The Baltimore Ravens displayed their ability to play with a top gun of the AFC on Monday night but also renewed an old habit of self-destructing at a critical point in the game.

The Ravens outplayed the Pittsburgh Steelers for most of the night, but a costly penalty and protection breakdowns in the third quarter ultimately led to a 23-20 defeat in overtime at Heinz Field on Monday night.

Santonio Holmes' 38-yard touchdown catch followed by LaMarr Woodley's 7-yard fumble return for a touchdown turned the Ravens' 13-3 lead into a 17-13 deficit in only 15 seconds during the third quarter, but rookie quarterback Joe Flacco led the Baltimore offense to a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to force the extra period.

The Ravens failed to muster any points on the opening drive of overtime before Pittsburgh kicker Josh Reed kicked the game-winning 46-yard field goal.

Despite the disappointing loss, the Ravens' impressive performance showed a national audience that their previous wins against the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns were no flukes.

Here is a final look at the Ravens' overtime loss in Pittsburgh.

The Good

Derrick Mason

Mason continues to be Flacco's main target in the passing game, accumulating 137 yards on eight receptions. The pair connected for several key first-down receptions throughout the night.

A questionable incomplete call in the first quarter wiped out a potential 15-yard touchdown. Replays showed that Mason appeared to get both feet inbounds and control the ball, but head coach John Harbaugh decided not to challenge the ruling. Matt Stover later kicked a 33-yard field goal on the drive.

Unlike past seasons, Mason is gaining more yardage after the catch, breaking tackles and even throwing an occasional stiff arm. With the lack of production from the other receivers, Mason has developed a strong chemistry with the rookie Flacco.

Sam Koch

The punter had a 47.4 average and placed two punts inside the 20, giving the Ravens the edge in field position for much of the night. Koch is getting good hang time on his punts, allowing the coverage team to get down field and neutralize the return.

His only blemish came in the third quarter when he shanked a 27-yard punt to give better field position to the Pittsburgh offense on their own 33-yard line. Pittsburgh eventually scored their first touchdown on the ensuing drive.

First-Half Defense

The defensive unit played very well for most of the night but was especially dominant in the first half. The Ravens allowed only 46 yards of total offense in the first half, as defenders were able to pressure quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the secondary provided strong coverage.

The front seven allowed very little room to run and controlled the line of scrimmage.

Corey Ivy, Terrell Suggs, and Trevor Pryce each accumulated a sack in the first half. Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata intercepted a Roethlisberger pass to swing the field-position battled and lead to the Ravens' first points of the game.

Ray Lewis

Critics continue to insist that Lewis has lost a step from his best years, but any steps that he may have lost have been replaced with a higher football intellect and tremendous instincts.

Lewis was all over the field, accumulating 13 tackles to lead the Ravens' defense. He also had two key tackles on the goal line to hold Pittsburgh to a field goal in the fourth quarter and give the offense the opportunity to tie the game in the closing minutes.

At 33-years old, Lewis is still one of the best defensive players in the game and continues to lead a ferocious Baltimore defense.

Joe Flacco

Despite Flacco's two fumbles in the third quarter, the rookie refused to wilt and displayed strong composure in his first road game against the Ravens' biggest rival. Few could have expected such a strong performance by Flacco in his first road start in a hostile environment such as Heinz Field.

Many young quarterbacks would have folded in the aftermath of the disastrous third quarter, but Flacco rebounded to lead the offense to a touchdown in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter to tie the game.

Flacco still needs to improve in protecting the football, as his second fumble could have been avoided by tucking the ball away.

The moves he displayed in buying time and completing a 26-yard pass to Mason in the third quarter should silence any questions about his mobility. Unlike many young quarterbacks, Flacco keeps his eyes downfield as he scrambles instead of simply tucking the ball and looking to run.

He and Mason are quickly becoming an impressive passing duo.

The Bad

Return Unit

The kick and punt return teams failed to provide any spark throughout the night. The units failed to provide any seams to spring returner Yamon Figurs. Figurs also fumbled a punt in the second quarter but was able to recover.

In overtime, a holding penalty negated Figurs' return to the Baltimore 48 and moved the offense back to their own 15. Not only did this spoil the Ravens' opening drive of the extra period, but it also allowed Pittsburgh to control the field position and win the game with a 46-yard field goal on their next drive.

With the Ravens lacking explosive playmakers on offense, the return teams need to provide more of a spark than they did against Pittsburgh. One or two big returns could have put the Ravens in better position to win the game.

Tackling

Although the defense turned in a strong overall performance, the unit needs to improve its tackling. On Holmes' touchdown reception in the third quarter, defensive backs Chris McAlister and Ed Reed missed tackles that could have prevented the receiver from scoring.

Safety Jim Leonhard, starting for the injured Dawan Landry, missed a tackle in overtime that allowed Pittsburgh to move closer for the winning field goal. Safety Tom Zbikowski and linebacker Bart Scott also missed opportunities to sack Roethlisberger.

Adam Terry

While other members of the offensive line such as Jared Gaither struggled with protection in the second half, Terry allowed a sack while lining up on the left side and allowed pressure from Woodley that led to Flacco's second fumble of the third quarter.

Terry needs to sure up his pass blocking, or the coaching staff will look to veteran Willie Anderson to take his spot at right tackle.

Deep Passing Game

Though Flacco has built a strong chemistry with Mason, the Ravens' passing offense needs more explosive downfield plays with receivers Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams. Neither receiver has been able to create much separation or make plays on deep balls.

Flacco needs to get his deep throws away much sooner and has to break the habit of throwing flat-footed on some deeper passes. His arm strength is an obvious strength, but he needs to use it more effectively.

Opposing defenses will continue to creep up to the line of scrimmage and stack more defenders in the box if the offense is unable to stretch the field.

Where is Todd Heap? The Ravens' tight end has virtually disappeared, though he stayed in to block on many max protection formations.

The Ugly

Lack of Discipline

Much like recent seasons, the Ravens continued to hurt themselves with critical extracurricular penalties after the play.

The most critical penalty came in the third quarter when linebacker Jarret Johnson shoved Hines Ward on the sideline, drawing a 15-yard penalty and pushing the struggling Steelers' offense into Ravens' territory. Three plays later, Roethlisberger connected with Holmes for the score, swinging the momentum in Pittsburgh's favor.

Penalties are part of the game and are easier to swallow when they take place during play, but the Ravens' lack of discipline continues to hurt them in big games. While Johnson is a classy player who simply lost his cool during the heat of the moment, the mistake ultimately led to the series of events that caused the Ravens to lose the lead and, ultimately, the game.

Linebacker Antwan Barnes was also flagged for a personal foul on the Steelers' first drive of the game. The penalty offset a Pittsburgh penalty that would have turned a 3rd and 3 situation into a more difficult 3rd and 8. Pittsburgh converted the play, leading to the eventual field goal.

