5 THINGS TO WATCH RAVENS V. GIANTS

By Aaron Wilson

WESTMINSTER -- 1. As the Baltimore Ravens hit the midway point of the preseason tonight against the New York Giants at M&T Bank Stadium, the eyes of the nation will be focused on whether the Ravens' rejuvenated offense can duplicate last week's breakthrough at moving the football and scoring. Will Steve McNair and Willis McGahee continue to build chemistry in the backfield? Can the Ravens maintain their intensity and focus after a banner preseason opener?

2. The door has been cracked for rookie first-round draft pick Ben Grubbs at right guard where he'll start his first NFL game in the absence of Chris Chester. Although Chester is slated to potentially return from a sprained foot early this week, this represents a prime opportunity for Grubbs to prove to the coaching staff that he's worthy of future starting status.

3. The Ravens' base defensive philosophy is built around aggression and elaborate blitz packages. Even with a miniscule portion of their schemes unveiled last week, the NFL's top-ranked defense dominated the Philadelphia Eagles. Is Eli Manning in for a long night?

4. How will new starting outside linebacker Jarret Johnson fare against tight end Jeremy Shockey in pass coverage? Johnson had a few issues last week against Eagles running back Brian Westbrook and didn't tackle as well as he normally does.

5. Will Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith rebound from last week's ugly start to his competition with Drew Olson for the third-string job? Could Olson, who clearly outshined the rookie last week, beat the odds and overtake Smith, who has pedigree, draft status and arm strength working in his favor?

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

Scattershooting here and there as the Ravens get ready to leave town

WESTMINSTER -- Wide receiver Derrick Mason was held out of the morning practice with what's being described as a minor shoulder injury.

"He had a little bit of a shoulder going on," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "We thought we should shelve him for the morning."

Nose guard Kelly Gregg returned to full-team drills with a brace around his right knee, and appears to be close to being cleared to play in preseason games. It's likely, though, that the team will hold him out Sunday against the New York Giants and possibly even longer as a precautionary measure.

"That's Kelly for you," defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said. "He's just trying to force himself out there."

Also not practicing: offensive guard Chris Chester (sprained right foot), tight end Daniel Wilcox (sprained left ankle), linebacker Antwan Barnes (sprained right ankle), offensive tackles Jonathan Ogden (turf toe) and Steve Edwards (knee) and linebackers Dan Cody (knee surgery) and Mike Smith (shoulder surgery). Ogden, who's sporting a shorter, sleeker haircut, had his foot taped up and moved around pretty well during some agility drills and pass protection sets while working on the side.

Barnes, Wilcox and Chester were all at practice with varying degrees of physical activity. Barnes seems to be the healthiest of the trio.

Chester's injury clears a path for rookie first-round pick Ben Grubbs to start Sunday night. Chester said he could play if it were a real game, but is taking it slow to be on the safe side. He described it as a one-week injury.

Quarterback Kyle Boller connected with wide receiver Demetrius Williams for a 40-yard touchdown pass up the sidelines.

Drew Olson was picked off by middle linebacker Ray Lewis, who returned it for a touchdown. Olson was picked off on the ensuing snap by Samari Rolle.

Running back Greg Pruitt Jr. dropped a pass.

For the second consecutive day, rookie quarterback Troy Smith had a pass batted down for an interception. Linebacker Prescott Burgess tipped it, and defensive tackle Keyonta Marshall picked it off.

NBC football analyst John Madden, who's broadcasting Sunday night's preseason game against the New York Giants, arrived at practice in his trademark Madden Cruiser.
The Ravens are about to leave Westminster and return to their $35 million headquarters in Owings Mills. They'll break camp after Saturday morning's practice at McDaniel College.

It has been a really quiet camp.

"Very much," Billick said. "Not a lot of distractions. When the lead article is about Rex Ryan's weight, you know camp is pretty calm. That's a good thing, it lends itself to the focus you need."The players are definitely raring to return to their palatial estate.

"We could have broke camp the third day," Billick said. "They've been ready to break camp. It's time to move on to another phase. They're aware of that."

The Ravens' annual rookie show was held Friday night with skits and songs along with the annual "King Ugly" contest handed out to the player or coach deemed to be the ugliest around.

Ironically, there's only money involved for the second and third-place winners and no cash for the first-place winner, who has traditionally received a crown and a scepter.

"I've learned not to handicap that," Billick said.

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

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.

MOORE CATCHING ON


WESTMINSTER -- Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Clarence Moore registered the top catch of training camp so far, diving for a 40-yard bomb from quarterback Kyle Boller with his body parallel to the ground in an acrobatic display.

Moore, who just returned from a hamstring injury that sidelined him in a scrimmage against the Washington Redskins, needs more plays like that. Entering the final year of his contract, he's competing to be the fourth wide receiver.

