LT’s Season Predictions

 

Note-This was originally written in July so I know I’m bound to be way off on many things.  Joe Flacco and the offense stepped it up opening day.  Let’s hope it keeps up!

 

Breaking down the Ravens 2008 schedule is not going to be an easy task. The reasons for having a horrible season are simple-aging defense, inexperienced offense with gaps at key positions, brutal schedule, blah blah blah-the list goes on and on. The reasons for success seem to be getting overlooked by most observers. They are moving back to a lot of the schemes from the 06 defense that finished near the top of the rankings. They have a new coach that could provide at least a temporary spark. The addition of Ray Rice provides them a nice one/two punch with McGahee. This will be crucial while the QB situation works itself out.

I’m leaning on the negatives overshadowing the positives. The shaky QB situation could linger on all season if no one steps up and this offense will never really get it going.

 

So here we go.

 

9/7 vs. Cincinnati – WIN

I really like this game. Home opener, new coach and a Cincy team in turmoil. My gut says Kyle Boller will be starting so if he can limit mistakes they will have a shot.

 

9/14 at Houston – WIN

William and Okoye could present huge problems for the Ravens O line. If Boller is running all over the field, bad things are going to happen. I think the Ravens D can shut Houston’s young offense down enough that Baltimore escapes with a win on the road. They have to keep pounding the ball and minimize mistakes.

 

9/21 vs. Cleveland - LOSS

This is a respect game for the Ravens. With everyone gushing over Cleveland, they will come out with something to prove. I just don’t think the Ravens have enough to stop this team. They simply won?t be able to stop the long ball.

 

9/29 at Pittsburgh - LOSS

 

My guess is that these two will split the season series so here is the loss. I see this one getting out of hand quickly and the Steelers putting somewhere around 35 on the board on Monday night. This is the point where Baltimore sports radio call in shows are flooded with Get Flacco in der hun!! We shudda never re signed Bowler! Can’t wait.

 

10/5 vs. Tennessee - LOSS

The Ravens offense will get nothing done against this D. The Ravens defense will keep it close but I see the Titans grinding it out and winning a close one.

 

10/12 at Indianapolis - BIG LOSS

 

I don’t even want to think about this game. I don’t care who the Ravens have starting at QB, this one is going to get ugly. Manning will have this defense running on fumes by the end of the second quarter due to the Ravens 3 and outs every series.

 

10/19 at Miami - WIN

 

Yeah yeah-last year is last year so I don’t want to hear it. The Ravens will come out with a chip on their shoulder and pound it out against Miami.

 

10/26 vs. Oakland - WIN

This is one of my favorite games because the guys from the Black Hole usually come to town. On the field I think the Ravens D forces the young Raiders offense to make just enough bad plays. Experience will play a big factor in this game.

 

11/2 at Cleveland - LOSS

Hate to say it but I think the Brownies sweep Baltimore again this year. The Browns proved last year that they can pick this D apart at any time which I think they?ll do again. Braylon goes for 150 and 2 TD’s.

 

11/16 at Giants - LOSS

 

I would love to say the Ravens sneak out a victory here but I just can’t do it. At this point of the season the fan base will be getting very restless and we will probably see the emergence of Flacco (if Smith falters). Either way, there is no shot the Ravens win this one on the road.

 

11/23 vs. Philadelphia - LOSS

 

This is a very winnable game for the Ravens depending on how far McNabb makes it. They also have an offense the Ravens D can contain but I think our young QB’s are going to make too many mistakes and lose this one at home.

 

11/30 at Cincinnati - WIN

Cincy’s struggles continue as the Ravens offense finds a miracle game and scores 42 on the tiggers. I see a big game on both sides of the ball as the Ravens get their last win of the season.

 

12/7 vs. Washington - LOSS

The Battle of the Beltway doesn’t go in the black birds favor. Jason Campbell should be in a nice groove at this point of the season and this game will mean a lot to Washington in a tough NFC East race.

 

12/14 vs. Pittsburgh - WIN

 

Somehow the Ravens will manage to win this game. Don’t ask me how but it will happen. Just the way it is between these two. M&T will be insane as usual but it will be mostly Steelers fans with the Ravens season shot at this point.

 

12/20 at Dallas - LOSS

 

The Ravens will simply get destroyed on national television. There will be nothing to play for and Dallas will be trying to lock up their division. Big D just has too many offensive weapons and our O won’t ever get out of the box.

 

12/28 vs. Jacksonville - LOSS

 

Jacksonville will come to town most likely fighting Indy for the division title so they will be firing on all cylinders. A tired and beat up Ravens team simply can’t match the talent level the Jags put on the field.

 

So that leaves us at 6-10. Obviously no playoffs but it puts them in a spot to make another strong run at the draft. This team will be much improved in 2009 but this year is going to be painful. The defense will keep games respectable but with no offensive support, they will wear out fast.