Jarret Johnson

The Ravens have been ranked in the top 10 against the run in 12 of the last 13 years and in the top five for six consecutive seasons. But with the unit losing a pair of outside linebackers in Terrell Suggs (torn right Achilles tendon) and Jarret Johnson (free agent who departed for the San Diego Chargers) who were often overlooked for their ability to force opposing running backs to the middle of the defense, can the defense continue that strong tradition? A lot could depend on how Paul Kruger and rookie Courtney Upshaw - who are penciled in as the starting outside linebackers - rise to the occasion, but defensive tackle Haloti Ngata said he's not overly concerned.

PITTSBURGH AT RAVENS STEELERS: Out: QB Charlie Batch (left wrist), G Chris Kemoeatu (knee), S Troy Polamalu (knee). Questionable: DE Travis Kirschke (calf), QB Ben Roethlisberger (head). Probable: RB Willie Parker (hip). RAVENS: Doubtful: LB Terrell Suggs (knee). Questionable: LB Ray Lewis (foot), S Ed Reed (foot, illness). Probable: C Matt Birk (neck), TE Todd Heap (ribs), LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder), DT Haloti Ngata (ankle), TE L.J. Smith (illness).

Jarret Johnson has pretty big feet, so he's not worried about filling the shoes of All-Pro linebacker Adalius Thomas as the only new defensive starter this season for the Ravens. If anything, Johnson has already had practice at succeeding an established star. Ravens training camp Through Aug. 18, McDaniel College, Westminster Today: 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.; 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. (afternoon session closed to public) Online: For camp updates, go to baltimoresun.com/ravenscentral

Ravens LG Ben Grubbs vs. Titans DT Albert Haynesworth Grubbs has good feet and reflexes. He can make blocks in the second level and is an adequate pass blocker. The Ravens run a lot behind him in short-yardage situations. Haynesworth is a complete player who can defend the pass as well as the run. It takes two offensive linemen to stop him. Grubbs will have his hands full. Edge: Haynesworth: Ravens LBs Terrell Suggs and Jarret Johnson vs. Titans RB Chris Johnson Chris Johnson has great explosion and speed.

The Ravens had their biggest day of draft signings yesterday, but they still don`t have agreements with either of their first-round picks, linebacker Terrell Suggs and quarterback Kyle Boller. The team reached terms on three-year contracts with third-round running back Musa Smith (total value of $1.4 million), fourth-round fullback Ovie Mughelli (believed to be worth $1.2 million) and fifth-round offensive tackle Tony Pashos (approximately $994,000). All are expected to play backup roles this season.

Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs continues to dominate the AFC's top defensive honor. Suggs, who had three sacks and a team-record three forced fumbles in the Ravens' 24-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday, was named the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week for a third time this season. He has also won the award in two of the past three weeks. Suggs now has a career-high 13 sacks to go along with six forced fumbles and two interceptions. He's considered one of the frontrunners for the AFC Defensive Player of the Year award.

Jarret Johnson became the third Ravens player this season to win AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. On Tuesday, the outside linebacker earned the award for his performance in Sunday night's 34-17 victory over the New York Jets. Johnson scooped up a fumble caused when defensive tackle Haloti Ngata slammed into quarterback Mark Sanchez, and Johnson returned it 26 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Johnson also finished with three tackles (one for a loss)

Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata was fined $15,000 for his second-quarter hit on New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez that led to Jarret Johnson's fumble return for a touchdown in the 34-17 victory Sunday. No penalty was called on the play, but the league assessed the fine on Ngata for roughing the passer. Replays showed that Ngata led with his helmet while hitting Sanchez in the back. Johnson picked up the ball and ran it in from 26 yards out for a touchdown, giving the Ravens a 27-7 lead.

The Ravens will be entering team meetings this afternoon, and the highlight of the defensive meetings will be outside linebacker Jarret Johnson's hit on Pittsburgh wide receiver Hines Ward. Even though the hit occurred in the game Sunday, a lot of the Ravens probably didn't get a good look at it. Johnson crushed Ward coming across the middle behind the line of scrimmage. It appeared to be some kind of shovel pass, but Johnson sniffed out the play, and snuffed out Ward.   “I keep hearing about the hit,” said Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs.