AFC. (NFL: First Quarter Reports).(American Football Conference, National Football League)

Baltimore Ravens

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READY TO GO: The team is looking for improvement in the play of its inexperienced secondary now that it is finally back at full strength. Second-year CB Gary Baxter missed extensive time in the preseason with an ankle injury, but had five tackles against Tampa Bay in his first game. FS Ed Reed, who missed time because of a contract holdout, was slow to pick up things but is improving. Reed was particularly slow in pass defense but has made great strides. SS Will Demps is back too, and this week will mark the first time all four starters are in the lineup at the same time.... Instead of having the breakout season once projected for him, Brandon Stokley remains a third-down possession receiver. He has been slowed by ankle and knee injuries.

BIGGEST SURPRISE: RB Jamal Lewis has been a major weapon in the backfield. He runs hard and has good acceleration and enough speed to get around the corner. He leads the team in rushing and is second in receptions. Lewis had decent hands in college, but wasn't an effective pass catcher his rookie season. If he had a decent offensive line in front of him, there would be fewer questions about his ongoing recovery from knee surgery in August 2001.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: The offensive line. C Mike Flynn and LG Casey Rabach have failed to pick up blitzes and have allowed penetration up the middle on running plays. Neither Flynn nor Rabach are very big, Out coach Brian Billick prefers versatile linemen over big ones. With Edwin Mulitalo back at left guard after a failed move to right tackle, the unit should be stronger.

SYSTEMS CHECK: The team is trying to be conservative and stay in games until the fourth quarter, but it doesn't have the playmakers to do so. There should be more gambling early in games. What difference does it make if a team loses by one point or 14? A short passing offense is used to control the dock, but the offense doesn't have the experience, especially at quarterback, to run 10- to 12-play drives. This is a team that needs to use more deception and get more creative. Once the Ravens get outside their own 40, they should open up the offense to get at least into field-goal range. Defensively, the team can't stop the pass or run. Teams are running for big yards on third down. Opponents play for field goals because the team can't score.--Mike Preston

FIRST QUARTER GRADES