Special teams' standout Brendon Ayanbadejo earned an unnecessary roughness penalty, pushing a Ravens' punt return from their own 33-yard line to the 18.

Harbaugh was extremely unhappy with these penalties and will be sure to repeat the importance of discipline, both during and after the play, to his players.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly FINALLY returns to review the Ravens' 28-10 win over Cleveland.

By: Luke Jones

The more things change, the more they stay the same for the Baltimore Ravens.

With a new coach and a new quarterback, the Ravens (2-0) continue to win with a frightening defense and a dominant running game after a 28-10 victory over the division-rival Cleveland Browns (0-3) on Sunday.

The Ravens trailed 10-7 at the half but turned two Derrick Anderson interceptions into 14 points in less than a minute to claim a commanding 21-10 lead early in the third quarter.

The offense used a bruising running game to dominate a tired Cleveland defense to close out the victory.

Here's a final look at the Ravens' convincing win as they assume first place in the AFC North.

The Good

Ball Control

Much as they did against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, the offense dominated the time of possession by a margin of over 15 minutes. The Ravens controlled the ball an astounding 13:18 to the Browns' 1:42 in the fourth quarter. This is a formula for overwhelming success in the NFL. It will keep a dominant, but veteran-heavy, defense fresh as the season progresses.

Running Backs

Running backs Willis McGahee, Le'Ron McClain, and Ray Rice wore down the Cleveland defense in the second half. The trio combined for 157 yards on 37 carries.

McGahee looked impressive in his first live-game action of the year. Coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordination Cam Cameron hinted that McGahee would see limited action, but he carried 15 times and was a focal point of the offensive game plan.

McClain continues to be the bruising back that wears down the opposing defense. He has deceptive speed and runs with a downhill style that opposing defenders hate to challenge. McClain's second touchdown of the third quarter slammed the door on Cleveland's hope for a comeback. Cameron's decision to use McClain is much like a manager using the closer in baseball, finishing off the opposition and sealing the victory.

Rice carried only five times but was a good complement to the more bruising styles of McGahee and McClain.

Veteran fullback Lorenzo Neal continued to make the tough blocks and has been a welcome addition to the Ravens' physical style of play on offense. When lined up in the same backfield, the combination of Neal and McClain is a frightening tandem to face.

Offensive Line

The offensive line that struggled heavily during training camp and the preseason schedule has morphed into a strength in the first two games of the season.

Four of the five starters are new or playing a different position from last season. Offensive lines historically need time to gel as a collective unit, and this line appears to be moving in that direction.

The interior line of Ben Grubbs, Jason Brown, and Marshal Yanda was projected to play well, but the dominating play of tackles Jared Gaither and Adam Terry has been surprising.

Cameron even used veteran Willie Anderson as an extra tackle in some offensive sets. This sends a strong message to opposing teams that the Ravens are going to run and are daring the other team to stop them.

The group controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the game and allowed only one sack of quarterback Joe Flacco. Standout defensive tackle Shaun Rogers made four insignificant tackles for the Cleveland defense and caused little disruption.

The offensive line figures only to improve as Anderson continues to work his way into the rotation more frequently.

Ed Reed

Despite the pain of a nerve impingement in his shoulder and neck, Ed Reed provided the big play as he has so many times throughout his career. Reed read a Derek Anderson pass perfectly to intercept a pass and return it the other way for a 32-yard touchdown, giving the Ravens a 21-10 lead in the third quarter.

Reed appeared to know what was coming, as he broke on the route before Anderson even released the pass intended for Steve Heiden.

Jim Leonhard

Filling in to return punts and kicks for the injured Yamon Figurs, Leonhard performed admirably; averaging 26.0 yards per return on three kick returns and returning a punt for 21 yards.

What Leonhard did not expect was having to replace the injured Dawan Landry at safety late in the first half. Leonhard sacked Anderson and played well in pass coverage.

The signing of Leonhard was considered an afterthought when the organization drafted safeties Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura, but Leonhard has emerged as a strong complementary player in the Ravens' pass defense.

Leonhard may lack the physical presence of Landry or the playmaking ability of Reed, but he fits the profile of a strong blue-collar role player for the Baltimore defense. He won't astonish you, but he'll help you win some football games.

Terrell Suggs

Suggs sacked Anderson twice on his way to a big day. He gave tackle Joe Thomas trouble throughout the day, providing consistent pressure on Anderson.

Suggs has definitely benefited from the return of Trevor Pryce, as opposing offenses cannot devote double-teams to Suggs as often.

Special Teams

In addition to Leonhard's returns, the special teams came up big throughout the game. The directional kicking of Matt Stover and punter Sam Koch limited the dangerous returner Josh Cribbs to only 76 yards on three kick returns and two punt returns. Cribs destroyed the Ravens' special teams in two games last season.

John Harbaugh

Harbaugh continued to impress the home crowd with his fearless decision-making. The offense converted two fourth downs, including a 4th and 2 from the Cleveland 49 in the first quarter. Harbaugh also won his first challenge of the season, overturning a Rice fumble in the fourth quarter.

Harbaugh makes observers forget he's a rookie coach with his confident decision-making and attention to detail. The players appear to be buying into his program, given the early success.

The Bad

Frank Walker

After a rough preseason, Frank Walker continued to draw the disdain of the Baltimore crowd for his personal foul in the third quarter.

Walker appeared to be talking trash to the Cleveland offense, but he really should focus on improving his play in the secondary.

To his credit, Walker is a strong special teams player.

Joe Flacco

While Flacco moved the offense effectively for much of the game, he threw two interceptions and had another negated by a defensive holding penalty.

Flacco's first interception came in the first quarter when he failed to see linebacker D'Qwell Jackson dropping into coverage, a mistake every rookie quarterback has made at some point. The key will be whether Flacco learns from the mistake and does not repeat it.

His second interception came in the second quarter on a long pass intended for Derrick Mason. The gadget play was too slow developing, and Flacco should have thrown the ball away instead of throwing into heavy coverage. Neither interception resulted in Cleveland points.

While the Ravens are currently relying heavily on the running game, Flacco will eventually need to make more plays with his arm. He was unable to throw to a wide-open Todd Heap on one play, but he did not have many opportunities to throw in the second half, as the Ravens controlled the game on the ground.

Despite the interceptions, Flacco continued to show confidence and an ability to operate Cameron's offensive system. Considering he was a rookie making his second career start, his performance was not as bad as it looked statistically.



The Ugly

Dawan Landry's Injury

The only real damper on an otherwise thrilling game was the neck injury to Landry in the closing moments of the first half. After his helmet made contact with Cleveland running back Jamal Lewis' knee, Landry was motionless on the ground for several minutes as a silent crowd at M&T Bank Stadium looked on.

The scene was quite scary as several Ravens and Browns knelt in prayer as medical personnel tended to Landry.

Luckily, Landry only sustained a spinal concussion and had movement in all extremities after the game. He is expected to return this season, according to Harbaugh. Though Leonhard filled in nicely in the second half, the defense will miss Landry's physical presence in the secondary.

In addition to providing "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" for each game (which will return next week after a brief hiatus), I bring to you a new weekly piece, offering analysis with a fan's touch, called "Rantin' and Raven."

Here's a final look at the Ravens' 17-10 victory over Cincinnati.

Ray-Ray

Ray Lewis' pre-game dance to the Nelly song "Hot in Herre" creates unparalleled electricity in M&T Bank Stadium that is sustained through the opening minutes of the game. Despite the critics that say it's self-promotion and is a distraction for the rest of the team, no one can deny its profound effect on the home crowd.

Lewis' moves and swagger may not be loved by everyone, but the end result of a frenzied crowd and a stronger home-field advantage is a major plus.

Black Birds

The new look of wearing black pants, in addition to the white jerseys that have previously been worn in early-season home games, was a sharp, menacing way to ring in a new era of Baltimore football.

Old-School

The Baltimore defense, decimated by injuries last season, proved it still has the personnel to dominate even the best of offenses in the NFL. The unit was relentless in all aspects of the game and made a talented Cincinnati offense look like the "Bungles" of the past.

Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan's schemes are as complex and confusing to opposing offenses as any in the league. Ryan employed packages that sometimes included eight defensive backs and even exotic looks such as linebacker Terrell Suggs lining up at corner to bump Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson (or Chad Ocho Cinco or The Artist formerly known as Number 85 or whatever he's calling himself this week).

Rumbling Raven

Fullback Le'Ron McClain runs with a downhill style reminding fans of Bam Morris (and unlike Morris, McClain's not running from the law) or even the hated Jerome Bettis in his early days.

McClain's running in the fourth quarter was the nail in the coffin for a Cincinnati team that completely quit or had never really shown up, depending on who you ask.

Veteran Lorenzo Neal's influence may be able to transform McClain into one of the best fullbacks in the league.

Joe Cool

Joe Flacco looked as calm as any quarterback seen in Baltimore since the days of Johnny Unitas and Bert Jones.

While no one knows how good Flacco will eventually be, his calm demeanor has a soothing effect on a team that would otherwise be holding its breath with a rookie at the helm.

The sight of Lewis encouraging Flacco and the rookie staring back at him confidently was a stirring image.

Heeeeaaaappp (Eeeeek?)

Todd Heap had one of his worst games in recent memory, losing a fumble in the first quarter and dropping a touchdown pass in the second.

Heap needs to get more reps in practice to improve his timing with Flacco and get back into game-playing shape. Once this happens, Flacco and the Ravens will once again have a dangerous red zone option to utilize.

F-16 becomes A.D. the II?

Yamon Figurs is known for his return ability but is quickly becoming a force on the coverage units.

Figurs has the potential to become the team's best punt team gunner since Adalius Thomas made the Pro Bowl in 2003 as a special teams player.

He has blazing speed and continues to improve his tackling every week.

Deja Vu?

When running back Ray Rice put the ball on the ground, and Cincinnati's Johnathan Joseph scooped it up for a 65-yard touchdown, Ravens fans could not help but think back to last season and the many debacles that plagued a 5-11 season.

The play cut the Ravens' lead to 17-10 with over 10 minutes to play in the game.

Was the start of the 2008 season going to look exactly like 2007?

The suffocating defense and the punishing running game clearly answered that question and put the fears to rest. Cincinnati didn't threaten again.

Offense Offensive, Nevermore?

Though it only managed to score 17 points, the Baltimore offense played with good tempo and confidence.

The double-reverse call that led to a 42-yard touchdown run by wide receiver Mark Clayton was executed brilliantly with a key block by Flacco to spring him.

The no-huddle offense kept the Cincinnati defense from substituting and maintained a quicker pace than what was typically seen in the past.

It will be interesting to see what offensive coordinator Cam Cameron does with this offense as Flacco continues to grow into the system.

Wacko for Flacco

The rhythmic chants of "Let's Go, Flacco" echoing from nearly 71,000 fans symbolically marked the beginning of Flacco's reign. It was difficult to listen to the chants without thinking this could be the start of something special in Baltimore.

Will Flacco be the next Johnny Unitas? That's an unfair and unreasonable question to ask of anyone.

But maybe, he'll be the man to stop the revolving door of quarterbacks that has plagued this franchise since its beginning.

Time will tell, but the crowd's display of love was enough to get even the most skeptical fan excited about the debut of Baltimore Joe.

The Baltimore Ravens begin the 2008 season with the same theme resonating wherever they look. Uncertainty.

From new head coach John Harbaugh's effect on a veteran-laden team to the health of free safety Ed Reed, the Ravens face many questions and can provide few answers as they prepare for the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7.

Will Harbaugh be able to turn around a team that finished 5-11 a year ago and seemingly tuned out former coach Brian Billick?

Can rookie quarterback Joe Flacco help improve the offense and become the franchise quarterback the team has lacked in its 13-year history?

Will Reed's injured shoulder prevent him from leading an aging secondary that battled injuries last season and finished 20th in passing defense?

Despite these questions, the Ravens believe they are much more like the team that finished 13-3 in 2006 than the injury-plagued group that collapsed last season.

The AFC North looks to be a competitive division in which a 9-7 or 10-6 record could potentially win the division crown.

One thing is certain. The Ravens are a team in transition as the defense continues to age and the offense must overcome the retirement of left tackle Jonathan Ogden.

More changes are likely to come, as several veterans will be free agents after the season, including Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Terrell Suggs, and Kyle Boller.

The team's veterans will play with a sense of urgency, as they see their window for winning a championship continuing to fade. The Ravens will try to prove the window has not already closed by making another playoff push.



Here is a look at the 2008 Baltimore Ravens.

Coaching

Harbaugh brings a passion and intensity that had been missing from the coaching staff in recent years. His enthusiasm for football was apparent to his players from the moment he was hired.

Veterans faced a more difficult training camp and had to stay in Westminster instead of being able to commute, departures from what the players experienced under Billick.

The early reviews on Harbaugh have been positive, but how the team responds to adversity during the season remains to be seen.

In addition to lacking head coaching experience, Harbaugh never held an offensive or defensive coordinator position, the common progression for most head coaches. Harbaugh made the jump to head coach after being the secondary coach for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2007 and spending the nine previous seasons as the Eagles' special teams coach.

With his own inexperience in mind, Harbaugh hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron as his offensive coordinator. Cameron will try to improve an offense that has chronically finished in the lower half of the league for much of the team's existence. Harbaugh hopes that Cameron can bring production to the Baltimore offense much like he did with the San Diego Chargers a few seasons ago.

Once again, Rex Ryan will call the defensive signals after choosing to remain with the organization despite being passed over for the head coaching position. Ryan is known for his complex, blitz-heavy schemes that cause confusion to opposing offenses.

