Analysis: Third year quarterback Joe Flacco has already put together a laundry list of achievements in his young career. He was the 2008 Diet Pepsie Rookie of the Year, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month in November, has the most starts by a quarterback . . . → Read More: Ravens Roster Countdown – #5 Joe Flacco]]> Position: Quarterback
Height/Weight: 6’6″/238 lbs.
Age: 25/Experience: 3
College: Delaware

Analysis: Third year quarterback Joe Flacco has already put together a laundry list of achievements in his young career. He was the 2008 Diet Pepsie Rookie of the Year, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month in November, has the most starts by a quarterback in his first two seasons in NFL history, is the fourth quarterback since 1970 to reach the playoffs in his first two seasons, ranks third all time in Ravens history in attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns and, of course, is the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to win two playoff games.

Flacco’s 2009 season was another step in the right direction, he bumped up his completion percentage to 63.1 (a single season Ravens franchise record), threw for 3,613 yards and 21 touchdowns. A few games last season went on to become highlight reels for Flacco, in week three versus Cleveland Joe threw for 342 yards and hit Derrick Mason on a 72 yard touchdown pass. Flacco also threw 14 straight completions (another franchise record) against Denver on November 11th and went 21 for 29 with 234 yards and no interceptions against Chicago on December 20th.

2010 Outlook: The Ravens expectations for Flacco are high this season, their attention has shifted from defense to offense and at the center of those expectations is Joe Flacco. Last season, Ray Rice stepped up to be a available asset to Joe with the Ravens mediocre receiving corps, this season they added Anquan Boldin, Donte Stallworth (who is out for 8 weeks) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Flacco has targets up and down the field and is still supported by one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL. The Ravens offense will click with Flacco’s success and fail when he is off. This season the Ravens will likely go as far as Flacco will take them.

Analysis: Sam Koch has been the model of consistency since he was drafted by the Ravens in 2006. He’s only had one of his punts returned for a touchdown. Most of Koch’s punts have been coffin-corner, or inside the 20-yard line in the . . . → Read More: Ravens Roster Cutdown – #4 Sam Koch]]> Position: Punter
Height/Weight: 6’1″/216 lbs
Age: 28 Experience: 5
College: Nebraska

Analysis: Sam Koch has been the model of consistency since he was drafted by the Ravens in 2006. He’s only had one of his punts returned for a touchdown. Most of Koch’s punts have been coffin-corner, or inside the 20-yard line in the last four years.

2010 Outlook: There’s no reason to expect that 2010 will be any different than Koch’s previous four seasons. Koch has developed in to one of the better punters in the NFL and his contribution hasn’t gone unnoticed by the fans or the team. Koch will be his usual consistent self in 2010 and pin teams deep in their own territory.

Analysis: The Ravens signed Cundiff back on Nov. 18, 2009 to replace their struggling kicker at the time, Steve Hauschka. Cundiff had tried out for the team the week before, but was called back after Hauschka missed a 36-yard field goal and had a . . . → Read More: Ravens Roster Countdown – #7 Billy Cundiff]]> Position: Kicker
Height/Weight: 6’1″/212 lbs.
Age: 30/Experience: 6
College: Drake

Analysis: The Ravens signed Cundiff back on Nov. 18, 2009 to replace their struggling kicker at the time, Steve Hauschka. Cundiff had tried out for the team the week before, but was called back after Hauschka missed a 36-yard field goal and had a low extra point attempt blocked by Shaun Rogers of the Cleveland Browns. Cundiff is a veteran who is most remembered for his time with the Dallas Cowboys where he played in 53 games from 2002-05 and made 73.1 percent of his kicks. He tore his quadriceps in 2005 and was let go in an injury settlement shortly thereafter. He tried out for a couple teams after his recovery, but couldn’t make any of the rosters and had to spend two years out of football. The Browns signed Cundiff early last season when their kicker Phil Dawson injured his calf and he made all six of his field goal attempts from Weeks 3-7 and was 4-for-4 in extra points. Cundiff is known for having a strong leg, which is a big reason why he beat out former New York Jets kicker Mike Nugent for the Ravens’ job last season.

