As far as Ravens Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs is concerned, there's no reason to overreact to a lackluster outing against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Ravens fell behind 20-7 by halftime, allowing255 yards of total offense as Falconsquarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones connected for a touchdown passand running back Steven Jackson rumbled for 42 yards on just eight carries.
And the starting offense struggled mightily, generating only 131 yards of total offense in the first half with quarterback Joe Flacco intercepted once.
"You've definitely got a concern, but I don't want you to confuse 'concern' with 'panic,'" Suggs said. "Atlanta is a hell of a team and they executed. Do you hit the panic button like, 'Oh my God this team is going to struggle against the run this year? Absolutely not. You get the things corrected and you take it into the next game. You definitely want to address the issues we saw out there Thursday night, but there's no cause for panic.
"I wouldn't want to be perfect now. I'd rather be perfect going into November and December. I say it all the time: 'No Super Bowls are won during the preseason, but you have lost some.' You can't be satisfied. You've got to continue to climb. You don't want to stay the same. You want to get better every week."
C. Johnson over headaches
Baltimore Ravens Insider
Veteran cornerback Chris Johnson was sidelined for almost a week with migraine headaches, which finally subsided to the point where he was allowed to return to practice Saturday.
"It was a long six days," Johnson said. "It felt good to be back out here with the fellas. I had the migraines for over a week and a half, and they were just taking precautions as far as me doing any hitting.
"If you get a concussion when you have a migraine, you don't know where it starts from. They were being safe with me. I appreciate it, and now I'm back out here."
Leaving an impression
Rookie cornerback Moe Lee was singled out during offseason practice as an undrafted free agent to watch by secondary coach Teryl Austin.
The former Utah player had an interception against the Buccaneers and is tied for first on the team with two special teams tackles through two preseason games.
"It's going really good," said Lee, a big corner at 6-foot-1, 191 pounds. "I'm just trying to learn as much as possible from the veterans. ... I'm used to being the underdog. It's a pretty good situation. I make plays. I don't really think about it. I try to be consistent in everything I'm doing."
Lee committed a mental gaffe when he lateraled the football in Tampa Bay after his interception in a manner reminiscent to former Ravens free safety Ed Reed.
Lee was immediately lectured by Suggs, who's emerging as a pivotal leader now that middle linebacker Ray Lewis is retired.
"I've always said we have a lot of veterans who could have done it," Suggs said. "I was just the first one there. He made a phenomenal play. I just told him, 'The fastest way to the end zone is north and south and you don't want to not score by trying to pitch it.
"Ed Reed was probably the best ever at it. He's had 12 years in the league, and this is Moe Lee's first. He did a good job, but let's just keep it basic and fundamental."
As advertised
When the Ravens signed Pro Bowl outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil to a $35 million contract, they envisioned a formidable pass-rush tandem with him and Suggs. Midway through preseason, the partnership is working out the way the Ravens thought it would.
"Yeah, it's what we expected," Harbaugh said. "As far as making some broad statement about what it means, we'll find out when the games start for real. They're both the real deal.
"I think Suggs is rushing the passer better than I've seen in the time I've been here. Dumervil is as good as advertised. Those guys work incredibly hard. They challenge our tackles every day, so they make each other better."
End zone
Pro Bowl offensive guard Marshal Yanda participated in team drills for the first time since returning to practice after offseason rotator cuff surgery. ... Dumervil didn't practice due to a minor groin injury. "I don't know," Harbaugh said when asked when Dumervil will return to practice. "It's not a serious deal, though." ... Outside linebacker Adrian Hamilton practiced without incident after having his right wrist X-rayed and undergoing a pair of MRIs. No broken bone was detected.
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