The Pressure Is On: Baltimore Ravens Offense Must Get Off To Fast Start

The Baltimore Ravens will enter training camp in an unfamiliar position, being a Super Bowl contender in 2010.

An offseason where free agency, trades, and the draft were used to upgrade both sides of the ball.

Especially on the offensive side of the ball, where Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth headline the acquisitions for a Ravens team that has made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

However, in a slow NFL news cycle, Baltimore has been facing scrutiny from the media.

Whether it is questions about the Ravens' secondary with the absence of Ed Reed, or the chemistry issues involving Troy Smith and Marc Bulger, the media is turning any story into one that brings on tons of discussion.

Here is what I am getting at: The high powered Ravens offense must be ready to lead this team to a fast start in 2010.

It is a new point in the short history of the Baltimore Ravens where the offense is receiving more news time than the top defense.

But, this is a sign of not only the future of this franchise, but the present as well.

A third-year quarterback in Joe Flacco is the most comfortable he has ever been. People have questioned his recent comments, when he said this is the best team Flacco has been a part of.

From his perspective, can you argue with him? He has weapons all around him that all have a chip on their shoulders.

Anquan Boldin is ready to prove the doubters wrong of being a No. 1 target.

Donte Stallworth and Derrick Mason still feel they have years left in the tank, and are hungry for a ring.

The rushing attack of Ray Rice, Le'Ron McClain, and Willis McGahee will also be fighting for carries.

Though there are people who feel that star power can become a problem on this team, it hasn't shown in camp thus far.

Flacco is off to a great start with his new receivers. Both are adjusting to the arm strength that Joe Cool possesses.

Let's also not forget his two biggest weapons from a year ago are Rice and Mason, who will be huge factors because of the improved depth to the roster.

There is confidence and swagger that the offense is ready to bring this team to a title for the first time in a decade.

Early in the season, they will be tested.

With the Monday Night opener against the Jets (No. 1 defense) and the division rival Bengals and Steelers (top-five defenses), the offense will have to carry the team, as the defense awaits Ed Reed and other starters to return to form from injuries.

Many believe the Ravens will become a pass-first offense, while others still think it will be a balanced attack.

No matter how it pans out, we will find the Ravens' true colors during the first six games of the season.

The expectations are high, and the hype continues to rise for this Ravens team.

Only time will tell if the new faces can help bring a championship back to Charm City.

Matt Miselis is an NFL/Baltimore Ravens Featured Columnist for BleacherReport, and a contributor for NFLTouchdown.com. Any questions/comments? Email me at [e-mail] .

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