Baltimore Ravens

 
Baltimore Ravens Head Coach Profile

Brian Billick has a reputation for being cocky. If you look at his resume, he has a pretty good reason for it. First of all, he is among only 8 active NFL head coaches to have a Super Bowl ring. Secondly, since his first season as the Ravens’ head coach in 1999 (and his first season as an NFL head coach to boot), he’s guided the Ravens to their first non-losing season, won the Super Bowl, and led them to the playoffs or a playoff race every season (The 2005 season never happened, got it?). The only knock I could give him is that the Ravens hired him because he was known for being an offensive mastermind. The Ravens offense has been anything but flashy since he took over. However, all that matters is getting the ‘W’ and he has certainly delivered there.
 
Baltimore Ravens Off-Season Moves

This wasn’t the most exciting off-season in NFL history, but some key changes were made across the league. For the Baltimore Ravens, the biggest loss was Adalius Thomas. While a lot of people criticized the Baltimore front office for not doing more to keep Thomas, I applauded the decision. Thomas was up for a new contract that would have been for at least five seasons and millions of dollars. While he’s extremely talented, Thomas also just turned 30 and Ozzie Newsome just had to ask himself if having another aging player at a critical position was worth the money. The Ravens drafted well and Rex Ryan’s coaching ability will be enough to replace Thomas.

The former featured RB, Jamal Lewis was also cut from the team. After being a stud his first few seasons, Lewis never seemed to regain his moxie after his knee injury and drug conviction. After only averaging a career low 3.6 yards per carry in 2006, Lewis was an offensive liability and needed to be replaced.
 
The biggest addition to the lineup was nabbing RB Willis McGahee from the Buffalo Bills. I’ve been a big fan of McGahee since he was running people over at the University of Miami. I think behind a more sturdy offensive line in Baltimore, McGahee will be considered one of the leagues elite backs after this season.

Other key signings include un-sung hero, Kelly Gregg and the most likely back up to Willis McGahee, Musa Smith.

Baltimore Ravens 2007-08 Season Outlook

Last season, the Baltimore Ravens exceeded everyone’s expectations by finishing with a 13-3 record and the top seed in the dominant AFC conference. Their defense was once again one of the best in the league, proving to still be the rock that keeps the Baltimore Ravens competitive. The addition of QB Steve McNair was a welcome change in the locker room and out on the field.  His veteran leadership helped get them through several close games; however his age did show in the playoffs as it was obvious you can’t rely on him to carry your offense. Especially when the running game is a shell of its former self. I’m looking right at you, Jamal Lewis.

Enter RB Willis McGahee. I loved this pick up for the Ravens. McGahee was one of my fantasy backs last year and although he wasn’t a top point producer, he did a good job for Buffalo in moving the chains behind a mediocre offensive line. I’m really excited to see what McGahee can do behind the Ravens solid offensive front. If he can be the back he was back in college, that takes a lot of pressure of McNair and maybe Baltimore can finally be known for their offense for a change.

When you think of the Ravens, the first thing most think of is defense. Although they lost the versatile Adalius Thomas to the Pats, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs are coming back healthy and should be key components to another league leading defense.

While the Ravens are getting up there in age, their defense will keep them in every ball game and the offense should put enough points on the board to get the Ravens to the playoffs once again.

Baltimore Ravens Trivia  

The Cleveland Browns offically moved to Baltimore and became the Ravens in 1996.

The first Raven to score a touchdown was Vinnie Testaverde.

In 1996, Jonathan Ogden was the first ever Raven to be drafted. 

Ted Marchibroda was the first head coach for the Baltimore Ravens.

The stadium where the Ravens play was first called Ravens Stadium. It was renamed to PSINet Stadium, then renamed again to M&T Bank Satdium after PSINet went out of business.

The Ravens played in Memorial Stadium when they first moved to town. 

Brandon Stokley scored the first touchdown for the Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV.

Jamal Lewis holds the Ravens team record for most touchdowns in a single season by a rookie.

Baltimore Ravens 2007-08 Roster

Baltimore Ravens 2007-08 Depth Chart

Baltimore Ravens – M&T Bank Stadium

Construction Began: 1995
Opened: September 6, 1998
Capacity: 69,084
Location: Baltimore, MD
Surface: Sportexe Momentum Turf

After the Baltimore Colts abandoned ship in the mid-80s, for an overnight journey to their new home in Indianapolis, the great football town of Baltimore was left without a resident. In 1995, when the then Cleveland Browns couldn't secure the funding for a new stadium, team owner Art Modell moved the squad to Baltimore, where they would become the Ravens. They played for two seasons at old home of the Colts, before moving into their new home. The stadium is possesses a beautiful brick exterior, and all the modern amenities a football fan could hope to have while watching a game. The 50 yard line offers one of the most unique logos in all of sports, with the Baltimore Ravens “Coat of Arms.”