Quarterback

The Ravens entered training camp expecting the veteran Boller or second-year player Troy Smith to seize the starting quarterback position while the first-round pick Flacco would be brought along slowly as he learns the offense.

These plans changed dramatically in an Aug. 23 game against the St. Louis Rams when Flacco was given the emergency start, with Boller nursing a shoulder injury and Smith suffering from a viral infection.

Flacco played with confidence and did not turn the ball over in the team's final two preseason games. This caused Harbaugh to name him the starting quarterback.

Flacco has great size, standing at 6'6", and a strong throwing arm. The coaching staff is impressed with his intelligence and calm demeanor in the huddle

The biggest question will be his ability to adjust to the speed of the NFL after spending his college career at the University of Delaware, an FCS (Division 1-AA) school.

Cameron will likely implement a conservative game plan to nurture Flacco's development and allow him to continue growing into the offense. Flacco looked most comfortable using three-step drops and throwing quicker passes in the preseason.

Depth is a major concern, as Boller could miss the entire season with a partially torn labrum and Smith continues to recover from illness.

The Ravens looked to sign a veteran to use as the backup quarterback until Smith returns to form.

The quarterback position will continue to be an area of concern until Flacco can prove that he is ready to lead the offense. The coaching staff will ask Flacco to manage the offense and protect the football as he enters the season as the starter.

Running Back

Starter Willis McGahee (1,207 rushing yards in 2007) missed the entire preseason after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery and remains a question mark for opening day.

The new coaching staff was disappointed with his absence from off-season activities and his struggles with learning the new offensive system.

These circumstances have led to the emergence of rookie Ray Rice as a viable threat in the offense.

Rice had an impressive career at Rutgers, leading the Ravens to draft him in the second round.

Standing only 5'8", Rice presents a problem to opposing defenses as he often seems to disappear behind offensive linemen while he finds the hole.

Starting fullback Le'Ron McClain was a bigger part of the offense in the preseason and will occasionally be used at tailback with veteran Lorenzo Neal lining up in front of him in a big-back set.

The experienced Neal will also act as a mentor to the younger McClain.

The Ravens will need to have a strong rushing attack to support the inexperienced Flacco.

Wide Receiver

The wide receiving unit is led by veteran Derrick Mason (103 catches and 1,087 yards in 2007). While Mason is not a deep threat, he remains one of the best possession receivers in the league. Flacco looked his way regularly in the preseason and will need his consistent production.

Starting opposite of Mason, Mark Clayton hopes to rebound from a disappointing 2007 season in which he did not score a touchdown. Much like Mason, Clayton lacks size and breakaway speed.

The offense will look to Demetrius Williams to be the deep threat in the passing game. Williams has good size at 6'2" and shows good speed in deep routes. He will need to remain healthy, as a sore Achilles' tendon sidelined him for most of the preseason.

Rookie Marcus Smith showed promise in the preseason but needs to catch the football more consistently to make an impact.

The Ravens lack a big-play receiver and need production from receivers other than just Mason. Clayton has failed to live up to expectations after being the team's first-round pick in 2005.

The receivers will need to show more consistency since the team lacks an experienced quarterback.



Tight End

Heap continues to struggle to remain on the field. He missed most of last season with a torn hamstring and was slowed by a sore calf during training camp.

Heap is still capable of being one of the top tight ends in the league.

Flacco will desperately need Heap to anchor the short passing game and provide a security blanket for the rookie quarterback.

Dan Wilcox is still feeling the effects from off-season toe surgery but is ready to go for the start of the season. His versatility is useful, as he can line up at tight end or in the backfield as an H-back.

Converted linebacker Edgar Jones will be the third tight end and is an intriguing story. Jones possesses good speed and blocked well after moving to tight end during the preseason.

Offensive Line

Replacing a future Hall of Fame tackle is never an enviable position, but Jared Gaither will attempt to fill Ogden's large shoes at left tackle.

Gaither has great size (6'9" and 330 pounds), but his work ethic and immaturity are concerns. In addition, Gaither missed most of training camp with an ankle injury.

Starting at right tackle will be veteran Adam Terry. Mostly backing up Ogden at left tackle the past few seasons, there are questions as to whether Terry can play on the right side.

Like Gaither, Terry was slowed by an ankle injury in training camp after undergoing surgery on the same ankle in the off-season.

The interior line looks strong with second-year players Ben Grubbs and Marshal Yanda lining up at left and right guard respectively.

Grubbs was the team's first round pick a year ago, and Yanda plays with a mean streak.

The team's most consistent offensive lineman is center Jason Brown. Brown moves from guard to center, where he played in college.

Brown will need to show more leadership after the retirement of Ogden and the departure of long-time center Mike Flynn.

Defensive Line

The starting defensive line is as good as any other in the AFC.

Trevor Pryce missed most of 2007 with injuries and is key to the team's pass rush. The coaching staff is hopeful that Pryce can regain his 2006 form when he led the team with 13 sacks.

Nose tackle Kelly Gregg continues to be a productive player that goes unnoticed around the league.

Gregg underwent arthroscopic knee surgery during training camp, so his status at the beginning of the season remains uncertain. However, Gregg's health is not expected to be a long-term concern.

Haloti Ngata is one of the most dominating tackles in the league, often taking on two blockers and protecting the inside linebacker Lewis. Ngata suffered a sprained knee in training camp but returned for the final preseason game.

Ngata should receive strong consideration for the Pro Bowl.

Backups Justin Bannan and Marques Douglas provide solid depth and are strong against the run.

The health of Gregg and Ngata is a concern entering the season, but if they prove to be 100 percent, the defensive line will be one of the team's strongest units.



Linebacker

Linebacker is easily the team's best unit and has strong depth from top to bottom.

As usual, Lewis is the heart and soul of the linebacker corps and the entire defense. While Lewis has lost a step or two from his best years earlier in the decade, he is still one of the better inside linebackers in the league.

Next to Lewis on the inside is Scott, hoping to rebound from a disappointing 2007 campaign.

Scott exploded onto the scene in 2006, posting 9.5 sacks and earning a trip to the Pro Bowl but struggled last season after the departure of linebacker Adalius Thomas.

Lewis and Scott are both in the final year of their contracts, so they will be looking to earn a big payday with strong performances this season. The team will likely only be able to afford one, so Scott could be moving on after the season.

Outside linebacker Suggs is the team's franchise player. Suggs skipped training camp after receiving the franchise tag but reported to camp in time to play in the final two preseason games.

Suggs is depending on Pryce to remain healthy and take away double-teams that Suggs routinely faced last season, limiting him to only five sacks.

The starting unit's most unheralded player is dependable veteran Jarret Johnson. Johnson is one of the team's most consistent tacklers.

The Ravens have quality backups on the inside with Nick Greisen, rookie Tavares Gooden, and special teams ace Brendon Ayanbadejo.

Antwan Barnes and Jameel McClain will provide good speed as backups on the outside.

A name to remember is the third tight end Jones, who could be moved back to linebacker if injuries become a reality at linebacker.

Cornerback

While the Ravens possess well-known names in veterans Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle, cornerback is an area of concern entering the season.

McAlister and Rolle are both on the wrong side of 30 and were slowed by injuries last season. McAlister's injured knee continues to be a concern, as he missed large portions of training camp due to continued swelling.

The Ravens acquired Fabian Washington from the Oakland Raiders during April's draft and will look for him to be the team's third corner. Washington could challenge Rolle for his starting position as the season progresses.

Veterans Corey Ivy and Frank Walker struggled in the preseason as injuries forced them into the starting lineup.

Ivy is better suited to play the nickel position, and Walker is slow in reacting to the ball.

Derrick Martin started three games in 2007 and grabbed two interceptions. He figures to earn more playing time should Ivy and Walker continue to struggle.

Cornerback will continue to be an area of concern with Rex Ryan's tendency to use blitz packages that leave the secondary in one-on-one situations.

Safety

Free safety Reed is the team's best player, but serious concerns remain over his status for the entire season. A nerve impingement in his neck and shoulder continues to limit him in practice.

Reed has not been cleared for live contact by the medical staff. The Ravens and Reed continue to be in a holding pattern, waiting for his shoulder to improve.

Reed has told media that the injury could eventually require surgery that would potentially end his career, but this is only being discussed as an option several years from now.

The absence of Reed will severely hinder the defense's ability to defend the pass, as Reed is known for his instincts to read the quarterback and create turnovers.

The coaching staff will continue to hold their breath and hope that Reed is able to return to the field as soon as possible.

Veteran newcomer Jim Leonhard played well in the preseason and is expected to start in Reed's place in the early stages of the season.

Starting at strong safety will again be Dawan Landry. Landry improved his strength and speed in the off-season and will be counted upon to hold more responsibility with the absence of Reed.

Rookies Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura played well in the preseason and figure to be strong contributors on special teams.

Both players seem to have a sixth sense for finding the football and making plays.

The selection of these two in April's draft looks even better with the unclear status of Reed.

Special Teams

With Harbaugh's reputation for strong special teams in Philadelphia, the Ravens expect to have good coverage units.

Ayanbadejo was signed to lead the special teams, leading the team to release veteran linebacker Gary Stills.

Zbikowski, Nakamura, and Leonhard also showed strong ability on kick coverage in the preseason.

Return man Yamon Figurs is a threat to take the football all the way as long as he is able to catch it consistently.

Figurs possesses explosive speed, and the Ravens will count on him to give the offense better field position.

The reliable veteran Matt Stover will once again be the team's kicker. Stover may not have much range beyond 47 yards, but he is still one of the better kickers in the league from inside that distance.

Stover struggles to get distance on kickoffs, so the team signed Steven Hauschka to aid in this area if the roster flexibility will allow it.

Punter Sam Koch punted very well in the preseason, specifically with punts inside the 20. He will be counted upon to provide favorable field position for the defense.

Matt Katula is one of the league's most reliable long snappers.



How the Ravens will make the playoffs...

1. Flacco blossoms in his first year, managing the game effectively and posting similar numbers to Ben Roethlisberger's rookie season for Pittsburgh in 2004.

2. The defense returns to its dominant form of a couple seasons ago, and Reed and McAlister return to lead the secondary.

3. McGahee and Rice become the Baltimore version of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, providing a dominant running game for the offense.

How the Ravens will miss the playoffs...

1. The secondary battles injuries throughout the season, and the defense struggles to get off the field on third down.

2. The offensive line fails to protect Flacco consistently, and the rookie struggles in his first season in the league.

3. Heap, Clayton, and Williams are unable to provide the big-play ability needed to pump life into the passing attack and aid in Flacco's development.

Outlook: 6-10, 3rd place in the AFC North

The Ravens will have a difficult time moving the football with an inexperienced quarterback in the rookie Flacco. The organization hoped to refrain from playing Flacco early in the season, but injuries have forced him into the starting role.

In addition, the inexperience at offensive tackle creates doubt in the offensive line's ability to provide sufficient protection for Flacco.

McGahee and Rice will have to carry the load offensively, as the team lacks the big-play receivers necessary to scare opposing defenses.

While the defense can still be a dominant unit, the health problems of McAlister and Reed leave the secondary very unstable.

Ryan may have to refrain from blitzing as much as he would like to provide more help to the secondary.

The defensive line will need to provide more pressure on the quarterback than they did a season ago.

Overall, the Ravens simply lack the offensive talent and depth in the secondary to pose a serious threat in the competitive AFC North.

A brutal road schedule, with games at Indianapolis, the New York Giants, Dallas, and division rivals Cleveland and Pittsburgh, will prevent the Ravens from making the playoffs.

The Ravens are likely looking at a 6-10 season, as the team will look to acquire younger talent at several positions, including defensive end, cornerback, and wide receiver, following the season.

The Ravens will take some positives from the 2008 season as Flacco will continue to improve as the season progresses and other rookies such as Rice will make strong contributions.

The Baltimore Ravens received a glimpse into their promising future despite a 24-10 loss to the St. Louis Rams on Saturday night.

After a viral illness sidelined starter Troy Smith, rookie Joe Flacco received the emergency start. Though Flacco struggled with accuracy, he performed better than any other quarterback in the team's first two preseason games.

While the coaching staff is still expected to go with either Smith or veteran Kyle Boller, Flacco has at least thrown his name into the discussion of who will be the starting quarterback against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7.

Here is a breakdown of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for Preseason Week 3.

The Good

Tom Zbikowski

The rookie safety continued to impress on special teams and in the secondary. Zbikowski blocked a punt in the first quarter that led to a Matt Stover 22-yard field goal.

Zbikowski also showed his cover skills by breaking nicely for the ball on an interception in the fourth quarter.

With the unclear status of Ed Reed's injured shoulder, the Ravens have to keep Zbikowski, Haruki Nakamura, and Jim Leonhard on the roster as all three contribute on special teams and show solid play in the secondary.

Joe Flacco

After learning that Flacco would make the emergency start due to Smith's illness and Kyle Boller's sore shoulder, Ravens fans braced themselves for a disastrous result.

Flacco performed admirably despite learning he would get the start only hours before kickoff. He went 18-37 for 151 yards and a touchdown, a 15-yard throw to Derrick Mason in the third quarter. Unlike Boller and Smith in their starts, Flacco did not turn the ball over.

Flacco gained confidence and looked more comfortable in the second half. He was most effective using three-step drops where he was able to release the ball quickly. He also showed enough mobility to avoid the pass rush on several occasions.