2010 Outlook: After joining the Ravens in Week 11 of last season, Cundiff made 12 of 17 field goal attempts and converted all 19 extra point tries. He made all three his field goal attempts in the preseason and looks ready for the upcoming season. His leg strength has never been a problem, but his accuracy could be a little better. He has a 73.6 career field goal percentage, which doesn’t quite qualify him as a dominant kicker. But he does have the experience factor that helps him in pressure-type situations. Hopefully the Ravens’ won’t have to work Cundiff too hard this season and they score touchdowns instead of field goals. And with their revamped offense, that seems very possible.

Submitted by Steve Giles

Last Season was supposed to be the breakout season for Marcus Smith. Derrick Mason had retired. Demetrius Williams was in the dog house. Marcus had some serious potential for playing time. Then Mason un-retired. Then the 1st preseason game happened and . . . → Read More: Ravens Roster Countdown – #11 Marcus Smith]]> Position: Wide Receiver
Height/Weight: 6′ 1″/225 lbs
Age: 25/Experience: 3
College: New Mexico

Last Season was supposed to be the breakout season for Marcus Smith. Derrick Mason had retired. Demetrius Williams was in the dog house. Marcus had some serious potential for playing time. Then Mason un-retired. Then the 1st preseason game happened and Marcus Smith was lost for the season with an ACL injury.

2010: Marcus Smith made the team. This was a huge accomplishment with a wide receiving corp that boasted Boldin, Mason, Clayton (now TJ), and Stallworth. I suspect it was a mixture of wanting to see what Smith really had to offer and the Ravens being tired of D-Will. Smith won’t get much playing time from scrimmage unless the team is depleted from injuries. Smith was commended several times through the preseason for his special teams play. Look for him to make his biggest impact there.

David Reed was a 5th Round pick for Ravens coming out of Utah. He was known for his ability to run some solid routes, but his size and overall burst were slightly limiting. It seemed like Reed was destined to the practice . . . → Read More: Ravens Roster Countdown – #18 David Reed]]> Position: Wide Receiver
Height/Weight: 6′ 0″/190 lbs
Age: 23/Experience: 0
College: Utah

David Reed was a 5th Round pick for Ravens coming out of Utah. He was known for his ability to run some solid routes, but his size and overall burst were slightly limiting. It seemed like Reed was destined to the practice squad after first couple weeks in the preseason. Despite the frustrations with D-Will, it seemed as if D-Will was a stronger option as a receiver. Then something happened. Reed really showed his mustard in the final 2 preseason games and earned a spot on the roster.

2010: Listed as the 5th or 6th receiver, it is likely that Reed will be able to use this season to improve his receiving game in practice. Where Reed will likely see more time is as Parmale’s backup on kick returns. In the preseason game vs the Rams, Reed had a 53-yard kickoff return. Reed has been given an opportunity to hone his skills at the highest level. For his sake, let’s hope that he can do what D-Will couldn’t and turn that talent into something very useful for the Ravens in the future.

Analysis:  Despite a diminishing role over the passed two seasons, Willis McGahee has delivered two of the most impressive runs in Ravens history.  McGahee’s huge run to help close out Texas stadium in 2008 was topped only by his devastating stiff arm . . . → Read More: Ravens Roster Countdown – #23 Willis McGahee]]> Position: Running Back
Height/Weight: 6′ 0″/235 lbs
Age: 28/Experience: 8
College: Miami

Analysis:  Despite a diminishing role over the passed two seasons, Willis McGahee has delivered two of the most impressive runs in Ravens history.  McGahee’s huge run to help close out Texas stadium in 2008 was topped only by his devastating stiff arm in Oakland last year.  Both runs proved that McGahee still has plenty left in the tank and that he can come up big when filling in for the more dynamic Ray Rice.  While not as quick and elusive as his teammate, McGahee has moves to make people miss and he runs with good vision and power.  McGahee also excelled at getting tough yards in the red zone and led the Ravens with 14 touchdowns (which tied a Ravens record).  McGahee is a good pass catcher and perhaps the best back the Ravens have at picking up blitzes.

