My Anquan Boldin Blog

The Baltimore Ravens have rebounded from a disappointing 2007 season with back-to-back playoff appearances. A strong running game and a dominant defense have helped them achieve their recent success. However, the organization has acknowledged that the passing game must improve in order to take the next step, and it has brought in Anquan Boldin to help make that happen. In this article, we'll take a quick look at the offense and the defense. Then, I'll make my prediction on Baltimore's finishing position in the AFC North.

Offense: Third-year quarterback Joe Flacco has impressed through his first two seasons. He threw for 3,613 yards and 21 touchdowns with 12 interceptions last season. He was on pace for even better numbers before leg and hip injuries limited him down the stretch. With his size and great arm strength, Flacco has the potential to become an elite passer. He has already shown that he is a winner, leading the Ravens to three playoff victories in five career playoff games. More wins will most certainly follow as he continues to mature. We could see him take a huge stride in 2010 with the addition of Boldin, who finally gives the Ravens a true No. 1 receiver.

Despite dealing with injuries, Boldin hauled in 84 passes for 1,024 yards last season. He and Derrick Mason, who is coming off a 73-catch, 1,028-yard season, should help the offense improve on the 213.7 yards per game it averaged through the air in 2009.

Boldin and Mason will certainly get their opportunities to star as defenses stack the box in hopes of limiting Ray Rice. Rice is coming off a Pro Bowl season, during which he amassed 2,041 total yards from scrimmage. 1,339 of those yards came on the ground.

Tackles Michael Oher and Jared Gaither lead a formidable offensive line.

Defense: Baltimore ranked No. 3 in the NFL in scoring defense last season, giving up only 16.3 points per game. Baltimore also ranked No. 3 ranked in terms of total defense, giving up just 300.5 yards per game.

Middle linebacker Ray Lewis continues to be the emotional leader of this unit. He teams with fellow linebackers Terrell Suggs and Jarret Johnson, and defensive lineman Haloti Ngata and Kelly Gregg, to anchor one of the best front sevens in football. Draft picks Sergio Kindle and Terrence Cody add additional depth.

Safety Ed Reed was contemplating retirement while dealing with a painful nerve impingement. But that talk has subsided, and it appears the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year will be back to lead Baltimore's secondary.

Prediction: 1st AFC North - Bringing in Boldin should instantly improve a passing attack that was lacking playmakers. Since Baltimore already has a strong running game, and one of the NFL's best defenses, I don't see anyone standing in their way of an AFC North title. Pittsburgh must deal with the suspension of Ben Roethlisberger, and it is hard to imagine Cincinnati not dealing with chemistry issues after signing Pacman Jones and Terrell Owens.

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