Three questions for the AFC North. Part #3 the Baltimore Ravens.

Here at the AFC North Report we listen to you the readers. We look at all the questions and comments you post and combine it with stats, data, Wigi boards, tarot cards, and chicken entrails in an effort to determine what will happen in the coming season. With a crystal ball at our side and yes that wonderful hat that Merlin wore we seek answers, but to have answers one must have questions. So in part three of this four part series here are three questions that must be asked in regards to the Baltimore Ravens upcoming 2012 season.

Question #1: Can Joe Flacco do it all on his own? Flacco feels he is in the ‘elite’ class of QB’s around the NFL. So let’s take a look at his numbers from 2011 and see where he ranks against other QB’s in the NFL.

Joe Flacco stats during 2011 regular season

Completion %:            57.6% (ranked 26^th in the NFL)

Total Passing Yards: 3,610 Yards (ranked 12^th in the NFL)

Touchdowns Passes:   20 TD’s (Ranked 13^th in the NFL)

Interceptions:              12 INT’s (Ranked 16^th in the NFL)

QB Rating                   80.9 (Ranked 18^th in the NFL

So looking at the stats (which are similar to his career numbers), I would say Joe Flacco is an ‘average” quarterback. He is or seems to be a good game manager but the number one thing this tells me is if not for the Ravens defense and RB Ray Rice, the Ravens are not a top tier team. In other words, if the game comes down to Joe Flacco and Joe Flacco alone, don’t expect any miracles. Flacco must improve if the Ravens want to win the division again and make another run into the playoffs and to the Super Bowl. Heaven help the Ravens if Ray Rice does not produce like he normally does (his holdout couldn’t have helped), or sustains an injury.

Question #2: Do the Ravens still have an elite defense? With Ray Lewis and Ed Reed aging linebacker Terrell Suggs has become the heart and soul of the Ravens defense. Losing him for a year is a huge blow to the franchise and Alabama rookie Courtney Upshaw will be asked to do more than just be adequate. Without Suggs every member of the Ravens Defense will need to step up their game. While we are on the subject of Ravens linebackers what happened to Sergio Kindle? It’s like he has faded into the darkness after being touted as a brilliant draft pick just one year ago. Will Upshaw do the same? Or will he make the most of this opportunity?

Question #3: Can the Ravens repeat as division champs in 2012? Despite the loss of Suggs the remainder of the team is intact. But this seasons schedule is not what it was a year ago and both the Bengals and Browns have dramatically improved their rosters over the past two off seasons. Pittsburgh has upgraded their offensive line and switched offensive coordinators hiring Todd Haley. This year will be one of those seasons in which nine wins in the AFC North may win you the division. Vegas says the Ravens are likely to go 10-6 but any more key injuries and the Ravens may be looking up at the top of the division instead of looking at who’s chasing them. The ability of the Ravens players to remain healthy this season will be key this year. Otherwise look forward to a long season Ravens’ fans.

** In This Series, Three Questions for:
Part 1, The Cincinnati Bengals

Part  2, The Cleveland Browns

Michael W. Youngman--Lead Analyst AFC North
Michael is the Lead Analyst for the AFC North Report and the Cleveland Browns Report. He has written many articles that have been featured by playerpress.com, cantonrep.com, FoxSports.com, and of course this site. Michael has also written a book titled “The Dayton Project” published in 2008 by PublishAmerica. He makes his home in the Hall of Fame City of Canton Ohio with his wife Lisa and his two children Joseph and Jennifer. To learn more, visit his Website