The youngest team in NFL history threw some rookies into the starting lineup on opening day. Others needed time to find their niche, and Chester Taylor has located his as the Ravens' third-down back.
In the first seven games, Taylor caught two passes. In the past five, he has hauled in 10, a measure of his growing comfort level with the pro game and the staff's increased confidence in one of the Ravens' three sixth-round draft choices. His first NFL touchdown came Sunday in Houston, on an 11-yard reception on third-and-seven.
"I'm just trying to get on the field any way I can," Taylor said. "If they need me to catch the ball, that's what I'll do. I always could catch the ball. It was already a strong part of my game, I just get to show it more now."
Taylor was runner-up in the Mid-American Conference balloting for Player of the Year last season, when he rushed for 1,492 yards and caught 26 passes. He isn't carrying the ball any more now than he did in October - he has 27 rushes for the season - but coach Brian Billick says he would be a capable replacement if Jamal Lewis were to go down with an injury.
"Jamal has been great, and healthy," Billick said. "God forbid anything ever happens to him, but if Chester had to go in and carry the load for the game, we would feel very, very comfortable. We would not have to cut back on anything, or change anything. He's a good, solid, complete player."
Taylor, 5 feet 11 and 213 pounds, has patience and a solid work ethic in his favor. He went to Toledo as an NCAA partial qualifier. Academic shortcomings required him to graduate in four years in order to get his final year of eligibility. In spring 2001, he earned a degree in sports administration, then led Toledo to 10 wins and a bowl victory. He finished as the No. 2 all-time rusher in MAC history.
Redman still waiting
Chris Redman remains questionable (50-50), but for the fourth straight week, he'll be listed as the backup quarterback tomorrow against the Browns. The back injury that, in effect, ended his season, however, must be remedied in the coming months.
"We're going to have to sit down soon and discuss the long term," Redman said. "Do I need to get an operation or not? That's still in question. It would be a simple surgery, taking a disc out. I don't think I'm quite 100 percent, but I think it will come back in time. I feel a lot better from when I first had it, but I still have some ways to go."
Redman understands the confusion that his condition has caused fans, who have wondered why he doesn't play despite being listed on the depth chart.
"It's a question of going a full game, how I'm going to handle that," Redman said.
Yesterday's final injury report included an upgrade. Center Mike Flynn (knee) improved from questionable to probable.
Extra points
After registering just two sacks combined in games 10-12, the Ravens got to opposing quarterbacks five times in the past two, and a pass rush is imperative against quarterback Tim Couch and a Browns team that seems more comfortable on the road. ... The player introductions for the home finale will recognize Pro Bowl selections Peter Boulware, Todd Heap and Jonathan Ogden, and what the Ravens would describe only as a few "surprises."