Because last night's game was abbreviated due to a lightning storm in the area (which, for those of you who don't live or weren't in DC last night was probably one of the most intense storms I've ever been in and I've lived in 10 different states), I decided to keep my recap of the game abbreviated as well.
1. Even if Todd Collins throws 3 interceptions in next week's preseason finale, he should be the backup to Jason Campbell. He has been the only QB - Campbell included - to get the offense to move up and down the field and last night he did it against a good defense in Baltimore. And as long as we are on the subject, the Skins should release Mark Brunell and keep Jesse Palmer as the No. 3 QB and give him some playing time in Thursday's game.
2. Not wanting to read too much into preseason play but if these games are a sign of things to come, last season's defensive struggles were an aberration. The finally gave up a TD to the Ravens at the end of the first half but they really made Baltimore pay for its mistakes early in the game.
3. With game left in the preseason - a Thursday night affair in Jacksonville - it would be nice to see Washington get out of the game with no injuries to the starters and for all of the guys fighting for the final spots on the team to have great games and make it difficult for the coaching staff to decide who to keep. Most of these guys will never see the field during the regular season but it would be nice if their hard work this summer was rewarded with a solid final game.
Showing posts with label Baltimore Ravens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baltimore Ravens. Show all posts
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
2007 Previews: Baltimore Ravens
Note: This is a team-by-team look previewing the 2007 season. These are my official thoughts on how I think things will play out.
Last year: 13-3 (AFC North champs, lost to Colts in AFC Divisional round)
Best addition: Willis McGahee (RB, Bills)
Key personnel loss: Adalius Thomas (LB, Patriots)
2007 outlook: The lone addition in the offseason took a rapidly aging offense and injected it with a fresh set of legs in McGahee. And unlike in Buffalo, McGahee will have a solid offensive line to run behind in Baltimore (which got even better with the pickup of former Maryland tackle Jared Gaither in the Supplemental Draft on Thursday) and should be able to consistently show the league why he was a first-round pick despite a bad knee injury five years ago.
With Steve McNair at the helm once again, expect this offense to keep its mistakes down and win a lot of low scoring contests the defense will keep them in. This may be the best Ravens squad in team history.
Key to success: Can Derrick Mason remain a No. 1 for one more year? Mark Clayton has the Ravens looking like draft day genius's with all of the contributing players that have excelled from the last three or four draft classes and Clayton is entering his third season, meaning breakout year for him. But in order to have that success, Mason needs to command enough attention for one more year so the passing game doesn't stall out like it has a tendency to.
Against Washington: The "Battle of the Beltway" is once again relegated to preseason play. Baltimore won the last meeting between the geographic rivals 17-10 at Washington in 2004.
Fantasy sleeper: The defense. I realize that may come across as a cop out but it doesn't seem to matter what player the Ravens have to replace, they continue to be one of the top five in the league. Now I don't condone drafting a defense early by any means, but Baltimore bailed my bacon out a couple of times last year and they should do the same this season. Definitely use a late round pick on them once you have filled a majority of your roster.
Last year: 13-3 (AFC North champs, lost to Colts in AFC Divisional round)
Best addition: Willis McGahee (RB, Bills)
Key personnel loss: Adalius Thomas (LB, Patriots)
2007 outlook: The lone addition in the offseason took a rapidly aging offense and injected it with a fresh set of legs in McGahee. And unlike in Buffalo, McGahee will have a solid offensive line to run behind in Baltimore (which got even better with the pickup of former Maryland tackle Jared Gaither in the Supplemental Draft on Thursday) and should be able to consistently show the league why he was a first-round pick despite a bad knee injury five years ago.
With Steve McNair at the helm once again, expect this offense to keep its mistakes down and win a lot of low scoring contests the defense will keep them in. This may be the best Ravens squad in team history.
Key to success: Can Derrick Mason remain a No. 1 for one more year? Mark Clayton has the Ravens looking like draft day genius's with all of the contributing players that have excelled from the last three or four draft classes and Clayton is entering his third season, meaning breakout year for him. But in order to have that success, Mason needs to command enough attention for one more year so the passing game doesn't stall out like it has a tendency to.
Against Washington: The "Battle of the Beltway" is once again relegated to preseason play. Baltimore won the last meeting between the geographic rivals 17-10 at Washington in 2004.
Fantasy sleeper: The defense. I realize that may come across as a cop out but it doesn't seem to matter what player the Ravens have to replace, they continue to be one of the top five in the league. Now I don't condone drafting a defense early by any means, but Baltimore bailed my bacon out a couple of times last year and they should do the same this season. Definitely use a late round pick on them once you have filled a majority of your roster.
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