The Baltimore Ravens were very happy with Joe Flacco’s ability to manage games last season as a rookie.  But, in 2009 they will likely run a somewhat more wide open offense.  Don’t expect them to throw the ball all over the place in 2009 just more times than in 2008.  Flacco definately has the arm to get the ball deep but the Ravens don’t have a lot of speed in the WR corps so the Ravens hope Flacco’s timing and judgment will be better on the short stuff in 2009.  Troy Smith will backup Flacco again in 2009.  He will also be used in specialty formations with Flacco which were effective last season as a unique wrinkle on the offense.  If something were to happen to Flacco and Smith were forced into action the Ravens would likely run the ball a lot more.  John Beck will be the #3 QB for the Ravens in 2009 but they hope they don’t need him to play or they would be in trouble.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2009 SEASON:  B

The Ravens have signed 29-year old WR Kelley Washington to a 1-year deal.  The 6′3″, 215 pound Washington has yet to live up to his ability in his NFL career.  He played in 10 games last season for the Patriots and he caught 1 pass for 3 yards.  Washington has now played in 54 games in his six year NFL career and he has caught 73 passes for 896 yards (12.3 avg) with 9 TD grabs.  The Ravens will give Washington every chance next season to revive his NFL career.