tandon doss

The Falcons ended the first half with a 20-7 lead in the Ravens¿ preseason home opener in front of an announced 70,527 at M&T Bank Stadium. But the Ravens came back in the second half to beat the Falcons, 27-23.

With as many as six new defensive starters from the team that won Super Bowl XLVII in February, it was probably inevitable that the Ravens would deal with some communication issues, especially this early in training camp. However, a few too many surfaced in the Ravens' preseason-opening 44-16 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week.

Tight end Dallas Clark practiced with the Ravens for the first time and immediately made a favorable impression. With Thursday's preseason game looming, it was a light practice in terms of competitiveness, but Clark had three touchdowns inside the 20.

Newly signed slot receiver Brandon Stokley practiced with the Ravens for the first time Monday, but it was obvious that he was unfamiliar with his new teammates and what he was supposed to be doing on a few plays, which is understandable considering he was lining up on his couch a few days ago.

Apparently in the two weeks after the season-ending injury to tight end Dennis Pitta, the Baltimore Ravens had seen enough of their young receiving corps and a patchwork group of tight ends to decide they needed to bring in a pair of veteran slot specialists.

Wanting to add more depth at wide receiver and give quarterback Joe Flacco a couple of reliable, veteran targets, the Ravens struck deals with wide receiver Brandon Stokley and tight end Dallas Clark, two former Indianapolis Colts who have familiarity with offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell.

The arrival of veteran tight end Dallas Clark in Baltimore is expected to trigger an impact beyond his skills at eluding safeties and linebackers.

Sunday's open practice at M&T Bank Stadium started at 5:00 p.m. and ended around 7:15. Approximately 2,500 fans attended. It was partially cloudy and temperatures were in the mid 80s. Players wore full pads for the second straight practice.

Matt Vensel recaps Baltimore Ravens training camp for August 10, 2013.

While many of the Ravens wide receivers had disappointing performances in the preseason-opening victory, LaQuan Williams stood out with three big plays.

The Ravens defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Thursday night's preseason opener. While many of the starters only played a quarter, they were in there long enough to make a few observations about when and how certain players were being used and what formations the Ravens were lining them up in.

Here's what other media outlets are saying about the Ravens' 44-16 victory on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Already thin at wide receiver, the Ravens now are concerned about the health of Deonte Thompson who appeared to hurt his ankle in the 44-16 victory over Tampa Bay.

By the time the downpour came and lighting flashed around the perimeter of Raymond James Stadium, Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Haloti Ngata and Terrell Suggs had long found a spot on the Ravens¿ sideline where they would remain the rest of the night.

Most of the Ravens' position battles won't be decided until much later in the preseason, but the starting lineups for Thursday's opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers included no significant surprises.

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

As soon as he saw the ball hit Dennis Pitta's hands, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco threw his arms up in the air anticipating a touchdown. Pitta had made similar plays so many times last season and there was nothing to suggest that Flacco's first throw during the Ravens' third full-team practice would result in anything different.

The Baltimore sports scene is blessed with a bunch of talented bloggers who bring their unique perspective to the conversation. This week, we exchanged emails with Kris Jones, who blogs about the Ravens for Russell Street Report.

Baltimore Ravens training camp highlights from August 2, 2013

Veteran wide receiver Anquan Boldin gave him advice as a rookie, so now he's taking on a leadership role

The Ravens' first official depth chart lists Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata as the starting nose guard.

Ravens starting offensive guard Kelechi Osemele returned to practice for the first time since straining his right hamstring last week.

Matt Vensel recaps the Baltimore Ravens' training camp practice for July 28, 2013.

The Ravens couldn't have asked for much better weather to start training camp. The first full-team workout, which started at 2:30 and finished just after 5, played out under sunny skies and in temperatures in the mid-to-high 70's. Players, who undoubtedly appreciated the break from the summer heat, wore shells.

Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones has been placed on the non-football injury list. He didn't pass the mandatory conditioning test, according to a source.

The Baltimore sports scene is blessed with a bunch of talented bloggers who bring their unique perspective to the conversation. This week, we exchanged emails with Phil Gentile, who blogs about the Baltimore Ravens for Purple Reign.

The Ravens will continue to monitor the free agent market, but their primary focus is on evaluating the wide receivers currently on the roster and giving them every opportunity to prove themselves.

Jacoby Jones is currently the starting wide receiver opposite Torrey Smith on the Ravens' depth chart. Although Jones is designated as the favorite to earn a starting job with Anquan Boldin traded to the San Francisco 49ers, he'll face competition for the position.

They have hosted parties and attended parades in their honor. They have made appearances on "Live with Kelly and Michael", "Dancing with the Stars" and the "Late Show with David Letterman." They shook hands with the president and then admired their own hands after sliding on sparkling new rings.

It's surprising that someone who scored three unforgettable touchdowns during the Ravens' Super Bowl run then spent his spring shimmying on national television is getting overlooked in the discussion about who will be the other starting wide receiver opposite Torrey Smith, but Jacoby Jones isn't getting mentioned enough.

In the wake of Michael Crabtree tearing his Achilles tendon, the San Francisco 49ers' trade for former Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin became an even more pivotal acquisition.