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Are the Ravens in decline? Their play in 2005 seemed to suggest as much. Chic Super Bowl contenders entering the season, the Ravens were thumped in the opener by the Colts and never boasted a winning record all season. They have missed the playoffs the last two seasons and three of the last four overall, and it's time to wonder if full-scale rebuilding is close at hand. Core performers OLT Jonathan Ogden and MLB Ray Lewis are nearing the end of their stellar careers. One-time standouts RB Jamal Lewis and CB Chris McAlister may no longer be Pro Bowl-caliber players, and both may not be with the team beyond 2006.
This may also be head coach Brian Billick's last season in Baltimore. Owner Steve Bisciotti brought back Billick only after the outspoken head coach agreed to change his approach both towards his players and the organization. But if the Ravens again fail to make the playoffs, Bisciotti may be inclined to make a leadership change.
As bad as the Ravens looked at times last season, there were still moments when they looked like a playoff contender. They beat the Steel-ers once and held the lead late in their other meeting, an eventual 20-19 loss, with the Super Bowl champs. And the offense exploded for 78 points in a two-game stretch in late December.
The Ravens will closely watch the play of QB Kyle Boiler, whose development could be the key to Baltimore's playoff hopes. If he struggles, the Ravens will have to again start over at Quaterback. But with Obtaining a pro Starter QB Steve McNair from the Titans I think quarterback need has been answer.

Ray Lewis campaigned prior to the draft for big defensive tackles to free him up to make plays and the Ravens did just that with the selection of Haloti Ngata. Chris Chester impressed in the athletic drills following the season, but started just one year at Oklahoma. David Pittman was the top I-AA corner and will provide much-needed depth at that position. Demetrius Williams was expected to be a sure second-round selection, but surprisingly lasted until the fourth. After averaging more than 16 yards per catch dur-ing his career at Oregon, he was considered one of the top second-day values. P.J. Daniels will struggle making the Ravens' roster, as Baltimore is already deep at halfback. Dawan Landry will compete with B.J. Ward to replace Will Demps. With free safety being one of the team's primary concerns entering the draft, it was a surprise the position was not addressed until the fifth round. Quinn Sypniewski will provide depth behind Todd Heap. Sam Koch will try to replace punter Dave Zastudil. Derrick Martin left school early, but waited until the sixth round to hear his name called. Ryan LaCasse is an OLB/DE 'tweener who will need to find his spot.

WEEK

DATE

OPPONENT

TIME

1

Sun., Sep. 10

at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

1 p.m.

2

Sun., Sep. 17

vs Oakland Raiders

1 p.m.

3

Sun., Sep. 24

at Cleveland Browns

4:05 p.m.

4

Sat., Sep. 30

vs San Diego Chargers

1 p.m.

5

Mon., Oct. 9

at Denver Broncos

8:30 p.m.

6

Sun., Oct. 15

vs Carolina Panthers

7

BYE

8

Sun., Oct. 29

at New Orleans Saints

1 p.m.

9

Sun., Nov. 5

vs Cincinnati Bengals

1 p.m.

10

Sun., Nov. 12

at Tennessee Titans

1 p.m.

11

Sun., Nov. 19

vs Atlanta Falcons

1 p.m.

12

Sun., Nov. 26

vs Pittsburgh Steelers

1 p.m.

13

Thu., Nov. 30

at Cincinnati Bengals

8 p.m.

14

Sun., Dec. 10

at Kansas City Chiefs

1 p.m.

15

Sun., Dec. 17

vs Cleveland Browns

1 p.m.

16

Sun., Dec. 24

at Pittsburgh Steelers

1 p.m.

17

Sun., Dec. 31

vs Buffalo Bills

1 p.m.