Enemy Intel: Jags vs Ravens

"Editor’s Note: Being a part of the Fansided Network, we have the opportunity to interact with the other NFL sites that can give us insight into their teams.  Before each game we will be providing you with a quick questionnaire that the opposition’s site editor has provided us."

This week we have the opportunity to talk to Ebony Bird editor Riley Babcock who took the time to answer five questions for us here at B&T.

We’ll see how the Jags do later this evening, and for a little taste of what’s going on in Baltimore let’s get to the questions:

1) Who do you think needs to step it up to make the roster for the Ravens?

LB/DE Sergio Kindle. The Ravens drafted him in the second round in 2010 and he has yet to play a game for them after falling down the stairs in his home and fracturing his skull. After his head injury in 2010, the Ravens stuck with him and gave him a second chance. Now’s his time to prove that they made the right decision or he will be released.

2) Joe Flacco should have a big year with more control over the offense, will the Ravens start to give him free-rein in the third preseason game?

I think he’ll stay reserved untill the regular season, but Flacco definitely looks comfortable in the Ravens new no-huddle offense. Cam Cameron is giving him a lot more control and he’s been impressive thus far.

3) Ray Lewis and Co. are getting older, any rising defensive stars looking to make an impact in the minds of the coaches against the Jags’ starters?

DE Pernell McPhee and LBs Courtney Upshaw and Paul Kruger. The Ravens need to find another pass rusher now that Terrell Suggs is out for the season, and these three players look to be the answer.

4) Which veterans can we expect to see slide on the roster?

I think K Billy Cundiff will be cut in favor of Justin Tucker. Obviously most people remember him for missing the kick in the AFC Championship but the job would be his if he didn’t make any mistakes. Unfortunately for him, he continues to miss field goals in training camp and this will likely be the end of his career on the Ravens.

5) How’re those rookies?  Who has a shot to establish himself as a starter or role guy?

I’ve been really impressed with the undrafted rookies. RB Bobby Rainey and WR Deonte Thompson have looked very good thus far although it’s a long shot for them to make the team as those positions are already loaded. Fifth round cornerback and returner Asa Jackson has looked tremendous thus far, and has a chance of becoming the Ravens’ punt returner. Addionally, third round pick RB Bernard Pierce out of Temple is a very talented back who may be the favorite to backup Ray Rice.

Now let’s get to the game!

In Gene We Trust,

– Luke N. Sims