Is Joe Flacco Going To Suit Up?
By all indications, it looks unlikely that quarterback Joe Flacco will suit up for the Ravens' first preseason game. Head Coach John Harbaugh did not confirm that, opting not to get into player-by-player snap projections, but said, "I think everybody can figure out what's going to happen." If Flacco indeed stays on the sideline, it will be Ryan Mallett's game to start. After a rough time during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamp, Mallett has played better in training camp, per Harbaugh. Now he'll try to keep that momentum rolling.
Will Ronnie Stanley Make His Debut?
The Ravens' No. 6 overall pick suffered a soft-tissue injury in Saturday's stadium practice, but missed only one day on the field before returning for a lighter practice on Tuesday. It's unknown whether Baltimore's highly-touted rookie will be on the field for his first career game. If not, look for fourth-round pick Alex Lewis to man the left tackle spot.
Matching Up With Cam Newton
The Ravens will start the preseason against the reigning MVP, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. According to reports out of Carolina, Newton is expected to start and play a series or two. The Ravens will start the regular season with back-to-back mobile quarterbacks in the Bills' Tyrod Taylor and Browns' Robert Griffin III, so facing Newton will be good practice.
Young Guys Who Need To Shine
Harbaugh said tonight's game will be "one of those kinds of camp games that we learn about our young guys." Some of those players to watch are second-round pick Kamalei Correa, running backs Terrance West and rookie Kenneth Dixon, wide receivers Keenan Reynolds and Jeremy Butler, outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith and rookie cornerback Tavon Young. Baltimore's 11-man rookie class will be under the microscope in their first action against another NFL team.
The New Stadium Grass
There's been two practice sessions conducted* *on the new grass, and it got rave reviews from the players. Tonight will mark the first game, which is another level of wear and tear. Groundskeepers will have an eye on how the grass holds up over the course of the game, and the players will surely have their opinions. The Ravens are also debuting new field markings.
