Coffee Companion (9/14): your morning Ravens fix

Every morning, Monday through Friday, blogger Matt Vensel will hook you up with reading material -- mostly on the Ravens but with some other Baltimore sports stuff, too -- to skim through as you slug down coffee and slack off at the start of your workday. That way he’ll have an excuse to do the same to start his workday, too.

RUNNING IT BACK

Ray Rice is not displeased with his role in the Ravens’ no-huddle offense. … Defensive end Pernell McPhee expects to play Sunday, as does center Matt Birk. … The Philadelphia Eagles think they can keep pace with the no-huddle offense. … Tyrod Taylor has done his Michael Vick impersonation during practice this week.

RAVENS STUFF, BUT NOT FROM US

The no-huddle offense could help Joe Flacco get his new contract. … Consistency is Flacco’s next hurdle. … Pro Football Focus gave Michael Oher a strong grade for his work against the Cincinnati Bengals. … Football Outsiders broke down Ravens-Eagles in the film room. … If the Ravens can pressure Vick, they will clobber the Eagles. … The Ravens are looking for road success. … Cornhole is back in the Ravens locker room.

BEHIND ENEMY LINES

The Eagles can’t make mistakes against the Ravens defense. … The Ravens offer the Eagles an imposing challenge. … Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg has been playing defense with the media. … New Eagles linebacker Demeco Ryan feels comfortable in the Philadelphia defense. … Eagles cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie like to get physical. … Comparing Ray Rice and LeSean McCoy.

SHAMELESS PLUG(S) OF THE DAY

For Friday’s newspaper, I took an in-depth look at Philadelphia’s front four -- which really is a front seven or eight. Trent Cole, Jason Babin and a deep Eagles defensive line is a different challenge for the Ravens offensive line, which played well against Cincy.

AWAY FROM THE GRIDIRON

Manny Machado was a hero again Thursday as the Orioles beat the Tampa Bay Rays. … The win snapped their 14-year streak of consecutive losing seasons. … Orioles starter Jason Hammel got good news about his knee, but there is no guarantee he will be able to pitch again this season. … Orioles catcher Matt Wieters might miss a game due to the birth of his first child.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Are you concerned about the Ravens defense or is it too soon?