Here are three areas to focus on when Baltimore takes on Detroit in Friday’s preseason contest:
Will Cundiff perform under pressure? Special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg said veteran kicker Billy Cundiff will get the first field goal attempt. In a perfect scenario, the Ravens will have enough tries for both Cundiff and rookie Justin Tucker. Tucker has outperformed Cundiff in practice by making 95 percent of his attempts. Still, there’s a general feeling the job is Cundiff’s to lose. If Cundiff can prove he can still hit big kicks in game situations then the safer he’ll be when Baltimore is forced to trim its roster down.
Pierce gets his shot: Baltimore’s hoping rookie running back Bernard Pierce will put in a strong showing against a tough Detroit front line. If he does, the organization will feel more secure about what they have at backup running back. Last year, the Ravens signed Ricky Williams during free agency due to the youth and inexperience behind Rice. If Pierce proves he can step in and spell Rice when needed, then Baltimore won’t have to worry about a roster move any time soon.
Both fronts: The starting offensive and defensive lines were beaten by Atlanta a week ago and they’ll have a chip on their collective shoulders against Detroit. The offensive line could have center Matt Birk back which could help communication, especially for new left guard Bobbie Williams. Going against Detroit's stout defensive front can only help the line prepare for the regular season. The defensive line generated little pass rush up the middle against an average Atlanta offensive line. Baltimore will need more of an interior pass rush while Terrell Suggs sits out with an Achilles injury.
Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLBAL and @JasonButtCBS.
Will Cundiff perform under pressure? Special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg said veteran kicker Billy Cundiff will get the first field goal attempt. In a perfect scenario, the Ravens will have enough tries for both Cundiff and rookie Justin Tucker. Tucker has outperformed Cundiff in practice by making 95 percent of his attempts. Still, there’s a general feeling the job is Cundiff’s to lose. If Cundiff can prove he can still hit big kicks in game situations then the safer he’ll be when Baltimore is forced to trim its roster down.
Pierce gets his shot: Baltimore’s hoping rookie running back Bernard Pierce will put in a strong showing against a tough Detroit front line. If he does, the organization will feel more secure about what they have at backup running back. Last year, the Ravens signed Ricky Williams during free agency due to the youth and inexperience behind Rice. If Pierce proves he can step in and spell Rice when needed, then Baltimore won’t have to worry about a roster move any time soon.
Both fronts: The starting offensive and defensive lines were beaten by Atlanta a week ago and they’ll have a chip on their collective shoulders against Detroit. The offensive line could have center Matt Birk back which could help communication, especially for new left guard Bobbie Williams. Going against Detroit's stout defensive front can only help the line prepare for the regular season. The defensive line generated little pass rush up the middle against an average Atlanta offensive line. Baltimore will need more of an interior pass rush while Terrell Suggs sits out with an Achilles injury.
Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLBAL and @JasonButtCBS.
