OWINGS MILLS – In a contrast to previous years, the Baltimore
Ravens are currently planning to play several offensive starters
during a preseason finale Thursday night against the Atlanta
Falcons.

That would include quarterback Joe Flacco and the Ravens’ new-look
offensive line consisting of left tackle Bryant McKinnie, left
guard Ben Grubbs, center Matt Birk, right guard Marshal Yanda and
right tackle Michael Oher.

“Yeah as of now, I think I will,” said Flacco, who hasn’t played in
the fourth preseason game for the past two years. “I don’t know how
much.”

McKinnie was just signed last week to a two-year deal worth up to
$7.5 million.

Birk missed the first three preseason games after undergoing knee
surgery.

Yanda has been sidelined with back spasms.

And Oher is moving over from left tackle.

Grubbs is the lone lineman to play every preseason game at his
usual spot.

“Any work is good work,” Grubbs said. “They call our number, we’ll
be ready.”

Ravens coach John Harbaugh declined to get into any specifics when
asked how he’ll utilize his starters against Atlanta.

The lack of preparation time due to the NFL lockout wiping out the
entire offseason is a factor in the decision.

“We’ll see,” Harbaugh said. “That’s my thoughts on it. We’re just
going to see how we’re going to handle it. It’s really to be
determined.

“We’ve talked about it and we’re going to figure it out, but it is
different and that’s why it’s not as cut and dry as it usually
is.”

Building timing with the offensive line, though, could be a
valuable reason to do something out of the box.

“It would help, it’d be better than them not playing, but there’s
risks involved with that,” Harbaugh said. “So, that’s the
dilemma.”

BIG GAME: This marks a big game for veteran wide
receiver James Hardy.

The former Buffalo Bills second-round pick hasn’t played in any
preseason games and has rarely practiced due to a chronic hamstring
injury.

He has been practicing this week and is expected to play
extensively against the Falcons. It’s his last shot to impress the
coaching staff and earn a roster spot.

“We just haven’t seen him, and it’s no fault of his own,” Harbaugh
said. “He’s worked really hard to get that hamstring back. The
trainers will tell you, he’s been a model citizen in there. But
this was a big camp for him and he missed it. So, this is his one
shot.”

LAWRENCE PLACED ON IR: Running back Matt Lawrence
was placed on injured reserve due to a concussion, ending his
season and getting the Ravens down to the NFL roster limit of 80
players.

This marks the third year in a row that the former University of
Massachusetts player has been placed on injured reserve.

Lawrence missed last season due to a knee injury after beginning
the year on the physically unable to perform list.

The Ravens could opt to remove Lawrence from injured reserve and
shed his salary by negotiating an injury settlement.

INJURY UPDATES: Wide receiver Lee Evans (left
foot) didn’t practice for the third day in a row.

Cornerback Chris Carr (left hamstring) and offensive lineman Mark
LeVoir (undisclosed) didn’t practice for the second consecutive
day.

LeVoir’s unspecified injury isn’t believed to be serious and he’s
expected to return soon.

QUICK HITS: Once Flacco and rookie Tyrod Taylor
are out of the game, the coaches plan to look at third quarterback
Hunter Cantwell. “You just look for him to play well,” Harbaugh
said. “He’s made some throws and he’s gotten better in practice.
I’d like to see that show up in a game. “Run the offense, make the
protection adjustments, all those different things. It’s a great
opportunity for Hunter, just like all the other guys.” … This is
the Ravens’ first road trip of the season where they have to board
an airplane to get there. “For the veterans, it’s no big deal,”
Harbaugh said. “For the young guys, it’ll be interesting for them.
That’s a loud stadium even in the preseason. We’ve been there
before. For the guys that make the team, it’s really important
because they’ll understand how that works now for the regular
season.” … The Ravens didn’t use offensive guard Jason Murphy
against the Redskins after signing him to a one-year deal. He’s
slated to play a lot against the Falcons, though. “This is my
chance, really,” said Murphy, a Baltimore native. “It’s a great
line. I think I can be a great supporting help to them.”

Reach staff writer Aaron Wilson at 410-857-7896 or
sports@carrollcountytimes.com.

