Headlines July - August

If Ravens' defense can stay healthy, ILB Scott could be in for a big year

Two seasons ago, the Ravens' Bart Scott had an exceptional season for an inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Scott notched 103 tackles and a remarkable 9½ sacks — a take-down total that would be the envy of many 4-3 defensive ends. Scott also defended seven passes and made two interceptions. But Scott wasn't quite as productive in 2007, making 10 fewer tackles and notching only one sack. The way we hear it, Scott could bounce back this season if the Ravens' defense, which struggled with injuries last season, can stay intact for much of the campaign like it did in '06. Scott was asked to drop into coverage more last season as the Ravens' defense took a more conservative approach in response to the personnel losses. Scott is an effective blitzer and also has shown an ability to put his hand on the ground and rush the passer off the edge in some instances, too, and another season in which all of his talents are on full display likely would enhance his market value when his contract expires after this season.


Ravens could have their work cut out for them next offseason

The Ravens' inability to reach a long-term contract with OLB-DE Terrell Suggs, the recipient of the team's franchise tag, means they cannot sign him to a new contract until after the season. Whether they will be able to do so is another issue altogether. Suggs is one of three high-profile Ravens defenders whose contracts expire at season's end. ILBs Ray Lewis and Bart Scott will also be in need of new deals, and getting all three players back in the fold will take a considerable financial commitment by the Ravens. Suggs, who is only 25 and a legitimate pass-rush threat in a league where such talents are hard to come by, would likely draw the most demand — and command the highest price — on the open market. The Ravens have the option of giving Suggs the franchise tag once again next year, but it's more likely that both sides would try to strike a long-term, salary-cap-friendly deal that would give Suggs a hefty up-front bonus that could be prorated over the life of the contract.


Ravens may be coming back around to Boller

Kyle Boller's efficient play early in training camp has enhanced his chance to win the Ravens' starting QB job, the way we hear it. Boller outplayed second-year pro Troy Smith and rookie Joe Flacco in the early stages of camp, largely by limiting his mistakes. Smith's play, according to a source close to the club, was up-and-down early in camp, with Flacco faring the worst of the quarterbacks who are competing to start. Of course, much can change in Baltimore's four preseason games, and the quarterbacks' performances in those games will be given significant weight by the coaching staff. But there is little doubt Boller has helped his stock by limiting his errors early on.


McGahee expected to be ready for opener — and bulk of the carries will still be his

The way we hear it, it is not out of the realm of possibilities that Ravens RB Willis McGahee gets a little work in Baltimore’s preseason finale vs. Atlanta on Aug. 28. If that doesn’t happen, McGahee, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last week, likely is to be ready for the Week One game vs. Cincinnati on Sept. 7. McGahee has had a tough training camp; the word from Baltimore was that he didn’t look all that impressive before leaving the lineup with the injury. But there’s no doubt McGahee will be the Ravens’ featured back this season. Rookie RB Ray Rice, who rushed eight times for 77 yards and a TD vs. the Vikings, will get plenty of work throughout the rest of the preseason, but he’ll be McGahee’s primary backup come the regular season, with McGahee likely getting around 20 carries per game.


Ravens QB Smith on pace to start in Week One

Although the Ravens still have yet to name a starting quarterback for Week One, sources in Baltimore say Troy Smith is locked in as their choice, barring a complete collapse in the remaining preseason action. The Ravens really don’t have any great options at quarterback, between Smith, Kyle Boller and rookie Joe Flacco, but Smith appears to be the best game manager at this point. We hear the team likes Smith’s mobility and the way he tucks the ball and runs if need be. It’s very likely that whomever is under center will face a great deal of pressure off the edge if starting OTs Adam Terry (ankle), who recently returned to practice, and Jared Gaither (ankle) are slowed by their injuries, and Smith is the best option to handle that pass rush. Smith’s biggest problem appears to be his lack of accuracy, especially when he’s throwing to the flat, where his passes tend to sail. Sources say it would take an injury or a nightmarish performance from Smith for Boller to get another shot at starting.


Boller injury could blow up Ravens' plan at quarterback

It’s unclear whether Ravens QB Kyle Boller’s shoulder injury is a torn or partially torn labrum, but regardless, he’ll be out for two weeks minimum and perhaps the entire season, the way we hear it. Baltimore coaches and medical staff will wait a few weeks to see how Boller is healing after he undergoes another set of tests on Friday and then make a judgment on whether or not he should have season-ending surgery. Although Boller lost the starting QB battle to Troy Smith in the preseason and doesn’t appear to be in the team’s long-term plans, sources say the Ravens do view his injury as a major setback for their club. Baltimore was hoping to keep rookie QB Joe Flacco on the bench for most, if not all, of this season. It will be much more difficult to accomplish that if Boller is lost for the season, leaving Flacco as the primary backup to Smith, who is also on unsure footing after missing time with tonsillitis. The team signed Casey Bramlet on Aug. 27 but released him on Saturday. Baltimore is expected to add another veteran quarterback.