Ravens Success Dependent On Reed

If the Baltimore Ravens expect to get to the Dallas on February 6, 2011, they'll most likely have to do it without the services of S Ed Reed, their playmaker and perhaps their best defensive player. Reed is recovering from offseason hip surgery, and he has stated that he is nowhere close to being ready to start the season. Reed is expected to be placed on the physically unable to perform list, and if he is still on that list when the regular season starts, he has to miss the first six games. Reed told reporters he won't rush coming back, choosing to be 100% healthy.

LB Ray Lewis and WR Anquan Boldin have both talked about getting to the Super Bowl, and many analysts agree with the notion that they will be Super Bowl contenders. That is doomed is Reed isn't playing the entire season healthy. Lewis simply isn't enough to get the job done defensively. Reed is the defensive player who does the most, catching interceptions and always looking to make a play once the ball is in his hands. The Ravens have been known for their stout defense since winning Super Bowl XXXV back in 2001.

The Ravens have offensive weapons with Boldin, QB Joe Flacco, and RB Ray Rice. However, Flacco is still learning the ropes of the position at the NFL level. Also, Boldin is now on a team who likes to run the ball more than throw. In other words, this team has more question marks on offense than most teams. This is the primary reason why their defense needs to be reliable. With Reed out, everyone will have to step up their production. The play from the corners the past couple of seasons haven't been so stellar, which is why Reed's speed from the safety position is very important.

The Ravens can still get this done without Reed. However, I cannot foresee that happening because of Reed's impact on that defensive unit. Reed has to get healthy before the regular season starts. If not, the Ravens will be in trouble. In their first six games, they have to see teams like the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Cincinnati Bengals, who all made the playoffs last season. That is in addition to playing division rivals Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers. A promising start to the season can easily turn into a 2-4 start, which will leave the Ravens in a bunch of trouble.