Bombs Away: Look For a New Air Attack In Baltimore in 2009

(Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Fans who went to M & T Bank Stadium last year or who watched on their television sets at home had the chance to experience something seldom seen viewing a Ravens game...an offense.  A real honest to goodness offense that could run on their opponents, throw a clutch pass when needed, move the chains and put up some points on a fairly consistent basis.

Gone were the days of Anthony Wright, Kyle Boller or even Tony Banks.  Though just a rookie, Flacco helped lead the Ravens offense through solid, intelligent play from the quarterback position.  It didn't hurt that he had a very strong three headed rushing attack in Willis McGahee, Le'Ron McClain and Ray Rice.  Overall, the team finished 11th in points scored (385) and points per game (24.1).  Compare that to just the year before when they were 24th in points, soring just 17.2 points per contest.

With the signing of Kelley Washington to provide some depth at wide receiver, along with veterans Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton who had a break out year in 2008, the Ravens continue to get deeper at that position.  Don't forget about Pro Bowl caliber tight end Todd Heap and L.J. Smith, who many will remember was one of Donovan McNabb's preferred targets when he was a tight end on the Eagles.   

As head coach John Harbaugh and Flacco enter their second years, don't be surprised to see the coaches loosen up the reigns on their quarterback.  It's widely known that rookie quarterbacks tend to have a much more limited play book, as their position is quite possibly the hardest one to learn in sports.  But with Flacco's initial success and maturity for his age, it's almost a sure thing you'll see the Ravens airing the ball out like no Ravens team has before.  And that will certainly excite its fans. 

If one looks for any changes on the Ravens, it might come on the defensive side of the football with three key departures.  Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, the four year defensive coordinator of the Ravens left for the New York Jets as well as starting linebacker Bart Scott and strong safety Jim Leonhard.

Fear not Ravens fans as the actual play calling should not change much.  Greg Mattison knows the defense very well, especially the team's strength at linebacker as Mattison was the linebackers coach last year.  Surely, the Ravens defense will continue to be as ferocious as ever.

The team will most likely replace Scott, who was an inside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme with Tavares Gooden though it's not inconceivable they might sign a veteran when cut day arrives a few months from now.  Dawan Landry will most likely replace Leonhard at safety.

It should be a very exciting year in Baltimore.  With players like Flacco and even Ray Rice gaining tremendous experience in their rookie years, the sky is the limit to see where this offense can go.  And despite the loss of Ryan and Bart Scott, the Ravens defense should continue to wreak havoc on their foes, as they have done so for the better part of the past ten years.

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