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Mike Preston's report card

Baltimore Sun columnist grades the Ravens on their 17-10 win over the Bengals

September 8, 2008

Quarterback: B-

Joe Flacco managed the game well, especially considering that he is a rookie. He had a few misfirings but for the most part did a nice job handling the pressure. He had a touchdown run, and his block led to another touchdown off a double reverse.

Offensive line: A

The Ravens dominated the Bengals up front, particularly in the second half. The Ravens found a lot of yardage to the left side behind tackle Jared Gaither and guard Ben Grubbs.Center Jason Brown was dominant at the point of attack.

Wide receivers: B

The Ravens stayed pretty basic, but they also managed to take some shots down the field, which kept Bengals from coming too close to the line of scrimmage. Tight end Todd Heap dropped a touchdown pass and lost a fumble.

Running backs: A

Willis McGahee had better heal faster next time. Rookie Ray Rice gave a solid performance, but he fumbled once, which led to one Bengals touchdown, and he dropped a pass. The big-back combination of Le'Ron McClain and Lorenzo Neal is exciting.

Defensive line: A

The Bengals had no answers up front for linemen Trevor Pryce, Haloti Ngata and Justin Bannan. The Ravens had only two sacks, but they were draped over Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer the entire game.

Linebackers: A

Sometimes, it didn't even appear the Bengals touched the Ravens' linebackers. Bart Scott and Jarret Johnson interrupted played all afternoon. Ray Lewis finished with five tackles, and Terrell Suggs had four.

Defensive backs: A

The Ravens took away the deep ball by dropping their safeties 20 to 25 yards off the line of scrimmage. They also bracketed Chad Ocho Cinco on the outside with either an outside linebacker or a cornerback, or a cornerback and a safety.

Special teams: C+

Yamon Figurs' punt return for a touchdown was called back because of a penalty, and the Ravens allowed a 44-yard kickoff return. Matt Stover missed a 47-yard field-goal attempt that sailed wide left.

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Mike Preston's report card

Baltimore Sun columnist grades the Ravens on their 17-10 win over the Bengals

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Mike Preston's report card

Baltimore Sun columnist grades the Ravens on their 17-10 win over the Bengals

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Quarter by quarter

Ravens questions? Just ask. Each week, Baltimore Sun reporter Jamison Hensley will answer fans' questions about the Ravens. To submit a question, e-mail sports@baltsun.com. Please provide your name and phone number so we can verify the e-mail.

Ravens questions? Just ask.

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Going deep

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Ravens questions? Just ask.
Each week, Baltimore Sun reporter Jamison Hensley will answer fans' questions about the Ravens. To submit a question, e-mail sports@baltsun.com. Please provide your name and phone number so we can verify the e-mail.