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Camp observations

1. Last year at this time, running back Musa Smith was looking good in practice. He had good vision and burst. There was talk about him possibly getting more and more playing time behind starter Jamal Lewis. But so far in training camp, has hasn't been real impressive. He's dropped a lot of passes coming out of the backfield, and I'm starting to wonder if that neck injury last season has caused him to become hesitant. We'll see in the preseason games.

2. To be honest, I haven't watched him very closely because he has always been automatic. But every time I do watch Matt Stover, he is missing field goal attempts. Stover has a "get out of jail free" card because he has bailed the Ravens out of so many situations. But like Smith, I'd like to see him succeed in the preseason.

3. This was a scary sight today: Tight end Todd Heap blocked Ray Lewis five yards down the field on a running play. Of course, he did have an angle but that's not supposed to happen, not five yards anyway.

4. Let's all give receiver Clarence Moore a standing ovation. He is back on the practice field and had a nice, long reception from Kyle Boller. Moore even stretched out diving to pull the ball in on his fingertips. Even more surprising then the catch itself, Moore didn't get hurt.

5. Keep an eye on rookie quarterback Troy Smith. He keeps getting better and better. He had a nice touch pass over the middle in the morning session, one of the few times he has shown some touch.

Comments

Mike, about Troy Smith. Do you think the Ravens have considered using Smith in a "slash" type of play role? Bringing him in from time to time alongside McNair and making another versatile play in the Ravens playbook. I have a feeling this is a no, but wouldn't it seem to be a good idea with his speed and size?

Joe, that would be an exciting thought but with Billick running the offense I don't think we will ever see something like that. I will be surprised if we actually spread the offense and use three WR but we will see.

Hey Mike, I really like reading your articles and blogs, you tell the truth and that's what us fans need to hear.

What do you think about mcnair's arm strength?

Mike, I haven't heard any reviews on Yamon Figurs from camp, how is he doing and do you think we might see him and his 4.3 speed returning puts and kickoff's this year?

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About the bloggers
Mike Preston has been with The Baltimore Sun since 1983. Prior to becoming a columnist in 2000, he covered the Ravens for four years. Preston will appear every Monday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fox Sports Radio (1370-AM) to answer any questions about the Ravens. Preston is a native of Essex and a graduate of Towson State University, where he played football.

Jamison Hensley has been The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens beat reporter since the 2000 Super Bowl season. He is a regular contributor to WBAL radio and ESPN2’s First Take. Hensley is a Baltimore City native and a graduate of the University of Maryland. Follow Jamison for additional updates on Twitter.

Ken Murray has covered Baltimore pro football teams in three leagues and two countries. He covered the Colts' departure in 1984, the Stallions' arrival in 1994 and the Ravens' Super Bowl championship in 2000. His warmup act was Roger Staubach's final season with the Dallas Cowboys in 1979.
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