Last year, the Ravens introduced the concept of using the 46 defense for the 2005 season. But now that they are having some second thoughts, the Ravens are thinking about returning to the 4-3 defense, which Lewis dominated in previous years. Enough about the defense. Now the Ravens are looking forward to a new direction in the offense. After the addition of ex-Titan, Steve McNair, the Ravens might want to pass more often. With Mike Anderson and Jamal Lewis splitting carries, the pass attack will be open with a dominating rushing attack. After looking at the backfield the last year, the Ravens didn't have the ideal player at the fullback position. Rookie Justin Green impressed the coaches when he took the starting role after Alan Ricard was on injured reserve. Now, with re-signing TE Daniel Wilcox, the Ravens might be using a "Redskins" prototype offense. That offense consisted of a H-Back position. With the Redskins, they used TE Chris Cooley in the H-Back position in which he as used in the passing and running game. He had the role of blocking for running back Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts, catching short yardage passes from Mark Brunell and occasionally get some touches. The Ravens are hoping to use the versatility of both Justin Green and Daniel Wilcox at this position for the Ravens. But the question is, where will Alan Ricard be? Alan Ricard, the lead blocker for Lewis in the 2003 season, will likely be released before camp starts. It's a shame because he is having health problems and is likely to be released after he takes his physicial. Once he was one of the best fullbacks, a pro bowl alternate who just had a contract extension in 2004 will be released. At the age of 29, he is still able to play for other teams if healthy. So yeah, nothing about Steve McNair if you were tired of hearing about him.
The "46" uses a 4-3 base. The "46" could be adapted IMO to have a 3-4 base. To clarify, the Ravens reintroduced the "46" which was brought into prominence by the 85 Bears. The additions of Trevor Pryce, Ngata, Mike Anderson, & McNair will help. Abandoning the typical I back style offense is a good thing. The Redskins offense allows for more flexibility and does not limit Billick. Chemistry between McNair & Mason already exists and getting in rhythym w/ Heap will only help Baltimore break out of the offensive doldrums they've been in for some time.
I like the Ravens a lot this year. I think they'll win the divsion and make a playoff run. They're offense might be as good as it's been since they moved from Cleveland to Baltimore. Defense is hold but it still should be able to play well.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (blackadder)</div><div class='quotemain'>Abandoning the typical I back style offense is a good thing. The Redskins offense allows for more flexibility and does not limit Billick. Chemistry between McNair & Mason already exists and getting in rhythym w/ Heap will only help Baltimore break out of the offensive doldrums they've been in for some time.</div> Yeah, and it shows that finally Jim Fassel is doing something for the offense. I guess Billick needs a winning season to keep his job. But I'm kind of skeptic rather than optimistic of what this offense is capable of since McNair is hitting the playbook as hard as he can. But I doubt he will know everything within the amount of time he was given.
I forgot Fassel was w/ the Ravens. He was quite the offensive mastermind when he was the coach at the University of Utah. Billick is one of my 3 fave coaches and would love to see him stay I disagree w/ Porky's claim that Baltimore will win the division. Pittsburgh should win the division. Cincy could be in real trouble w/o Palmer. Cleveland has improved but is still a year or two away.
I like the Ravens this year. Pittsburgh in my opinion won't be able to replace the role players they had that played big roles. Guys like Randel El and Jerome Bettis and Kimo at DE. I think those were big loses. More so a hunch but if McNair plays 12 or more games, I think they edge the Steelers out and the Steelers take the top wild card.
Carson is due to be starting Week 1 now though, the Bengals schedual is a whole lot tougher this year though.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (porky88)</div><div class='quotemain'>I like the Ravens a lot this year.</div> Who doesn't like the Ravens? <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (porky88)</div><div class='quotemain'>I like the Ravens this year.</div> It was a rhetorical question.
I think the best way to knock off the Steelers is let them win home field advantage. Even for the Ravens sake weren't they a wild card when the won the Super Bowl. I'm guessing fifth seed but to lazy to look it up
It all goes down the the schedule like always. I think the Bengals will be in third IMO because of the schedule and Palmer not starting week 1, etc. And the Browns will fight for third. The Steelers will be first seed, even though I haven't checked their schedule and the Ravens will be second! Hopefully a record of like 9-7 that will push us to the wild card spot. But I don't wanna jynx it or whatever so I'll call it my pre-predictions. Until preseason comes along then I'll make my predictions. BTW, Jamal Lewis will run for at least 1200+ yards and leads all running backs with fumbles again. Unless Ahman Green has something to say about it LOL!
Th.e AFC will really be tight this year. The only teams having no chance are: Buffalo, Tennessee, & Oakland. Cleveland and the Jets are an unknown quantity. There are questions IMO about; the Steelers running game (there is no true #1), Daunte's health, New England's age, Plummer's consistency, The Chiefs D, & P. Rivers stepping up.
Right now my guesses fall in line something like this.... 1. Colts 13-3 2. Chiefs (I think they get the #2 seed) 12-4 3. Ravens 11-5 (will win tiebreaker) 4. Patriots 11-5 5. Steelers 11-5 6. Dolphins 10-6 All with at least 10 wins and possibly 11.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (blackadder)</div><div class='quotemain'>Th.e AFC will really be tight this year. The only teams having no chance are: Buffalo, Tennessee, & Oakland. Cleveland and the Jets are an unknown quantity. There are questions IMO about; the Steelers running game (there is no true #1), Daunte's health, New England's age, Plummer's consistency, The Chiefs D, & P. Rivers stepping up.</div> The Steelers running game is going to be okay with Willie Parker and Duce Staley. But I question how they are going to use Santonio Holmes as a WR compared to what they did with Antwaan Randle El. Daunte will be okay as long as he doesn't commit turnovers like he did last year. IDK about New England but they will be pretty good as long as Tom Brady is under center. Plummer will choke now that he has Cutler behind him, I doubt he would lead the Broncos to the playoffs twice in a row. The Chiefs might have some trouble on defense as they have to play against LT and Randy Moss twice a year. Philip Rivers might be good because they might be using the Steelers approach to quarterbacking. Strong running game, dominating defense, and a quarterback who don't lose the ball.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>I think the best way to knock off the Steelers is let them win home field advantage.</div> Zing! Yeah, how many championship games has Cowher lost at home now? Two? Or three? Good observation...
