Baltimore Ravens Football Team

The Baltimore Ravens are looking towards a new season with a few new faces. As many know, the Baltimore Ravens cut Jamal Lewis on February 28th, 2007. Because of legal issues that led to Jamal Lewis being cut, the Baltimore Ravens lost one of the best running backs in the league and they will feel the absence. In addition to losing Jamal Lewis, the Baltimore Ravens also lost line back Adalius Thomas in free agency.

Despite these losses, the Ravens still have familiar faces coming back in 2007. And some question how well the new offense will work together. Quarterback Steve McNair is back once again to lead the the Ravens in offense. Some believe that McNair's age might come into question. Despite that McNair threw over 3,000 yards with a completion percentage of 63.7%, McNair also only threw just 16 touch down passes against 12 interceptions. For the Baltimore Ravens to put up a legitimate offense, McNair will definitely have to improve his touchdown total. To fill the empty running back position left empty by the departure of Jamal Lewis, the Ravens have brought on Willis McGahee. McGahees' talents have been unproven at this point as last year he was mediocre at best while playing for Buffalo with 990 yards and and six touchdowns in 14 games. Also, last year he only caught 18 passes out of the backfield. Another question surrounding McGahee is his health. While playing in Miami he bent his knee in the wrong direction and it has been an issue. Still, some critics believe that the extent of McGahee's talent has already been proven. Wide receiver Derrick Mason's ability is also in question because of his age. Last year, Mason had one of his worst years in the league. Playing in all 16 games, Mason had just 68 catches for 750 yards and two touchdowns. Someone who emerged as a talented wide receiver was Mark Clayton. After a slow start, Clayton had 67 catches for 939 yards with five touchdowns. Many are expecting a big year from Mark Clayton. Covering the tight end is Todd Heap. Heap is considered the 'new age' tight end. Heap does more than catch the occasional pass. He plays like a wide receiver and in this offense he has proven that he is just as dangerous, if not more so, than Derrick Mason or Mark Clayton.

That all being said, the Baltimore Ravens have a stacked defense. The Ravens defense is one of the main reasons that the Ravens went an incredible 13-3 last season. Defensively, many eyes will be on fourth year pro Jarret Johnson, who will take over at outside linebacker for free agent defection Adalius Thomas. Of course, losing Thomas will hurt, with with Trevor Pryce up at the front, Bart Scott, Ray Lewis, and Terrell Suggs at LB and Chris McAlister, Ed Reed, and Samarie Rolle in the secondary, the Ravens will win games with this defense. Also, despite Rolle's disappointing performance last year, if he is healthy, look for a good season from Rolle.

Despite some predictions out there of the playoffs again and a much better year, many are expecting an up and down year from the Ravens. Don't forget to buy your Baltimore Ravens tickets early this season at http://www.BarrysTickets.com as they will sure to go fast this season.

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