2007 Ravens Schedule

The Ravens' 2007 schedule was released today. (Schedule) The opponents were already known based on Ravens' record last year and the divisions the AFC North is scheduled to play this year. What wasn't known was the dates and how many games would be on national television.

Based on my initial look at the schedule, I like it. There were a few things that jumped out at me:

• Starting on the road - again. It's such a freakin' coincidence that the Orioles are home just about EVERY year the weekend the NFL opens up (OK, it's only 7 of the last 9. And of course Angelos would never do a petty thing like trying to stick it to the team and the owner that Baltimore loves.)
  
• Playing consecutive games at San Diego, home on Monday night against the Patriots, and home on Sunday night against the Colts in late November and early December.
• Playing 5 of their first 8 games on the road.
• Playing Cincinnati at home 6 days after playing at Pittsburgh on Monday night.

First, I love playing those 3 straight games against the other 3 2006 AFC division winners. Under Billick, the Ravens usually play their best football from late November on. I'd rather see the Ravens playing those teams at a time when they're playing their best.

While the Ravens play a lot of road games early on, their schedule is softer early on. This will give them a chance to get some wins while they get adjusted to a new running back and learn how to play defense without Adalius Thomas.

Now that Monday Night Football has moved to ESPN, I hate it. It's no longer the showcase game of the week (that's Sunday night) and you get a short rest. I hate having to play Cincy and Indy on short rest because they're really good and the Ravens don't match up well with them. But that's the price you pay for having a really good season the year before.