Two years ago, the Ravens failed to have one receiver top 500 yards for the season. After the completion of this preseason, it is apparent the team will not have that problem in 2006 and could possibly have one of the better corps in the league.
Credit that vast improvement to the outstanding play of third-year receiver Devard Darling and rookie Demetrius Williams. Both have battled for the third receiver spot and have played virtually flawless since the starting of training camp, complementing already established receivers Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton, as well as tight end Todd Heap. Mason had 1,073 yards last season, while Heap accumulated 855 yards and seven touchdowns.
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Williams and Darling finished the preseason with a flourish Thursday night, as each scored a touchdown in a 17-10 win over the Redskins at FedEx Field. Ravens head coach Brian Billick said they have made the decision of whom to cut difficult.
“Those players are making it very tough for us to decide the spot,” he said. “That?s a good thing. We know which ones will make the team. But deciding the 45-man game roster is still up in the air.”
The team will cut down to 53 players Saturday.
Despite the battle for time, neither Darling nor Williams has been caught up in a rivalry.
“I just think we?re all trying to get better and we push each other so that the best man is on the field, and that?s what we want to do,” Williams said.
Darling, after battling heel injuries, said that he is refreshed.
“I feel great,” Darling said. “I just thank the Lord for keeping me healthy, and I?m really going into the regular season ready to contribute to this team.”
Both players have surprised onlookers with their consistent play this preseason.
“I?m not surprised,” Darling said. “I know I can do it, and I know the Lord has blessed me with all the talents I need to be a very good receiver in this league. It was just a matter of staying healthy and staying mentally focused.”
Darling said he is “ready to go” should he start in Tampa Bay for the Sept. 10 season opener. Williams also remained humble throughout the preseason process.
“I?m feeling real good,” Williams said. “There?s still a lot of things I need to work on with film, and I?ll go over it tomorrow, but I?m feeling real good right now.”
Darling and Williams each spoke of a comfort level with the coaches and players on the team, as well as each other.
“It?s a big adjustment time for me,” said Williams, who is out of the University of Oregon. “Being here with guys like Mark and Derrick, Clarence [Moore] and Devard, I?m just learning from them.”
Koch upbeat about making squad: Rookie punter Sam Koch might have locked up his spot on the team with his performance Thursday, potentially beating out veteran Leo Araguz. But that doesn?t mean he?s not nervous.
“I?d like to say I do [think he?ll make the team],” Koch said. “I?m very optimistic, but it ultimately comes down to the coaches? decision, so hopefully I?ve built that trust in their minds.”
