anthony allen

Eight days after a mediocre showing in the preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons, the Ravens offensive line fared much better in the team's 27-12 loss to the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium on Friday night. But Yanda, the starting right guard who earned a Pro Bowl invitation last season, said there's no reason to get giddy just yet.

In his NFL debut, Ravens rookie outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw immediately got his legs chopped out from under him when he tried to penetrate the Detroit Lions' backfield.

Despite impressive showings from rookies Bernard Pierce and Bobby Rainey, Allen and Berry eager to replace the retired Ricky Williams

Lardarius Webb, who led the defense in interceptions with five last season, has been just as opportunistic in camp.

From Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan being able to sit comfortably in the pocket to wide receiver Julio Jones running free in the Ravens' secondary to punter Sam Koch having to make a touchdown-saving tackle, the first quarter of the Ravens' eventual 31-17 victory gave the Ravens head coach numerous reasons for concern.

Upshaw, the team's first of two second-round picks in April, was one of several Ravens to return to the practice field today. Running back Anthony Allen, guard Marshal Yanda, linebacker Jameel McClain and defensive end Pernell McPhee, who all left practice early yesterday, were also on the practice field.

Aaron Wilson delivers his impressions on the Ravens roster from training camp.

With the secondary covering the receivers, the rest of the defense turned up the heat on the quarterbacks. Inside linebackers Ray Lewis and rookie Nigel Carr, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and outside linebacker Albert McClellan each got to the quarterbacks ¿ with Taylor getting tagged three times. McClellan and fellow outside linebacker Sergio Kindle also posted at least one quarterback hit each.

Jeff Zrebiec offers his take on the latest news and notes from Baltimore Ravens training camp.

Rookie running back competing with three others for chance to back up Ray Rice

Each morning, Monday through Friday, we'll hook you up with some reading material to skim through as you slug down coffee and slack off at the start of your workday.

Anthony Allen, Bernard Pierce and Damien Berry will compete for the right to back up Ravens starting running back Ray Rice.

Ray Rice rushed for 4,377 yards in his first four NFL seasons, all before the Ravens running back had celebrated his 25th birthday.

Baltimore Ravens running back Anthony Allen spent most of his rookie season watching from the sidelines. But with Rice in a contract negotiation and Williams in retirement, Allen enjoyed his opportunity this spring.

Jah Reid, who spent most of the week at right tackle, was carted off the practice field midway through Thursday's final day of minicamp. His right leg rested on the back of the cart. An assistant then helped Reid gingerly walk inside the practice facility to the trainer's room. Reid did not return. Early indication is that Reid avoided a major injury and the hope is that it is a strained calf, according to a source.

It's the Ravens' decision to fine Reed or not, but Harbaugh and owner Steve Bisciotti, made it clear in recent days they expected him to attend the minicamp despite the fact they hadn't spoken to Reed. However, Lewis has spoken to Reed and downplayed his long-time teammate's absence.

Ray Rice's absence from organized team activities has given the Ravens a chance to focus on a group of unproven players hoping to back up a player many consider the best all-around running back in the NFL.

Flacco, Rice, Boldin, Smith among players attending on Sunday

Quarterback Joe Flacco's focus is on the field and his Ravens teammates, not his contract status.

The Ravens began organized team activities Tuesday, marking the first time this offseason that the team's new rookies have been on the practice field with veterans.

From contract negotiations with quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Ray Rice to a potentially season-ending Achilles injury to star linebacker Terrell Suggs to coach John Harbaugh's comments on the New England Patriots to mercurial safety Ed Reed's controversial radio interviews, the Ravens have made plenty of off-the-field news this offseason.

Rice didn¿t address the ongoing contract negotiations between his agent, Todd France, and the Ravens. However, he left little doubt that he will be ready to play when he reports to the team. Rice is expected to sit out the various mini-camps and organized team activities.

Courtney Upshaw has agreed to terms with the Baltimore Ravens.

Here is a question that the Baltimore Ravens will have to answer in the coming weeks: Will they be comfortable going into the season without an experienced backup behind Pro Bowler Ray Rice?

The Ravens¿ front office has long been admired for its decision making during the draft, but Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta and Company also take great pride in the work that they do in the couple of hours following its conclusion. Offensive lineman Mike Flynn and linebackers Bart Scott, Jameel McClain and Dannell Ellerbe are among the undrafted free agents that the Ravens have signed and developed into key contributors.

After the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft Saturday, Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron made a cameo at the introductory press conference for Courtney Upshaw, Kelechi Osemele and Bernard Pierce. In addition to Kelechi, an Iowa State offensive lineman, and Pierce, the big Temple back, the Ravens had just drafted him another offensive player in Delaware center Gino Gradkowski.

Draft notes from day two for the Ravens

Ravens trade up to select Temple running back Bernard Pierce in the third round

Ravens Insider: Jeff Zrebiec presents an NFL draft edition of news, notes and opinions

While doing my homework on the Ravens and their history in the NFL draft, I spent a little time exploring our Ravens draft database (sorry for the shameless plug, but it's pretty neat feature if you haven't checked it out). In no particular order, here are some trends and random factoids from the 126 picks they've made in 16 years.

Every weekday through April 25, the day before the first round of the NFL draft, The Sun will examine where the Ravens stand at each position, the likelihood that they will address that spot early in the draft and some of the prospects that they may consider.

The Ravens will host plenty more prospects in the weeks ahead. There is a lot that goes into deciding what prospects come to team facilities in the days before the draft.