He struggled with accuracy, completing less than half of his attempts. Flacco threw several passes high or too hard. He also needs to remember to throw the ball away instead of trying to force throws to covered receivers.

His overall performance surpassed any previous work by Boller or Smith in the preseason. This is probably more a reflection on how ineffective the two veterans have been than a compliment to Flacco.

While Flacco needs to continue to improve and mature as an NFL quarterback, he definitely showed glimpses of why the Ravens selected him with the 18th pick in April's draft.

Flacco's performance will at least force coaches to consider accelerating his learning curve, especially if Smith and Boller continue to struggle when the regular season begins.

Derrick Mason

The Ravens lack a receiver that can stretch the field, but Mason is still one of the best possession receivers in the league. He and Flacco showed impressive timing on several sideline routes.

Mason caught six passes for 85 yards and the touchdown from Flacco.

Mason is the only consistent receiving threat in this offense until Todd Heap can show he is healthy.

Special Teams

The special teams continue to shine despite the struggles of both the offense and defense.

Sam Koch punted for an average of 49.9 yards per kick, pinning three kicks inside the 20. His new form of kicking the point of the ball rugby-style on shorter kicks has been very effective in the preseason.

Yamon Figurs continued to show improvement and nearly broke his first kickoff return for a touchdown if he had been able to cut left at the last moment.

Matt Stover was able to get more distance on his kickoffs this week.

Coverage units continued to play strongly as many young players try to make the roster by contributing on special teams.

Le'Ron McClain

McClain led the Ravens on the ground with 41 yards on eight carries. He saw more time at tailback, showing good acceleration and some shifty moves for a big running back.

His emergence is significant with the uncertain status of Willis McGahee and the need to lighten the workload for rookie Ray Rice.

The Bad

Offense

Dealing with the chaotic quarterback situation, the offense struggled, only gaining 76 yards and three first downs in the first half.

Though the offense put together an impressive drive for a touchdown to start the second half, it failed to generate any big plays following that.

The offensive line did a fair job in protecting the inexperienced Flacco but were inconsistent in run blocking at times, gaining 70 yards on the ground for a 3.8 average per rush.

It is crucial for the offensive line to be strong in the running game with the lack of production from the quarterbacks and receivers.

Cam Cameron surprisingly called for Flacco to throw 37 passes instead of focusing on the ground game with an inexperienced quarterback in the lineup.

The Ravens lack talent on the offensive side of the football and desperately need the returns of Todd Heap and Willis McGahee to the starting lineup.

Defensive Line

Still missing starters Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata, this unit continued to show its lack of depth.

The defensive line was pushed around and failed to control the line of scrimmage for much of the night. J'Vonne Parker was able to get good penetration on several running plays but is too inconsistent to be considered as anything other than a rotation player.

Ronnie Prude

Prude had an opportunity to gain strong consideration for a roster spot with the absence of Derrick Martin, but likely played his way off the roster.

Prude missed tackles and was too slow in coverage throughout the game.

Corey Ivy

While Ivy defended a couple passes nicely, he continued to show why he is only effective in the nickel package.

He played too soft in coverage and lost his receiver several times when Rams quarterback Marc Bulger would pump-fake elsewhere and then throw his way.

The Ugly

Frank Walker

For the second straight week, Walker was torched repeatedly. He played too soft in coverage and was slow to react when the ball was in the air.

He allowed a touchdown pass in the second quarter and was called for pass interference and illegal contact.

If Walker is the best the organization has for cornerback depth, the coaching staff needs to pray that Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle can remain healthy this season, something that is unlikely to happen given their age and injury history.

Team Defense

For the second straight week, defensive coordinator Rex Ryan's unit played poorly throughout the night. While still missing four starters, the return of Terrell Suggs and Samari Rolle seemed to have little impact on the first unit.

The defense came out flat from the beginning as the Rams drove down the field and kicked a 37-yard field goal.

The unit allowed 15 first downs and 250 yards of offense in the first half alone.

The blitz continued to be ineffective, leaving the depleted secondary even more vulnerable. The defensive line was unable to create pressure throughout the night.

Ryan will need to reconsider his game plan if McAlister and Reed continue to miss time with injuries, because the secondary needs as much help as it can get.

While the defense is still capable of being one of the better units in the league when all personnel is healthy, the uncertain status of Reed, McAlister, and Gregg leaves serious doubt.

Unlike the great defenses of the past, this team severely lacks depth on the defensive line and at cornerback.

An unbelievable twist in the quarterback controversy is taking place as Joe Flacco will start in place of Troy Smith, who is out with a stomach virus. Due to Kyle Boller suffering a shoulder injury this week, the rookie Flacco gets the start tonight against the St. Louis Rams. Check back for my post-game analysis of Flacco and the Ravens and how this could potentially affect the Ravens' quarterback competition.

On a night when Baltimore's Michael Phelps made Olympic history in Beijing, the Ravens could only manage to create more questions in a 23-15 loss at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday.

The Ravens struggled from both sides of the ball and failed in coming any closer to finding a starting quarterback against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7. Troy Smith and Kyle Boller were both ineffective in moving the offense while the stout Baltimore defense that dominated New England a week ago struggled to keep the Vikings offense off the field.

Here is a breakdown of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for Preseason Week Two.

The Good

Ray Rice

Once again filling in for the injured Willis McGahee, Rice looked more comfortable in his second professional start. Rice finished with 77 yards on 8 carries, including a 6-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

Rice showed great field vision in recognizing the cutback lanes against the Minnesota defense. His 42-yard run was the highlight of the night for the mostly ineffective offense.

The offensive line deserves credit for opening some nice holes for Rice after failing to establish the run in last week's game.

Haruki Nakamura

Nakamura continues to impress on special teams, finishing with 2 tackles on the kickoff team.

He also made a key third-down pass deflection in the second half. Nakamura has a keen ability to find the football and make plays.

Jarret Johnson

Johnson continues to show great hustle and improved speed, finishing with 2 tackles. Players like Johnson are critical for the Ravens to maintain their tradition of great defense.

Derrick Martin

Martin compensated for a rough outing against New England with a strong performance. He broke on the ball beautifully for a 22-yard interception return for a touchdown that got the Ravens back in the game in the fourth quarter.

Martin provided strong coverage in the second half, deflecting two other passes.

He strengthened his bid in making the roster as other members of the secondary struggled throughout the night.

Tom Zbikowski

Zbikowski played well in run support, making 3 tackles and registering a sack. Much like Nakamura, he shows an ability to find the football and make plays.

He did provide a scare in the fourth quarter when he failed to call a fair catch on a punt. Fortunately, he held onto the ball after taking a violent hit.

The Bad

Troy Smith

Smith failed to seize control of the quarterback competition by turning in an uneven performance.

While Smith showed good mobility by rushing for 35 yards, he looked uncomfortable throwing throughout the night. Smith only made 5 attempts but double-pumped on several occasions and failed to see a wide-open Derrick Mason on a play in the second quarter.

