Don't know if it was a coincidence or what, but at a time when NFL fans and commentators around the country are bemoaning the preseason because the games cost too much and mean too little, the Ravens have been blessed with intriguing matchups with great local appeal in each of their two home preseason games.

Nobody was complaining after the offensive extravaganza in the preseason opener against the Washington Redskins, which ended in a 23-0 shutout and game ball for new defensive coordinator Greg Mattison. Tonight marks a quick homecoming for new Jets coach Rex Ryan, who remains very popular in Baltimore after all those years of leading one of the most stalwart defensive teams in the NFL.

Heck, Rex (left) was even nice enough to throw down the gauntlet early on by calling out the Ravens for giving No. 99 to rookie Paul Kruger. Ryan didn't think it was appropriate, considering that number was worn by Ring of Honor great Michael McCrary, but it was really a tempest in a teapot that only drew much-wanted attention to tonight's game at M&T Bank Stadium.

The Ravens were so offended they're doing a pre-game video tribute to Rex. Let's just hope he's so touched by that gesture that he doesn't use any of his blitz packages against Joe Flacco in the first half.

Of course, Rex isn't the only guy doing the prodigal son thing today. Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard are in the Jets starting defensive lineup tonight and assistant coaches Dennis Thurman (defensive backs) and Matt Cavanaugh (quarterbacks) also have Ravens roots.

Associated Press photo