The Baltimore Ravens landed one of the best wide receivers in the NFL yesterday when they traded their 2nd round draft pick to San Francisco for the services of Terrell Owens. On the surface this looks to change the dynamic in the AFC North that now proclaims the Ravens as favorites. But before everyone gets too far ahead of themselves, first consider two things:
1) If Jamal Lewis can't play in 2004, the Ravens are back to square one--a one-dimensional team on offense with a great defense. But now, instead of relying on Lewis's legs, Billick must rely on Boller's ability to get TO the ball (FYI, Boller had surgery on his non-throwing shoulder yesterday). I'm sure most defensive coordinators would rather game plan against stopping TO than trying to stop Jamal Lewis.
2) If last year was any indication, Boller has a long way to go in terms of throwing the ball down the field. Granted, he really didn't have anyone to throw to other than TE Todd Heap, and Billick made it clear to anyone that would listen that he was going to run the ball. But the times that Boller did drop back he was largely ineffective. To be fair to Boller last year was his rookie year, but don't forget that TO spent a lot of time in Jeff Garcia's face for being inept (and Garcia has been to the Pro Bowl three times in the last five years) and the only reason that might not happen this season is because of Ray Lewis.
So depending on what happens to Jamal Lewis, and what kind of progress Boller makes, this could be virtually the same team as last year, but now utilizing a different weapon. read more on my weblog
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