After re-shuffling the roster this off-season, the Ravens were
dealt a tough hand losing Dennis Pitta for the season with a dislocated hip. Ozzie Newsome continued his usual wizardry, filling the void quickly with Visanthe Shiancoe, who spent his previous years with the Vikings and Patriots.
Newsome's focus was on the defensive side of the football this off-season, with numerous quality acquisitions and talented draft picks. Despite the fresh faces, some
of the homegrown talent needs to up their efforts and help bolster
this Ravens squad. Baltimore is looking to become the first team to repeat as Super
Bowl champions since the Patriots in 03’ and 04’. Here's a look at three vets who need to step up their game this season.
Jimmy Smith
Smith's development has been stunted his first two seasons after dealing with various lower body injuries. Nevertheless, Smith had
a very productive postseason that culminated with this game saving coverage against
Michael Crabtree in the Super Bowl. Cary Williams landed in Philly, leaving the
number 2 corner spot up for grabs behind Lardarius Webb. Smith has the physical tools to excel
as an elite shutdown corner, with a 6’2 frame and long arms. With two years of
NFL experience under his belt, look for Smith to become a reliable and
consistent option in Dean Pees defensive game plan.
Haloti Ngata
With Pro-Bowls, All-Pros, and Super Bowl achievements under
his belt, some would wonder why Ngata makes the list. It’s simple – Haloti's dealt with various nagging injuries that have slowed him down
considerably the past two seasons. Ngata showed a lack of explosiveness
prompting many analysts to downgrade his stock as an elite defensive lineman.
With a full off-season of rehab and training, Ngata is primed to get back to
his normal All-Pro form and hopefully a team defensive ranking back within the top 5.
Ed Dickson
Despite Pitta’s injury, Dickson would still have made this
list. A shoulder injury in training camp hampered Dickson and his production
for the majority of last season. The skilled pass catching tight end now has a grand opportunity for the upcoming season. Dickson should
produce a 50+ catch campaign as Jim Caldwell runs a tight-end friendly system.
In his contract year, Dickson is looking to become the
reliable passing threat that the Ravens had hoped when they drafted Dickson in the
3rd round of the 2010 draft.
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