Bar Set High For Ravens in 2009

Scribe Written on May 13, 2009

NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 10: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball in the second half against the Tennessee Titans during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 10, 2009 at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The 2008 Baltimore Ravens made a run last year that exceeded all expectations. And that may be putting it mildly.

Behind a rookie head coach and rookie quarterback, the Ravens surprised the league with an 11-5 season and a January march that was just 10 points shy of the Super Bowl. After such a promising performance, the debate over expectations for 2009 began as soon as the final game ended.

The problem with expectations is that anything less than last year’s success feels like selling the home team short. Anything better sounds a bit too peppy—especially when better means reaching the Super Bowl.

To be fair to the Ravens, a realistic goal for 2009 should be to make the playoffs again, preferably without needing a win in Week 17 to secure the birth. Beyond that, it’s all gravy.

And fans certainly have a number of reasons to believe such a goal is within reach.

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written on May 13, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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