2010 Outlook:  McGahee is expected to play a similar role to the one he had in 2009.  He will see his share of carries as the Ravens are likely to try and lessen Rice’s work load.  Cam Cameron will often play hunches and go with the hot back or the one who he thinks is most effective against a certain defense.  To his credit McGahee has matured tremendously as a player in his time with the Ravens.  He has dealt well with taking a back seat to Rice and, for the most part, has been prepared when the Ravens have called on him.  McGahee added muscle in the off-season and should have a big season.  A talent like McGahee as a back-up running back is a luxury for the club.  Should Rice miss any time dues to injury, McGahee can step in and the offense would hardly miss a beat.

Analysis: Just after wide receiver Donte Stallworth was reinstated into the NFL by commissioner Roger Goodell, the Ravens announced a one year $900,000 deal with the eight year veteran. Stallworth spent four seasons with New Orleans, one with Philadelphia, one with New . . . → Read More: Ravens Roster Countdown – #18 Donte Stallworth]]> Position: Wide Receiver
Height/Weight: 6′ 0″/220 lbs
Age: 30/Experience: 8
College: Tennessee

Analysis: Just after wide receiver Donte Stallworth was reinstated into the NFL by commissioner Roger Goodell, the Ravens announced a one year $900,000 deal with the eight year veteran.

Stallworth spent four seasons with New Orleans, one with Philadelphia, one with New England and one with Cleveland prior to serving a year long suspension in 2009. He became the first rookie to catch touchdown passes in the first four NFL games since 1982 when he debuted in 2002 with the Saints. He went on to catch eight touchdown passes that season, which still stands as his career high. Stallworth’s most highlighted catch was a career long 84 yard TD reception in 2006 with the Eagles. He’s also posted 13 career 100 yard receiving games and 4,383 yards receiving and 32 touchdowns over his career.

2010 Outlook: Unfortunately for the Ravens and Stallworth, his return to the NFL will be delayed for two months by a broken foot that he suffered in the third preseason game against the New York Giants. Stallworth was potentially looking at a number three or four role at wide receiver with the Ravens, providing a spark in the middle of the field along side Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason. However, now that Mark Clayton has been traded his biggest competition for number three would be the newly acquired T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Housh has the advantage in the race however, since Stallworth will be sidelined for eight weeks.

He could also jump into a role on special teams, we saw John Harbugh put him back to receive a few punts throughout the preseason. More than anything though, Stallworth will be the Ravens man across the middle of the field when he gets back into action in two months.

Analysis: Six time Pro Bowler. AP Defensive Player of the Year (2004). USA Today All-Decade Team member. 13 career defensive touchdowns. What can you say about Ed Reed to a Ravens fan that they don’t already know? The future hall of fame . . . → Read More: Ravens Roster Countdown – #20 Ed Reed]]> Position: Safety
Height/Weight: 5′ 11″/200 lbs
Age: 31/Experience: 9
College: The U

Analysis: Six time Pro Bowler. AP Defensive Player of the Year (2004). USA Today All-Decade Team member. 13 career defensive touchdowns. What can you say about Ed Reed to a Ravens fan that they don’t already know? The future hall of fame safety has earned his nickname, the ball hawk, in his 9 seasons in the National Football League.

Reed is the Ravens franchise leader in interceptions with 46, the most in the NFL since he entered the league and leads in interception return yards with 1,255. He recorded a 107-yard return TD in 2008, breaking the previous record that he set in 2004.

Reed has battled injuries his whole career. Last season he was sidelined four games with several injuries, but earned his sixth trip to the Pro Bowl, after a season that included 54 solo tackles, 3 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions for 111 yards.

