Haloti

How about this as a short-yardage package: The Ravens go with an unbalanced line to the left and insert tackle Willie Anderson on that side. They run a full-house backfield that includes three backs: fullbacks Haloti Ngata and Lorenzo Neal, and halfback Le'Ron McClain. McClain gets the ball moving to the left with Neal and Ngata as lead blockers. Wow. Look out, world. (For more, go to baltimoresun.com/ravensinsider)

There are days the aches and pains Haloti Ngata has absorbed have him wishing he could stay in bed. But when he makes his way to the Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills, the defensive tackle seems to shed the soreness - and about 15 years. Before practice, Ngata, 24, can often be found with the quarterbacks, tossing the football with them. Last week, Ngata - who has been hampered by a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee - stood in as a running back for the scout team.

Minutes after Sunday's game against Miami ended, Ravens defensive tackle Kelly Gregg stepped out of the training room, his shirt drenched with sweat and both knees draped by huge ice bags. Gregg had a monster game against the Dolphins, finishing with 14 tackles. He was the best player on the field, with apologies to fellow defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. But that's nothing new in Baltimore. Everyone knows they are the unsung heroes of the defense. But around the country, they continue to be snubbed, as neither Gregg nor Ngata made the Pro Bowl.

JONATHAN OGDEN RAVENS OT HT: 6-9 WT: 345 YEAR: 12 JASON TAYLOR DOLPHINS DE HT: 6-6 WT: 255 YEAR: 11 Taylor is one of several playmakers on Miami's defense. He isn't exceptionally big but is extremely quick. He also uses his hands well. He has a nonstop motor and will run ball carriers down from the other side of the field. Taylor, who has eight sacks this season, can rush from the left side as well. Ogden has improved his conditioning. He'll have no problems against Taylor when the Ravens run, but he'll struggle with Taylor's speed on outside pass rushes.

Shortly after the Ravens' playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts last season, middle linebacker Ray Lewis was in the locker room crying. The outpour was so strong, he had trouble breathing. Nearly 45 minutes after the Ravens' loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Lewis made a quick exit from the locker room. Sweat poured off his face, and he clearly was having trouble with his emotions. "The heat and passion are still there," Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said. "The anger of losing keeps the fire burning inside."

Quarterback C- Injuries can't be used as an excuse. Steve McNair was erratic again. He hasn't hit a level of consistency yet this season. Coach Brian Billick is right. He is the only guy in town who thinks McNair is playing well. Running back B Willis McGahee always seems to fall forward, gaining yards. He is tough to bring down and is getting better on cutback runs. Now, the Ravens just need to take the ball out of McNair's hands and put it in McGahee's, just like they did in 2000 with Trent Dilfer and Jamal Lewis.

Haloti Ngata recorded 31 tackles, a sack and an interception in his rookie campaign last season. Sports Illustrated recently named him one of the league's top 10 defenders under the age of 25. What do you find more satisfying - a bone-jarring hit or an interception like the one you had in last season's opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? I would rather get a big hit than an interception. I don't want to hurt a guy, but I want him to feel me and know that I'm there. Do you feel like there's more pressure on you to perform?

Defensive line coach Clarence Brooks and tackle Haloti Ngata are smiling a lot these days. The Ravens had several new faces on the defensive line a year ago, and they still had the NFL's No. 1-ranked defense. After gaining a year of experience, the Ravens could have the best defensive line in the league, too. They have two good pass rushers in defensive ends Trevor Pryce and Terrell Suggs, and a premier run stopper in nose tackle Kelly Gregg. The player with the most potential might be Ngata, still a baby as far as experience, even though he weighs 342 pounds.