Generally, the best NFL teams in the red zone can run it into the end zone. While Ray Rice has solidified himself as the starter, McGahee has received most of the work close to the goal line.
Besides the Statue of Liberty play to Rice against the New York Jets, McGahee has carried the ball on five of the Ravens' six runs inside the 5-yard line (Le'Ron McClain had the other rushing attempt).
McGahee scored on a 1-yard run in the second quarter Saturday, showing he can still punch the ball into the end zone. In five NFL seasons, he has 38 rushing touchdowns.
"I love the goal line," McGahee said. "It's a hit-or-miss play. Nine times out of 10, I want it to be a hit."
McGahee might have scored earlier if not for the Ravens stopping themselves. On their most frustrating drive, they took the ball to the Carolina 1-yard line.
On second-and-goal, rookie right tackle Michael Oher committed a false start. On second down from the 6, the Ravens were penalized for delay of game. Then, on second down from the 11, Flacco was sacked.
In three snaps, the Ravens went from the 1-yard line to the Panthers' 15. That's why the Ravens were pleased by their offensive performance but not satisfied.
"If we could have gotten rid of a couple costly penalties, we really would have accomplished everything we wanted," Heap said. "If we eliminate those penalties, I think we'll be right where we want to be."
Notes: : The Ravens are 3-0 in the preseason for the first time since 2000, their Super Bowl season. "That doesn't really mean anything in the big scheme because they don't count," Harbaugh said. ... The Ravens have to cut their roster from 80 players to 75 on Tuesday. ... Thirteen players, including kicker Graham Gano, quarterbacks Cleo Lemon and Drew Willy, and wide receiver Yamon Figurs suited up Saturday night but didn't play.
Dead zone
Over the previous four seasons, the Ravens haven't ranked higher than 25th in the red zone:
Year Rank TD pct
2005 t-28th 38.1
2006 28th 42.3
2007 27th 42.2
2008 25th 47.1
FINAL
PRESEASON GAME
Ravens @Falcons, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Ch. 11, MASN
Radio: 97.9 FM, 1090 AM
Inside
Preston:
Re-sign Stover PG 5
