Much has been made about preseason NFL games and about their true value. John Harbaugh got it right today when he talked about playing the Patriots on Thursday.

"We've got a lot of work to do between now and the game," he said, "but we consider the game to be another practice. ... It's an exhibition game. It's a practice game, so to speak."

Harbaugh was speaking more to the point that the Ravens won't have fresh legs against the Patriots. They'll be heavy-legged and weary from the grind of two-a-days. Good chance they'll lose by a lot. But that's not to say some good won't come out of it. The most value in preseason games is for the young players trying to make a mark. They get most of the reps, and when one shows up well, he gets a harder look in practice and during the following week.

Could the NFL do without practice games dressed up like regular season games (as expensive, as well)? Certainly. But the league needs those "practices" against other teams to show who can make the jump from Saturday to Sunday football, and who can't.

Watch the young guys. That's the game. Or practice.