Five Things to Watch

1. During the Baltimore Ravens' preseason opener tonight against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium, keep a close eye on the starters because they will be quickly ushered off the field and given a prime seat on the bench to watch the youngsters. Among the veterans worth observing is new $40 million running back Willis McGahee as he makes his preseason debut in Baltimore. He's expected to only carry the ball a few times, and offensive coordinator Rick Neuheisel said they'll attempt to feature him in the game plan briefly. He only carried it four times for nine yards during a scrimmage last week against the Washington Redskins.

2. This marks quarterback Steve McNair's second season in Baltimore, and he's much better versed in the offense as well as lighter by a few pounds. His arm strength doesn't remind you of his youth, but he is delivering the football with more zip than the end of last season when his arm looked tired.

3. Will the Ravens unveil their one-back formation and employ three wide receiver sets or will they stick to a fairly vanilla game plan? Is a more explosive version of the West Coast offense really in the cards?

4. Rookies like quarterback Troy Smith, the Heisman winner, and receiver Yamon Figurs are eager to prove themselves after some rough moments during training camp. Mammoth rookie left offensive tackle Jared Gaither (University of Maryland) is expected to acquaint himself nicely with the starters as he blocks the Eagles' Trent Cole, who registered eight sacks a year ago. Meanwhile, first-round offensive guard Ben Grubbs and speedy outside linebacker Antwan Barnes are primed to go after missing the scrimmage with a knee sprain and an ankle sprain, respectively.

5. Outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, All-Pro Adalius Thomas' replacement, is the lone new starter on the defense. Will the Ravens' confidence in the intense converted defensive lineman be borne out?

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.