2010 Outlook:  With the release of the 53 man roster, the Ravens stated that Ed Reed will begin the season on the physically unable to perform list after hip surgery this off season.  Tom Zbikowski will replace the veteran and Reed will look to make a return after week six.

The hope for the Ravens is that Reed will solidify the Ravens secondary, a weakness on their defense.  Reed has always been known to baffle quarterbacks at safety, though in recent years his freelance style has left members of the Ravens secondary out to dry.  Often the risk is well worth the reward, especially with Reed who is always a playmaker for the purple and black.  Baltimore fans hope that the ball hawk will make a speedy recovery and return to the secondary as a play maker in 2010.

Analysis:  Chris Carr was signed by the Baltimore Ravens prior to the 2009 season to add depth in the secondary and to be the primary punt returner, a role he excelled in during his time with the Tennessee Titans.  Carr performance with . . . → Read More: Ravens Roster Countdown – #25 Chris Carr]]> Position: Cornerback
Height/Weight: 5′ 10″/182 lbs
Age: 27/Experience: 6
College: Boise State

Analysis:  Chris Carr was signed by the Baltimore Ravens prior to the 2009 season to add depth in the secondary and to be the primary punt returner, a role he excelled in during his time with the Tennessee Titans.  Carr performance with the Ravens in 2009 was a disappointment.  Early in the season he was tentative in the return game and soft in coverage.  As the season progressed Carr was more decisive returning kicks, but contributed few big plays.  Carr also saw more time at corner as the season wore on.  Injuries to Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb ultimately forced Carr into the starting line-up on defense.  Carr turned in his best defensive performance in the play-off win at New England, but he left fans craving for better play after an up and down year.

2010 Outlook: Carr’s role for the Ravens this year is still up in the air and is expected to fluctuate.  Early int eh year Carr will see a lot of time at corner, both on the outside and in the slot.  As the clubs other defensive backs get healthy, Carr will likely see less time in the defensive secondary.  It is likely that Carr will not be used at all in the return game to start the season.  Carr is the Ravens most seasoned punt returner, but the club cannot afford any injuries to corners so Carr could be used strictly as a defensive player.  Carr has dealt with some back issues in training camp and pre-season, so it has been hard to tell if he has looked better in coverage.  In his limited practice time in camp, Carr showed more confidence, especially when covering slot receivers.

Analysis: In 2009, Dawan Landry made a strong comeback from the spinal cord contusion that sidelined him for all but 2 games of the 2008 season.  Landry did take a few weeks to knock the rust off, but by the end of ’09 his level of . . . → Read More: Ravens Roster Countdown – #26 Dawan Landry]]> Position: Safety
Height/Weight: 6″/210 lbs
Age: 27/Experience: 5
College: Georgia Tech

Analysis: In 2009, Dawan Landry made a strong comeback from the spinal cord contusion that sidelined him for all but 2 games of the 2008 season.  Landry did take a few weeks to knock the rust off, but by the end of ’09 his level of play had risen to match his early career.  Landry was tied for the team lead in picks last year with four and passes defended with eleven.  He also was 2nd on the team in tackles with 82.  Landry is most valuable as a run stuffing safety.  He is a physical presence who likes to hit.  Landry’s range in pass coverage is average, but he is an intelligent, disciplined player who is rarely out of position.

2010 Outlook:Landry will again be a fixture in the Ravens secondary at strong safety.  He has looked strong and quick in the pre-season, knocking out teeth and twisting ankles with the best of them.  The main question with Landry is if he has much more upside in his game.  Does he have the ability to become more of a play making safety?  I suspect that what you see is what you get with Landry, but I do believe he is poised to have his best year with the Ravens in 2010.  If paired with Tom Zbikowski, the Ravens will have two solid if not spectacular defenders at the position.  The secondary seemed to flourish with Landry and Zibby playing at the end of the ’09 season.  The hope is that the Ravens can duplicate that success to start the ’10 season.