AFC. (NFL).

Baltimore Ravens

www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/ravens

SMASHING SUB: Backup QB Jeff Blake can boost the offense despite limited repetitions with the first team. Blake threw for 298 yards against the Steelers while filling in for the injured Chris Redman (back). Blake has more agility and experience than Redman. He also puts the long ball back in the offense, something the Ravens lack because of Redman's average arm strength. Redman is considered the long-term project, but Blake gives the Ravens a better chance of winning now.... Teams might start passing more against the Ravens after Steelers QB Tommy Maddox threw for 172 yards despite missing most of the third quarter. The Ravens have been vulnerable to the long ball all season but have been aided by an outstanding pass rush off the perimeter, especially from OLB Peter Bouhware. But with Boulware under control and no pressure up the middle, the young secondary was exposed as Maddox completed passes of 18 yards or more four times.

CB Chris McAlister is having an outstanding year, but rookie Ss Will Demps and Ed Reed and second-year CB Gary Baxter are going through on-the-job training.

SCOUTING REPORT: WR Travis Taylor has been improving since coach Brian Billick said that Taylor needed to play better. Taylor's downfield blocking has improved tremendously, and he is the possession receiver on third down. Taylor isn't a big-play threat, but he's good at running intermediate routes and getting first downs. His best routes are comebacks because he is strong enough to push off and gain separation. He must continue impressing the coaches to return next season.

OFFENSIVE LINE ANALYSIS: Moving Edwin Mulitalo from left guard to right tackle at the beginning of the season was a mistake, but the Ravens now can play smashmouth football with him back on the left side with LT Jonathan Ogden. Ogden is the best in the league, a technician who also has dominating size (6-8, 340). Right tackle remains a problem. Ethan Brooks has been overpowered, and backup Jason Thomas has been bothered by an ankle injury. C Mike Flynn had his usual slow start but now turns in solid efforts. RG Bennie Anderson has played well but must improve as a pass blocker. The Ravens are deep at guard with second-year player Casey Rabach as the top backup. Rabach is versatile enough to play two positions and fast enough to reach the second level in making blocks. --Mike Preston

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