As Brian Billick pointed out after practice, Moore needs to produce this year.

Meanwhile, cornerback Samari Rolle and safety Ed Reed didn't practice. Reed has a mild ankle injury. Rolle is still recovering from being trucked by running back Mike Anderson at the goal line Tuesday.

Billick said Rolle got a "ding," adding that, "He thinks his name is Sammy and not Samari right now."

Tight end Daniel Wilcox injured his left ankle during a pile-up at the line of scrimmage and didn't return. It's not believed to be serious. He walked off under his own power, limping slightly up the stairs on his way to the training room.

"I'm not sure what Dan's situation is," Billick said.

Nose guard Kelly Gregg (right thigh bruise, knee) still isn't practicing, but he increased his activity, performing agility drills on the side.

Rookie linebacker Antwan Barnes' sprained right ankle is improving, as he participated in some team drills for the first time since suffering the injury a week ago.

Linebacker Jamar Enzor (undisclosed) didn't practice again.

Running back P.J. Daniels is practicing with his shoulder wrapped, a minor injury he incurred during the scrimmage.

Offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden (turf toe), linebackers Dan Cody (knee surgery) and Mike Smith (shoulder surgery) remain on the physically unable to perform list. Cody, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery two weeks before training camp began, was spotted getting around on crutches. Cody had been contemplating microfracture knee surgery, which would create new cartlilage.

Matt Stover had an unusual morning, missing two field goals. Stover is one of the most accurate kickers in league history, but his last attempt was wide right. It was several yards off the mark.

Boller had a rough morning, sailing a red-zone throw way over 6-foot-6, 270-pound tight end Quinn Sypniewski's head. He also fumbled a snap, much to Billick's disapproval.

Boller did hit wide receiver Demetrius Williams in stride on a post pattern, with Williams losing his helmet while running after the catch.

Former Ravens offensive tackle Orlando "Zeus" Brown visited practice, offering blocking tips to massive rookie Jared Gaither.

Billick said that camp is essentially "done," since the team is focused on preparations for the preseason games and remaining healthy.

Billick gathered the team for a brief speech during practice. He was visibly frustrated at one point, exclaiming, "We don't know what we're doing!"

Rookie tight end Marcus Freeman takes the Fighting Irish aspect of being a former Notre Dame football alum seriously. He got into a shoving match with linebacker Gary Stills in his second altercation since camp began. Freeman got into a scuffle with linebacker Jarret Johnson last week for the first fight of training camp.

The Ravens return to practice today at 9:30 a.m.

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

A SCARE OVER MCNAIR

WESTMINSTER -- Quarterback Steve McNair received a scare this morning at the inadvertent hands of massive defensive tackle Haloti Ngata.The 6-foot-4, 340-pound defensive tackle accidentally tumbled into McNair's legs, making him fall to the ground. McNair wasn't hurt, but did appear to favor his hip a little after being bowled into by Ngata.

Ngata lined up at middle linebacker again later on in team drills and collapsed the pocket on a blitz with McNair quickly dumping the football short to tight end Todd Heap.Fullback Justin Green (knee surgery) and offensive tackle Mike Kracalik (ankle) were activated from the physically unable to perform list and practiced. Both were limited to mostly individual drills and aren't cleared for full-contact yet.

The Ravens cut rookie safety Donnie Johnson (Penn State) and defensive lineman Travis Leitko (Notre Dame). The team signed linebacker Ryan Riddle (Cal-Berkeley) and defensive end Bill Swancutt (Oregon State).Offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden (turf toe) and linebackers Dan Cody (knee surgery) and Mike Smith (shoulder surgery) remain on the PUP list.

Wide receiver Clarence Moore returned to practice from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the scrimmage, but he was limited. Rookie linebacker Antwan Barnes (sprained right ankle), who was held out of the scrimmage, participated in individual drills. Nose guard Kelly Gregg (thigh/knee) didn't participate in team drills.

The offense had a setback this morning, struggling in the red zone behind several misfires by quarterback Kyle Boller. Ravens coach Brian Billick was visibly upset about the offense not following up their efforts from a sharp scrimmage against the Washington Redskins. Practice went nearly 20 minutes longer, perhaps as a punitive measure.

Backup running back Mike Anderson was shut down when he tried to power in on the goal line.With the practice closed to the general public with several sponsors in attendance wearing yellow hats, it was much quieter today at McDaniel College.

Linebacker Dennis Haley intercepted a Troy Smith pass and returned it for a touchdown.Boller had a nice touchdown pass to Romby Bryant, who beat Derrick Martin upfield.Musa Smith has had a very quiet training camp so far, and is being pushed by second-year runner P.J. Daniels, who scored a touchdown in the scrimmage. Smith doesn't seem to have reported as in good shape as he was last year.For now, it's veteran Mike Anderson operating as Willis McGahee's primary backup.

