The efficiency of the Ravens? first-string offense dominated the headlines following their preseason-opening 17-16 loss against the New York Giants Friday night. But the offense represented just one of many areas the Ravens felt positive about as they look to build momentum for the regular season. The return of a number of key players that missed significant playing time last year due to injury is another plus for the team. Among those players is safety Ed Reed, linebacker Dan Cody and running back Musa Smith, each of whom made their presence felt in limited time Friday.
Reed, who missed six games in 2005 because of a high ankle sprain, had two tackles. Cody, who missed all of last year with a knee injury, had three tackles and a sack. And Smith finished with 61 yards on four carries and also had four catches for 15 yards. This came after missing 15 games last year and six games in 2004 while dealing with a broken leg.
“It?s good to play against somebody else, especially when you?re playing against people that are trying to make the team,” Cody said. “At the same time, you know when you?re out there, everybody else is trying to play to a level, too, so you kind of pick up the tempo.”
For Cody, the game represented his first taste of live professional competition since the Ravens drafted him out of Oklahoma in the second round of last year?s draft.
“Obviously, it?s a little more of a faster pace out there [compared to practice],” Cody said.
Smith said he was pleased with his play, especially after he came up with a 37-yard scamper in the second quarter. However, he added that the game only represents the next step toward completing his comeback. The final step comes Sept. 10 when the Ravens visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the regular-season opener.
“It felt good to get out there and shake some of the rust off,” Smith said. “I put in a lot of hard work to come back.”
RAVENS NOTES
» Smith?s 61 rushing yards and four receptions represented game-highs in both categories.
» Cody?s three tackles were tied for second on the team with four other players. Cornerback Ronnie Prude led the Ravens with four tackles.
