The Baltimore Ravens will have to start fast as they begin the season on the road versus 2010 playoff teams in the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals.
The Baltimore Ravens will open up the 2010 season of Monday Night Football against the New York Jets in the New Meadowlands. Let me note that the last time the Ravens opened the season with a nationally televised game was the 2007 season opener versus the Bengals. Despite a valiant fight, the Ravens lost and saw several key players like Steve Mcnair and Ed Reed get hurt and miss plays in the game. This game unleashed a horrific series of events that led to three different starting quarterbacks and a final season record of 5-11.
The Jets are a very formidable opponent loaded with players capable of giving the Ravens a headache in many facits of the game. They have a fantastic corner tandem with Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie capable of limiting the production of Derrick Mason and Anquan Boldin. They also have wide receivers Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes, both former starters on AFC North teams, who are familiar with the Ravens style of play and will see some success versus a seemingly suspect Ravens secondary.
Ravens fans have come to hate the Bengals once again after watching the Ravens get swept by the 2009 AFC North division champions. The Bengals have not settled on their success. They have acquired a couple new pieces to their puzzle by drafting tight end Jermaine Gresham and signing free agent Antonio Bryant, the number one receiver in Tampa Bay, to complement longtime stud Chad Ochocinco. However some uncertainties still persists with the organization like the availability of revived running back Cedric Benson. Benson ran for over 1200 yards and six touchdowns and broke the Ravens celebrated streak of 39 games without allowing a 100 yards rusher but during the offseason he was arrested once again this time for punching a bartender in the face. Because of his repeated legal issues, this act may result in a suspension from the league
I know some won't want to hear this but the Bengals have the number one defense in the division. They proved it by helping their team sweep the division. None of the other teams in the AFC North scored more than 20 points on the Bengals last season. The Ravens week two opponents have maintained their stature over the offseason as a team to be feared. The biggest glimmer of hope for the Ravens is to study tape from the Bengals last five games. Cincinnati lost four of the last five including their wildcard round letdown versus the New York Jets.
The Ravens must build a tight ship before the regular season begins. The offense must put up significant points because the days of the defense consistently holding opponents to 17 points is over. Things can get out of hand very quickly if the Ravens slip up and lose both of these games. This is why training camp is so important. Camp for the Ravens starts on July 27.
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