Thinking from a long-term perspective, going 13-3 in 2006 was maybe the worst thing that could've happened to the Baltimore Ravens. After going 6-10 in 2005 and entering final year of Brian Billick's contract, the team threw off what might've been a gradual rebuilding program into disarray with their shocking season. After the Ravens lost a home playoff game to the Colts, they felt handcuffed by their success and didn't make the changes that a creaky roster called for. Instead, Billick was re-signed to another big coaching deal, the veterans (including quarterback Steve McNair) mostly stayed, and some spackle was brought in to cover the rough-looking areas.
And in 2007, the team reaped what it had sown. The campaign was ugly from the start, and 5-11 is exactly what the Ravens deserved. Billick's act had grown stale, the veterans (especially on defense) broke down at an alarming rate, McNair couldn't play and the foundation that had looked shaky before '06 finally crumbled.
So the Ravens enter 2008 looking up at the rest of the AFC North. Their biggest question continues to be at quarterback, where a rookie first-rounder will try to play right away while two underwhelming veterans attempt last stands. Their Hal of Fame left tackle, Jonathan Ogden, has retired, leaving a void on the offensive line. Their starting corners are old and both missed significant time last year, and there's a new, supposedly tougher coaching staff in place, helmed by John Harbaugh (who's never been a head coach) and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. Challenges abound in Ravens camp this year, which begins July 22 in Westminster, Md.
What to look for in camp
Key position battles: If you're skeptical about owning a Ravens quarterback on your fantasy team, I don't blame you. The last time someone on this team was a starter-worthy signal-caller was probably Vinny Testaverde in 1996, the franchise's first season after moving from Cleveland. It's doubtful anyone from this year's team will be draftable, either, but the job is certainly up for grabs. The Ravens took Joe Flacco with the 18th pick in April's draft, and have big expectations for the former Division I-AA star. But after minicamp, the team seemed ready to declare 2006 Heisman winner Troy Smith the starter, at least in Week 1, with Kyle Boller lagging behind. There's little question that Harbaugh would like to see Flacco wrest the job in camp, but that doesn't seem likely; it's likelier he gets his first start sometime around midseason.
Fitting in: The Ravens' 2008 draft was offense-heavy at the top, as they spent their second-rounder on Ray Rice, a do-everything back out of Rutgers. Rice isn't a burner, and he's pretty small at 5-foot-9 and probably less than 200 pounds. However, he's shifty and quick, catches passes well, and is tough to tackle. In minicamp, Cameron regularly had Rice operating out of the slot, meaning he could wind up spelling starter Willis McGahee in obvious passing situations. One of training camp's stories to watch will be whether Rice can be considered a legit handcuff to McGahee.
GM Ozzie Newsome is one of the best drafters in the business, especially when it comes to defensive players, so the fact that he took University of Miami linebacker Tavares Gooden in the third round in April speaks highly of the young man. Both Ray Lewis and Bart Scott are entering contract years, and Gooden is considered capable of playing inside or outside, so it'll be very interesting to see how quickly Gooden can start filling in for the veterans. He clearly won't be an IDP option this year but could wind up being a name to know in '09.
On the line: With Ogden gone, this is one of the youngest lines in the league, with only one starter returning to the same position where he started last year (Adam Terry at right tackle). The man on the hot seat will be Jared Gaither, who gets first shot at filling Odgen's ridiculously huge shoes at left tackle. Gaither was a fifth-round supplemental pick in '07, but did start a couple games late in the year when Ogden couldn't go; he's huge (6-9, 350 pounds) with worlds of potential, but that size won't help him protect his quarterback's blind side much. For that, he'll need Ogden's incredible feet and mean streak. The line's interior will consist of Jason Brown in the middle and Ben Grubbs and Marshal Yanda at guards. That group should be fairly well suited to opening holes for McGahee inside.
On the mend: Todd Heap used to have a reputation for being injury prone, but he played every game in '05 and '06 and exceeded 70 catches in both of those seasons. Unfortunately, he went back to the future in '07, missing 10 games with a torn hamstring. Heap's got great hands, but will he still have his speed? If he does, look out because Cam Cameron is the man who made Antonio Gates a star.
Demetrius Williams is a deep threat with a big body, but couldn't stay healthy enough to completely overtake Mark Clayton for playing time in the second half of '07. Then it was a bad ankle that hindered him; in minicamp, it was a sore Achilles. Remember, Williams started over Clayton in four games early in '07. If he gets right and develops big-play chemistry with whoever wins the quarterback's job, he could wind up being an intriguing sleeper in deep leagues.
CB Chris McAlister, a three-time Pro Bowler, missed all but a few halves of the 2007's second half because of ligament trouble in his knee that required surgery this winter. His running mate, Samari Rolle, was diagnosed with epilepsy last year; between that and a shoulder injury, he missed 10 games. Both of these guys turn 32 during the '08 season, which means expecting them to be healthy all year might be folly. The Ravens brought in Fabian Washington to compete with Rolle for a starting job, and he'll be a decent fill-in if needed. The Ravens defense is relying on this trio to be a lot tougher than Baltimore's corners were last year; without a better performance, the defense could wind up 23rd in total fantasy points again.
The bottom line
It's all about the quarterback, which means it'll probably be another down year for the passing game in Baltimore. If either Smith or Boller wins the job, well, you'll know what to expect: conservative game-planning that highlights McGahee and encourages opposing defenses to stop the run. However, if Flacco can somehow convince his coaches he's ready to start from Day 1, his big arm opens up the playbook and potentially makes everyone more interesting from a fantasy perspective.
