The Ravens should be fine up the middle, despite having two starting guards who are in only their second seasons. Center Jason Brown has three years of playing experience and has Pro Bowl potential. Left guard Ben Grubbs has gotten bigger and is strong at the point of attack. Right guard Marshal Yanda is a tough run blocker, as well, and extremely physical. All three run well and can make blocks into the second level.
The key for this group right now is just playing together and getting its timing down. There is talent on the inside, but the verdict is still out on Gaither, Terry, Kracalik and rookie tackles Oniel Cousins and Joe Reitz.
Adding an established, veteran tackle would help the Ravens now, but not in the future. This is an offense in search of an identity.
There are some signs that point to success. This group is young and athletic. The Ravens have one of the game's best offensive line coaches in John Matsko, who has a strong resume after stops in Kansas City, St. Louis, with the New York Giants and New Orleans.
But it will be interesting to see how Cameron runs this offense. He likes a fast-paced offense and isn't afraid to gamble. He was brought in to build a high-octane offense for a team that was conservative during the previous nine seasons.
As much as some things change, others remain the same. It appears the Ravens will have to rely on a strong running game if they are to be successful and use a lot of two-tight-end formations. Because of the unstable quarterback situation and the team's inability to control the pass rush, the Ravens will have to use a lot of three-step-drop passes and keep in tight ends and running backs to help pass-block.
The Ravens' defense is still dominant, so if they are to win, they will have to win their share of 13-10 or 14-10 games.
We won't know anything until five or six games into the season. Harbaugh has already taken some criticism for hitting so much in practice, which has resulted in several injuries. But he has had no other choice. With so much youth on offense, he has had to get this team game-ready as fast as possible.
Odds are the Ravens don't have their tackles of the future on the roster, but team officials won't know unless the current tackles play.
So unless Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden comes out of retirement, all the Ravens can do is wait - and show some patience.
mike.preston@baltsun.com