© 2011 Carroll County Times. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

By Joel Thorman

– NFL Editor, SBNation.com

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Aug 30, 2011 – The 2011 NFL season is almost here which means it’s time to preview every team’s chances this year. SB Nation’s Baltimore Beatdown gives us the scoop on the Baltimore Ravens.

Record Prediction

With the Baltimore Ravens scheduled to play the NFC West, easily the weakest division in the NFL, as well as seeing both the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns twice, they could definitely be figured to sweep all eight of those games. If they can win five of the other eight games, they should be able to reach a 13-3 season and with it, that elusive AFC North division title and what would most likely earn then a playoff bye and a playoff home game for the first time in four consecutive trips to the post season.

Best Game On The Schedule

Although there are 16 games in the regular season, none can be looked at as better than the season opener hosting their hated AFC North division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Right now, hands down this is the best rivalry in the NFL and starting off the season with a home victory over the Steelers would set the tone for the rest of the year. Of course, hosting the San Francisco 49ers, coached by Ravens head coach John Harbaugh’s brother, Jim, on Thanksgiving night, has to be a close second, as Baltimore, be it the old Colts or Ravens have never played on Thanksgiving Day.

Player Who Takes A Step Back This Year

Most people would jump up and yell, “Ray Lewis,” but for the 16^th straight year they would continue to be incorrect, as Ray remains one of the best inside linebackers in the game despite his advanced age. His film study, preparation and training regimen has him playing harder, stronger and even faster than many guys a decade younger than him. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about veteran center Matt Birk. Birk looked like an old man when he joined the Ravens and his aches and pain from squatting over the ball and absorbing thunderous hits from defensive linemen over the years has taken its toll on his now-frail body. He may be able to return from his pre-season injury in time for the 2011 regular season, but it will undoubtedly be his final one if he even makes it through to the end.

Breakout Player Candidates

This is a tough one, as there are so many, including the obvious candidate, QB Joe Flacco. Flacco has the receiving threats he needs in all areas, with the sure-handed Anquan Boldin, the speedster Lee Evans and of course, Mr. Everything, Ray Rice. He should have a great season if, and only if, the offensive line can give him the protection he didn’t have last year.

Both second year tight ends, Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta, have looked solid replacing Todd Heap and one of them could separate from the other and have an excellent season. With the addition of Lee Evans as the No. 2 receiver, the possibility of either rookie WR, Torrey Smith or tendon Doss, making a huge impact has lessened. Defensively, there are tow guys who figure to have breakout seasons and two more whose impact should make a difference.

Defensive tackle, Terrence “Mount” Cody is the starter and has made huge strides in both learning the defense and rounding himself into good shape compared to last year.  DE/OLB Paul Kruger has bulked up and seems to finally “get it” as to his role putting pressure on the opposing

QB. OLB Sergio Kindle has recovered from his horrible head injury that kept him out all of last year and has the size and speed to make a difference and rookie CB Jimmy Smith reminds many in Baltimore of former All-Pro CB Chris McAlister, and while he might not start the season at corner, he certainly expects to finish it as the starter.

Best Ravens Player Others Haven’t Heard Of

WR David Reed was a fifth round draft pick last year who couldn’t stay healthy and only recently returned to the practice field this week. However, he is already ahead of the rookie WR’s and proved he can be a solid kick returner as he returned one for a TD last season.  The other guy is punter Sam Koch, who is a linebacker in a punter’s body and booms kicks far and can touch them down near the goal line almost on command, which is a very under rated skill.

Overrated/Underrated/Just Right

RB Ray Rice was a top five fantasy pick last year but under-performed due to losing touches near the goal line and a less than stellar offensive line. This year, the o-line has improved, goal-line back Willis McGahee is gone and the team signed the best blocking fullback in the league in Vonta Leach which together signals a return to fantasy stardom for Rice. Both Anquan Boldin and Lee Evans are sure to see their share of passes.

Tight end Dennis Pitta may be an under-rated goal-line option for those short play-action passes. Do not sleep on grabbing QB Joe Flacco as your second QB, as he has the tools and another year experience and has not missed a start in his NFL career.

