Ravens head coach Brian Billick has plenty to survey in tonight?s preseason opener with the New York Giants at M&T Bank Stadium. While he will look to protect many of his stars, including quarterback Steve McNair, jobs are on the line. Still, Billick?s goals for tonight are simple.
“Stay healthy, one,” he said Thursday during training camp at McDaniel College. “Get a little bit of rhythm with the first groups ? a quarter?s worth hopefully ? and then get a hard look at a lot of football players. That?s really what this is about: Three quarters of it is finding out what we?ve got, finding out who?s making improvement and who can step up when the lights come on.”
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Many in today?s crowd will undoubtedly be trying to catch their first glimpse of McNair. But those wishing to see him might want to come early.
“We?re getting more and more like baseball with pitch count ? 15 or 20 snaps,” Billick said of how much he will play the first-team players.
There is a movement within the NFL to try and shorten the preseason schedule. Many teams have lost important players for significant time because of preseason injuries.
“I?d like to keep the whole first unit out there the whole game, as a coach, but that just wouldn?t be prudent,” Billick said.
McNair, known for taking his play to another level at game time, said his expectations are simple.
“I think the most important thing is just execution,” he said. “Execution while you?re out there and get some rhythm going early with the plays I?m going to be out there [for], and just kind of look sharp and crisp.”
The Giants will most likely keep their stars ? running back Tiki Barber and quarterback Eli Manning ? out of hard action, as well. For many players, it will be an opportunity to prove themselves.
“You can?t get caught up in, ?It?s the NFL and we?re playing the New York Giants,?” rookie tight end Quinn Sypniewski said of his pregame butterflies. “There?s definitely things that I?ve got to adapt to and adjust to. You?ve got to go out there and be ready to go.”
Receiver Devard Darling, looking to lock up the third receiver spot, said, “there are a lot of preseason games and a lot of snaps. I am ready to just get out there and do my thing.”
Five questions for tonight?s game
» Ravens vs. Giants
» 8 p.m. today at M&T Bank Stadium
1. Which unknown will become a town favorite?
2. Who is going to be the starting running back: Mike Anderson or Jamal Lewis, right?
3. Who will be the third receiver at game time?
4. Will Steve McNair go longer than one series?
5. How will former Raven Will Demps, now a Giants safety, be received?
