albert mcclellan

Outside linebacker Paul Kruger pleased with showing in Ravens' 9-6 win last Sunday, but points out that being consistent is key to further development

The trend of reducing use of the no-huddle in noisy road venues continued at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Ravens¿ no-huddle was employed 49 of 77 snaps to generate 438 yards. The shotgun was utilized 41 times, buying time for Joe Flacco before pass rushers invaded the pocket.

Since we are four weeks into the NFL season, I figured now would be a great time to take a look at the snap counts for the 53 men on the Baltimore Ravens roster to see which trends are developing.

The no-huddle offense returned to prominence after disappearing a week ago in Philadelphia, using it on 44 of 65 snaps and piling up 503 yards of total offense.

After allowing Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek to exploit middle of field, Ravens defense proves to be much more effective vs. New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski

In his 13 years in the NFL, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has seen just about everything that a crazed, caffeine-infused defensive coordinator could possibly scribble on a whiteboard in the wee hours of the morning. But the Ravens tried their best to give him something different to think about on Sunday night.

The Ravens get a chance for some regular-season revenge on Sunday night against the New England Patriots, the team that beat them in January's AFC championship game. But for whatever reason, this rivalry game doesn't seem to have its usual juice. Maybe it's because Terrell Suggs is injured and therefore quiet. Maybe it¿s because Billy Cundiff and Lee Evans are gone. Or maybe it's because both teams are coming off losses. Still, despite the lack of buzzing coming into Sunday night, you can count on the energy and emotion ramping up as soon as the lights come on at M&T Bank Stadium, where the Ravens haven't lost in nearly two years.

Jeff Zrebiec breaks down each element of Sunday night's showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots at M&T Bank Stadium.

Four years ago, when Jameel McClain was in his rookie season with the Ravens, the undrafted free agent out of Syracuse first made his presence felt as a pass rusher. The gritty linebacker only had 16 tackles in 2008, but he recorded 2.5 sacks and a pair of safeties -- one more than Ray Lewis has in his long career.

Heading into a pivotal game Sunday night against the New England Patriots, the third-ranked defense from last season has plummeted to 27th overall. The Ravens already have allowed 808 yards of total offense, giving up an average of 5.6 yards per play.

Baltimore Ravens notes on Joe Flacco, Torrey Smith, Ray Rice, Albert McClellan, Kelechi Osemele and much more from Sun reporter Jeff Zrebiec.

An identity crisis unfolded as the Ravens' no-huddle offense was minimized to six plays out of 65 snaps ¿ just two after halftime none in fourth quarter.

Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston answers reader questions on the Baltimore Ravens.

Former Ravens running back Jamal to be inducted next week when Ravens play the Cleveland Browns

Baltimore Ravens linebackers Courtney Upshaw and Albert McClellan had productive games against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Ravens will play their first road game of the season Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that ran at will against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 and intercepted four passes but needed a late touchdown drive to win, 17-16. That's because Michael Vick threw four picks himself.

Jeff Zrebiec delivers his scouting report for the Baltimore Ravens vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.

Amongst the many options that Philadelphia has in quarterback Michael Vick, wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin and tight end Brent Celek, LeSean McCoy may be the most significant piece of the offensive puzzle.

In Courtney Upshaw's NFL debut, the second-round draft pick totaled four tackles, picked up his first career sack and hit Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton once more.

Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston answers a selection of reader questions about the Ravens' 44-13 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the season opener at M&T Bank Stadium.

Each Wednesday, blogger Matt Vensel will highlight five statistics that really mean something for the Ravens. This week, he looks at Joe Flacco's success with the deep ball against the Bengals, Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick's struggles with sacks, and more.

Baltimore Sun reporters break down the film from last week's games involving the Baltimore Ravens and their next opponent.

It's been a while since the Baltimore Ravens defense faced this many questions to start the season. One of the league's most established defenses suddenly has a new look.

As the Ravens prepare to play their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night at M&T Bank Stadium, here are 10 intriguing questions surrounding the team:

Baltimore Sun reporter Jeff Zrebiec delivers his scouting report on the Baltimore Ravens vs. the Cincinnati Bengals.

Outside linebacker enters season as starter for first time

Cornerbacks and safeties may have to aid pass rush lacking five-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year

After aggravating his strained right shoulder during the Ravens preseason finale, rookie outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw declared that he's ready to play in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

With three teams making the playoffs and two winning 12 games during the regular season, the AFC North was arguably the NFL's most competitive division last season. Unfortunately for the Ravens, it figures to be hyper-competitive again in 2012 -- well, except for anything involving the hapless Cleveland Browns.

Record-setting Prairie View A&M pass rusher excited about joining Ravens' practice squad

Baltimore Ravens rookie Courtney Upshaw, who was bothered throughout training camp by a sprained right shoulder, reinjured it in the second quarter of the Ravens¿ 31-17 loss.

Convinced that maintaining his mobility is the key to remaining a force at age 37, Ravens All-Pro middle linebacker Ray Lewis dieted and exercised his way down to his lightest weight since he was a rookie.

When Terrell Suggs went down with a torn right Achilles tendon in late April, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that second-round draft pick Courtney Upshaw would start at one of the outside linebacker spots for the Ravens in Week 1. That belief was reinforced this spring when the rookie linebacker from Alabama worked almost exclusively with the first-team defense.

For the Ravens' special teams, Friday night's game against the Detroit Lions was defined by squandered opportunities and miscommunication.

Cary Williams was matched up with Jones on most of the wide receiver¿s catches against the Falcons, though Pees said that the cornerback was ¿close¿ on a couple of the completions and it just came down to Ryan and Jones executing at the highest level.

Cornerback Jimmy Smith and outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw are the Ravens' top picks in the past two drafts, but they have more in common than just that.

Ravens outside linebacker Albert McClellan looped around the Atlanta Falcons' offensive line Thursday night, powerfully redirecting his charge to crash into quarterback John Parker Wilson.