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Three (Four) Questions August 25th: AFC North Preview

Well since there are four teams in the division this week’s installment of Three Questions will actually contain four questions. Starting with:

1. Can the Ravens avoid the injury bug that bit them in a big way last season and become a serious contender to win the AFC South?

It’s hard to really accurately predict that, but if they do stay relatively healthy I do like their chances. I really liked this team a lot going in to last year until a slew of injuries, lack of depth and inconsistency at quarterback led to a disappointing 6-10 season. Baltimore is now healthy for the most part, and one of the two other issues that plagued them last season was addressed this off season in a huge way.

At quarterback the Ravens signed former league MVP Steve McNair which instantly gives them the credibility at the quarterback that they’ve lacked for most of the Brian Billick era in Baltimore. Injuries have been a concern for McNair the past few seasons, but he did start 14 games last year for Tennessee and finished with a quarterback rating of 82.4. He also has the experience, leadership and poise that last year’s starter Kyle Boller lacks and his command in the huddle has already been very evident in the preseason and in training camp. The chemistry between he and fellow former Titan Derrick Mason has already resurfaced and in Todd Heap, McNair again has the target at tight end that Frank Wycheck provided him for so many years in Tennessee.