CHARLOTTE, N.C. The Ravens unveiled their team game plan for 2009, and they won't go far from the script if the team is to be successful.
It's an upgrade over last season, but is it enough to get them back to the AFC championship game? We'll see.
As far as the first teams are concerned, the Ravens played fairly well against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday night. On defense, they only allowed a field goal in the first half and just one big play, which came in the first quarter.
The Panthers had 104 yards of total offense in the first half, and just 18 rushing yards. It was the usual standouts on defense, but cornerback Domonique Foxworth, who keeps getting better and better, did a nice job of defending Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith.
On special teams, the Ravens might have found their top returner in Chris Carr, but still probably haven't found a field goal kicker.
Steve Hauschka missed a 27-yard try by inches to the right on the Ravens' first possession of the game, but then converted on a 38-yard attempt in the third quarter.
Offensively, this was a good performance by the Ravens. Quarterback Joe Flacco was accurate and threw the ball well. The Ravens are never going to be like the old Oakland Raiders throwing deep balls all over the stadium, but the passing game was effective.
Receiver Derrick Mason played a major role, and fellow wide-out Kelley Washington chipped in. Tight end Todd Heap was an integral part of the offense for the first time in years. When those three weren't open, Flacco found running back Ray Rice in the flats and over the middle.
The Ravens struggled with Carolina's defensive ends, but offensive coordinator Cam Cameron compensated with a nice game plan in which Flacco got rid of the ball quickly, a lot of times on dump passes.
Overall, it was a good night by the Ravens, even though middle linebacker Ray Lewis didn't start the second half, possibly with an elbow injury.
No strutting
Either Washington grew up within the past week, or maybe an older, wiser teammate told him to calm down.
Washington caught a 17-yard pass on the Ravens' first possession and walked back to the huddle. No "Soul Train" dances. No strutting around like the NBC Peacock.
Some common sense prevailed.
Washington caught a 42-yard pass later, and then he strutted. But it wasn't as brazen as some of his other performances.
Lewis' weaknesses
