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SportingNews.com - NFL - Ravens Team Report

Second-year DT Haloti Ngata has been a beast in training camp. Weight was a concern when Ngata came out of college a year ago, but he reported to his second training camp at 342, three pounds below his target weight. There have been times in camp when Ngata has been removed from the field because he has been destroying the Ravens' running game. ...

Keep an eye on RT Adam Terry. He has struggled some in camp, and the Ravens plan on giving him time to work out his problems. And he doesn't, rookie Jared Gaither, a backup on the left side, might be forced over to the right side. ...

The team likes the athleticism of rookie Edgar Jones. He is making the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker, and the Ravens see him possibly playing on the strong side one day because of his physical style.

NEWCOMER REPORT: The Ravens are excited about rookie OLB Antwan Barnes, and it appears he will get some playing time in pass rushing situations. Barnes, a fourth round pick, has great explosion and speed. At 6-1 and 240 pounds, he's not going to overpower or bull rush an offensive tackle, but he has enough speed and desire to cause quarterbacks problems. Barnes can also drop into coverage and cover ground in the flats and over the middle, but the Ravens want him on the outside opposite end/outside linebacker Terrell Suggs.

PROBLEM SPOT: Over the past three seasons, the Ravens have had trouble picking up blitzes, especially up the middle. But in the first preseason game against the Eagles, they handled them well. That was surprising because starting LG Jason Brown played only about half of last season, and RG Chris Chester is starting for the first time. But Brown and Chester are athletic and have quick feet, which enables them to get in position quickly. C Mike Flynn does a good job of recognizing and calling out the proper blocking assignments.

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