Observations and opinions from Ravens training camp in Westminster, Md.:
What’s new
The wide receiver position has been seriously upgraded, with the acquisitions of Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth. Boldin’s willingness to catch balls in traffic, block and run over defenders meshes with the Ravens’ physical style.
"He’s been beyond expectations," coach John Harbaugh said. "His teammates already respect and admire him. Perfect fit."
The Ravens bolstered their receiving corp by acquiring Anquan Boldin from Arizona.
Camp battle
Billy Cundiff vs. Shayne Graham. One kicker will win the starting job, and the other will be released or traded. Having a reliable kicker is important for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
"Lay it all out there, and see who’s the best," Cundiff said. "I know that this time is really precious."
Rehab report
Safe to say, the Ravens have issues in the secondary.
Six-time Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed is the glue to the secondary, but he is coming off hip surgery and might miss the first six weeks of the season. Starting cornerback Domonique Foxworth sustained a season-ending knee injury early in camp. Two other cornerbacks, Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb, are rehabbing knee injuries.
Look for G.M. Ozzie Newsome to make some moves before the Sept. 13 opener at the New York Jets.
"We would like to upgrade our cornerback position," Newsome said. "We see acquiring talent as a year-round thing. The answer may appear two or three weeks from now."
Rookie on the spot
If he can stay in shape, rookie Terrence Cody has a chance to be part of the defensive tackle rotation as a run-stopper. Unfortunately, outside linebacker Sergio Kindle might not play at all this season after fracturing his skull during a fall just before training camp.
2010 outlook
The Ravens, no doubt, are Super Bowl contenders. But to reach Cowboys Stadium for the Feb. 6 game, quarterback Joe Flacco must take another step up and middle linebacker Ray Lewis and Reed must squeeze one more stellar season out of their aging bodies.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Observations and opinions from Ravens training camp in Westminster, Md.:
What’s new
The wide receiver position has been seriously upgraded, with the acquisitions of Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth. Boldin’s willingness to catch balls in traffic, block and run over defenders meshes with the Ravens’ physical style.
"He’s been beyond expectations," coach John Harbaugh said. "His teammates already respect and admire him. Perfect fit."
The Ravens bolstered their receiving corp by acquiring Anquan Boldin from Arizona.
Camp battle
Billy Cundiff vs. Shayne Graham. One kicker will win the starting job, and the other will be released or traded. Having a reliable kicker is important for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
"Lay it all out there, and see who’s the best," Cundiff said. "I know that this time is really precious."
Rehab report
Safe to say, the Ravens have issues in the secondary.
Six-time Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed is the glue to the secondary, but he is coming off hip surgery and might miss the first six weeks of the season. Starting cornerback Domonique Foxworth sustained a season-ending knee injury early in camp. Two other cornerbacks, Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb, are rehabbing knee injuries.
Look for G.M. Ozzie Newsome to make some moves before the Sept. 13 opener at the New York Jets.
"We would like to upgrade our cornerback position," Newsome said. "We see acquiring talent as a year-round thing. The answer may appear two or three weeks from now."
Rookie on the spot
If he can stay in shape, rookie Terrence Cody has a chance to be part of the defensive tackle rotation as a run-stopper. Unfortunately, outside linebacker Sergio Kindle might not play at all this season after fracturing his skull during a fall just before training camp.
2010 outlook
The Ravens, no doubt, are Super Bowl contenders. But to reach Cowboys Stadium for the Feb. 6 game, quarterback Joe Flacco must take another step up and middle linebacker Ray Lewis and Reed must squeeze one more stellar season out of their aging bodies.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
