demarcus ware

Ravens middle linebacker C.J. Mosley returned to practice Thursday, raising hope that the three-time Pro Bowl selection will play Sunday against the Denver Broncos.

One-time teammates at Ohio State, Joey Bosa and Noah Spence are now viewed as the top two edge rushers in April's draft, and either of them could be a solution in the Ravens' quest to jump-start a pass rush that did too little and was often far too late during a disappointing 2015 season.

If Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome needs to be convinced where the team should spend money this season, then hopefully he watched Super Bowl 50 Sunday.

In beating up the Carolina Panthers to win Super Bowl 50, the Denver Broncos showed the Ravens and other teams that it's imperative to have guys who can get to the quarterback.

The Broncos defense dominates as it takes down Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

Shaquil Barrett left Baltimore as a 15-year-old, seeking structure and motivation, and wanting to avoid getting caught in a trap that had ensnared so many teenagers around him. He has since been to many places in between. His latest stop might be the most improbable one of them all. Barrett, a reserve outside linebacker and special teams standout for the Denver Broncos, will play in Super Bowl 50 on Sunday.

Gary Kubiak acknowledged that the Broncos¿ head coaching job was probably the only position that he would have left the Ravens for following the 2014 season. He's now in the Super Bowl.

The welcome to the NFL moments for Darius Kilgo were plentiful during his first season with the Denver Broncos this fall. The former Maryland defensive tackle endured two-a-days at rookie minicamps last May, appeared in the Broncos' season opener against Baltimore in September and watched Tom Brady try to lead a last-minute New England comeback in the AFC championship game last week. And there's a bunch more ahead for him in the next week.

Cam Newton brings an added dimension to the quarterback position. There have been signal-callers — like Steve Young, Fran Tarkenton and Steve McNair — who ran out of necessity, and others, like Seattle's Russell Wilson, who took it further with some designed runs. But Newton is a threat as both a passer and runner, and unlike the others, he just doesn't give a damn who he has to fly over to win the championship.

Sun staff picks: Conference championship games

Ravens offensive coordinator Marc Trestman said Tuesday that he was encouraged to have starting left tackle Eugene Monroe back at practice this week, though he seemed to indicate his return to game action wasn't imminent.

These will be the three stars of the game when the Ravens visit the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.

When coach John Harbaugh said earlier in the week that the Ravens' needed their offensive tackles to play better, it was affirmation of something that James Hurst already knew. Hurst replaced Eugene Monroe at left tackle early in last Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos and he struggled to block DeMarcus Ware, allowing seven quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. Ravens right tackle Rick Wagner had similar problems on the other side dealing with Von Miller.

The offensive line was supposed to be the strength of the Ravens, but tackles James Hurst and Rick Wagner were exposed Sunday by the Denver Broncos

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco allowed the Broncos¿ defense to do what their offense seemingly couldn¿t: get in the end zone. Cornerback Aqib Talib got position on Steve Smith Sr., intercepted Flacco¿s pass and returned it 53 yards for the go-ahead score. Those were the decisive points as the Broncos dropped the Ravens, 19-13, in front of an announced 76,798 at Sports Authority Field.

Ravens left tackle Eugene Monroe lasted just one drive before he was forced from the game with a concussion.

Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston picks three key matchups for the Ravens' regular season opener against the Broncos in Denver.

Baltimore Sun reporter Jeff Zrebiec breaks down the offense, defense, special teams and intangibles heading into the Ravens' game against the Broncos in Denver.

Ravens right tackle Rick Wagner proved ill-prepared for his rookie debut as a substitute in Denver in 2013, but returns there one of the league's best young tackles.

Five stats that stand out as the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos prepare for the 2015 season opener Sunday at Sports Authority Field.

The Denver Broncos led the NFL with 20 sacks during preseason, but they know that number won't mean a thing unless they do it during the regular season.

Ravens outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil, approaching 100 career sacks, has two goals: break the single-season NFL sack record and win a Super Bowl.

As difficult as it is to imagine, Maryland defensive end Andre Monroe was once considered too big for his sport.

Utilizing a powerful bull rush, a crisp spin move and speed off the edge, Ravens outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil is tied for second in the NFL with seven sacks.

They had more salary cap space than usual and a host of needs, but the Ravens stuck to the free-agent plan that had served them well in the past.

Since the Ravens launched training camp last week, a deep, versatile defensive line has dominated blockers in what could be a sneak preview of the season. It's early, but depth upfront appears transformed into a hallmark instead of a question mark.

Tank Carradine visits the Ravens' training complex today after meeting with Philadelphia Eagles team officials on Monday.

ACC pass rusher is coming off torn anterior cruciate ligament, clouding his draft outlook

Every morning, Monday through Friday, blogger Matt Vensel will hook you up with reading material -- mostly on the Ravens but with some other Baltimore sports stuff, too -- to skim through as you slug down coffee and slack off at the start of your workday.

The Ravens offensive line will face another tough test in the Super Bowl on Sunday. The 49ers have one of the most physical and effective fronts in the NFL, and one of the most feared pass rushers in football in linebacker Aldon Smith, who will be chasing after Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco all evening.

Jermaine Carter, a Maryland linebacker commitment, talks about playing for the Terps.

Each Wednesday, blogger Matt Vensel will highlight five statistics that really mean something for the Ravens.

Baltimore Ravens practice squad linebacker being called up

Baltimore Ravens right guard Marshal Yanda discusses Texans defensive end J.J. Watt's ability, which includes a knack for knocking down passes at the line of scrimmage.

If not for late botched two-point conversion where Bryant dropped an accurate Romo pass, this game likely heads to overtime. Instead, the Ravens notched their 15th consecutive home victory.

Jeff Zrebiec has Baltimore Ravens news, notes and opinions on Ray Lewis, Lardarius Webb, Haloti Ngata, Joe Flacco and much more.

Ravens offensive guard Bobbie Williams makes his starting debut for Baltimore.

The Ravens are planning on taking a cautious approach with injured NFL Defensive Player of the Year outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, according to team and league sources.

With the exception of a single spin move by Dallas Cowboys star outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware to get past left offensive tackle Michael Oher and tackle quarterback Joe Flacco, the Ravens allowed just one sack Sunday.

Ravens cash in on signing returner Jacoby Jones during offseason

Bobbie Williams slated to start for Ramon Harewood at left guard; Jacoby Jones could add kick return duties to his plate