(Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The Ravens are off to a great start after pitching a shutout against the visiting Redskins. The preseason opener got off to a slow start but was highlighted by Troy Smith and second-year players. Don't forget the rookies either; they contributed and turned a few heads along the way.
After watching this game, it was nice to see the defense relatively go unchanged. During the preseason, teams won't reveal everything but there was constant pressure and gang tackling all over the field. The offense was pretty vanilla, but it's only the first game.
When the regular season begins, there are quite a few matchups that will determine the success of the Ravens. Beginning with the wide receivers, someone is going to have to step up.
Justin Harper was inconsistent against the Redskins but did show some flash. He caught the only touchdown of the night for 19 yards down the sideline. He must progress along with Williams and Clayton because Derrick Mason cannot carry this team all season.
If another receiver cannot take coverage off of Mason, the tight ends must carry the weight. L.J. Smith can get down field and create mismatches. Not to mention Todd Heap is a chain mover.
The catch? They both must remain healthy all season.
The key on offense will be Joe Flacco. Now that opposing teams have a full season of tape on him, have they figured him out?
His weakness seems to be throwing against zone reads with blitz pressure. I did like his arm strength in the preseason game. He did show more zip on the sideline passes.
Troy Smith looked much improved and does his deep ball look effortless or what? He threw the game's only touchdown but still seems inconsistent on short timing routes. There's no doubt he made strides from last season and will be a quality backup if something happens to Flacco.
Helping Joe Flacco will be the offensive line. The team’s first-round pick Michael Oher delivered the goods in the Washington game and did not disappoint. He overpowered his opponents and used his hands well in pass protection. He definitely has a lot of upside.
What stood out was how much the middle opened up for inside runs. Would Matt Birk have anything to do with this?
If free agent pickup Matt Birk can open up holes, the Ravens running backs are going to have a field day against weaker lines. This Ravens line will be very physical and expect Cam Cameron to stick with a solid run game.
During the game I noticed a lot of emphasis put on screens and quick dump off passes to the backs. The Ravens will use a running back by committee approach this year and want their backs to make plays in the flat.
Second-year running back Ray Rice is explosive and Willis McGahee looked better than expected. Both showed speed and elusiveness.
Le'Ron McClain will still play the punisher role, but is deceivingly quick as well. I liked the play of rookie Matt Lawrence. He showed burst and was shifty. However, I don't see the Ravens keeping more than four backs.
The Ravens linebackers surely provide the greatest depth on the roster. Tavares Gooden is expected to fill Bart Scott's role, and outside backer Antwan Barnes seemed to be in the middle of every play against the Redskins. Rookie Paul Kruger showed his high motor and had a couple of tackles and a sack.
New defensive coordinator Greg Mattison stated earlier he will use a four defensive man set thanks to the depth on the defensive line. He expects the line to create enough pressure and allow the linebackers to make more plays. He will still bring pressure and use exotic blitzes, but taking advantage of a healthy line will keep a great rotation with Kelly Gregg, Justin Bannan and Haloti Ngata.
Assuming the Ravens defensive line can get pressure, the secondary will look phenomenal. If not, they may be exposed.
Domonique Foxworth and Fabian Washington are your starters and Samari Rolle returns to play nickel. I expect if one player struggles, Rolle will be moved to their spot. Having a healthy Dawan Landry back at strong safety is key and he is every bit the headhunter on defense.
The Ravens have some great positional battles throughout this preseason. As we move forward, we will get a better picture of how the keys noted above play out.
Again, the preseason is not about wins and losses, but rather player progression. The Ravens have a very talented roster and great coaching staff. Are all the pieces in place for a Super Bowl run?
We will find out soon enough.
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