Smith and the offense were unable to get in a rhythm throughout the first half. His last play of the night was a pass thrown behind Mark Clayton that was intercepted by Darren Sharper.

This was not the standout performance that Smith or the Ravens were envisioning. In Smith's defense, the poor play of the defense didn't really allow him or the offense to get many opportunities in the first half.

Antwan Barnes

Starting in place of Terrell Suggs, Barnes struggled to seal the outside on several running plays.

Barnes needs to play stronger instead of relying solely on speed, as he was pushed back into the defensive backfield on several plays in the first half.

Chad Slaughter

The left tackle started well but struggled as the game progressed. He completely whiffed on a block of Jared Allen even though Smith escaped for an 18-yard scramble in the second quarter.

Slaughter needs to improve his conditioning and play stronger. For the second game in a row, he was bull-rushed and pushed back into the quarterback, this time by Allen.

Slaughter played deep into the second half as coaches hope he can get into better football shape.

Oniel Cousins

The third-round pick continues to disappoint as he allowed Letroy Guion to clobber Kyle Boller for a sack.

Cousins also allowed a sack of Joe Flacco in the fourth quarter.

Kyle Boller

Boller completed his first 8 passes but for only 40 yards. He settled for short passes to secondary receivers and did not attempt to throw down the field.

Boller missed on his final 4 attempts after being hammered by Guion.

In typical Boller fashion, he threw into double coverage for an interception on his final attempt of the night.

While Boller was not horrible, he did nothing to stand out and take the lead in the quarterback competition after such a mediocre showing by Smith in the first half.

Joe Flacco

Flacco showed more poise in his second professional game, but he still needs to do a better job protecting the football. He fumbled twice on plays where an NFL quarterback should not lose the ball.

He seemed to settle down and get rid of the ball quicker after his first series.

Flacco showed some promise but is still a long way from starting for the Ravens.

The Ugly

Defense

Perhaps the only thing more troubling than the play of the quarterbacks was the poor performance by the defense. Still missing six starters, the defense failed to get pressure on the Minnesota quarterbacks throughout the game and defended the pass poorly.

In the first half, Minnesota was 7-10 on third down and accumulated 234 yards of offense, keeping the Ravens defense on the field.

The defense missed too many tackles, including ones by Antwan Barnes, Bart Scott, and Frank Walker.

The defense desperately needs cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle and safety Ed Reed to return to the lineup.

Frank Walker

The veteran cornerback was abused by the Minnesota offense the entire first half. He appeared a step slow in coverage and tackled poorly.

Walker also failed to look back for the ball when defending receivers on the sideline.

He may have played his way onto the bubble with this poor showing.

Miscommunication in the Secondary

Fabian Washington and Dawan Landry allowed a 23-yard touchdown pass to Martin Nance in the first quarter. Washington simply let Nance run by him, expecting deep help from Landry.

When Landry's help did not come, it led to an easy touchdown for the Vikings on their opening drive.

Regardless of who was at fault, the miscommunication was eerily similar to the types of plays given up by the secondary in 2007.

Listening to Baltimore sports talk radio on my way home from work today, I couldn't help but hear great panic for the upcoming season. With question marks at quarterback and offensive tackle and numerous injuries, Ravens fans have a lot on their minds. I suggest cracking open a Natty Boh, kicking back, and reading a good book. Here's a list of Ravens books to read that didn't quite make it to the publisher for whatever reason. Feel free to add to the list as the man who compiled it failed in writing his own book "How to Keep Them Laughing."

This list is a work of fiction. Do not attempt to contact your local Borders to see if they have these titles in print. You will be met with an awkward silence.

As the Ravens prepare for their second preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday night, here is the roster breakdown as of August 13th. The high volume of injuries has clouded the roster outlook in the last few weeks. Key injuries to tackles Jared Gaither and Adam Terry, running back Willis McGahee, defensive tackles Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata, cornerback Chris McAlister, and safety Ed Reed have caused the front office to search for added depth at key positions. I have listed the number of players the team would likely keep at each position in parentheses.

Quarterback (3)

LOCK: Kyle Boller, Joe Flacco, Troy Smith

BUBBLE: None

LONGSHOT: None

CUT: Brad Roach

Skinny: The quarterback competition is as uncertain now as it was in late July as both Boller and Smith had uneven performances against New England. Hopefully, the picture becomes clearer when Smith gets the start against Minnesota.

Running Back (3)

LOCK: Willis McGahee, Ray Rice

BUBBLE: Alex Haynes, Allen Patrick, Corey Ross

LONGSHOT: None

I.R.: P.J. Daniels

Skinny: Willis McGahee's arthroscopic left knee surgery has thrown Rice into the starting tailback position for the time being. The coaching staff would really like to see a running back emerge from the rest of the pack to win the third running back spot. This becomes critical as McGahee's status for Week 1 remains unclear. The Ravens could conceivably carry a fourth running back depending on special teams play.

Fullback (2)

LOCK: Le'Ron McClain

BUBBLE: Lorenzo Neal

LONGSHOT: None

CUT: Justin Green, Jake Nordin

Skinny: In a surprise move, the Ravens cut Green and signed the former Pro Bowl veteran Neal on August 12. Neal is very familiar with Cam Cameron's offense dating back to their days with the San Diego Chargers. Neal will provide tutoring to the talented younger McClain. McClain was more involved in the offense in the first preseason game than he was at any point last season.

Tight End (3)

LOCK: Todd Heap, Daniel Wilcox

BUBBLE: Adam Bergen, Aaron Walker, Keith Weinrich

LONGSHOT: None

CUT: Lee Vickers

Skinny: Depth at tight end continues to be a major concern as Heap battles a nagging calf injury while Wilcox continues to recover from off-season toe surgery. Bergen blocked poorly against New England. The tight ends will need to be strong blockers given the Ravens' uncertainty at the offensive tackle position.

Wide Receiver (6)

LOCK: Mark Clayton, Yamon Figurs (return specialist), Derrick Mason, Marcus Smith, Demetrius Williams

BUBBLE: Patrick Carter, Justin Harper, Darnerien McCants,

LONGSHOT: Kerry Reed, Ernie Wheelwright, Matt Willis

Skinny: Williams has battled a sore Achilles' tendon but figures to be back soon. Smith has distanced himself from the field for a receiver spot. Harper has shown strong skills and is likely in control for the last receiver spot. The veteran McCants had a 30-yard reception but followed that with a drop inside the 5-yard line in the 2nd quarter against New England.

Off. Linemen (9)

LOCK: Jason Brown, Chris Chester, Oniel Cousins, Jared Gaither, Ben Grubbs, Mike Kracalik, Adam Terry, Marshal Yanda

BUBBLE: David Hale, Chad Slaugther

LONGSHOT: Adrien Clarke, Adam Kraus, Joe Reitz, Isaiah Wiggins

CUT: Sean Dumford

Skinny: Tackle remains a desperate area of concern with Gaither and Terry missing most of camp with ankle injuries. The veteran Slaughter was signed to add depth but needs to improve his conditioning. The coaching staff has given Cousins more reps as the starting right tackle this week, so this is something to watch on Saturday.

