Jeff Wolfson

Expectations high entering 2010

by Dan Kolko View Comments

In case you're interested, the Ravens rank seventh in ESPN.com's offseason edition of Power Rankings and fifth in FoxSports.com's version.

Is that too high? Is it too low?

If you ask me, I'll ignore those two options and just say it's too early. We're in May; I feel like the rankings and projections can hold off for a good three or four months.

I will say this, though: expectations for this Ravens team will be as high entering this season as they've been in some time.

John Harbaugh's squad will likely be the hot pick to win the AFC North, and after making it to the Divisional Round of the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, there will be talk of an even deeper postseason trip.

Recently, the Ravens have been mentioned as one of the top teams in the AFC, but there has been a caveat attached: "They need more weapons for Joe Flacco before they can make the next step."

Well, Flacco now has his weapons. And he, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, and the Ravens in general will all be expected to deliver.

Postseason games where the Ravens have 34 passing yards (like they did in the Wild Card win over the Patriots) will no longer be acceptable. The offense will be held to a higher standard now that Anquan Boldin, Donte' Stallworth and two athletic, young tight ends are now on board.

Barring a shocking turn of events in the Ed Reed Retirement Watch, last year's third-ranked defense will return almost completely intact. Injuries in the secondary are a concern, but team officials and coaches hope that an improved pass rush will help make up for any issues on the back end.

In the AFC North, the Browns are starting over, the Steelers are falling apart, and the Bengals are consistently inconsistent.

After a strong offseason, anything less than a division title and a deep playoff run will be a disappointment to this Ravens team.

blog comments powered by Disqus