The Baltimore Ravens finally get back on the field in a competitive situation for the first time since their loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional Round of the playoffs last season. Although it doesn’t really count, the first preseason game signals excitement for the fan base and gives the fans a quick look at the team that may take the field when the season opens Sept. 13 at the Jets.
Of interest, obviously, is how quarterback Joe Flacco works with his new receivers, Anquan Boldin and Donte’ Stallworth. Boldin was acquired in a trade and has been working hard this offseason, and during training camp, to develop chemistry with Flacco. Stallworth, signed as a free agent, has a lot to prove this year after being suspended for all of last year. Stallworth was signed to be a threat to stretch the field and to complement Boldin and Derrick Mason.
More importantly, the secondary gets to be evaluated without its top players available. With the status of Fabian Washington uncertain, players like Prince Miller will get a chance to play. Domonique Foxworth is out with an ACL tear, Lardarius Webb is recovering from a tear of his own and Chris Carr was injured Saturday and his status is also uncertain. It will be interesting to see how the back ups in the secondary perform.
Another back up that is likely to play is offensive tackle Oniel Cousins. The Ravens have brought the three-year veteran along slowly and his time may be now. Jared Gaither is nursing an injury so Cousins could be an acceptable replacement. Cousins is aggressive which sometimes gets him penalized, but he has a good attitude for an offensive line.
Lastly, the battle for the kicking job begins tonight. Shayne Graham and Billy Cundiff will take turns on field goal attempts to see if one can get ahead of the other. Cundiff is the incumbent and performed pretty well for the Ravens last year. Graham left Cincinnati as a free agent and signed with the Ravens earlier this offseason. Neither kicker has a lead so far.
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