AFC. (NFL).(American Football Conference)

Baltimore Ravens

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AREA TO IMPROVE: The Ravens don't have receivers consistent enough to make plays every week. The team needs a No. 1 receiver, ideally a big, physical player who is strong enough to beat press coverage at the line of scrimmage and fast enough to get downfield. This player must be able to stretch defenses and become a factor inside the red zone. The team also might need a No. 2 receiver. The Ravens have a solid running game, led by Jamal Lewis, one of the best backs in the league, plus a Pro Bowl tight end in second-year pro Todd Heap. A dangerous receiver or two would open the offense even more for Lewis and Heap.

PLAYERS 10 WATCH: Rookie SS Ed Reed has great ball skills and led the team with five interceptions. Reed is tough, and he doesn't mind delivering a vicious hit in run support. Reed's biggest weakness is he sometimes gets a little too eager to make big plays, which can put him out of position. Fellow rookie DE Anthony Weaver isn't flashy and isn't a great pass rusher, but he is steady and has a strong work ethic. He is the kind of player offensive coordinators don't specifically game plan for, but he draws their concern. Weaver has good speed and quickness and uses his hands well. His performance dropped off at the end of the season, but that's to be expected from a first-year player. Once he gets in NFL shape, he will be a major part of the defense.

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: RT Ethan Brooks will be a free agent, but if the Ravens re sign him as a starter, the entire front office should be fired. Brooks has decent foot speed, but he is soft. After finding a receiver, replacing Brooks must be the next priority. G Edwin Mulitalo will be a free agent and could sign elsewhere. If he does, the Ravens can insert Casey Rabach at center and move C Mike Flynn to left guard without losing much. The team does need to re-sign QB Jeff Blake. The Ravens believe they can win with Blake or Chris Redman and wouldn't mind having both back to compete for the job. Blake, 32, still has enough skills left to become a starter elsewhere, so he will draw interest. There still are questions about Redman's back and whether can hold up over an entire season. On defense, the Ravens want to find another experienced lineman, particularly a widebody tackle who can work in a rotation filled with younger players.--Mike Preston

FINAL GRADES

Regular season