I can’t think of any Ravens that is over-rated, as most Ravens have historically not been fantasy stars, and there is no way that ne could label the Ravens defense over-rated once again.

Best Media Personality

Other than me? While not so much a “personality,” the Carroll County Times and National Football Post writer Aaron Wilson appears on many stations as the Ravens expert around town. He usually has the breaking news before anyone else and is well respected plus easy going and friendly. I also like WJZ-TV channel 13′s Stan Saunders and Mark Viviano, both of whom are solid and approachable compared to many of the other established so-called main stream media.

Best Ravens Players To Follow On Twitter

Easily Ray Rice, who is always tweeting funny comments, including the other day about the local earthquake when he said on his Twitter account that he would like to tell us what he said when the quake hit, but it “wasn’t printable!” CB Domonique Foxworth was interesting to follow, as he is a member of the NFLPA’s Executive Committee and played an instrumental role in the CBA negotiations. Former Ravens FB LeRon McClain was a great “tweeter,” but now is with the Kansas City Chiefs so we can no longer count him. 

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On the football field, Baltimore Ravens rookie Tandon Doss(notes) provides offense. When he’s chilling at Five Guys, though, he’s all about defense.

Before Thursday night’s Ravens/Redskins game, Doss happened to see a fight at a Five Guys restaurant in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. He wasn’t having it. Despite the fact that one guy had a knife, Doss intervened and broke up the fight.

Here’s the report from Doss himself on Twitter:

Jus had to break up a fight at five guys. Baltimore is too ratchet!!!

And after someone questioned his decision-making in getting involved in a fight right before a game, he responded with this.

@LIKEY5 Idc wat day it is I’m not gunna sit there and let someone get jumped idk where ur from but we don’t do that in Indy. Ur #weaksauce

Just a couple of clarifications here. “Ratchet” is an adjective that in this case means “crazy” or “out of hand.” “Idc” stands for “I don’t care.” “Idk” stands for “I don’t know.” Indianapolis is Doss’ hometown. And Twitter user @LIKEY5 is totally #weaksauce.

Anyway, here’s how the Baltimore Sun described the incident.

Five Guys manager Carl Fisher said police told his employees that a Ravens player had intervened in the fight.

“I mean, it was two dudes on one,”" Doss said. “I was trying to help the situation out. I broke it up. … I saw the guy on the ground bleeding, and I saw a guy on top hitting him. So I stopped it.”

Baltimore police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi could not confirm that Doss had broken up the fight but said a dispute erupted in the Pratt Street Pavilion restaurant about 4:30 p.m. He said two men, one believed to have been angry about getting fired, cut the 34-year-old manager with a knife.

Guglielmi said the two men, both former employees, ran from the restaurant but left the knife behind. The manager suffered a minor cut on his chin and was treated at an area hospital and released, the spokesman said.

Doss went on to catch two passes for 28 yards Thursday night, and is one of two rookie wide receivers battling for playing time with the Ravens. If you want to judge them by their off-the-field behavior, Doss breaks up knife fights in Baltimore. Torrey Smith runs like hell when the earth shakes.

Also, if you’re worried about Doss endangering himself before a game, maybe this is the better question: How does anyone have a meal at Five Guys and then still plan to do anything athletic over the next 24 hours?

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A few personnel thoughts from the Baltimore Ravens’ Thursday night 34-31 win over the Washington Redskins.

Baltimore Ravens

Tyrod Taylor(notes), beautiful mess
One thing that puts rookie quarterback Tyrod Taylor ahead of many college shotgun option quarterbacks (from Alex Smith to Cam Newton) is that his mechanics when dropping back from center are pretty solid — he doesn’t get in his own way. That sounds like a small point, but watch Newton Riverdance his way through a dropback, and you’ll start to understand why he struggles so much with timing and rhythm throws. Taylor keeps the ball high, can stop to make the playfake, and sets himself up well to drive through the throw. He’s also exceptional at boot action plays in which he’ll roll out to either side.

As a pure passer … well, there’s work to be done. Taylor can zip the ball into any area, but his confidence in his ability to do just that also shows up as a negative when he tries to process a throw into a window that isn’t there anymore. He also occasionally gets crossed up on shorter timing throws — little digs, slants and dagger routes — but you can see the development. I was intrigued by Taylor’s skill set at Virginia Tech — I saw him as more than a pure option guy, and in the right situation, I think he’ll eventually prove that out at the NFL level.

