With any long term outlook on the Ravens over the past several years, it’s hard to ignore the development of their nasty habit of failing to put together consecutive successful seasons. While the team has shown impressive, sometimes unexpected success, they can’t seem to help but to encore with a pitiful, sub-par showing. Ever since the Super Bowl year in 2001, the Ravens have hit the bullseye one year and the wall the next. So, with September right around the corner, why shouldn’t any fan expect more than a halfway decent effort that will be nothing short of losses and disappointment?

For one, you can’t ignore the unshakable ability of Joe Flacco. His experience from last year’s AFC championship run should set him up well for another performance. He has the team, as well as the front office, believing that he is the answer at QB that this organization has been looking for. His confidence has been obvious, as he’s shown throughout training camp.

While the receivers have not been upgraded, avoiding losing Derrick Mason to retirement was a huge boost. Not that it wasn’t a predictable move (it was hard for me to think that he would ACTUALLY go through with it, and I guess others agreed with me). While it’s not secret to any Ravens fan that Mason is the veteran wide receiver the team needs to have, he has quietly put up the stats that usually accompany a league leader. In his four seasons in the purple and gold, three of those years saw Mason have over 1,000 yards receiving and average at least 67 yards a game, as well as have 217 catches for a first down.

But there’s not really a point in spitting stats because that’s living in the past.

Joe Flacco will also be helped out by another outstanding first round pick by Ozzie Newsome. Michael Oher will bring his 6′5, 309 lb frame into this season, determined to make an impact on the offensive line. Presumably, Cam Cameron will be able to open up the playbook even more for his second year quarterback, working with more plays and, in the end, even more offensive success.

Another weapon that has been brought in is L.J. Smith. The former standout tight end in Philadelphia,

Smith gives the Ravens a red zone threat opposite of Todd Heap. While L.J. has been prone to injury in the past, his playmaking abilities, whether it’s receiving or blocking, should give the Ravens more impact inside the 20 yard line.

Worry is drawn from the defensive losses, a cornerstone that Baltimore has prided themselves on since the organization came into existence. With the loss of Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard, and defensive genius Rex Ryan, there is reason to be concerned. Leonhard had become a fan favorite with his constant hustle, Scott was a staple in the defense behind Ray Lewis, and Rex Ryan was the under-the-radar leader.

However, we’ve seen this kind of thing before. We watched Peter Bowlware retire, Ed Hartwell and Adalius Thomas leave for bigger, more lucrative contracts, and Marvin Lewis take the highway down to

Washington. But we also watched the Ravens come back the following years, still putting fear in the hearts of offenses everywhere. The fact is, players come into this defensive scheme and learn from the best in the league; emotional leader Ray Lewis, newly signed Terrell Suggs, and hard-hitting Ed Reed are the foundation that rookies and backups gain the experience from. How many former defensive powerhouse names have gone on to find the same success on a different team?

Lesser known like Tavares Gooden, who has been described as a young, faster Ray Lewis

, as well familiar, not quite forgotten names, such as Dewan Landry, will become the face of the defense this year. The defensive presence should not even be questioned.

Why should Ravens fans be worried about a hangover season? The answer is that they shouldn’t be. The running game should be no problem, even with Le’Ron McClain moving to fullback. The wildcat-esque offense should prove to be exciting as well as a formidable foe to opponents. Things are looking better than ever in Baltimore, and if last year was an example, don’t expect this team to disappear off the radar anytime soon.