The Ravens are home to take on the Kansas City Chiefs for their second preseason game. The team has many players to watch and evaluate. Another key element is the offensive line, particularly the center (while Matt Birk is out) and the right tackle position.
Opponent Preview: Kansas City has been emerging as a contender the past few years. They won their division last year and hosted the AFC Wild-Card game against the Ravens. What has been successful for the organization of late is consistency in the draft and solid free agent acquisitions. On defense some standout names you might recognize, SS Eric Berry, CB Brandon Flowers, OLB Tamba Hali, DE Glenn Dorsey, OLB Derrick Johnson.
In place for the offense are QB Matt Cassel, RB Jamaal Charles, RB Thomas Jones, WR Dwayne Bowe, TE Tony Moeaki, and RB/WR Dexter McCluskey. With a strong running game in place, the team drafted first round pick WR Jonathan Baldwin to add a boost to the passing game. A few other draft selections to note are OL Rodney Hudson (2d. Rd.) and OLB Justin Houston (3rd. Rd.).
This offseason landed three former Ravens (free agents) in FB LeRon McClain, NT Kelly Gregg and OT Jared Gaither. In addition, former Chargers linebacker Brandon Siler was signed along with receiver Steve Breston.
Game Day: What to watchOFFENSE
Offensive Line: The Ravens are looking to find the right formula at the right side of the line. Tight tackles rookie Jah Reid and Oniel Cousins look to improve this week. There has been reports that Cousins will move to guard and Yanda to right tackle. Update: Yanda has not been practicing this week (back spasms) and may not suit up for this match-up. As reported, ”As late as Tuesday, Justin Boren was lining up at right guard, sandwiched by center Bryan Mattison and rookie right tackle Jah Reid on the first offense.” That could mean undrafted rookie Boren could stat at guard.
Receivers: WR Torrey Smith the second round speedster got a fele of the NFL last week, now he will look to make an impact for the offense. WR rookie Tandon Doss had an excellent first game, he is progressing well. It’s been reported that he catches everything thrown his way. WR Lee Evans, just acquired from the Bills, will play his first game in a Ravens uniform–he might be welcomed sight for Flacco. For those who are keeping track, Evans is now #83, and TE Ed Dickson is # 84.
Tight Ends: Dennis Pitta had an amazing catch in game one, he also consistently blocked well. Pitta and Ed Dickson are trying to pick up where Todd Heap left off. Dickson had hamstring injury which kept him out of the first game.
Running backs: Ricky Williams is slotted as the back up for Rice and he might see some playing time. Jalen Parmele ran strong against the Eagles, he’s competing to stay the number ‘two’ back. Rookie Anthony Allen is also in the mix.
Back-Up QB: Rookie Tyrod Taylor was thrown to the wolves in the preseason opener. He struggled, but kept his composure. Keep an eye on how Taylor does running the offense this week.
DEFENSE:
The defense looked rusty in the opener, tackling was poor and Defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano wants to see an improvement. We saw a sampling of what we might see from Pagano as he blitzed CB Webb off the edge a few times. The pieces are in place for the defense, they must demonstrate more consistency as the preseason continues.
CB Jimmy Smith: The team has been cautious with the first rounder, Smith is recovering from an injury (groin), but has been practicing this week. It be nice to see what he can add to the secondary. CB Cary Williams running with the first team and performing well.
DE Paul Kruger: Kruger looks to continue where he left off last game–in the opponents’ backfield. In the first game he compiled a sack and continued to be a force for the D-line. Rookie DE Pernell McPhee also made his presence know last week, he has surprised coaches with his ability to penetrate the backfield.
Linebackers: Someone has to step up: Will it be Jameel McClain? Tavares Gooden? Dannell Ellerbe? Jason Phillips?
OLB Sergio Kindle: Kindle faired well in his first game. Each game will be an important measuring stick as to how he can help improve the pass rush.
Original Story:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Ravens...
