2006 season recap
Still working toward balance
The Ravens finished the 2006 season with the league's No. 1-ranked defense. On the other side of the ball, things weren't nearly as productive, despite the offseason addition of quarterback Steve McNair specifically to increase the offensive firepower. Baltimore went 13-3, but the imbalance was still evident, and the Ravens' offense could muster only six points in losing to eventual Super Bowl champion Indianapolis in the playoffs.
Key camp questions
How will the offense change with the departure of Jamal Lewis?
The Ravens added the younger and more versatile Willis McGahee from the Bills and drafted guards Ben Grubbs and Yanda Marshall to bolster the offensive line. McGahee will allow coach Brian Billick to vary the offense from the I-formation so familiar when Lewis was in the backfield. The combination of McGahee and second-year WR Demetrius Williams will give QB McNair more options in his second full season in Billick's system.
Will the Ravens feel the loss of OLB Adalius Thomas??
The league's No. 1 defense in 2006 certainly will miss All-Pro Thomas, but the team's lofty status will be in good hands. Ray Lewis, Jarret Johnson, a healthy Dan Cody (back from a knee injury) and Bart Scott will keep the linebacker corps strong. Rookie Antwan Barnes might make an impact as the season progresses, and the Ravens will rely even more on versatile pass-rusher Terrell Suggs, who can seamlessly shift between defensive end and linebacker.
Can the Ravens contend for a title with a lineup that's getting a little long in the tooth?
Steve McNair is 34. Ray Lewis is 32. Trevor Pryce is 31. In fact, nine of the Ravens' 22 projected starters are 30 or older. Their schedule this season is tougher than it was in 2006, but the veterans will be out to prove that age is just a number by playing until Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz., a city with a growing retirement community.
Key position battle
Right guard
First-round pick Ben Grubbs will push seven-year veteran Keydrick Vincent for a starting spot at right guard. While Vincent is valuable because he can play either guard spot, his lack of mobility could have him watching the Auburn rookie by midseason.
Rookie spotlight
QB Troy Smith
The Heisman Trophy winner from Ohio State was the Raven's fifth-round selection, and he's being tabbed as the quarterback of the future. Smith is a solid leader and will have plenty of time to develop under coach Brian Billick. And having the veteran McNair to emulate can only help.
Player on the spot
QB Steve McNair
The Ravens have long been known for superior defense, and they hoped McNair would bring the offense close to that level, as well. He threw for 3,050 yards last year, and the Ravens finished at 13-3, but the team still relied mostly on its defense. McNair now has had a full season and offseason in coach Brian Billick's system, and with the window on the Ravens' opportunity to get to the Super Bowl closing, he'll need to stay healthy and prove that the Ravens are more than a defensive force.
Fantasy focus
Ravens defense
The loss of All-Pro LB Adalius Thomas will be difficult to overcome, but this unit still has a high level of talent and remains the most coveted defense in fantasy football. While no defense is worth an early-round selection, the Ravens should be one of the first to come off the board in most drafts.
