Things That Could Go Right For The Ravens

1 Joe Flacco continues to improve in his second season. Springboarding off a successful rookie year, he seemed to grow even more in the preseason, when the team put an emphasis on its passing game. Flacco could become the first Raven to throw for 20 touchdowns in a season since Vinny Testaverde (1996).

2 Defense is more motivated by Rex Ryan's departure. Ray Lewis and teammates seem determined to prove the defense's success is based more on players than scheme. That's why new coordinator Greg Mattison inherits a defense focused on being No. 1 this season.

3 Ray Rice delivers a breakthrough season. The running back, in his first year as a starter, has the ability to produce big plays as a ball carrier and a receiver. Rice, who was taken one round after Flacco in the 2008 draft, could form a dangerous offensive duo with the young quarterback for many years to come.