I want to hear some predictions, whether it be for specific players or the team itself, for the year. I put bold but they don't really have to be that bold. I will give some myself.
1. Joe Flacco will eclipse the 30 TD mark and get close to 4,000 yards passing, if not eclipse that too.
General thought is that "how is this possible with Ray Rice needing his touches?" Well, I think this offense is dangerous enough with this hurry-up offense to have both Ray Rice eclipse 1,200 and have Flacco throw close to 4,000. It's not impossible and I have a good feeling it will happen. I believe Rice will get less touches through the air this season, although not much less.
2. Terrell Suggs returns by the first Pittsburgh game.
It's not out of the realm of possibility this happens. Given what I have heard on his rehab track, it sounds like he can make it. The timetable for recovery dictates that he could very well return for this. If he is not back for that game, definitely for the second one.
3. Anquan Boldin will get close to 1,000 yards receiving and Torrey Smith will go over 1,000.
I honestly believe the Ravens will use Boldin the correct way this season. Stick him in the slot and let him control the middle as he does best. From what I have heard, Boldin is much quicker this year and has seemed very good. Remember that Pittsburgh game? He was in the slot and dominated them all of that final drive. Smith seems years ahead of where he was last year. Much better hands and better route running mixed with that speed is very dangerous. I see Flacco going to that hurry up when Cam is calling a shady offense in-game and taking over the game himself. I believe Flacco unleashes this season and shows us he is more than this conservative offense we continue to run.
4. Albert McClellan starts at OLB and makes a big impact.
I have personally always been very high on Albert and believe he has what it takes to be a solid linebacker in this league. The Ravens have a knack for finding undrafted talent and he fits the mold. Upshaw got slowed by injuries so he is behind at this point in my eyes but that doesn't mean he won't make any impact.
5. Finally, the Ravens will finish at least 11-5 and make it all the way this year.
This team is a lot more dangerous than they are given credit for. This is by far the best receivers they have had since Harbs and Flacco took over. Combine that with Ray Rice and a mauling O-Line and this offense will finally take the identity of this team. I believe the defense will still play lights out but it's time to stop relying on the defense to win us games and I believe that happens this season. I put no weight on the strength of schedule because teams change and injuries happen.
