Baltimore Ravens stronger in 2009 than in 2008

The Baltimore Ravens were one of the most successful NFL teams in 2008. Under the steadfast leadership of rookie quarterback Joe Flacco (who, despite his rookie status, displayed the consistent dominance of a seasoned veteran), the team he had a successful 2008 campaign both offensively and defensively.

The Ravens ended up making it to the postseason and although they lost, they were undoubtedly pleased with the caliber of the season they had had, and were looking forward to the 2009 football season.

While most of the 2008 Ravens roster is still intact, the loss of their defensive mastermind Rex Ryan (who is now the New York head coach for the Jets) led many to wonder if the team could maintain its level of superiority when it came to defense.

Would the Baltimore Ravens continue to be a great defensive team, or would Ryan’s departure lead to the demise of this defensive unit? The team certainly has some great talent in Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, but Lewis is getting older and the fate of this defense would be uncertain.

Through two weeks of the NFL season, Baltimore’s defense has given up more points than usual. The 50 points allowed through the first two weeks of the season is very high for the Ravens, but it hasn’t mattered much as the team is now 2-0 to start the year. The high-octane offense in Baltimore has eased concerns for now.

Flacco picked up right where he left off (and actually got better), and the running game in Baltimore is as strong as ever. Willis McGahee already has four touchdowns, Ray Rice has been terrific and Le’Ron McClain is a puncher with great goal-line presence. If anything, the Ravens look stronger this year than they did last.