Baltimore Ravens 2014 Season Preview and Predictions
By Brett Foote
Aug 23, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) gains yardage after his catch against the Washington Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Key Additions Via Trade And Free Agency
WR Steve Smith (from Panthers), RB Justin Forsett (from Jaguars), TE Owen Daniels (from Texans), C Jeremy Zuttah (from Buccaneers), SS Darian Steward (from Rams)
Steve Smith
Signing free agent veteran Steve Smith was perhaps the biggest splash the Ravens made this offseason. Smith had spent his entire 13 years career with the Carolina Panthers, where he was one of the greatest players in team history and a fan favorite. Known for his fiery and competitive nature on and off the field, Smith racked up 12,197 yards receiving with 67 touchdowns in his career as the top target in Carolina. The Ravens had an obvious leadership void following the departure of wide receiver Anquan Boldin last season, and they fully expect Smith to fill that void.
Justin Forsett
Justin Forsett played for new Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak in Houston in the 2012 season, so he is quite familiar with the zone read offense that Kubiak is installing in Baltimore. Forsett is a versatile back who has averaged a respectable 4.9 yards per carry across his five year career, having also spent time with the Seahawks and Jaguars. Forsett adds a bit of depth to a backfield that was riddled with injury in 2013.
Owen Daniels
Owen Daniels is another Kubiak disciple who spent his entire 8 year career with the Texans. Daniels was one of the most prolific pass catching tight ends in his prime while playing under Kubiak, and has racked up 4,617 yards receiving with 29 touchdowns in his career. Daniels only appeared in five games last season while battling injuries, but the Ravens coveted his experience and knowledge in the offense.
Jeremy Zuttah
Jeremy Zuttah is a key addition to the Raven’s retooled offensive line, a unit that played well below expectations in 2013 and is largely responsible for the team’s offensive decline. Zuttah played six seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where his play was solid but not spectacular. The Ravens dealt a fifth round pick for Zuttah, and he should prove to be a major upgrade on last year’s starter, Gino Gradkowski. He is athletic and a strong fit for Gary Kubiak’s zone blocking scheme.
Darian Stewart
Darian Stewart is a four year veteran who has spent his entire career with the St. Louis Rams. He was brought in to compete with rookie Terrence Brooks for the starting free safety job as a hard hitting safety who also has experience playing for former Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo, the current Raven’s secondary coach. Stewart has battled injuries over the last two seasons, but recorded 84 tackles, 3 sacks, and an interception when healthy in 2011.
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