20-Nov-2009 16:48pm
 
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Baltimore Ravens
Quarterbacks: Running Backs:
Wide Receivers: Tight Ends:
Defense: Kickers:
OFFSEASON GAINS AND LOSSES

The Ravens probably lost more than they gained this offseason. Linebacker Bart Scott was the biggest loss. He was a key contributor to this great Ravens defense the past few seasons. Cornerback Chris McAlister and defensive end Marques Douglas also are gone. Neither McAlister and Douglas were top players the last few seasons, but good reserve guys.

Baltimore did make a big addition to the offensive line, adding center Matt Birk to replace Jason Brown. Birk is an All Pro player that has played at a high level for several years. The Ravens also brought in tight end L.J. Smith and cornerback Domonique Foxworth. Both guys should give the Ravens more quality depth at both positions.

STRENGTHS

Although the defense is getting older and lost Scott, it still remains the strength of the Ravens (2nd overall last season). Ray Lewis leads a speedy, athletic group, which does a good job of causing turnovers. And Terrell Suggs is a star playing defensive end for the Ravens. The Ravens still have plenty of playmakers defensively and should continue to be led by their defense.

The Ravens offense is led by a solid rushing attack. Baltimore has three backs that should get plenty of action this season. Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and LeRon McClain are capable backs that should get plenty of weekly work. All of the backs are capable of carrying the offense on a given week. The Ravens offensive line could be even more improved with Birk around, which is another plus for this rushing attack.

WEAKNESSES

The passing game is improving with Joe Flacco blossoming as a player, but it still lacks some playmakers. Derrick Mason is their best receiver, but after him, the Ravens don't have much. Todd Heap isn't the same player of past seasons. Mark Clayton hasn't emerged as expected. And Demetrius Williams has potential and upside, but can't stay healthy. This should add up to the Ravens being a run-first team once again in '09.

OUTLOOK

The Ravens defense and running game will keep them in games. They should challenge for a playoff spot, but probably aren't an elite AFC team. If Flacco takes a big step forward, though, the Ravens could make a serious run. We just don't think Flacco has the talent around him to do that.

TEAM NOTES
Nov 19, 06:03 PM Updating a previous report, Jamison Hensley, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens DT Haloti Ngata (ankle) was limited during practice Thursday, Nov. 19. He is expected to start in Week 11.
Nov 19, 06:03 PM Updating a previous report, Jamison Hensley, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens C Matt Birk (neck) fully participated in practice Thursday, Nov. 19. He will be able to start Week 11.
Nov 19, 06:03 PM Updating a previous report, Jamison Hensley, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens LB Tavares Gooden (head) fully participated in practice Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 19, 06:03 PM Updating a previous report, Jamison Hensley, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco (knee) fully participated in practice Thursday, Nov. 19. He will be able to start Week 11.
Nov 19, 06:03 PM Updating a previous report, Jamison Hensley, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder) fully participated in practice Thursday, Nov. 19. He will be able to start Week 11.
Nov 19, 05:53 PM Updating a previous report, Jamison Hensley, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens LB Terrell Suggs (knee) did not participate in practice Thursday, Nov. 19. He will not play in Week 11 and likely will miss two to three weeks.
Nov 19, 05:53 PM Jamison Hensley, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (chest) did not participate in practice Thursday, Nov. 19. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron believes he can play in Week 11. Heap could be a game-time decision for the game. If he is not able to play, TE L.J. Smith will take his place.
Nov 19, 02:53 PM Aaron Wilson, of the Carroll County Times, reports Baltimore Ravens LB Terrell Suggs (knee) said he believes he will be able to play again this season. 'There is no doubt in my mind that I should be back this year,' Suggs said.
Nov 19, 01:33 PM Edward Lee, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens LB Terrell Suggs (knee) and RB Matt Lawrence (knee) did not participate during the media portion of practice Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 19, 01:33 PM Edward Lee, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (chest) did not participate in the media portion of practice Thursday, Nov. 19. He was present, but wore a baseball hat and sweatpants.

Fantasy Impact: Heap should have a decent shot at playing this week.
Nov 19, 01:33 PM Edward Lee, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens C Matt Birk (knee) and DL Haloti Ngata (ankle) were limited in practice Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 19, 01:33 PM Edward Lee, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens LBs Jarret Johnson (shoulder) and Tavares Gooden (concussion) both practiced in full Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 19, 01:33 PM Edward Lee, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco (knee) practiced in full Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 19, 12:03 AM ESPN.com reports Gary Wichard, the agent for Baltimore Ravens LB Terrell Suggs (knee), said there is a chance that Suggs could miss the rest of the season, according to the Carroll County Times.
Nov 18, 08:43 PM The Baltimore Ravens announced they have placed SS Haruki Nakamura (ankle) on Injured Reserve, ending his 2009 season.
Nov 18, 07:03 PM Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (chest) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Offseason Keys

Additions:
John Beck, QB; L.J. Smith, TE; Chris Carr, CB; Matt Birk, C; Domonique Foxworth, CB. 

Losses:
Nick Greisen, LB; Mike Kracalik, T; Kyle Boller, QB; Corey Ivy, CB; Terrence Copper, WR; Jim Leonhard, S; Jason Brown, C; Bart Scott, LB; Marques Douglas, DE; Chris McAlister, CB. 

2009 Draft Class

RoundPickPlayerPos
 # 1  23 Michael OherOL
 # 2  25 Paul KrugerDL
 # 3  24 Lardarius WebbDB
 # 5  1 Jason PhillipsLB
 # 5  13 Davon DrewTE
 Undrafted Dannell EllerbeLB
 Undrafted Graham GanoK
 Undrafted Eron RileyWR

2009 Schedule

WeekDateTimeOpponent
1     Sep 13 1:00PM      Kansas City
2     Sep 20 4:15PM      at San Diego
3     Sep 27 1:00PM      Cleveland
4     Oct 4 1:00PM      at New England
5     Oct 11 1:00PM      Cincinnati
6     Oct 18 1:00PM      at Minnesota
-- Week 7 Bye --
8     Nov 1 1:00PM      Denver
9     Nov 8 1:00PM      at Cincinnati
10     Nov 16 8:30PM      at Cleveland
11     Nov 22 1:00PM      Indianapolis
12     Nov 29 8:20PM      Pittsburgh
13     Dec 7 8:30PM      at Green Bay
14     Dec 13 1:00PM      Detroit
15     Dec 20 1:00PM      Chicago
16     Dec 27 1:00PM      at Pittsburgh
17     Jan 3 4:15PM      at Oakland