Tonight's game in Charlotte, N.C., against the Panthers is the closest thing to the real Ravens you will see this preseason. As you probably already know, the third game is when most starters play into the third quarter and sometimes longer. The fourth and final preseason game is not even a good scrimmage; anyone who plays is hoping merely to avoid injury. Starters usually don't go more than a series or two. Any veteran with even a bruise will sit out.
But tonight is different. The Ravens are looking for more production, fewer mistakes and better cohesion from the regulars. And perhaps most specifically, they're looking for an improvement in the receiving game, aside from Derrick Mason, who clearly has not lost his passion. But for Demetrius Williams, Kelley Washington, Justin Harper, Yamon Figurs and Jayson Foster, it is last real chance to establish themselves before the season.
Williams, Washington and Harper all have had their moments in the preseason, as well as their missteps. None has been consistent. Figurs and Foster, meanwhile, could be fighting for the last receiver spot on the roster. The fact Figurs is no longer in the running to return kicks gives Foster a leg up.
Here are some other positions to look at:
LEFT TACKLE: Rookie Michael Oher faces Carolina pass rusher Julius Peppers. Oher has had a strong preseason; Peppers, who reluctantly accepted his franchise tag, has not. Oher is quick enough to make Peppers invisible again.
KICKER: Steve Hauschka needs only not to self-destruct and he wins the battle with Graham Gano. Last year, Hauschka took the extra spot on the roster when Matt Stover was the kicker. That's the spot John Harbaugh wants for a position player now.
KICK RETURNER: Chris Carr and Lardarius Webb are the two finalists for the job. Carr was signed with the explicit purpose of shoring up a weak return game. Webb has proved to be a quick study and has made great strides. Expect both players to return kicks into the season and both to get playing time in the secondary.
RIGHT GUARD: The return of Marshal Yanda from major knee surgery is ahead of schedule. The Ravens will rest Chris Chester (strained calf) tonight, and Yanda will get more than the seven snaps he had last week. The Ravens are well stocked at the position.
CORNERBACK: Frank Walker can't afford another poor game tonight after last week's outing. Derrick Martin and rookie K.J. Gerard have looked good at times in the preseason.
