Basics
Kickoff: 7 p.m., ET, Hard Rock Stadium
TV: WBAL Ch. 11 (Baltimore)
Radio: WBAL (1090 AM) & 98Rock (97.9 FM)
Stakes
This is dress rehearsal week of the preseason, when starters typically see the most action. The Ravens have won 11 straight preseason games. Why not keep the good karma going, especially with the regular season drawing closer? Joe Flacco will look to lead effective drives with the first-team offense. The Ravens' defense, with 12 sacks in three games, will put its bullseye on Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
History
The Ravens have had their way with the Dolphins recently. Last preseason, the Ravens won easily over Miami, 31-7. Then in Week 8 last season, the Ravens blasted the Dolphins, 40-0, on a Thursday night, a game in which Flacco suffered a concussion after a vicious hit by Miami linebacker Kiko Alonso.
Key Storylines
Ravens' Return Game Needs to Be SharperTim White and Janarion Grant both fumbled on punt returns last week. Not good for two wide receivers trying to make the team. If neither White nor Grant step up, the Ravens may turn to Willie Snead IV as their returner for Week 1.
Offensive Line Injuries Are a Concern
Left tackle Ronnie Stanley and tackle/guard James Hurst did not practice this week. Right guard Marshal Yanda has not played all preseason. Rookie Greg Senat could start at left tackle, putting him under the microscope because of the Dolphins' two elite edge rushers in Cameron Wake and Robert Quinn. If the offense line can't hold up, the Ravens may play Flacco less than originally planned.
Door Is Open for Young Wide Receivers
Two roster spots are open at wide receiver, but somebody needs to step up. Will it be fifth-round pick Jordan Lasley, who had a key drop last week? Or fourth-round pick Jaleel Scott, who only played three snaps Monday against the Colts? Will Grant and White bounce back from their fumbles? A strong performance by any of those players would give them a leg up toward making the team.
Players to Watch
RT Orlando Brown Jr.He has a chance to lock up a starting spot as a rookie. Being matched against pass rushers like Wake and Quinn will be a good barometer to gauge whether Brown is ready.
Ravens tight ends
Friday's news that Hayden Hurst will miss 3-4 weeks due to a stress fracture in his foot creates a hole. The Ravens feel good about their tight end depth, and this will be an opportunity for Maxx Williams and others to shine.
*CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste *Jimmy Smith's four-game suspension opens a potential roster spot at corner. A strong game on special teams, and at corner, would be huge for Jean-Baptiste, who got an interception Monday in Indianapolis.
