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Baltimore Ravens Statistics from NFL.com
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NFL AFC North 2005 Baltimore Ravens
Published: 2005-09-01
2004 record: 9-7
Offense:
Injuries hurt the offense throughout last season but most notably to running back Jamal Lewis (missed 5 games, knee) and tight end Todd Heap (missed 10 games, ankle). Lewis was still able to rush for 1000+ yards and 7 touchdowns. When Lewis was out, backup Chester Taylor stepped in huge and rushed for 714 yards (4.5 avg.). Lewis was set for a jail-break season but foot problems have slowed his return this season. The running backs are solid regardless of who plays and will be the core for new offensive coordinator Jim Fassel. The receiving unit suddenly has a lot of potential with the return of a healthy Heap, along with the additions of veteran Derrick Mason (Tennessee Titans) and 1st round pick wide receiver Mark Clayton (Oklahoma) who has impressed in camp. The Ravens’ top touchdown receiver last year was Clarence Moore with 4. Wide receiver Travis Taylor was signed by the Minnesota Vikings. The offensive line, led by all-pro tackle Jonathan Ogden, will now be joined with starting guard Keydrick
Vincent (Pittsburgh Steelers). The massive line is excellent in run schemes but can be broken in pass protection, and this may continue to be a problem for the weak link on offense, quarterback Kyle Boller. Boller does not like pressure to where it affects his patience in the pocket, technique, and accuracy. Boller lacks the savvy to look off defenders and does not run through reads. If he continues to focus on his primary play target no matter what, the receivers may not have a crack at the ball before defenders do. Boller does have an ideal situation to be in, much like the one Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) had last year. However, Boller is no Roethlisberger, and may not even be a Trent Dilfer. Anthony Wright is the current backup.
Defense:
The Ravens defense ranked 6th in points, 8th against the run, and 10th against the pass last season. Rex Ryan has been promoted to defensive coordinator, replacing Mike Nolan (Head Coach – San Francisco 49ers) and will implement a base 4-3 alignment, one which should suit well with the front 7 personnel. The defensive line lost Marques Douglas (San Francisco 49ers) but the Ravens’ have re-signed their franchise’s leading sacker, linebacker Peter Boulware, to a one-year deal. Boulware missed the 2004 season to injuries (knee/toe). All-pro linebacker Terrell Suggs, the team sack leader (10.5), moves to right end, and will be joined by Boulware on 3rd downs. The solid linebacker unit lost run-stuffer Ed Hartwell (Atlanta Falcons) but added free agent Tommy Polley (St. Louis Rams) who will now start with Adalius Thomas and all-pro Ray Lewis (3rd in the league with 147 tackles). The Ravens selected 2nd round pick defensive end Dan Cody (Oklahoma), but Cody will miss the season due to injury (knee). Despite the changes, the solid front 7 should produce similar results to last year. The secondary is arguably the NFL’s best. Solid cornerback Gary Baxter (Cleveland Browns) was lost in free agency but the Ravens’ actually improved this spot by adding free agent Samari Rolle (Tennessee Titans). Rolle, along with all-pro Chris McAllister, now form the top cornerback tandem in the NFL. Cornerbacks Deion Sanders and Dale Carter add to the pass coverage depth in nickel and dime situations. The secondary is led by the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year, strong safety Ed Reed. Reed led the league in interceptions (9) and set an NFL record for single-season interception return yards (358). Reed also led the Ravens’ secondary in tackles and pass defenses. Reed does it all and is a constant playmaker. The Ravens’ defense led the NFL with 7 touchdowns (all by the secondary). The defense is well-balanced and is arguably the league’s best but they will again be relied on to score. If the defensive backs get picks deep in their end zone, expect them to take it out every time.
Overall:
Overall:
The Ravens should be a lock for the playoffs, but their quarterback situation could limit their pass potential. The Ravens and Steelers share similar styles and schedules as this divisional battle will be tight. Prediction: 2nd in AFC North.
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Betting Odds
| Odds to Win: | |
Open | |
Line | |
Bet365 | |
VipSports | |
BetCris | |
Bodog | |
| Super Bowl XL | |
20/1 | |
12/1 | |
15/1 | |
17/1 | |
14/1 | |
10/1 | |
| AFC Conference | |
10/1 | |
6/1 | |
11/1 | |
9/1 | |
8/1 | |
6.5/1 | |
| AFC North | |
6/5 | |
6/5 | |
2.1/1 | |
11/10 | |
1.2/1 | |
-135 | |
(as of 9/01/05)
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2005 Baltimore Ravens Schedule
Preseason
Sat, Aug 13 at Atlanta L3-16
Sat, Aug 20 Philadelphia L14-20
Fri, Aug 26 at New Orleans W21-6
Thu, Sep 1 Washington
Regular Season
Sun, Sep 11 Indianapolis 8:30 PM
Sun, Sep 18 at Tennessee 1:00 PM
BYE WEEK
Sun, Oct 2 NY Jets 4:05 PM
Sun, Oct 9 at Detroit 1:00 PM
Sun, Oct 16 Cleveland 1:00 PM
Sun, Oct 23 at Chicago 4:15 PM
Mon, Oct 31 at Pittsburgh 9:00 PM
Sun, Nov 6 Cincinnati 1:00 PM
Sun, Nov 13 at Jacksonville 1:00 PM
Sun, Nov 20 Pittsburgh 4:15 PM
Sun, Nov 27 at Cincinnati 1:00 PM
Sun, Dec 4 Houston 1:00 PM
Sun, Dec 11 at Denver 4:15 PM
Mon, Dec 19 Green Bay 9:00 PM
Sun, Dec 25 Minnesota 8:30 PM
Sun, Jan 1 at Cleveland 1:00 PM
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