Next up in our 32 teams in 32 days feature is the Baltimore Ravens. Last season was a long one full of disappointments. They were almost the first team to defeat the undefeated Patriots and were the first team to lose to the defeated Dolphins. With the return of their stingy defense and the addition of a few playmakers of offense, The Baltimore Ravens might be knocking on the door of the NFL Playoffs.
OFFENSE: Do you remember when the Ravens won the Superbowl with Trent Dilfer was at QB? I remember but that has nothing to do with this year’s squad. There are 3 QB’s on the roster and all of them are very unproven. QB Kyle Boller and Rookie QB Joe Flacco will be the two competing for the starting job. Kyle Boller is only a 78 overall with his throwing accuracy (78) dragging his rating down. He does have nice throw power (92) but even with that expect to be picked off a lot. Rookie Joe Flacco is a 79 overall and has excellent throw power (97). His accuracy is questionable with and 83 but if you plan on bombing the ball, he is defiantly your man. The running game in Baltimore is led by crazy legs RB Willis McGahee. Willis McGahee is a 91 overall with 92 speed and 94 acceleration. Expect him to be able to take off past the first line of defense in a heartbeat. His trucking (93) and juke move (92) are another of his strong points so don’t expect to have any trouble plowing over or juking the defender out. Rookie RB Ray Rice (80) is an unexpectedly highly rated rookie. He has nice speed (91) and nicer acceleration (94). One of Rice’s nicer areas is his agility (93) so he’ll probably be a slippery runner. The Alabama Hamma’ Le’Ron McClain is the FB with and 86 overall rating. He isn’t amazing in any area but is an excellent run blocker and has OK strength. There are no wide receivers in the passing game that is over 6′2. These bunches of munchkins have decent speed though which should give you the chance to get the ball down the field. The starting receiver is Derrick Mason who is an 87 overall with only 88 speed. He’s excellent at netting you a chunk of yards at a time with his awareness (95) and catching (93). WR Mark Clayton (85) is on the opposite side with his always great Fantasy Football work. Madden isn’t about Fantasy Football so forget that last part but he does have 92 speed and 94 acceleration. He is excellent after he catches the ball making defenders miss with his spin and juke. WR Demetrius Williams is a tall receiver checking in at 6′2”. He has good speed (92) and jumping (95). He should be excellent in the slot to get you those much needed yards. TE Todd Heap is a monster either blocking or going long or short for the ball. For a big TE he has decent speed with an 82. He really shines when he’s crowded by defenders, which is apparent with his ratings route running and catching in traffic, rated 92 and 91 respectively.
The Baltimore Ravens had a huge loss with Jon Ogden leaving to go to the moon mission with Tom Hanks. While Jon Ogden may never return there still is hope for the rest of the earthbound Ravens Line. The interior of the line is the best place in this crew of gladiators. At LG there is Jason Brown (93 Ovr), C Chris Chester (84 Ovr) and RG Ben Grubbs (88 Ovr). The exterior with LT Adam Terry (79 Ovr) and RT Marshall Yanda (79 Ovr) is where all the pressure is going to come from so watch the F out. Runs up the middle may be the best option in this running attack.
DEFENSE: The defensive line for the Baltimore Ravens is incredible. Both ends are at least a 90 overall and the nose tackle checks in at 88 overall. This line looks like it will get the most pressure with LE Trevor Pryce (92 Ovr). On the RE is Haloti Ngata (91 Ovr). Both have nice strength but Pryce shines with his awareness (85) and his power moves (93). Ngata is slightly better with his power moves (96) but both will bully some tackles. DT Kelley Gregg (88 Ovr) is a force with his 88 strength and 89 block shedding. Expect to be able to stop the run and cause some nice pressure with this amazing line.
The Baltimore Ravens have probably the best linebackers in the NFL. In my honest opinion this backing core is better than the Patriots. LOLB’S Jarrett Johnson (84 Ovr) and Antwan Barnes (81 Ovr) are both quality linebackers but Barnes has 89 speed and is an ideal option for blitzing the QB. The Ravens have two MLB’S Ray Lewis (94 Ovr) and Bart Scott (90 Ovr). These two are amazing at what they do. Ray Lewis is the better hitter with a 94 hit power and Bart Scott is great at covering the ball 92 pursuit. T-Sizzle aka ROLB Terrell Suggs (88 Ovr) got screwed on the rating. He plays better than an 88 with is high speed (87) and 95 pursuit. Expect to be able to control the short pass and get to the QB with this incredible Linebacking Core.
These corners are older than dirt but mostly still play like young guys. CB Chris McAllister (94 Ovr) is the starting corner and has 93 speed and 94 acceleration. He’s excellent in both man and zone coverage so you should have no trouble missing receivers with this guy. CB Samari Rolle stands on the opposite side with an 84 overall rating. His rating is proof that he is past his prime although you have to feel bad for him due to his epileptic seizures he suffers. His 88 speed is low for a corner but can keep up with a lot of agile receivers. Recent acquisition CB Fabian Washington (77 Ovr) from Oakland is a speedy little son of a gun. He has 98 speed but lacks in his coverage. He is an excellent cornerback to use against a slot receiver with hands of stone. Arguably the best free safety in the NFL is in this secondary. FS Ed Reed (98 Ovr) is a monster against receivers. He has high speed (93), agility (94) and jumping (92). As always expect to rake in the user picks with this FS. SS Dawan Landry (88 Ovr) is a nice safety opposite of Reed. He also has nice jumping with a 92. Expect these safeties and corners to keep up with their receivers and a lot of the time taking the ball back.
The Baltimore Ravens had an off year last year. There was never any consistency on offense other than RB Willis McGahee. Also the defense was injured for quite a bit of time last year. When this team is healthy and the offense learns to come around, this will be another team in Madden that will be absolutely dangerous to go 10 on 10 on the gridiron.
MOST OVERRATED PLAYER: MLB Ray Lewis (94 OVR)
I know this might look bad but I have to be honest. Ray Lewis is not the same linebacker he used to be. He can still hit but is constantly making mistakes that should be avoided. He is still worthy of a 90 but nothing more. He is in the twilight of his career and it won’t be long till he can’t compete on a professional level. Don’t get me wrong, I think he is easily one of the best middle linebackers ever but in this point in his career he is not the same explosive defender he once was. Please prove me wrong Ray Lewis.
BIGGEST UNDERACHIEVER: WR Mark Clayton (85 OVR)
I didn’t only pick him because he is always on my fantasy team but he actually is a great receiver that is slowly become the best WR option in Baltimore. I personally believe he should have been an 88 or 89 but the folks who make Madden don’t think so. He has good speed and great at his routes and should easily give you big sparks to your offense like he does from time to time on Sunday.
A special thanks to BonesMahoney for compiling together the stats for me. As always, feel free to leave comments, concerns, agreements, disagreements, etc either in the comments section or in our forums. You can discuss what you think the upcoming Madden season will be like for the Baltimore Ravens here.
July 19th, 2008 at 12:37 am
Ray Lewis is not overrated.
He was a top linebacker last year until his injuries kicked in.
August 9th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
ray lewis is overrated. the last time i heard his name was back in 05. that’s sad.