the beginning as the Rams drove down the field and kicked a 37-yard field goal.

The unit allowed 15 first downs and 250 yards of offense in the first half alone.

The blitz continued to be ineffective, leaving the depleted secondary even more vulnerable. The defensive line was unable to create pressure throughout the night.

Ryan will need to reconsider his game plan if McAlister and Reed continue to miss time with injuries, because the secondary needs as much help as it can get.

While the defense is still capable of being one of the better units in the league when all personnel is healthy, the uncertain status of Reed, McAlister, and Gregg leaves serious doubt.

Unlike the great defenses of the past, this team severely lacks depth on the defensive line and at cornerback.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Ravens vs. New England

By: Luke Jones

The Baltimore Ravens kicked off the John Harbaugh era with a 16-15 victory over the New England Patriots on Thursday night. While the preseason means little in terms of winning and losing, the coaching staff can take some positive things from the first preseason game.

Here is a breakdown of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for Preseason Week 1.

The Good

1st Half Defense:

While six defensive starters did not play including Kelly Gregg, Haloti Ngata, Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs, Rex Ryan's defense brought constant pressure through blitz packages and penetration by the defensive line. The Ravens defense played at a higher and faster level than the Patriots offense, which did not include Tom Brady and Randy Moss.

The defense limited the Patriots to less than 100 yards of total offense in the first half. Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel was confused and rattled by the constant pressure in the first half.

Cam Cameron:

Cameron brought an aggressive game plan to establish the passing game. The Ravens drove 57 yards on their opening drive setting up a Matt Stover 42-yard field goal.

Cameron called several screen passes and used fullback Le'Ron McClain as a bigger part of the offense than in the past. Cameron varied his calls, using runs in passing situations while passing in a few short yardage situations.

The ground game was not very productive as the offense focused on the air attack. Ray Rice carried 6 times for 12 yards.

Keep in mind that Cameron did not have Willis McGahee, Todd Heap, Mark Clayton, and Demetrius Williams in the lineup.

Return Team:

The Ravens return team set up excellent lanes for return specialist Yamon Figurs. Key blocks were made by rookie Tom Zbikowski and linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo. Figurs also made several great moves to evade defenders in the open field. He will have nightmares of being caught on his 2nd quarter punt return to the 2-yard line.

Fabian Washington:

Washington displayed his strong cover skills by picking off two passes in the first half. He was also tough in run support registering two tackles. Critics in Oakland viewed his lack of commitment in stopping the run as his biggest weakness.

Justin Bannan:

The defensive tackle was a constant disruption in the New England backfield. Bannan will once again be a key member of the rotation on the defensive line.

Jarret Johnson:

While Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, and Bart Scott receive the publicity, Johnson quietly has become a very good linebacker on this star-studded defense. He was flying to the football and broke up a 3rd down pass in the first half.

Brendon Ayanbadejo:

Ayanbadejo fits right into the Ravens' defensive style of flying to the football, registering 8 tackles and a sack. He was signed for his special teams pedigree, but coaches have to feel confident in his ability to play linebacker if injuries occur during the regular season.

Discipline:

While penalties piled up in the 2nd half with many reserves and rookies fighting for jobs, the Ravens showed discipline in the first half, a trait missing from last season. The use of a play clock during training camp appeared to help as the offense did not have any delay of game penalties.


The Bad

Offensive Line:

While tackles Chad Slaughter and Mike Kracalik did not protect as poorly as some feared, they had difficulty in protecting Kyle Boller. Slaughter was bull-rushed badly by Richard Seymour on one play in the first quarter but was solid overall.

Kracalik appeared slow as Pierre Woods ran right by him on several plays in the first half.

Though the team did not make much effort to establish the run, the offensive line failed to open any big holes for Ray Rice or the other running backs in the second half. The offense only averaged 1.7 yards per rush.

2nd Half Defensive Line:

The defensive line struggled mightily as players such as Amon Gordon, Lorenzo Williams, and J'Vonne Parker were consistently pushed back by the Patriots offensive line. Gordon did register a sack.

Patriots (and former University of Maryland) running back Lamont Jordan carried 19 times for 76 yards.

Derrick Martin:

Martin committed a 15-yard facemask penalty and missed a tackle allowing a first down in the process. While Martin has played well in camp, he took a step back tonight in a very tight competition for the reserve defensive back spots.


The Ugly

4th Quarter Offense:

Joe Flacco looked like an overwhelmed rookie in his first NFL action. Flacco fumbled once and did not complete a pass in 3 attempts. The offensive line gave Flacco no time to throw.

Troy Smith:

No, not for his quarterback play but for his sideline behavior. What compelled a potential starting quarterback to dive after an errant throw on the Ravens sideline, putting himself at risk for injury? On top of that, he failed to even make the catch. Though Smith was unscathed, it was not something you would expect from a potential starting quarterback. While not a big deal, it shows some immaturity.


Here is a breakdown of how the quarterbacks performed in the first preseason game:

1. Kyle Boller:

Boller made some nice throws, particularly on the opening drive, when the offensive line gave him time to throw. As in the past, he struggled to complete passes when pressured, which is nothing new. Boller looked fairly comfortable in Cameron's new system.

Boller did not take care of the football and had two turnovers. He fumbled on a sack and threw a pass into triple coverage that was intercepted by Shawn Crable in the 2nd quarter.

Overall: Boller had a solid game completing 11-15 passes for 102 yards. The two turnovers leave a bad impression with the coaching staff. Boller appears to be neck-and-neck with Troy Smith in the starting competition.

2. Troy Smith:

Smith made some great throws including a 30-yard strike to Darnerien McCants. He made an even better throw that was threaded between two defenders but was dropped. Smith also showed his mobility carrying 3 times for 6 yards.

Smith still stares down receivers and nearly threw two interceptions. He needs to improve his accuracy to receivers coming out of the backfield.

Overall: While Smith only completed 5-12 passes for 76 yards, he showed some positive flashes. He appears to be almost even with Boller in the quarterback competition. Look for Smith to receive the start against the Minnesota Vikings next Saturday.

3. Joe Flacco:

Flacco was overwhelmed in his first NFL action as most rookie quarterbacks are. He aimed his first pass to the outside and threw a pass behind another open receiver. In his defense, Flacco had little time to throw behind a porous offensive line.

Flacco will certainly have better days than this. Quarterback-starved Ravens fans have no reason to panic.

Overall: Flacco did not complete a pass in 3 attempts. He lost a fumble on a sack. He is clearly the third-string rookie quarterback at this point, but the Ravens should bring this young and talented quarterback along slowly. He is the future of the franchise.