Def. Linemen (6)

LOCK: Justin Bannan, Dwan Edwards, Kelly Gregg, Haloti Ngata, Trevor Pryce

BUBBLE: Amon Gordon, J'Vonne Parker, Lorenzo Williams

LONGSHOT: Darrell Campbell, Kelly Talavou

Skinny: Gregg underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and will miss the remainder of the preseason. Ngata is recovering from a sprained MCL but is expected to return soon. Justin Bannan and Dwan Edwards got great penetration working with the first unit against New England. Gordon, Parker, and Williams have all impressed at different times in the preseason.

Linebacker (9)

LOCK: Brendon Ayanbadejo, Antwan Barnes, Tavares Gooden, Nick Greisen, Jarret Johnson, Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Terrell Suggs

BUBBLE: Edgar Jones, Jameel McClain, Gary Stills

LONGSHOT: Dan Cody, Robert McCune, Terrence Melton

I.R.: Prescott Burgess

Skinny: The competition for linebacker continues to be close even after a fractured wrist landed Burgess on the injured-reserve list. Cody has missed most of training camp with an injured right foot, hurting his chances of earning a spot. The undrafted rookie free agent McClain's impressive play has earned him consideration for a roster spot.

Cornerback (5)

LOCK: Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle, Fabian Washington

BUBBLE: Corey Ivy, Derrick Martin, David Pittman, Frank Walker

LONGSHOT: Ronnie Prude

CUT: Anwar Phillips, Lenny Walls

Skinny: McAlister continues to miss time due to soreness in his right knee, an injury dating back to last season. Veterans Ivy and Walker played well against New England and have a slight edge over the younger cornerbacks on the roster.

Safety (4)

LOCK: Dawan Landry, Ed Reed

BUBBLE: Jim Leonhard, Haruki Nakamura, Tom Zbikowski

LONGSHOT: None

Skinny: Reed's left shoulder injury continues to be a major concern, as there are nerve-related issues. His status is uncertain for Week 1 of the regular season. The veteran Leonhard and the rookies Nakamura and Zbikowski all impressed in the preseason opener. Providing all three play well on special teams, the team could potentially carry five safeties, especially if Reed's shoulder does not improve.

Kicker (1)

LOCK: Matt Stover

BUBBLE: None

LONGSHOT: Piotr Czech

Skinny: Stover is clearly the man. Czech has a strong leg and could find a spot on the practice squad.

Punter (1)

LOCK: Sam Koch

BUBBLE: None

LONGSHOT: None

Skinny: Koch is the only punter in camp and has even practiced kicking a few field goals in case of an emergency situation.

Long Snapper (1)

LOCK: Matt Katula

Skinny: Katula is one of the league's best long snappers.

While the Tampa Bay Rays are the surprise of the American League East and all of Major League Baseball, a team trailing them by 13 games is quietly putting together a surprising season of its own.

The last place Baltimore Orioles may be out of the playoff race in the competitive AL East, but their 56-59 record is far better than anyone expected at the start of the season. The club has thrilled fans with numerous comeback victories and entertained with characters such as Kevin Millar who created a humorous Orioles Magic video with other teammates. The video plays after every home victory.

If 2008 has been such an enjoyable year, then what's the problem in Baltimore?

Before Saturday night's 9-0 victory over the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, manager Dave Trembley posted a lineup with 8 players over the age of 30. With last week's injury to center fielder Adam Jones, the only regular under the age of 30 is right fielder Nick Markakis.

Despite claiming to be a rebuilding team, there is very little youth in the current starting lineup.

The Orioles called up outfielder Luis Montanez from Double-A Bowie to take Jones' place. Montanez, 26, was putting up sensational numbers in the Eastern League with a .335 average, 26 home runs, and 97 RBI.

The logical move would be to place Montanez in center field, or at least give him a regular spot in the lineup by rotating days off for several veteran players, right?

The problem is Montanez has only started once in four games.

Trembley explains Montanez needs to adjust to major league ballparks in order to play the outfield and points to his lack of experience in center field as the reason for veteran Jay Payton becoming the regular center fielder instead of Montanez.

While this may be completely reasonable and Montanez might be playing regularly soon, it also sounds like a familiar story from the Orioles. Despite their surprising season, Trembley fails to see the big picture in the organization's rebuilding effort.

Trembley is unquestionably loyal to his veteran players. While this is not a negative quality on most clubs, it is when a team needs to evaluate younger players for the future. The goal should be improving for the future, not to simply finish with a better record in 2008.

Though Montanez is not viewed as anything more than a potential fourth outfielder for next season, isn't now the time to see what he can do at the major league level? Montanez was playing for a possible Triple Crown in the Eastern League when he was brought to the big club. His numbers not only demanded a promotion but also a regular opportunity to play.

Montanez may not be able to play center field, but Trembley should stop worrying about stepping on the toes of veterans such as Melvin Mora, Payton, and Millar and shuffle the lineup to give Montanez regular starts in left field or at designated hitter.

Unfortunately, Orioles fans have seen this too many times.

Past managers such as Mike Hargrove and Sam Perlozzo were often criticized for their refusal to play younger players over veterans late in the season when the club was out of contention. It appears that Trembley is falling into the same trap.

Last season, the team refused to give regular playing time to young players such as Jon Knott and J.R. House. While these players are no longer with the organization, they were never really given an opportunity to stick with the club.

Earlier this year, infielder Oscar Salazar was called up from Triple-A Norfolk after putting up impressive numbers. He rarely played and was sent down after hitting 2 home runs in 17 at bats. Hardly a fair audition.

In a few weeks, minor leaguers such as outfield prospect Nolan Reimold and catching sensation Matt Wieters will likely be called up and should be getting at bats with the Orioles to determine where they fit for the 2009 season.

Will Trembley do the right thing and play the younger players, or will he continue to show loyalty to veterans that will no longer be with the club in the near future? The answer is uncertain.

One thing is clear. The Orioles won't know what they have with these younger players until they're given an opportunity. Many of them might fail, but some will succeed.

After all, when he did get the start this week, Montanez hit a home run in his first major league at bat.

By: Luke Jones

The Baltimore Ravens kicked off the John Harbaugh era with a 16-15 victory over the New England Patriots on Thursday night. While the preseason means little in terms of winning and losing, the coaching staff can take some positive things from the first preseason game.

Here is a breakdown of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for Preseason Week 1.

The Good

1st Half Defense:

While six defensive starters did not play including Kelly Gregg, Haloti Ngata, Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs, Rex Ryan's defense brought constant pressure through blitz packages and