Midseason reports. (AFC).

Baltimore Ravens

www.sportingsnews.com/nfl/teams/ravens

WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED: With or without ILB Ray Lewis, the defense must continue to carry the team. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has picked up where predecessor Marvin Lewis left off by emphasizing team speed, pursuit and the need for players to stay on their feet. The defense has played reasonably well, and that's because Nolan was smart enough to maintain Lewis as the focal point of the unit. The offense continues to struggle under coach Brian Billick and coordinator Matt Cavanaugh despite the presence of four first-round draft picks. Every year, the Ravens go through a dumbing-down period and simplify the offense, but it's time Billick and Cavanaugh looked at the design and their staff. Billick is solid at organization and motivation and has a strong competitive spirit. But great coaches know their weaknesses and compensate for them. Billick's weakness is X's and O's, and he needs to find someone who can make up for that.

NEWCOMERS ANALYSIS: Despite having 18 rookies or first-year players, the team has been competitive in most games. The defensive rookies have made the most impact. RE Tony Weaver has played surprisingly well and runs extremely well for a 300-pounder. He'll continue to improve after missing a lot of training camp because of an ankle sprain. S Ed Reed is starting to make big plays and is making the kind of impact the team anticipated.... What's even more impressive is the solid contributions of undrafted rookies, notably NT Ma'ake Kemoeatu and SS Will Demps. Kemoeatu is in the regular rotation and has performed well as a run stopper. Once he learns to pass rush, he could dominate inside. Demps is slow in coverage recognition but is around the ball a lot and likes to hit.

WHAT TO EXPECT: The Ravens played over their heads in the first half, but that likely won't happen in the second. Many rookies hit the wall at about the 12th game, and if that happens, the team will be in trouble. The Ravens must determine the quarterback of the future. Will it be Jeff Blake, who has a strong arm and great mobility? Or will it be Chris Redman, who was solid until sustaining a back injury? Blake can make throws Redman can't, but Redman is younger and still developing.--Mike Preston

 
MIDSEASON GRADES 
 
QUARTERBACKS      C 
RUNNING BACKS     C+ 
RECEIVERS         C- 
OFFENSIVE LINE    C 
DEFENSIVE LINE    C- 
LINEBACKERS       B 
SECONDARY         C- 
SPECIAL TEAMS     C- 
COACHING          C+ 
OVERALL GRADE     C 

MVP ILB Ray Lewis missed four games (shoulder) but was the NFLS's best players before the injury.