Stratego: Baltimore Ravens Maneuvers.

X’s will still be X’s and O’s remain O’s for the Baltimore Ravens this season. Don’t expect much to see a lot of change in Charm City, just some tweaks.

            Hardened by baptism by fire, quarterback Joe Flacco looks to build off the success of his freshman campaign. Head coach John Harbaugh has openly talked about expanding the passing game, but don’t think for a minute the Ravens are going to morph into the greatest show on field turf (actually that’d be Sportexe Momentum Turf).

            Nearly 56 percent of the Ravens’ offensive plays in 2008 were rushes. Only four times in Baltimore’s 19 combined regular and postseason outings did Flacco hoist up more than 30 passes. However the former Delaware Blue Hen, did complete 37 attempts of 20 yards or more including a 70 yard strike to Demetrius Evans in a 29-10 clubbing of Oakland.

            One alteration could be more use of Troy Smith in some variant of the wildcat offense. The 2006 Heisman Trophy winner was considered by many to be the front runner for the starting gig before he was sidelined with an ailment during training camp last season. He did hit Flacco for 43 yards against the Raiders.

            Flipping sides of the ball, don’t think for a moment the Ravens won’t continue to fly around the field. New defensive coordinator Greg Mattison has publicly stated his commitment to the bloodthirsty, no quarter schemes of his predecessor.

            As you can tell, I’m not a coach or even Ron Jaworski. NFL Flims isn't knocking down my door. But even I can that the Ravens stumbled on a successful formula last season. Though they can’t rest on their laurels, if it ain’t broke.