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Baltimore Ravens vs. Carolina Panthers: 5 Things to Watch

By Joe Serpico

Jul 31, 2016; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws during the morning session of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2016; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws during the morning session of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kick Return Job Up for Grabs

Jun 14, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Kaelin Clay (16) fields a punt in front of cornerback Tavon Young (43) during the first day of minicamp sessions at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Kaelin Clay (16) fields a punt in front of cornerback Tavon Young (43) during the first day of minicamp sessions at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

One of the biggest disappointments of last season was the lack of excitement in the return game. Campanaro was given the job to start the season, but like much of the Ravens, injury ended his year and the team had to look elsewhere. Jeremy Ross was given the job next, but was cut after muffing two punts in three games.

That opened the door for Kaelin Clay to come in and take the job. He made his impact right away, scoring on a punt return in his second game against the Cleveland Browns, but other than that, he was not anything special. He also did not contribute on offense at a time when the Ravens did not have many options at receiver.

Reynolds is getting looks as a returner as the team looks to find ways to get the ball into his hands. Campanaro will be given a show to win the job again. Clay will be in the mix. While unlikely, Lardarius Webb and Steve Smith can return kicks if need be.

Whoever wins this job will likely be the last receiver on the roster so each will have to show their versatility. While it contradicts my 53-man roster prediction, it gives the leg up to Campanaro as Reynolds is inexperienced as a receiver and Clay failed to get on the field last season.

Next: Running Back Competition

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