Coffee Companion (11/23): your daily 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

Mike Preston says that little by little, the Baltimore defense is getting better. ... Cornerback Corey Graham is relishing the opportunity he has gotten in his first year with the Ravens. ... The Ravens had a pretty full house at practice on Thursday before taking a break from football for Thanksgiving turkey with family. ... Quarterback Joe Flacco is preparing to face San Diego Chargers safety Eric Weddle.

RAVENS STUFF, BUT NOT FROM US

The Baltimore run defense has tightened up since Terrell Suggs returned. ... The Ravens are still looking for answers on the road. ... The Ravens are looking for redemption in San Diego. ... Can the Ravens avoid a repeat loss in San Diego?

BEHIND ENEMY LINES

Sunday's game will be blacked out in Southern California. ... Chargers left tackle Jared Gaither is unlikely to play Sunday against the Ravens, his former team. ... Three games against the AFC North will test San Diego's toughness.

SHAMELESS PLUG OF THE DAY

I ate a lot of turkey and have nothing to show for it. Sorry.

OUTSIDE OF BALTIMORE

The New York Jets embarrassed themselves in a 30-point loss to the New England Patriots. ... Robert Griffin III threw four TD passes while leading the Washington Redskins past the Dallas Cowboys. ... The Houston Texans beat the Detroit Lions in a wild overtime game in which Lions coach Jim Schwartz cost his team a touchdown for not knowing the rules. ... Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his wife had their first child.