Newz Forum: FOOTBALL: Baltimore Ravens Preview 2004

Perhaps there is no team more intense than the Baltimore Ravens, who feature the one player who defines the word "intensity" more than any other: Ray Lewis. Besides being one of the most talented line-backers, Lewis is arguably the most-feared player in the entire league. He is also known for getting his teammates fired-up before game-time, a trait obviously noticeable as the Ravens possess one of the best defensive units in the NFL, which also consists of LB Peter Boulware, CB Chris McAlister, SS Ed Reed, and the return of 37-year-old "Prime Time" CB Deion Sanders.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Ravens placed first in the league in RYPG, led by one of the game's best backs, Jamal Lewis. So, with an awesome defense and an unstoppable running back, what exactly kept the Ravens from advancing past the AFC Wild Card Round? The passing game. Ranked dead-last in PYPG in '03, all the Ravens can do is hope QB Kyle Boller is improved and healthy from his rookie season. With WR Kevin Johnson added to the mix, it's more of a possibility. Either way, the Lewis-tandem will carry them into the playoffs once again, if not more.

Football About.com

The Insider.com

Star Power: Ray Lewis, ILB, 6'1, 245 pounds, 9 years NFL experience Jamal Lewis, RB, 5'11, 240 pounds, 5 years NFL experience Jonathan Ogden, LT, 6'9, 340 pounds, 9 years NFL experience Ed Reed, FS, 5'11, 200 pounds, 3 years NFL experience Chris McAlister, 6'1, 206 pounds, 6 years NFL experience Todd Heap, 6'5, 252 pounds, 4 years NFL experience

Notable Additions: Kevin Johnson, WR, 5'11, 195 pounds (acquired through trade from Jacksonville) Deion Sanders, CB, 6'1, 195 pounds (signed as free-agent out of retirement) Kordell Stewart, QB, 6'1, 217 pounds (signed as free-agent from Chicago) Notable Subtractions: Tom Knight, John Jones, Marcus Robinson, Frank Sanders, Chris Redman, Tom Knight, Harold Morrow

Starting quarterback Kyle Boller battled injury and struggled as a rookie last season, but team officials believe the addition of Fassel will help the youngster adjust quicker to the NFL. He has good size and excellent physical tools, along with the potential to be a top-level QB in this league. But he must keep improving his reads and learn to dump the ball off better against the blitz. A strong running game will help keep some of that pressure off the second-year starter, but the lack of a true No. 1 receiver could hamper his development. The legal problems of running back Jamal Lewis, who rushed for 2,066 yards last season, are potentially devastating to this team. However, if he is found not guilty of the drug charges against him, as he has maintained all along, they should continue to have one of the top rushing attacks in the NFL. Lewis has deceptive speed, and his strength to run over defenders makes him one of the best between-the-tackle runners in the league.

With one of the best defenses and running games in the league, the Ravens should be in just about every game they play this season. The key to any post-season success, however, lies in the continued development of second-year QB Kyle Boller. On paper, the Ravens are clearly the class of the AFC North, but unless Boller takes that next step, they are likely to struggle again on the offensive side of the ball. With the powerful running style of Jamal Lewis to divert a lot of the attention, Boller just needs to minimize his mistakes to get this team into the playoffs. Barring a complete meltdown, they should have a record similar to last year's 10-6 mark, with the potential to top last season should their young QB put in an above average performance.

[Edited on 13/9/04 by TRD]

I like the chance this team has to go far in the playoffs. I don't like the way they got spanked today. Dionne was ineffective. I hope they don't bank on him too much. The offense is suspect, Boller isn't going to be the answer for them. And Lewis very likely will be in court too often to be effective this season. So, they will rely on the defense. Not a bad D to rely on, but, like Buddy Ryan found out, you need an offense to go with that.

boy did the ravens get spanked, lewis had nothing going at all, but you gotta give some credit to the browns who were everywhere on that field

Yeah, the Browns brought it. Wow!

will Chester Taylor be able to carry the team during Jamaals's suspension?

Wil the defense continue to dominate?

Will any other layers end up in legal trouble?

Lots of questions, so what are the answers?

On a day when they were without the services of Jamal Lewis, the Baltimore Ravens received a boost from Deion Sanders.

Lured out of a three-year retirement before the season, the 37-year-old Sanders had two of his team's four interceptions of Drew Bledsoe, returning one for a touchdown, to lift the Ravens to a 20-6 victory over the lowly Buffalo Bills.

Ravens running back Chester Taylor evades Bills linebacker London Fletcher (R) and defensive tackle Sam Adams (L) in the second quarter. Taylor played in place of suspended running back Jamal Lewis.

Originally posted by TRD
On a day when they were without the services of Jamal Lewis, the Baltimore Ravens received a boost from Deion Sanders.

Lured out of a three-year retirement before the season, the 37-year-old Sanders had two of his team's four interceptions of Drew Bledsoe, returning one for a touchdown, to lift the Ravens to a 20-6 victory over the lowly Buffalo Bills.

Nad now we're gonna have to hear so much more BS about Dion...