2014 NFL Preview: Everything you need to know about the Baltimore Ravens

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Baltimore Ravens

Schedule | Roster

Ray Rice's alleged assault of wife (then fiancee) Janay Palmer, speculation about what suspension he might receive, and then backlash after he was issued a two-game ban dominated Ravens headlines this offseason, obscuring discussion about what a disappointing season the defending Super Bowl champions had in 2013.

With long-time defensive leaders Ray Lewis and Ed Reed off the roster, the Ravens struggled a little to find a defensive identity last season. Early draft picks Matt Elam and Arthur Brown failed to make a significant impact, and the normally stout Ravens defense finished outside the top-10 in total yards surrendered. 

More pronounced were the Ravens' offensive woes. The team finished in the bottom half of the league in passing yards and a pitiful 30th in rushing yards, and it's impossible not to look at poor offensive line play as the catalyst in both cases.

Preseason Power Ranking - #12

A bounce back has to be expected from the Ravens. A good draft haul will help boost the defense, and Bernard Pierce appears poised for a breakout season on the other side of the ball. A healthy Dennis Pitta will do wonders for Joe Flacco. More...

Key Additions/Departures

Key Additions: WR Steve Smith, TE Owen Daniels

Key Departures: DE Arthur Jones, OT Michael Oher, LB Jameel McClain, CB Corey Graham

Joe Flacco and Anquan Boldin tore up the playoffs en route to a Lombardi Trophy in 2013, but the Ravens were unwilling to pay Boldin what he wanted and chose to ship him off to San Francisco for a sixth-round draft pick. Without Boldin as a reliable chain-mover, the Ravens passing game really struggled. 

Enter: former Carolina Panthers wideout Steve Smith. Once among the league's premier deep threats, Smith has transitioned into more of a possession receiver in his 30's. He'll be asked to pick up tough yards in traffic and draw coverage away from Torrey Smith.

The loss of Arthur Jones stings, but not many Ravens fans will be sorry to see Michael Oher depart. His poor play directly contributed to the Ravens' inability to run the ball last season.

2014 Draft Class 

The 2014 Ravens draft class is a deep one, with two third-round picks and two fourth-rounders in the mix. Defense was the focus of the draft, with the first three players chosen playing on that side of the ball.

The Ravens used their first round pick on former Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley, and he should step into the defense as a Day 1 starter. There will never be another Ray Lewis, but Mosley could have a similar impact on the Ravens in terms of leadership. 

Fourth-round pick Brent Urban will sit out his rookie season after tearing his ACL at training camp.

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: John Harbaugh
Offensive Coordinator: Gary Kubiak
Defensive Coordinator: Dean Pees

The Detroit Lions poached 2013 Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell to be their new head coach, so the Ravens will replace him with fired Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak.

Kubiak should bring with him his trademark offensive scheme, which features zone run blocking and a lot of play-action. The scheme should invigorate a Ravens rushing attack that was woeful last year, though there are some concerns that Rice isn't a great fit for the system and backup Pierce may be better-suited to a one-cut plan of attack. 

Kubiak offenses have typically produced big numbers, so look for an uptick in Flacco's statistics. Dennis Pitta and Smith should be the primary beneficiaries, but don't rule out big statistical years for Steve Smith and Owen Daniels. 

2014 Schedule

The Ravens open their 2014 campaign with three straight games against divisional opponents, so they'll have the chance to set the tone in the AFC North right out of the gate. By the time they hit their bye in Week 11, the Ravens will have played five of six divisional contests.

Post-bye, the schedule looks quite rosy. Games against the Dolphins, Jaguars, Texans and Browns are all winnable, giving the Ravens the opportunity to build momentum as they make a push to the playoffs. 

Bold Predictions

Pierce will take over the starting running back role -- and never give it back. Rice will miss two games to begin the season due to suspension, opening the door for Pierce to begin the season as the Ravens’ starting tailback. Look for him to have success with Rice sidelined and continue leading the team in carries after Rice returns. Pierce is a great fit for new  offensive coordinator Kubiak’s one-cut zone blocking scheme, and he’s finally fully healthy. Rice, on the other hand, looked awful a season ago and there are concerns he’ll never regain his old form. Kubiak has no allegiance to Rice, and he’ll quickly choose Pierce as his favorite. -David Woods

Torrey Smith leads the AFC in receiving yards. Smith has made steady progression since entering the league in 2011 and there’s no denying his incredible speed. He managed 1,128 yards in 2013 despite the fact the Ravens lacked a true No. 2 receiver,  tight end Dennis Pitta missing most of the season, and Baltimore’s running game pulling a disappearing act. Now Steve Smith is in town, Pitta is healthy and the Ravens should be better running the ball, opening up more room for Smith and allowing him to lead the conference in yardage. -Mike Dickson