Baltimore Ravens' Roster Changes Dictate Offensive, Defensive Strategies

This offseason brought with it some change. Ravens fans will hope it is for the best.

Most of the losses came on the defensive end. Former defensive coordinator Rex Ryan left for the New York Jets job and took standout linebacker Bart Scott with him.

For many teams, this would dramatically change defensive strategy. The Ravens promoted linebackers coach Greg Mattison to defensive coordinator, and his knowledge of the team's linebackers will help when it comes to filling the void left by Scott.

Under any other circumstances, a team might be more conservative in their play-calling as they look for a replacement linebacker. Not so with these Ravens.

They re-signed Samari Rolle and Ray Lewis, and last time I checked Ed Reed was still a big part of this defense. This core group of veterans allows Mattison to be just as aggressive in his play-calling as Ryan had been.

Even though they are a year older, this Ravens defense will remain a nightmare for opposing teams.

On the other side of the ball the Ravens hope to open up the offense with some new faces.

The Ravens signed tight end L.J. Smith and wide receiver Kelley Washington in free agency.  

Smith has proven to be a capable receiving tight end, but his consistency and health have been question marks. Washington had a few good years with the Bengals but found it hard to make the field with the crowded New England Patriots receiving corps.

Both of these new additions should help open up the offense for second-year quarterback Joe Flacco.

Don't misinterpret this, though; these Ravens are not going to become the Indianapolis Colts or New England Patriots. Flacco is not going to drop back and throw 40 times a game.

The Ravens are still a power running team, with three viable running backs in Willis McGahee, Le'Ron McClain and Ray Rice. The additions of Washington and Smith will only make the Ravens better in long-yardage situations.

Last year the Ravens were 15th in third-down conversions at 41 percent. The threat of Smith and Washington will allow the Ravens to bluff run out of a Power-I formation, then pass for the conversion.

Those simple additions make an already efficient offense all the more scary. More than anything, it probably makes offensive coordinator Cam Cameron sleep better at night.

Not to mention the peaceful slumber it brings to Ravens fans. 

The Ravens' ticket to play into the new year comes down to an aggressive, menacing defense defense—just as in years past; getting production out of investments in Smith and Washington will bolster their chances.

And unlike Wall Street, this is one investment that will look good in 2009.