(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
The Baltimore Ravens captured the public eye as one of the big turnarounds in the NFL last season. After finishing with a 5-11 record in '07 to an 11-5 record in '08, including an appearance at the AFC Championship Game, fans are jumping on the bandwagon once again.
From the hiring of John Harbough to the selection of Joe Flacco, the front office of the Ravens has continued its quest for their second Super Bowl Championship, with the superb defense on one side and its young offense on the other side.
Led by NFL great and current general manager Ozzie Newsome, the Ravens have one of the best front offices in the entire league.
Their scouts alone have helped the Ravens become successful by helping the decisions of selecting Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Jonathan Odgen, and Joe Flacco in previous seasons. Baltimore selected wisely once again last year by taking Flacco, who exceeded expectations and proved to be an offensive leader, with the 18th overall pick.
Facing a slow start to the season, Flacco improved his game the rest of the season, nearly finishing with 3000 yards and 20 touchdowns.
His shining part of the season, however, was in the playoffs, where becoming the first rookie quarterback to win two playoff games. The impressive part of the accomplishment? Both wins were on the road.
Flacco and the Ravens put up a great fight against the Steelers, yet they came up short again in the playoffs.
We all saw what occurred at the game. A tired defense playing their heart out, but just not 100 percent as they hoped to be for the game.
Of course, being a Ravens fan, that is the logical answer we give.
But did anyone ever consider the other side of the perspective, the offensive perspective?
Keep this in mind: the running game was not much of a factor, the offensive line played poorly, and most importantly, they didn't get much help from the receivers.
Don't take it the wrong way; from what was seen at the game it looked obvious that Baltimore's top wide receiver, Derrick Mason, was hurting from the beatings and injuries he took all season.
It didn't help though he was double or even triple-covered by the Steelers' secondary, or Mark Clayton being one of the bigger disappointments in recent drafts of the Baltimore Ravens.
There is always a solution to the problem, and it is a problem that hopefully can be addressed. A potential top five receiver needs to land in Baltimore, in fact, this season wouldn't hurt.
I do have confidence that Mason can play at a good level, however he is at the end of his tenure in the NFL, and an accompaniment is needed beside him.
I present to you Anquan Boldin.
The entire league is well aware of Boldin's frustrations with the Arizona Cardinals regarding a contract extension. Arizona does believe a contract will be reached, but would the Cardinals pay top dollar for two wide receivers?
Boldin is the odd man out, as Fitzgerald isn't going anywhere.
Anquan's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, says Boldin will be traded by training camp, and continues to pursue options with other teams. Both sides are not cooperating, nor shall it happen anytime soon.
Who would still be in the Boldin sweepstakes to begin with?
The Giants have eyed Braylon Edwards. The Jets are interested in Plaxico Burress. The Chicago Bears have nothing left to give.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Baltimore Ravens articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
61 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete