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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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Get Back to Being Nasty

The Ravens have been at their best when the defense is flying all over the field making plays. That starts with the guys up front getting after the quarterback and creating that havoc, allowing the guys behind to make plays.

The goal of the offseason was to improve the pass rush. They used draft picks on Kamalei Correa, Bronson Kaufusi and Matt Judon, while adding Victor Ochi as an undrafted free agent. With Suggs and Dumervil out for this game, we will get to see if these young guys can be the future of the Ravens’ defense.

Newton brings a unique challenge with his ability to run and pass. While Newton is clearly the better player, the Ravens will see another mobile quarterback in Robert Griffin twice a year as a member of the Cleveland Browns. You want to see the pass rushers be able to not only get to the quarterback, but contain him if the play breaks down.

The secondary has been revamped and the Panthers have two huge wide receivers in Devin Funchess and Kelvin Benjamin, as well as tight end Greg Olsen. The defense will have to play physical to handle the Panthers offense. We did not see that style of play last season.

Next: Ravens Second Open Practice Observations

There are plenty of other competitions to look out for during the first preseason game. There are position battles at left guard, cornerback and inside linebacker that also deserve attention, but the main concern is to exit the game healthy. The Ravens are already dealing with enough injuries, and I do not think any of us can go through another injury-riddled season.

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