It's easy to understand the euphoria in Baltimore, but reality is upon us, a time when we will get a better read on this football team. Going to San Diego and beating the Chargers (2-1) was a quality win and a statement for the Ravens, but Kansas City and Cleveland are a combined 0-6.
Even after Sunday's win over the Browns, there are still questions about the Ravens' pass rush and whether the secondary is good enough to hold up against another group of quality receivers.
Injuries are starting to set in as linebackers Ray Lewis and Jarret Johnson played parts of Sunday's game essentially with only one arm because of shoulder injuries. Reed has been slowed by a recurring nerve impingement in his neck, an injury that requires day-to-day monitoring.
Questions, questions, questions.
And the Ravens are about to be severely tested.
New England has to answer questions of its own about defense, but Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is exceptional at breaking down a defense. When healthy, there might not be a better trio of wide receivers in the league than Wes Welker, Randy Moss and Joey Galloway.
Plus, whether you like his personality or not, the Patriots' Bill Belichick is the best coach in the NFL, and he is excellent at taking away an opponent's strength.
The Bengals are an enigma but could easily be undefeated. The heart they showed in their 23-20 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers was astounding, and it seems as if quarterback Carson Palmer is playing well again for the first time in about two years.
The Vikings have become America's Team II. When they signed quarterback Brett Favre shortly before the season began, there were some who instantly put them in the Super Bowl.
Minnesota can play solid defense because it has an athletic front. Favre is putting up good numbers, having completed 61 of 94 passes for 565 yard and five touchdowns while Adrian Peterson has rushed 59 times for 357 yards.
New England, Cincinnati and Minnesota present the Ravens with some interesting challenges. Unlike two of their first three opponents, there are no softies and no teams rebuilding, just teams similar to the Ravens, teams in the championship hunt.
The 2009 season is about to heat up for the Ravens. We're about to find out a lot about them.