Lee Evans(notes): Not just a speed guy
On Friday, we detailed the 35-yard touchdown catch that allowed receiver Lee Evans to announce his presence with authority. But there’s more to what Evans brings to the Baltimore offense than the track speed he showed over Washington cornerback DeAngelo Hall(notes). Like most of your better deep threats, Evans helps the offense whether he’s the target or not. Watch how cornerbacks have to back off now when aligning against Baltimore’s 3-wide sets. Before, there was far less concern that one misstep could mean a play taken to the house. But with Evans’ straight-line speed, ability to get inside or outside position off the snap, and underrated sense of fundamentals, pass defenders have to be more careful.

Ideal slot receivers like Anquan Boldin(notes) will see the benefits when Evans takes the roof off a side of pass coverage. You saw a more typical side of Baltimore’s old passing game at the end of their first drive, when Flacco tried to fire in a slower seam route to Boldin, and Hall easily jumped the route for a touchdown the other way.

The other nice thing about Evans is that, just like the magically rejuvenated Brandon Lloyd(notes) in Denver, he’s not just a speed receiver. Evans can also help Flacco on little slants, square-ins, and other blitz-beater routes — the kinds of things Derrick Mason(notes) used to do. Flacco’s not exactly adept at evading pressure (to put it kindly), so the more timing-based route concepts, the better.

Washington Redskins

Roy Helu(notes) may be the next secret Shanahan back
We’ll mercifully refrain from delving into the epic battle between John Beck(notes) and Rex Grossman(notes) in this particular scouting report. Instead, I’d like to review the performance of rookie backup running back Roy Helu, who I really liked coming out of Nebraska, and talked to for a pre-draft podcast on Shutdown Corner. In this game, Helu started making tracks halfway through the third quarter, and though he was going against the twos on Baltimore’s defense, I liked what I saw.  He ran 13 times for 44 yards against the Ravens.

Helu has an upright running style, but also a lot of inside power. He’s a good one-cut runner who builds up speed and takes extra yards after first contact. Once he gets outside, he has the bounce and quickness to make the big play. Helu isn’t the quicker, jump-cut runner at the line; he’s more patient as he sifts through blockers and gaps at the line and waits for his opportunity. I’d like to see him get low and physical a bit quicker in short-yardage situations, though — that upright running style could prevent him from surprising and becoming a starting NFL back. If he can up the speed at the line, he could be truly dangerous — right now, he’s just a very intriguing player who should find a role in Washington’s running back rotation.

Ryan Kerrigan(notes) is for real
For once, the Redskins paid attention to the draft, and as a result, two of their standout players in this game are rookies. First-round pick Ryan Kerrigan from Purdue is known as a fairly demonic pass rusher, and that’s what stood out against the Ravens. He had a sack in the first quarter, but he’s still learning two key aspects of run defense — how to avoid getting washed out slide protection going his way, and how to prevent missing the back entirely when we overpursues the quarterback off the edge. The best “endbackers” develop an innate sense of when to charge and when to read the action. Kerrigan, who was a 4-3 end in college, has the potential to develop these attributes at his new position.

Listed as the left outside linebacker in Washington’s 3-4 lineup, Kerrigan would play left defensive end placement in the Redskins’ frequent nickel packages. In that regard, as much as the team has said that it will run more traditional 3-4 looks this season, defensive coordinator Jim Haslett seems to understand that he has personnel best suited to hybrid fronts. When Kerrigan can edge past that first blocker in a two-point stance situation, he’s tough to stop. His sack came from a position outside the right tackle, which allowed him to spin inside and use his momentum to take Joe Flacco(notes) down. I like Kerrigan best in a wide nine-tackle position in a four-man front (Kyle Vanden Bosch(notes) is the paradigm), but he can play wide OLB at the line as well.

Related: Joe Flacco, , DeAngelo Hall, Lee Evans, John Beck, Rex Grossman, Anquan Boldin, Brandon Lloyd, Tyrod Taylor, Derrick Mason, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins