Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens, perennial playoff contenders the past three NFL season, always seem to be a play or
two away from getting to and possibly winning the Big Game. Is 2011 the year they finally have all the
pieces to the puzzle and give All-Pro and future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis one more ring before
he hangs up the cleats for good?

The Baltimore Ravens added that down-the-field deep threat in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft in wide
receiver Torrey Smith (Maryland). Smith brings size and speed to complement veterans Anquan Boldin
and Derrick Mason in the passing game. QB Joe Flacco has led the team to the playoffs in all three of his
years and now he and the offense should have no excuses with the weapons, including Ray Rice, they
now have. First round draft pick, cornerback Jimmy Smith (Colorado) comes with character concerns,
but in a locker room led by Lewis, as well as Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata, he will be taught
the right way to be a Baltimore Raven.

The Ravens players held a “players-only” practice a few weeks ago and reportedly, more are in the works
depending on how long the labor dispute continues. Ravens fans are looking forward to opening the
2011 regular season on time as they are hosting their arch rival Pittsburgh Steelers on opening day and
want to get off on a great start by sending the word to the rest of the league that this finally is their
year!