5. What position is causing the most concern?
It's at tight end, where the Ravens have a M*A*S*H unit. It appears the goal is to get starter Todd Heap (lower back) and backup L.J. Smith (groin) ready for training camp. The mystery is why Heap left at the end of last season with a back injury and returned to the offseason camps with basically the same injury. The coaching staff can't be happy.
6. What's the key for coach John Harbaugh this season?
Harbaugh's tough, hard-line approach has to be consistent with last season. If he changes after only one year of success, the players will question his sincerity. Harbaugh is known as a people person around the complex, and he can't stray too far from the groundwork he laid last season when he was tough but fair. The Ravens' front office is looking for consistency on the field as opposed to having a great year one season then barely winning four games the next.
7. How far is this offensive line away from being very good?
After another season, this group could become dominant. Right guard Marshal Yanda isn't practicing yet, but his knees look strong running and doing drills on the sideline. If Yanda fully recovers and Michael Oher can get the offense down by midseason, the Ravens would have one of the most athletic and youngest offensive lines in the NFL. The Ravens upgraded at the center position during the offseason when they acquired free agent Matt Birk.
8. Who will be the Ravens' breakout player?
It will be defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. Ngata is no secret to fans in Baltimore or offensive coordinators who have played against him, but he often gets overlooked by the Pro Bowl voters because the Ravens have other stars such as Lewis, safety Ed Reed and outside linebacker Terrell Suggs who overshadow him.
9. Speaking of Reed, are there any neck problems for him as he had last season heading into training camp?
I'm not sure because Reed says he won't speak to the media until training camp starts. But if there are problems, he will work them out before camp. The bottom line is that if Reed believes neck problems will hinder his performance or cause a permanent injury, he'll retire. It isn't about money for Reed. He's a smart man.
10. Will running back Willis McGahee have a productive season?
No one knows about McGahee. When the mind is right and the body is healthy, McGahee is one of the best running backs in the NFL. His offseason work habits, though, have to improve. McGahee might be the Ravens' biggest bust acquisition in team history, as he signed a seven-year, $40 million contract in March 2007 after the Ravens had traded three draft picks to the Buffalo Bills for him. If the Ravens could, I think they would fast-forward his exit right out of Baltimore.
