Baltimore Ravens preview (No. 3): Setting sights on the Super Bowl

By foxsports
Published

Our 2015 NFL preview series ranks every team, from worst to first. Today: the No. 3 Ravens.

2014 record: 10-6 (Lost in divisional round to Patriots)

Head coach: John Harbaugh (eighth season, 72-40 in regular season, 10-5 in playoffs)

Key arrivals: Kendrick Lewis (free safety), Matt Schaub (quarterback), Cassius Vaughn (cornerback), Kyle Arrington (cornerback), *Breshad Perriman (wide receiver)

 (*denotes rookie)

Key departures: Terrence Cody (nose tackle), Haloti Ngata (defensive tackle), Victor Hampton (cornerback), Gino Gradkowski (center), Antoine Cason (cornerback), Owen Daniels (tight end), Jacoby Jones (wide receiver), Pernell McPhee (outside linebacker), Aaron Ross (cornerback), Torrey Smith (wide receiver), Tyrod Taylor (quarterback)

2015 schedule (ET):

Sept. 13: at Denver, 4:25 p.m.

Sept. 20: at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 27: Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Oct. 1: at Pittsburgh, 8:25 p.m.

Oct. 11: Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18: at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 26: at Arizona, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 1: San Diego, 1 p.m.

Nov. 8: BYE

Nov. 15: Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22: St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Nov. 30: at Cleveland, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 6: at Miami, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13: Seattle, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 20: Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27: Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m.

Jan. 3: at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

IF EVERYTHING GOES RIGHT

The Ravens, who came within seconds of taking down the Patriots in last season's playoffs, shouldn't take a step back. Though there are some doubts at wide receiver, the arrival of Marc Trestman as new offensive coordinator will spread out the offense and make things easier for quarterback Joe Flacco. Last season's biggest surprise, running back Justin Forsett, continues to excel, and rookie Javorious Allen contributes with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. The defense, led by a strong pass rush and secondary, shuts down opponents and leads the Ravens to a possible division title and a long playoff run. This could be a Super Bowl team.

IF EVERYTHING GOES WRONG

Steve Smith finally starts to show his age at wide receiver, and Trestman's offense fails to take hold. A tough schedule takes its toll on the roster, forcing inexperienced players into significant playing time. Injuries have brought down talented teams before. If enough of them strike, the Ravens could be in danger of a quick playoff exit or missing the postseason entirely.

BREAKOUT PLAYER: Defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan

The Ravens might not have been willing to trade Haloti Ngata to Detroit if Jernigan weren't waiting in the wings. Almost 50 pounds lighter than Ngata at 295, Jernigan should provide more of a penetrating element on Baltimore's defensive line.

CIRCLE-THE-DATE GAME: at Pittsburgh in Week 4 (Oct. 1/8:25 p.m. ET)

This black-and-blue rivalry resumes with the Steelers looking to avenge Baltimore's upset win at Heinz Field in the first round of last season's playoffs. The two sides have split their past six matchups, with Baltimore outscoring Pittsburgh by the razor-thin margin of 137-128.

ALEX MARVEZ'S PREDICTION: 10-6, first place

As proven by his 10 career playoff victories in just seven seasons as head coach, John Harbaugh's teams always save the best for last. Harbaugh has never lost an opening-round playoff game in the six years Baltimore has qualified during his tenure. The Ravens again caught fire late in the 2014 season and were poised to reach the AFC championship game before squandering a 14-point, second-half lead in New England.

The 2015 Ravens have the earmarks of being back in the Super Bowl chase once again. By all accounts, the transition from Gary Kubiak to Trestman at offensive coordinator has gone smoothly. Trestman is keeping many of the same elements that led to the Ravens setting single-season offensive records in 2014, including career-highs in passing for Flacco (3,986) and rushing for Forsett (1,266). The Ravens, though, are seeking the emergence of a deep threat to help replace departed wide receiver Torrey Smith (San Francisco), so 2015 first-round pick Breshad Perriman will have every chance to fill that role.

Another high choice, second-rounder tight end Maxx Williams, may start at tight end as Dennis Pitta tries to return from his second major hip surgery and starts the year on the PUP list. A defense led by the imposing pass-rush duo of Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs remains largely intact. Baltimore is counting on Jernigan to replace mainstay Ngata, who was traded to Detroit after refusing a pay cut. Outside linebackers Courtney Upshaw and rookie Za'Darius Smith will compete to replace Pernell McPhee, who earned a lucrative free-agent contract from Chicago after notching 7.5 sacks last season in a situational role.