Running backs

Priest Holmes has emerged as the team's running back of the future. He made solid decisions, accelerated at the point of attack, but also made some great cutback moves and picked up the blitz on pass protection. Fullback Roosevelt Potts also had an outstanding night as the lead blocker. Grade: A.

Quarterback

Eric Zeier throws the long ball as well as anyone in the AFC Central. He made some soild reads and became more aware of pressure in the pocket as the game went on. He still needs to get a better feeling of backside pressure. Grade: B.

Receivers

The Ravens finally used the wid-outs Michael Jackson and Jermaine Lewis enough to make the Bengals back off the line of scrimmage. Both came up big, Jackson with a 40-yard reception late in the game and Lewis a 73 yard TD catch. Grade: B.

Offensive line

The tackle play from Jonathan Ogden and Orlando Brown was superb. Both guards also held their own, but Wally Williams' penalties in the fourth quarter that killed a drive were inexcuseable. Grade: A.

Defensive line

The Ravens got decent penetration but no support from the middle linebacker. Tackle Tony Siragusa, bothered by a neck injury, wasn't sharp but fellow tackle James Jones played well. ,, Both defensive ends Michael McCrary and Rob Burnett put pressure on the quarterbacks. Grade: C+.

Linebackers

Weak-side man Jamie Sharper played well and several times saved the Ravens on running plays that middle linebacker Tyrus McCloud should have stopped. Peter Boulware was excellent. Grade C.

Defensive backs

Cornerback DeRon Jenkins had a horrendous night and he'll be the focal point of a lot of game plans in the future. Fellow corner Rod Woodson made a game saving play at the end, but got burned guessing on several plays. Grade C-.

Special teams

Even though Jermaine Lewis returned a punt 87 yards for a touchdown, the special teams were disasterous, plagued by penalties. it's beginning to turn into a joke. Grade: D.

Pub Date: 9/28/98