Baltimore Ravens Preview: Can the Ravens' Defense Remain Elite in 2010?

The Baltimore Ravens entered training camp with confidence that this is the year, the year they can bring the Lombardi Trophy back to the city of Baltimore.

With upgrades on the offensive and defensive side through free agency, trades, and the draft, the season can't come any faster for this veteran team.

The talk of camp thus far is not what fans are used to. The offense, led by Joe Flacco, seems to have adapted great chemistry in camp thus far.

Nobody has been doubting the offense this season. However, people believe this offense has to be ready to get into shootouts, to help along the defense.

The Ravens' defense this season looks to be one of the best in the league again. However, coupled with injuries in the secondary (Foxworth out for season, Webb returning from ACL injury, Reed most likely to start on PUP list), there are questions as to whether or not the unit can still be elite in 2010.

Despite the losses, however, there is no excuse for this team not being a top five defense this upcoming season.

The defense has always started with Ray Lewis. Sure, he may be getting older every year, but he is still one of the best linebackers in football.

Most important is his mental game. He has seen it all, and is always prepared on every play. He may have lost a step with his speed, but he is able to make up for those losses very quickly.

Lewis is one of the best at stuffing the run, which should be no different in 2010, and this year's defense is confident of its return to run-stopping glory.

Ozzie Newsome drafted run stuffer Terrence Cody in the second round of this year's draft. Cody is focusing on dropping weight in camp, and is feeling great support from his teammates. Haloti Ngata, who will return healthy from surgery, will have a big year from the impact of Cody's return.

It is going to be difficult to handle both of these men, who will require double teams.

What also can't be ignored is the improved pass rush. Terrell Suggs lost over 20 lbs. in the offseason, and expects to return to form from two seasons ago. Suggs had a down season statistically last season, but faced a lot of double teams from opposing offensive lines.

Look for the same technique, but leading to more pressure from Suggs. The Ravens also signed Cory Redding in the offseason, who should be a solid acquisition on the other side.

Other than Ray Lewis, the linebacker corps is underrated. Jarret Johnson had a Pro Bowl caliber season in 2009, and is motivated to prove the doubters wrong. Dannell Ellerbe continued to receive time at linebacker last season, and looks to have a big role in 2010. Believed to be the heir when Ray Lewis exits, Ellerbe was decent in pass coverage last year against opposing tight ends.

Yes, the pass defense is the biggest question in 2010, but there is confidence in camp that the unit will be fine come regular season time.

It hurts to not have your starters for the beginning of season. However, good news was received when starter Fabien Washington looked great yesterday in camp, and seems likely to be ready for week one.

There is also a high expectation for KJ Gerard. People, remember this kid's name.

He possesses great speed, and has taken advantage of players being out of camp by going up against Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason, two of the league's best receivers.

The situation can be similar to Lardarius Webb, who came onto the scene as a starter and played well. As for the other corners, what they take out of camp this year is experience.

Chris Carr and safety Tom Zbikowski earned extra starting time last season, and should be familiar with the defense. It also helps that defensive coordinator Greg Mattison knows the strengths and weaknesses of the veterans, and should use this to their advantage.

As the 2010 season inches closer, there is questions with the defense, and rightfully so. However, in Ravens camp, players are ready to step up and take on the challenges left by their injured teammates.

If a Super Bowl title is in the hands of the Ravens this season, it will be because of the defense continuing to play at a top level, giving the new offense a much better chance of leading this team to victory.

Matt Miselis is a Baltimore Ravens/NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.

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