NFL 2007: Baltimore Ravens

(This is the Corners look at the upcoming NFL season. For the next 32 days we'll be previewing each team and their prospects for the 2007 season. Today we look at the Baltimore Ravens).

The signing of Steve McNair last season paid huge dividends as the formerly anemic Baltimore offense scored enough to lift the Ravens to a 13-3 record, the AFC North title and a playoff berth. This offseason, head coach Brian Billick and company went out to upgrade the offense even more, signing Willis McGahee from Buffalo. With Cincinnati and Pittsburgh in the same division, the Ravens need to maintain the improved play from 2006.

Offense: McNair brought immediate leadership to the Baltimore offense and the team responded. The Alcorn State product threw for 3,050 yards and 16 touchdowns. Former starter Kyle Boller is a capable backup and Heisman Trophy winning QB Troy Smith is the heir apparent at number three.

Longtime Raven Jamal Lewis was sent packing to Cleveland and McGahee brings a new dimension to the Baltimore rushing attack. McGahee ran for 990 yards and six touchdowns last season, yet surprisingly Buffalo released him. Former 1,000 yard rusher Mike Anderson is the number two and P.J. Daniels is the third-down back. Justin Green serves as the fullback.

Up-and-comer Mark Clayton (67-939-5) and Derrick Mason (68-750-2) comprise the starting receiving corps for McNair. Demetrius Williams, Clarence Moore and rookie Yamon Figurs will see time as well. Todd Heap (73-765-6) is one of the top receiving tight ends in the league and serves as the perfect safety valve for McNair. Daniel Wilcox is the number two.

LT Jonathan Ogden contemplated retirement but the Ravens breathed a sigh of relief when he decided to play another year. Despite his age, Ogden is still one of the premier left tackles in the game. Adam Terry holds down the right tackle slot, while Mike Flynn is set at center. Keydrick Vincent and Jason Brown are returning starters at guard, but will be pressed by two rookies - top pick Ben Grubbs and Marshall Yanda. Chris Chester and Steve Edwards are capable reserves.

Defense: For years the strength of the Ravens has been the defense and this year is no exception, despite the huge loss of LB Adalius Thomas. Baltimore experimented with the 3-4 and will use it from time to time, but the base defense is the 4-3.

Trevor Pryce (47 tackles, 13 sacks) is an ageless wonder at one defensive end spot, while Terrell Suggs (64 tackles, 9.5 sacks) is a force at the other. Jarret Johnson and Dwan Edwards will be in the DE rotation. Haloti Ngata and Kelly Gregg are space eaters up the middle. Atiyyah Ellison, Kenny King and Anthony Bryant will battle for playing time also.

Ray Lewis has a lot of tread on his tires, but even an aging Lewis is better than most middle linebackers in the league. Ray Ray posted another 100 tackle season (103) and recorded five sacks. Fast rising Bart Scott (103 tackles, 9.5 sacks) and Gary Stills, who must replace Thomas, man the outside positions. Dan Cody, Mike Smith and rookies Antwan Barnes and Prescott Burgess, are capable reserves.

Baltimore may have the best starting defensive backs in the league with Ed Reed (59 tackles, 5 INT) and second-year stud Dawan Landry (69 tackles, 5 INT) at safety and Chris McAlister (47 tackles, 6 INT) and Samari Rolle (52 tackles, 3 INT) at the corners. Safety Gerome Sapp and corner Corey Ivey will come in on nickel packages.

Special Teams: Kicker Matt Stover had another solid season, making 28-of-30 field goals and scoring 121 points. Look for more of the same in 2007. Sam Koch averaged 43 yards a punt last year. Cory Ross returns kicks, while B.J. Sams or Figurs will handle punt return duties.

Outlook: The Ravens are an aging, but solid team capable of duplicating last seasons 13-3 mark. McGahee gives them a better alternative than the one-dimensional Lewis and Clayton, Heap and Mason are decent receivers. The defense is strong and the special teams are top notch. The keys to the season are the durability of McNair and finding someone to pick up the slack at linebacker with Thomas in New England. If McNair stays healthy Baltimore is a playoff team. If he doesn't, the bottom could fall out.

Prediction: The Ravens will play solid football all season and challenge the Bengals for the AFC North crown. Record: 11-5.