The Ravens wrapped up about two weeks worth of practice and is ready to begin preseason Thursday night in Atlanta.
While the Ravens have seen plenty of positives thus far (Joe Flacco's play, the strength of the secondary and the depth at wide receiver, to name a few), many questions remain.
No one knows yet how defensive coordinator Dean Pees will utilize his linebackers to make up for Terrell Suggs' Achilles injury. And the jury's still out on whether backup QB Tyrod Taylor is someone Baltimore can rely on if he's called upon.
Here are some questions to answer during the preseason:
1. How will the new-look pass rush look?
Without Suggs in the lineup, Baltimore needs to scheme a way to get its outside linebackers attacking the quarterback. No one will replace Suggs' production alone, but collectively they'll try to make up for his absence. For now, rookie Courtney Upshaw is penciled in as the starting rush linebacker, though he's unlikely to play against Atlanta on Thursday due to a shoulder injury. Paul Kruger had five sacks as a pass rushing specialist last year but is moving primarily to the strongside position. Kruger has to learn how to set the edge against the run, as well as drop into coverage. The exhibition season will give valuable reps to Sergio Kindle and Albert McClellan as both are hoping to earn spots into the defensive rotation. How this unit produces in the preseason will be extremely important moving forward.
2. Can CB Corey Graham be just as impressive against other teams?
No one really expected CB Graham to do as well on defense as he has since signing with Baltimore this past spring. But with Jimmy Smith dealing with a back injury, Graham has moved up the depth chart and is working as the No. 1 nickel back. Graham has intercepted more passes than the other corners this preseason and has had the best training camp of any defender. However, it's one thing to go against your own offense each day. He'll need to replicate that production against other teams to earn believers.
3. Can Tyrod Taylor become a dependable backup QB?
Joe Flacco's proven he's a durable quarterback, having never missed a game in his first four seasons. But you never know what can happen and every team needs a backup quarterback it can trust. The coaching staff has been high on Taylor since the Ravens drafted him in the sixth round last year, and he's been impressive in camp. His arm is stronger and the game appears to be slowing down for him. However, if something happens to Flacco, will Taylor be able to carry the load? Taylor figures to see a ton of snaps this preseason, which could further cement his status as someone the team can trust if he's needed.
4. How well will the offensive line gel?
Things appear to be heading in the right direction now that LT Bryant McKinnie is in camp and working in with the first team again. But a lot of eyes will be focused on McKinnie, to see if the offseason cardio work has paid off. In addition, how many reps will Michael Oher get at left tackle? And is there really a competition at the position like coach John Harbaugh has stated? Rookie Kelechi Osemele is someone to watch as he's put in a strong performance during his first two weeks of training camp. Also, will LG Bobbie Williams be able to produce like Pro Bowl guard Ben Grubbs did a year ago?
5. Will Tucker truly challenge Cundiff?
Rookie kicker Justin Tucker has impressed throughout the preseason, highlighted by a 62-yard field goal he made during an open practice at M&T Bank Stadium in front of over 20,000 fans. However, the job is still incumbent Billy Cundiff's to lose. Cundiff will need to give the Ravens a reason for them to choose another kicker over him, by showing the team can no longer trust him. Tucker's leg may be stronger but Cundiff's proved he's an accurate kicker inside of 50 throughout his tenure in Baltimore. Cundiff will need to slip up in a big way to lose the job.
Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLBAL.