Flacco Holds Key to Ravens' Success

Coming off an appearance in the AFC Championship Game last January, expectations are high for the 2009 Baltimore Ravens. Second-year quarterback Joe Flacco exists as the main reason for excitement after his surprising rookie campaign.

The University of Delawaregraduate will be asked to do more in his second year and needs to improve upon his poor playoff run. Flacco became the first rookie quarterback to win two playoff games, but he did so thanks to a devastating defense.

The team’s success will hinge on Flacco’s continued improvement, a fact the Ravens acknowledged in the draft when they took offensive tackle Michael Oher with the 23^rdoverall pick. Oher, 6-foot-4, 309 pounds, possesses the potential to be Baltimore’s starting left tackle for the duration of Flacco’s career. For now, however, Oher will play right tackle opposite third-year tackle Jared Gaither (6-9, 300).

If the offensive line, which also includes 2007 first-round pick Ben Grubbs and Marshal Yanda, a 2007 third-round selection, at guard and veteran Matt Birk at center, protects Flacco, then the Ravens could return to the conference title game. However, with the defending Super Bowl Champions reloading in Pittsburgh, Tom Brady back on the field in New England and Peyton Manning still calling the shots for Indianapolis, Baltimore appears headed toward a road loss in the AFC Wild-Card Round.

The team still lacks a No. 1 wide receiver with aging Derrick Mason the top returning pass catcher. Mark Clayton, a 2005 first-round pick, would be a perfect fit as the third receiver, and newly signed Kelley Washington will give the team depth. None of those players, though, give Baltimorethe type of playmaker it needs to get past the Steelers or Patriots.

There are also concerns on defense, as coordinator Rex Ryan left for the Jets, along with middle linebacker Bart Scott. Defensive coordinators have left in the past, but it never seems to affect the team much as the Ravens possess superior talent on that side of the ball. The leader is 34-year-old Ray Lewis, a vocal inside linebacker that appears to be slowing down. Safety Ed Reed, 30, was dominant in 2008 with nine sacks and nine interceptions, but he, too, will begin declining soon.

Overall, Baltimore will enter its first preseason game on Aug. 13 against Washingtonwith high hopes. If the defense continues to stifle opponents, and Flacco progresses, the Ravens make a deep playoff run.

I just wouldn’t bet my job on it.