Dan Pompei

This looks a lot like the old, familiar Ravens teams that have been so tough for so many years, but with one major difference: the 2008 Ravens are operating within a new culture, thanks to new head coach John Harbaugh.

Former head coach Brian Billick was an advocate of trusting his players to do their jobs. He didn't believe he had to push his veterans. He valued having fresh legs and fresh minds, and he allowed his players to have a say in how the team operated.

His was a fine system that obviously worked. But the Ravens were ready for a change.

Enter Harbaugh, who lit a fire under this team and then poured gasoline over it. Now the Ravens are hitting the weights hard. They are keeping their feet on the floor during meetings. They are standing during breaks at practice because the sideline benches have been removed. They are keeping their chinstraps buckled during practices. They are practicing in the rain and inclement weather. And they are keeping their jerseys tucked it at all times.

These Ravens have responded well thus far. Their participation in offseason activities is way up. They are practicing with more intensity and at a higher cadence than ever. They even had a bench clearing brawl during a minicamp.

If the intensity carries over to the regular season, the Ravens are going to be a difficult team to beat.

Hot seat
Kyle Boller may have inherited the starting job when Steve McNair retired, but that doesn't mean he's going to keep it very long.

The Ravens drafted Boller's eventual successor in the first round. Their first choice was Matt Ryan, but when they couldn't get him they traded down and selected Joe Flacco.

Flacco probably will not be the starter on opening day, but that doesn't mean Boller will be. It's possible Troy Smith will beat out Boller. Smith has made great strides working with Cam Cameron, and the second year player could be this team's best option come September.

Boller will impress the new coaching staff with his arm strength and intelligence, but his inconsistency and spotty decision-making could drive these coaches nuts.

Overheard at camp
Nine time Pro Bowl middle linebacker Ray Lewis is 33-years old and has one year left on his contract. He would like a new deal. But so far he and the Ravens have not been able to shake hands, and the team and Lewis have decided to table contract talks until after the season.

Lewis is not the type of player to let a contract situation affect his play. In fact, he has been at the forefront of leadership in the transition to Harbaugh's coaching staff. Lewis has worked hard to establish trust with the new coaches, not only following orders but passing them along to others.

The goal is for Lewis to extend his sphere of leadership, and if the offseason is an indication, Lewis is doing just that.

With his contract situation being in flux, Lewis has the motivation to play as well as ever. And if the Ravens new coaching staff is correct, Lewis also still has the ability to play as well as ever.

Coming and going
Replacing retiring Jonathan Ogden won't be easy. The future hall of famer arguably was the best blocker of his generation. But the Ravens long have been preparing for Ogden's retirement.

The team is juggling its line partially in response to Ogden's absence. Replacing Ogden at left tackle will be Jared Gaither. Adam Terry, meanwhile, will shift from left tackle to right tackle to compete with rookie Oniel Cousins. Marshal Yanda subsequently moves from right tackle to right guard. Ben Grubbs, the team's 2007 first round pick, also is changing positions, moving from right guard to left, the position he played in college. Grubbs has had a tremendous offseason and the Ravens believe he could replace Ogden as the team's best blocker.

The Ravens were not very active in the veteran market, but one move they made could pay off big. Trading for cornerback Fabian Washington gives this team some depth at a position where they sorely lacked depth one year ago.

Prediction
This is a really good team but for a really questionable quarterback situation. Don't forget this same nucleus won 13 games two years ago.

If the Ravens only go as far as their quarterback takes them, they won't see the postseason. But if everything goes right for them, they could end up winning the AFC North.

The Ravens will be strong defensively, and they should be able to run the ball with Willis McGahee leading the way. If they have just a little balance on offense they will be a 9-7 team.

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