The Baltimore Ravens will finally hit opposing players on Thursday night, rather than their own. Above is a photo from camp on August 3.
Here’s a quick rundown of what I’m personally looking for during the Baltimore Ravens’ first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers:
-I’m just really looking forward to seeing the Ravens back on my television screen. An NFL game is unquestionably the biggest “event” in American sports, and even though it’s the first preseason game, it’ll be great to see it back on my television as the Ravens begin what hopes to be a very fulfilling season. Seeing the Ravens back in game action for the first time since January will be very exciting.
-Please, no injuries. The is the No. 1 key for any preseason game is to get through it without any injuries. Any other positive outcomes from these games are a big bonus.
-The game is being nationally televised on ESPN at 8 p.m., so I assume that Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski and Jon Gruden are going to be in the broadcast booth. I’m looking forward to the unnecessary exagerration of random words by Jaworski and Gruden — it’s been awhile since I’ve heard it so it’ll be welcomed back. Also look for the dramatic quarterback evaluations from Jaworski and Gruden and the inevitable over-estimation of the loss of Ed Reed.
-The cornerbacks. It’ll be interesting to see who’s healthy enough to start with the first-team defense, and it appears as though undrafted free agent corner Prince Miller could be the starting nickelback (and a huge opportunity to impress would come with it.) I think the Ravens will be forced to make a trade for a quality corner because of the severe lack of them given the injury situation, but a push for a trade could be accelerated if the cornerbacks perform poorly on Thursday night. The Denver Broncos could be a possible trade partner, writes Jamison Hensley of The Baltimore Sun.
-How does Terrell Suggs play? When I went to training camp, one of the things that stood out to me was how ripped Suggs looked. He’s apparently re-dedicated himself to getting in tip-top shape during the offseason after a disappointing 2009, and it’s shown during training camp. The Ravens, considering their problems at cornerback, needs Suggs to step up more than ever. The team needs Suggs to re-discover his speed around the corner in getting to the quarterback to help ease the pressure on the corners this season. I’ll be looking out for Suggs tonight.
-Does Donte’ Stallworth still have his wheels? He’s been reported as to still having his trademark speed in training camp, but Stallworth creating separation down the field in the only quarter that the starters play could alleviate any concerns about Stallworth concerning his speed (his ability to stay healthy is another story.) Given that the Ravens are counting on Stallworth to be the main downfield threat this season, the separation he can or cannot create will be huge.
-The kicking battle. The first time either Shayne Graham or Billy Cundiff misses a field goal in the preseason, we’ll all immediately see the John Harbaugh Staredown that was so often seen last year.
-What undrafted free agents make a big splash in their first game action? As Mike Preston of The Sun writes, look out for running back Curtis Steele, fullback Mike McLaughlin and outside linebacker Albert McClellan.
-And finally, please, please, PLEASE…no injuries.