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| | Wednesday, July 12 Ravens: Playoff expectations | |||||||||||||||
| By Mark Cannizzaro Special to ESPN.com Unfortunately, since Super Bowl week, when you think about the Ravens the first thing that comes to mind is Ray Lewis and the murder trial that wasn't. But the Ravens, who like the Jets finished the '99 season with a spirited run, have positive things to build on, including the addition of prolific tight end Shannon Sharpe, who was signed as a free agent. Another free-agent addition was was former Seattle defensive end Sam Adams. Clearly, the Ravens, already a talented group (particularly on defense) are improved.
This has to be Lewis, whom most people will never look at the same way since the details of his involvement in the murder of those two men in Atlanta last January came out. Sure, Lewis got off with a mere misdemeanor and no punishment from the NFL (the latter of which was a bad joke), but still, the distractions have got to be a factor. Key position battle Running back, where incumbent Priest Holmes (506 yards and a touchdown on 89 carries in '99) will be pushed hard by incoming rookie (and fifth overall draft pick) Jamal Lewis from Tennessee. Lewis, who has 4.34 speed and is 231 pounds, is the man the Ravens want to center their offense around. Lewis, who's durability is a question, must keep himself on the field. Biggest adjustment Two seasons ago, Jermaine Lewis was as prolific a weapon as there was in the league, earning Pro Bowl honors as a threat to score every time he caught one of his 41 receptions or when he returned a punt. Last year, he struggled as teams began directional punting and pinning him into sidelines. His longest punt return in '99 was 33 yards and his longest kickoff return was only 25 yards. His receiving numbers, too, slipped to 25 for 281 yards and only 2 touchdowns. He needs to adjust and regain his Pro Bowl form. Rookie report As stated, Jermaine Lewis is the key to the Ravens' offensive success. He must take pressure off quarterback Tony Banks. Another bonanza for Banks is Florida receiver Travis Taylor, who was the 10th overall player picked in the draft. He could become the team's top go-to player, and he's confident enough to handle it.
| ALSO SEE Bengals: Some bright spots Browns: Couch leads the way Jaguars: Super outlook Steelers: Last chance for Stewart? Titans: Success brings expectations | |||||||||||||||
