What to watch: Ravens-Patriots
Preseason games are usually boring, but if you have to pick two to watch, always watch the first one and the third. The first one allows you to get a peek at any new wrinkles in the offense or defense. In the case of the Ravens, they have a new offensive coordinator in Cam Cameron, so it will be fun and interesting to see what kind of system he runs.
Also, you get a chance to take a look at some of the rookies. Some young guys to keep an eye on are running back Ray Rice, who might eventually end up pushing Willis McGahee out of town. Yes, he has shown that kind of potential in training camp.
As expected, rookie linebacker Tavares Gooden has shown a lot of explosion and passion, but the sleeper is fellow rookie linebacker Jameel McClain, a free agent out of Syracuse. Safety Haruki Nakamura was outstanding in offseason minicamps, and has been just as impressive in training camp.
Of course, keep an eye on offensive tackle Chad Slaughter. I don't know how many reps he can take because he is obviously out of shape, but the big man has quickness and explosion. A lot of attention will be focused on the offensive line, especially in the middle, where guards Marshal Yanda, Ben Grubbs and center Jason Brown are back in their natural positions.
I don't anticipate defensive coordinator Rex Ryan using a lot of his starters. He has more proven guys on that side of the ball, but we get a chance to see if those new corners, Fabian Washington and Frank Walker, can cover. Washington has been solid in training camp, but Walker has been getting torched a lot.
The third game is the true barometer because most coaches like to work their starters three quarters before giving them the fourth preseason game off in preparation of the season opener.
Comments
What about Zbikowski? Shouldn't we keep an eye on him to see how hard the boxer hits?
Posted by: Terri | August 6, 2008 8:48 PM
What I want to keep an eye on is the new WR's. They need to establish themselves early and often. And I want to see some of the down field blocking I keep hearing about. Something Raven wideouts nhave never really done in the past.
Posted by: Henry Gardner | August 6, 2008 11:05 PM
Most of all i want to see Flacco; haven't seen him play yet. He's the main variable in this team's success for the foreseeable future.
Posted by: Frank | August 7, 2008 8:26 AM
"Preseason games are usually boring" ....
Are you nuts? The most exciting football usually comes in the 3rd-4th qtrs of a preseason game. Everybody out there is scrappin, hustlin, and fightin for a spot, a chance to impress.
Watching Boller trip over his feet will be boring, but I can't wait to watch Smith and Flacco pour out all they can to march their offense down the field.
Games like this are only boring for bandwagon riders. they only care about watching the regular season, so they can figure out which bandwagon to jump on.
The real fans (I'll never forget waking up at 10yrs old and reading the headline of the Colts leaving) who love and appreciate this team are interested. I know its a business and fawning over a business is dangerous cause they'll take advantage of that, if they can, but I love this team. We get no respect from the NFL or sports media or the football world in general, but the Ravens are tops in my book.
If they only field 7th round draft picks, I'll still watch. Those guys want to be Ravens, and that makes them worthy to watch, in my book.
Posted by: SC_Raven_fan | August 7, 2008 9:36 AM
We all need to keep an eye on which Kyle Boller shows up to play this evening. I truly hope that with Smith and Flacco breathing down his neck, Boller will finally take it to the next level.
Posted by: Jimmie | August 7, 2008 10:01 AM
Is the game gonna be televised in HD tonight?
Posted by: Ravens007 | August 7, 2008 11:16 AM
What else to look for? Heap on the sideline!!!!! Shocker!
Posted by: Don | August 7, 2008 1:01 PM
Zibikowski will never be aything more than a special teamer. Hes a poor mas Roy Williams. If he didn't go to Notre Dame and wasn't a boxer he wouldn't have gotten drafted by anyone. I was really shocked when we took him in the 3rd round...
Posted by: Chris | August 7, 2008 3:43 PM
with Chad Pennington out of a job- wouldn't he be a good fit for the ravens?????
Posted by: Ron | August 7, 2008 9:58 PM
what about Justin Bannan that dude had one heck of a game. He got in the backfield before the quaterback one play i saw.
Posted by: matt | August 8, 2008 10:33 AM