Billick praised undrafted rookie defensive end Edgar Jones, who notched a sack and excelled in pursuit during the scrimmage against the Redskins. Jones led Division I-AA with 12 sacks last year for Southeast Missouri. He was a I-AA All-American.

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

A little scare for Heap

It was a fairly uneventful practice the day before Saturday's scrimmage against the Washington Redskins.That is, with the notable exception of a scare involving Pro Bowl tight end Todd Heap.

He fell to the turf and was initially slow to get up, drawing a gasp from a large crowd. Although Heap was limping at first on his right ankle, he recovered quickly and got back on the field. It was a huge collective sigh of relief for the fans.

Here's something to digest, a scorecard of who won't be playing tomorrow at noon at M&T Bank Stadium:Ravens coach Brian Billick ruled out rookie guard Ben Grubbs (right knee sprain) and rookie linebacker Antwan Barnes (sprained right ankle). He was optimistic that they could be available next week and for the first preseason game.

Also not playing in the scrimmage: nose guard Kelly Gregg (right thigh bruise, improving markedly), offensive tackles Jonathan Ogden (toe) and Mike Kracalik (ankle), linebackers Dan Cody (knee surgery), Mike Smith (shoulder surgery) and fullback Justin Green (knee surgery).

A group of NFL officials worked practice today, pointing out penalties and points of emphasis. Billick was friendly with them, politicking a little bit before the season when the colorful langauge ensues.

Gregg sidelined with thigh injury

WESTMINSTER -- Nose guard Kelly Gregg left the field with a bag of ice wrapped around his right knee, an injury that Ravens coach Brian Billick described as a thigh bruise. However, the bag was placed around the knee.

As he left the field in response to a question about his leg, Gregg replied: "I'm good."

Meanwhile, rookie linebacker Prescott Burgess missed practice with a case of stomach flu. One day after he decked franchise running back Willis McGahee, the sixth-round draft pick from Michigan was confined to the team hotel.

I ran into Burgess prior to lunch and he was up and around. No, there's no truth to the rumor that McGahee put something in Burgess' food.

"I'm feeling better," Burgess said although he still looked fairly queasy.

McGahee said that there are no hard feelings but he was surprised by the hit.

"I had better buckle up and be ready," McGahee said. "It taught me a lesson to be better prepared."

Wide receiver Mark Clayton was back on the field after missing Monday's afternoon workout with an abscess on his finger caused by nail-biting.

Offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden (toe) attended practice and did a few pass protection sets off to the side. He seems to be on schedule, although he's slated to miss training camp on the physically unable to perform list.

Offensive tackle Mike Kracalik (ankle), linebacker Mike Smith (shoulder) and fullback Justin Green (knee) worked on the sidelines with Green and Smith running. Kracalik performed ankle flexion exercises with trainer Bill Tessendorf.

The only injured player on the PUP list that isn't doing some drills is linebacker Dan Cody, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery two weeks ago.

Derrick Martin got a big round of applause from his defensive teammates when he delivered a fairly hard tackle to running back P.J. Daniels on a sweep.

Nickel back Ronnie Prude intercepted Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith's out pass and scampered up field for a touchdown. It was the first of two interceptions for Smith along with some errant throws.

The rookie quarterback has flashed arm strength, but has made some bad decisions during the first two days of training camp. Billick said he needs to anticipate better to keep the defense from reading his intentions.

The Ravens are showing a commitment to opening up their passing game, utilizing some three wide receiver alignments.

Typically, they used Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams outside with veteran Derrick Mason lining up inside as the slot receiver.

Mason said he's comfortable at either spot. He also emphasized that he could have handled his complaints better at the end of last season about his lack of involvement in the offense. Mason, 34, noted that several older players have continued to excel, citing examples like Jerry Rice and Darrell Green.

At one point, Billick halted practice and counseled the players that they needed to listen better and adjust to changes between drills.

Offensive tackle Adam Terry got bull-rushed by hefty defensive tackle Haloti Ngata during pass-rush drills.

Massive rookie offensive tackle Jared Gaither slammed speedy rookie outside linebacker Antwan Barnes to the ground. Barnes kept crawling on the ground a la Michael McCrary to touch the orange cone that was acting as the quarterback. Gaither's athleticism is rare for a 6-foot-9, 350-pounder.

Rookie offensive guard Ben Grubbs was solid with good leverage and technique.
Working behind Mike Flynn as the second-string center, starting right guard Chris Chester flubbed a snap to quarterback Kyle Boller on the wrong count. It made Boller's hand sore, and it caused a fumble.

It looks like Flynn could hold onto his job, at least at this point.

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