Here's a roundup of what the national media are saying about the Ravens. As always, if there's a link I've missed, let me know. Obviously, this is an abbreviated version since the Ravens had a bye last week:

Quick hitters

SI.com's Peter King says the Ravens could present a challenge to the Patriots when the teams square off on Dec. 3:

Everyone looks at Sunday's game against the Colts as the biggest challenge in the Patriots' bid for an undefeated season. Agreed. But the other game that has a chance to be competitive -- notice I didn't say "the game they have a chance to lose?'' -- is the Monday-nighter on Dec. 3 at Baltimore. No team gets up for a prime time, national TV game like the Ravens.

Adam Schein of FoxSports.com grades each team on its performance so far. He gives the Ravens a C:

The 4-3 Ravens have yet to look the part. The offense, ravaged by injuries at quarterback, tight end, and all over the offensive line, has been a major disappointment. The defense has been good, but not dominant. Matt Stover is arguably the team MVP. The Week 7 loss to the Bills, where Brian Billick's play selection was horrible and the team committed 11 penalties, was an eye sore and can come back to haunt Baltimore.

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette talks about the Ravens in a Q&A with readers. When asked about Willie Parker's past struggles against the Ravens, here's what he said:

Then it's about time they get Willie Parker going against the Ravens. Their defense is way overrated and not as good as they were 3-4 years ago.

Bouchette was also asked if the Steelers have anything to worry about from the Ravens' offense:

Not a lot, except that I've seen Steve McNair do some incredible things at QB and just because he has not done them yet this season does not mean he can't do it for a game against the Steelers.

Ed Reed was asked a series of questions in the Oct. 29 issue of Sports Illustrated. Here are his responses:

(Blank) should win the Nobel Prize: Nobody. No more MLKs around now, man

Trick or treaters at my door get... : Candy

Most famous person in your cell: My mama

Favorite comfort food: Red beans and rice

Better on the tube -- Keyshawn or Tiki? Keyshawn

FoxSports.com's John Czarnecki names Reed as the only Ravens player on his midseason All-Pro team:

A former Defensive Player of the Year, nobody plays centerfield in a secondary like Reed. Baltimore still has a lot of very good defensive players, but Reed remains the best. He has 31 career interceptions and counting.

In the rankings

SI.com's King has the Ravens tied for 15th in his power rankings.

SI.com's Dr. Z has the Ravens 17th:

Isn't it odd? I keep thinking of this team as having a losing record. I mean everybody's hurt, Ray Lewis is ripping the coach, people on other teams, such as Adalius Thomas, are taking shots. Not a healthy feeling, is it?

ESPN.com has the Ravens 14th:

In case you're trying to get over a Colts-Pats hangover, the Ravens' Monday nighter at Pittsburgh is a critical AFC North battle. With two weeks to prepare, perhaps Brian Billick can come up with some fresh wrinkles for the offense.

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has the Ravens 12th:

Did they get an offense during the bye week? Ray Lewis was right. Those fourth-and-1 calls at Buffalo were dumb.

Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com has the Ravens 14th:

The Ravens travel to Pittsburgh for a key divisional battle with the 5-2 Steelers this weekend. Though it may be a little early to label any game a "must win," this one may just be that for the Ravens. After Pittsburgh, Baltimore hosts their other division rivals — Cincinnati and Cleveland.

USA Today has the Ravens 12th:

It must have been a long bye week after the loss to Buffalo in Week 7. The Ravens, still just one game behind the AFC North-leading Steelers, get a chance to pull even in the division on Monday night.

NBCSports.com has the Ravens 12th.

Michael Silver of Yahoo Sports has the Ravens 12th:

Yo, Ray Lewis – after criticizing Brian Billick's play-calling and calling former teammate Adalius Thomas a "coward," perhaps you should consider channeling that rage into a transcendent performance in Pittsburgh Monday night?

Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports has the Ravens 13th while Charles Robinson has them 11th.

Tony Moss of The Sports Network has the Ravens 13th:

Win in Pittsburgh would get people talking about them again.