Every year, there is debate as to whether the NFL should make each team play four preseason games. This year is no exception, especially after Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis partially dislocated his shoulder in a preseason game this month. But, at the same time, the preseason gives bubble players the chance to prove they belong and players originally pegged for a backup role the opportunity to show they deserve more playing time.
The Ravens are no exception to this. A number of players are pushing head coach Brian Billick to re-examine how his final depth chart should look. Running back Musa Smith, wide receiver Devard Darling and linebacker Mike Smith have all impressed the coaching staff through its first two preseason games.
Baltimore?s third game is Friday when it visits the Minnesota Vikings.
Musa Smith is making a push for the backup running back job after he led the team with 55 yards rushing to go along with his 36 yards receiving and a touchdown last Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Darling finished that game with five receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown, and Mike Smith tied for the team-high with five tackles two weeks ago against the New York Giants while starting in place of Ray Lewis.
Billick said rookies like safety Dwan Landry and cornerback Ronnie Prude have also helped their own cause in the preseason. Landry is a fifth-round pick out of Georgia Tech, while Prude is an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana State.
“A lot of guys have played well and they?ve got two more opportunities,” Billick said.
Mike Smith said he is glad to continue playing special teams this season if that?s what the team needs. However, he is also willing to step in on defense if called upon, much like Bart Scott did for the Ravens in 2005. Scott was mainly a special teams player before starting in place of an injured Lewis and finishing with 119 tackles.
“Whatever I?m called upon to do, I?ll do,” Mike Smith said. “I?m just lucky to have a lot of great linebackers to learn from like Ray Lewis, Adalius Thomas and Bart Scott. Bart is someone I look up to because he was in the same situation as me.”
Darling, who has only two career catches for five yards, was thought to be fighting for the fourth wide receiver spot on the Ravens. Now, he may start the season third behind Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton.
“The preseason is what it is,” Darling said. “I just thank the Lord for the opportunity he has given me and hopefully I can take advantage of them.”
RAVENS NOTES
» Mike Smith, a seventh-round pick from Texas Tech in 2005, had a sack last week against the Eagles.
» Ronnie Prude, who tied Smith with five tackles against the Giants, tallied four more against the Eagles last week.
