Taylor's 5 Takeaways from the 2010 Ravens Season

After the Ravens gut-wrenching loss to the Steelers on Saturday, it is time for me to fully accept that the season has come to an end. In doing so, I have compiled a list of 5 takeaways from the season. No Lombardi Trophy this year, but I will keep my hopes high for next year!


1.  The defensive line owned. The defensive player of the year should be awarded to not one, but two Ravens this season. I think that the defensive success throughout the first half of the season can be largely attributed to brick wall, Haloti Ngata. However, as we entered the second half of the season we witnessed the resurgence of T-Sizzle as he concluded the regular season with 7 sacks in the last nine games. (He completed 5 sacks in the post season too!)





2. There is no obvious candidate for offensive player of the year. While Todd Heap missed a handful of games with his hamstring injury, it is fair to say that he was the Ravens most consistent offensive player. He was very visible when he returned from his injury which makes me wonder, could we have beat the Steelers in our second regular season matchup if he hadn't gotten hurt on the first play? 





3. We couldn't have been any luckier to have Billy Cundiff and Sam Koch this season. Cundiff surprised everyone with his consistency this season! He made more than 90% of his field goals and tied the NFL record for most touchbacks in a single season. It was especially exciting to see other players, coaches and fans acknowledge his talents when they voted him into the Pro Bowl! It would be unfair to neglect all that Sam Koch did for the Ravens this season. Our special teams really shined and I was always confident in our punting and field goal attempts. 

4. Rookie of the year has to go to David Reed. He made major contributions to the team and led the NFL kick off return average. We can't forget when he scored his big touchdown against the Texans among his many accomplishments this season!





5. Ray Lewis has ended another season without any indication that he might be getting to old. Does this guy age?! Seriously, he never lets us down and had many memorable moments throughout the season. His natural leadership abilities both on and off the field make him a truly valuable player and one that the team certainly would be at a loss without. Gotta love his perfectly clean hits, remember this big one against David Keller?





Later this week, look for my post about who I believe was the Ravens MVP this season!