The Ravens ended training camp at Western Maryland College after 31 days yesterday, and the team has fewer questions heading into the start of the season than in its previous two years in Baltimore.

Offensively, the Ravens have found two tough running backs to anchor their new two-back set, a new left guard, a surprising rookie wide receiver to complement an old one and a consistent quarterback.

Defensively, the Ravens have had continued success with blitzes, have solid depth at linebacker and on the defensive line and have been encouraged by the development of a young secondary.

Questions? Can first-year player Jeff Mitchell handle the starting center position? How much did the 15-day holdout affect No. 1 draft pick Duane Starks? Will Michael Jackson emerge as the Ravens' go-to receiver? Can veterans Stevon Moore and Rod Woodson hold up in the secondary? Who will emerge as the starting punter, Greg Montgomery or Kyle Richardson?

There is one conclusion thus far: Because the Ravens are no longer in salary cap jail, free-agent acquisitions and the fear of being cut have created fierce competition to produce the best team yet.

"It's been an excellent training camp," said coach Ted Marchibroda. "Everything has been on the positive side. We've had no major injuries, and the team is developing unity and camaraderie. I am happy with where the draft choices are, especially the first two. The new guys have adjusted well and in the past two games we have played efficiently."

This training camp has been filled with intensity since the opening day July 20 when middle linebacker Ray Lewis set the tone by tackling and knocking the helmet off fullback Kenyon Cotton.

A year ago, the Ravens had already penciled in rookie linebackers Peter Boulware and Jamie Sharper as starters with rookie Kim Herring moving into a starting position later.

The Ravens eventually kept 11 of their 12 draft picks. This year only two of seven picks are definitely on the roster -- Starks, a cornerback from the University of Miami, and Oregon receiver Patrick Johnson, the No. 2 pick.

"A lot of rookies had a chance to make the team last year," said Sharper. "This year we're pretty much set except for a few positions on offense. But there are a lot of guys fighting for spots as backups or on special teams. It's a whole new ballgame around here compared to a year ago."

It all starts with the offensive backfield, where Jim Harbaugh has replaced Vinny Testaverde at quarterback. There were concerns about Harbaugh's arm strength after an unimpressive mini-camp June, but he has quietly put his mark on this team with his blue-collar approach.

In two games, Harbaugh has completed 19 of 25 passes for 186 yards. He has been able to throw both short and long accurately. The best may be yet to come.

"He has progressed well," said quarterbacks coach Don Strock. "It's a loose system for him and he has picked it up real well. He made a few mistakes in the last game as far as picking up blitzes, but that has to be expected. He is still getting adjusted to new receivers and patterns. Although he was under Ted in Indy, it's still new for him."

Both fullback Roosevelt Potts and halfback Errict Rhett, signed during the off-season, have played well, even though Potts has been slowed by a knee injury.

Rhett has gained 136 yards on 32 carries and seems to be closing the gap on second-year player Jay Graham, who has 52 yards on 18 carries.

Rhett, though, needs to learn the offense better and how to run when not in the I-formation. Marchibroda still likes Graham.

"Errict Rhett has been what I pictured him to be and more," said Al Lavan, running backs coach. "He leaves it on the field in every way. Jay's numbers aren't as impressive, but he has run well."

"Jay is going to be all right," said Marchibroda. "He needs a game like the one he had against Philadelphia last year so he can gain some confidence."

Tight end Eric Green has gained the confidence of both Harbaugh and Marchibroda, and he should be a major factor. Wide receiver Jermaine Lewis showed he will have no problem moving from the slot to an outside position, and Johnson was the most impressive rookie in training camp. He'll be the third receiver to replace either Lewis or Jackson if either goes down with an injury. Floyd Turner has moved ahead of Ryan Yarborough as backup to James Roe in the slot.

L Jackson missed the last week of camp with a shoulder injury.

"I thought Michael had a pretty good training camp," said Marchibroda. "He has been a little banged up and missed the last game, but he has played well. Due to the nature of this offense he won't catch as many passes as he has in the last two years, but the receptions will be big ones, catches that are significant."

The only other question is at center. Starting left guard Sale Isaia was injured in the first week of camp and Marchibroda put former center Wally Williams at the position after Williams ended a 24-day holdout. Mitchell missed all his rookie season last year with a knee injury.

"Jeff has gotten better every week," said Marchibroda. "I think with Wally at left guard, we became a lot stronger."

Defensively, the Ravens had fewer holes to fill. The battle for starting right cornerback never took place because Starks reported late in a contract holdout. At the same time, incumbent third-year player DeRon Jenkins was getting better.

But it may just be a matter of time before Starks replaces Jenkins. Starks has more natural ability. Marchibroda, though, was pleased with all his young defensive backs, including safeties Herring and Ralph Staten.

"Duane is very talented, very comfortable as a corner," said defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis. "He can be as good as he wants to be. He has the same air about him that Ray Lewis brought in here with him."

The Ravens signed Woodson to play as well as teach and were trying to get similar production from strong safety Stevon Moore, who had major surgery on both knees last year.

Moore missed the last two weeks of practice with a separated shoulder and Woodson, despite playing well, was allowed to take a few days off in training camp.

"We've had some young guys who have stepped up," said Marchibroda. "That's why guys like Kim Herring and Ralph Staten got a lot of reps in the first two games. We have to get those guys ready. I'm happy with the way they have played."

Two units that have had few problems are the defensive line and linebackers. The two groups may have the most depth on the team. The Ravens picked up where they left off last season, blitzing constantly in the first two games and collecting nine sacks.

Defensive ends Michael McCrary and Rob Burnett, both of whom were bothered by knee injuries last season, combined for three sacks and McCrary was largely responsible for two collected by Ray Lewis.

"I think we have done a good job of executing," said Marvin Lewis, whose defense has allowed only an average of 116 yards in two preseason games. "We continue to refine things and communicate."

The Ravens still have to find a punter. Montgomery has averaged 47.5 yards on four punts and Richardson 44.7 on three. Marchibroda said the decision probably won't be made for at least another week.

The Ravens also must decide what to do with a number of promising young defensive linemen like rookies Lional Dalton, Martin Chase, Larry Fitzpatrick and Chartric Darby.

The Ravens would like to put some of them on the regular roster or on the developmental squad, but the latter would be a risk because the team would have to cut and put them on waivers first.

Pub Date: 8/20/98