1. Who’s going to win the strong safety job?
Former third-round draft pick Tom Zbikowski gets the starting nod tonight after Bernard Pollard started the previous week. Pollard is an enforcer type who blitzes and looks like a linebacker. Zbikowski’s coverage has been steady, but needs to make some big plays. Quietly, Haruki Nakamura has turned in a strong preseason with eight tackles and a sack.
2. Who’s going to win the third wide receiver job?
It’s a three-man battle between rookies Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss and kick returner David Reed. They all have different strengths, but Reed made a power move last week with three catches for 68 yards. He has the most explosive style of the candidates. Smith is fast, but raw in his patterns. Doss is sure-handed and runs crisp routes.
3. What’s going on at cornerback?
Rookie first-round cornerback Jimmy Smith and Cary Williams started last week against the Kansas City Chiefs and Williams worked with the first-team defense all week, but Smith split time with veteran Domonique Foxworth. Foxworth is still not fully over last year’s torn anterior cruciate ligament.
4. Is Pernell McPhee the answer to the Ravens’ third-down pass rush?
For two consecutive games, the fifth-round defensive end has forced a fumble only to have it nullified due to an instant-replay review. Although he’s frustrated with the calls, McPhee has show the coaching staff that he’s a legitimate pass rusher. Look for him in sub packages.
5. Will the first-team offense look sharp?
Midway through the preseason, Joe Flacco has yet to throw a touchdown pass and has completed only half his attempts. The lockout definitely seems to have affected timing with receivers.
6. Who’s in and who’s out?
The following players can be ruled out: center Matt Birk (knee) and newly-signed offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie and outside linebacker Michael McAdoo, wide receiver James Hardy (hamstring) and offensive guard Marshal Yanda (back spasms). Outside linebacker Jarret Johnson (back spasms) is expected to play and cornerback Chris Carr (hamstring) is a question mark.
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times.
