James Trapp

Thumbs up: Chris McAlister, for tipping Kris Brown's 33-yard field-goal attempt in the third quarter. That play seemed to have a lasting effect on Brown, who sliced two kicks wide right in the fourth quarter. Thumbs down: Corner- back Duane Starks. He again paid for a lack of concentration as Pittsburgh receiver Plaxico Burress burned him on a 21-yard touchdown catch in the final minute of the first half. In the past four games, Starks has given up four touchdown catches on man coverage.

NEW YORK -- This time, the Ravens huddled in silence. Four players from the Super Bowl champions -- Ray Lewis, Tony Siragusa, Peter Boulware and James Trapp -- and team president David Modell canvassed the ruins of the World Trade Center yesterday and took a moment to reflect. Joining city policemen, firemen and rescue workers in a small circle at ground zero, the players bowed their heads for a moment of prayer amidst the twisted metal and piles of rubble. "Father, I pray we never forget," team chaplain Rod Hairston told the group.

Quarterback A+ Elvis Grbac carried the offense while the rest of the unit struggled in the first half. He connected on several big passes, and he continues to make plays with his mobility in the pocket. He is only going to get better as the season goes on and he gets more acquainted with his receivers. Offensive line C Guards Kipp Vickers and Edwin Mulitalo and center Mike Flynn had problems with tackles Keith Traylor and Ted Washington, but they wore down the big man, Washington, in the fourth quarter.

Ravens starting cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Duane Starks were both listed as questionable for Sunday's season opener against the Chicago Bears, but both said they expected to play. McAlister, who has not missed a game in his two seasons with the Ravens, practiced lightly yesterday, trying to keep from running on his sprained ankle. "I'm playing," McAlister said. "I'm just resting it up right now. It's nothing serious. They just told me to sit out and not worry about stressing on it right now."

Derek Homer knows it may be his job to protect the lead. So if the Ravens call on Homer in the fourth quarter of tonight's preseason game in Philadelphia as expected, the rookie free agent said he will be ready. "You look for those situations," said Homer, who likely will follow Jason Brookins and Chris Barnes in the running back rotation. "In this game, you never know what is going to happen. You have to be prepared for all situations, and I'm going to be very well prepared." Homer played fullback last year at Kentucky, where he was used primarily as a receiver.

Thumbs up: Reserve defensive backs Reggie Waddell and Delvin Hughley had impressive pass breakups during team drills. Hughley just missed an interception on another play. Thumbs down: The third-string offense had back-to-back fumbles. Trainer's room:Safety Corey Harris (family emergency), was not at practice. Cornerback James Trapp (shoulder) dressed but did not participate in full-squad drills. Defensive tackle Larry Webster (calf), defensive tackle Tony Siragusa (swollen knee) and cornerback Cory Gaines (knee)