The Baltimore Ravens have followed a pretty simple formula for success over the past 10 years or so: play defense better than any team in the league. And who could argue with the results? Since 1999 the Ravens are 100 – 76 in the regular season and 8 – 5 in the playoffs with a Super Bowl championship to show for it.

Everyone remembers Trent Dilfer leading the Ravens to the title in 2000 while becoming the poster boy for quarterbacks whose most recognizable talent was “managing the game.” Dilfer’s job was to hand the ball off to Jamal Lewis, occasionally complete a pass when the down and distance dictated it, and most importantly – don’t put the defense in a tough position.

While the 2010 edition of the Ravens still boasts a strong defense, it is the offense that could end up being this team’s calling card. They have a dynamic runner in Ray Rice, a star in the making at quarterback in Joe Flacco and a deep group of talented receivers led by newcomer Anquan Boldin and the ageless Derrick Mason.

Baltimore finished ninth in the league in scoring and 13th in total offense last season. They figure to move up in both categories behind a maturing Flacco – who all of a sudden has an embarrassment of riches at the wide out position with T.J. Houshmandzadeh recently joining the team after being a surprise preseason cut in Seattle.

The balance with which the Ravens can potentially attack will be any offensive coordinator’s dream in 2010. The passing game will certainly see a substantial boost with the high-profile additions, but Rice will be the spark plug that makes this offensive engine go. He could emerge is the best dual-threat back in the league after accounting for more than 2000 yards from scrimmage last season.

Injuries have hit the Ravens defense hard leading up to the season – especially in the secondary where one starter, Domonique Foxworth, is out for the season and another, All-Pro Safety Ed Reed, is out for at least the first six weeks of the season. The offense could find itself in the unfamiliar role of carrying a battered defense for awhile.

In seasons past, even when the team underachieved the Ravens defense performed at a high-level, often falling victim to overuse as a result of offenses that had trouble sustaining drives. It’s hard to imagine that being an issue this season.

If the defense can find players to step up while nursing itself back to health, Baltimore could once again live up to the motto “defense wins”, but this go round the offense will actually have a say in the matter.

–Antwan Leonard

Antwan writes a Fantasy Sports Blog – H2H Fantasy Sports – with the latest in Head-to-Head Fantasy news, tips and recommendations.

• Baltimore Ravens lineback Terrell Suggs plans to have a birthday bash Oct. 24-26

The Baltimore Ravens are second in the AFC North with a 3-3 record, but this weekend they’ll be partying like they’re the undefeated Tennessee Titans. Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs and Team Sizzle Worldwide are throwing “The most luxurious party experience to ever hit Baltimore” and they have a website which means their claim has to be true.

I could kinda understand throwing a three-day party with white tigers if the Ravens had a bye week, but they play the Oakland Raiders on Sunday Oct. 26. Even NBA party hound Kwame Brown thinks Suggs is using bad timing. If the Raiders win on Sunday there’s no doubt in my mind that the party is the reason why.

Jason Brown is an offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, but apparently he wishes he was on American Idol instead of in the NFL. As the saying goes, he shouldn’t quit his day job.

I gave Brown the benefit of the doubt and said the stereo system made him sound like crap until I found out he did another equally poor performance of the same song.

Ok.. I’m gonna give Jason Brown a break. The big fella learned one song and is gonna sing it every chance he gets no matter how bad he sounds. According to Jason he’s a lover and fighter. According to me he’s a football player that should never touch a microphone again.

Jason Brown isn’t the only member of the Baltimore Ravens that likes to sing in front of a crowd.

Baltimore Ravens tackle Adam Terry singing:

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Nick Greisen singing: