The Baltimore Ravens 2010 season begins with promise. The team is loaded on offense, always solid on defense, and has its sites set on Super Bowl XLV in Dallas.
Since its first and only Super Bowl title in 2000, the Ravens have been (with a few exceptions) perennial contenders. Under third-year head coach John Harbaugh, expectations remain high. Harbaugh took the team to the AFC Championship in his first season, and to the second round of the playoffs last year.
From owner Steve Bisciotti on down, the Ravens are a first-class organization, and that right-way-of-doing things often translates to wins on the field. But when the whistle blows, the team's fate will be sealed by the 53 men who don the purple and black.
With a new high-octane offense and its standard solid defense, the Ravens' 2010 season looks promising. Let's take a closer look.
Offense
Heading into his third season, quarter Joe Flacco seems poised to make a big leap. While his steady and mistake-free brand of football has been just what the team asked of him his first two years, in 2010 Flacco will be called on to do more. Fans are occasionally frustrated by Flacco's, shall we say, lack of exuberance, but I think his steady and consistent unspectacular play has been above average. The Ravens added big-time wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who will extend the field and open up opportunities for veteran receiver Derrick Mason and tight end Todd Heap.
Running back Ray Rice also seems poised to emerge as one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL. With a low center-of-gravity and great hands, Rice is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Running behind an offensive line featuring stars Michael Oher and Matt Birk, the Ravens very well could have their best offense ever.
Defense
Oddly enough, more questions surround Baltimore's D than its O. The questionable status of safety Ed Reed (he's out for at least the first six games) and the seemingly thin ranks at cornerback make the Ravens' pass defense very suspect. They will have to rely on a heavy pass rush from the likes of Terrell Suggs, as well as the run stuffing of Haloti Ngata and all-world franchise cornerstone Ray Lewis. Miraculously, Rice seems to have plenty in the tank even in his 14th season. Still, it remains to be seen whether an aging and changing defense can match its previous inclinations.
Prediction
Looking at the schedule (always a moronic thing to think you can assess before the season starts), I have the Ravens going 10-6 and making the playoffs. As we all know, once you're in the postseason, anything can happen.
The Ravens have a Super Bowl trophy to prove that.