James Roe

Sale Isaia vs. Ben Cavil (LG): The only unsettled starting spot on the offensive line. Cavil has the edge in experience. Isaia is 11 months removed from a knee injury that ended his 1997 season on the first day of training camp. This should be a good battle.Duane Starks vs. DeRon Jenkins (RCB): It's up to Jenkins to produce in his third season. Starks is a rookie, but as the Ravens' top draft pick, he will apply plenty of pressure.Ralph Staten vs. Stevon Moore (SS): The job is Moore's to lose, which could happen if his surgically repaired knees fail to respond this summer.

Running backsIt is hard to grade Jay Graham because the offensive line was so inconsistent. He still runs timid and has to be able to beat a safety one-on-one to break a long run. Errict Rhett has played better in three preseason games, but coach Ted Marchibroda still wants Graham as his starter. Fullbacks Roosevelt Potts and Kenyon Cotton both ran and played hard.CQuarterbacksJim Harbaugh looked like he was competing for a marathon in the first two quarters. Despite poor pass blocking, he made several big plays, but threw an ugly early interception.

When the NFL free-agent market reopens Tuesday morning, the Ravens will be shopping for a veteran wide receiver or a defensive tackle as possible starters, and maybe a veteran linebacker or safety who can fill out the special teams.Teams get salary-cap breaks by waiting until June 1 to release players, but the Ravens are not expected to cut any notable players, as they did last year in terminating the remainder of quarterback Vinny Testaverde's multi-year contract.But Ozzie Newsome, the Ravens' vice president of player personnel, said the team is a "million plus" under the salary cap and in good shape to make some moves if certain players become available.

Andre Rison is gone, taking away the team's only bona fide breakaway threat, but consistency is the buzzword for the Ravens' receivers."We don't have a spectacular one like Jerry Rice, but what we've got is good, maybe very good," said Ravens coach Ted Marchibroda. "We've got receivers who are real football players."We've got outstanding ability and good experience in the receiver corps, a bunch of guys who have been in the NFL."The Ravens waived Rison on July 17 because of salary cap reasons and are hoping Michael Jackson takes his place as the team's clutch performer.

Ravens quarterback Vinny Testaverde doesn't hesitate when it comes to bragging about his talented receivers, Derrick Alexander and Michael Jackson.He says they are one of the best tandems in the league."

Ravens wide receiver James Roe seems to be enjoying a lot of the attention this week.With starting wide receiver Michael Jackson's status doubtful for Sunday's game because of a ruptured biceps and starting slot receiver Jermaine Lewis questionable because of an ankle sprain, Roe has been getting in a lot of practice time this week.Roe, drafted in the second round in April 1996, has spent more of his playing time on special teams this year. But the former Norfolk State product has some of the best hands on the team and has run with both the first and second teams in practice this week along with Ryan Yarborough.

QB Vinny Testaverde: Testaverde has played well in the preseason, but he slipped a little last week with two turnovers that stopped drives. It will be interesting to see how he rebounds tonight.QB Eric Zeier: The second-year player had his best preseason game last week against the Packers. Zeier showed poise and confidence by hanging in the pocket. If he keeps progressing, Ted Marchibroda might not be so hesitant to use him if Testaverde starts to falter.P Greg Montgomery: Montgomery's performance was erratic a week ago when he punted seven times for a 32.3 average.

Ravens run offense vs. Vikings run defense EdgeThe Ravens have the No. 15 rushing offense in the league compared to the No. 14 run defense for Minnesota. The problem is that the Ravens have four offensive linemen coming off injuries, several of whom might not play. Either way, the Ravens have to get to linebackers Ed McDaniel and Dwayne Rudd, especially Rudd, who may be uncovered on the weak side. --Edge -- VikingsRavens pass offense vs. Vikings pass defenseReceivers Floyd Turner and James Roe might be able to get some yardage against cornerbacks Corey Fuller and Jimmy Hitchcock, but the Ravens' offensive brain trust has to do a better job on its schemes.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Ravens quarterback Eric Zeier's night did not begin on a high note, but his impressive recovery almost produced a come-from-behind victory for the Ravens.Ravens coach Ted Marchibroda originally planned to play Zeier and No. 3 quarterback Scott Otis in the second half of last night's 39-29 loss to the New York Jets.Early in the half, it appeared Otis would get some mop-up duty.The half began with running back Jay Graham being carried off the field with a knee injury, and things got worse three plays later.

Moves Baseball MLB: Suspended Dodgers minor league P Heath Totten and P Tom Farmer and Diamondbacks minor league P Chad Scarbery 15 games for violating minor league drug prevention and treatment program. ATHLETICS: Placed P Octavio Dotel on 15-day DL with strained right elbow. Called up 2B-OF Jermaine Clark from Triple-A Sacramento. BRAVES: Placed C Eddie Perez on 15-day DL with right shoulder tendinitis. Designated IF Jason Bourgeois for assignment. Recalled C Brayan Pena from Triple-A Richmond.