When trying to project the Ravens’ final 53-man roster, most fans could easily predict about 40 spots – give or take a few – because most players are obvious virtual locks.

But that leaves a lot of grey area for the remaining 13 or so.

CBSSports.com’s Jason Butt projected the entire 53-man roster, noting there’s still time for a few changes. Feel free to look at his complete roster, but I’ve pulled out six predictions about decisions coaches may not have even made themselves and it will be interesting to see if they hold true.

And for those of you trying to win the You Pick The Team presented by New Era contest – a trip to see the Ravens play the Chargers in San Diego on November 25^th – these predictions could either help or hurt you (I can’t say I agree 100 percent with them all, but they’re pretty good). So use your own judgment with these predictions, and take it easy on Butt if he steers you down the wrong road.

Prediction 1: The Ravens will keep three quarterbacks on the roster, adding veteran Curtis Painter.  “Coach John Harbaugh’s stated that Baltimore likes the idea of using Taylor more within the offense this year,” wrote Butt. “Taylor’s athletic and could be a wildcat quarterback this year. Plus, his arm strength and accuracy have improved. By keeping Painter, Baltimore would feel more comfortable about using Taylor more.”

Prediction 2: Neither Anthony Allen nor Damien Berry, the two early favorites to backup Ray Rice at the beginning of the offseason, will make the team. The two rookies, Bernard Pierce (No. 2) and Bobby Rainey (No. 3), are currently outperforming the more experienced backs, but that could change … “There’s still a lot of time for Allen and Berry to make a run,” wrote Butt. “There’s also a chance Baltimore seeks a veteran free agent if it feels none of the young running backs are ready to become Rice’s primary backup. If that’s the case, Rainey and Berry could wind up on the scout team and Allen could be looking for another team.”

Prediction 3: Baltimore keeps six receivers (you can guess the first three) with LaQuan Williams, Tandon Doss and rookie free agent Deonte Thompson getting the final three spots. That means sixth-round pick Tommy Streeter is out and David Reed is a possible IR candidate. “Streeter’s a project, a 6-5, 220-pound body with blazing, straight-ahead speed. Thompson’s more versatile, but had some issues dropping the ball in college,” wrote Butt. “Thompson’s outperformed him early but Baltimore doesn’t like to cut its draft picks.”

Prediction 4: Eight of the (likely) nine roster spots for the offensive line are a lock, but that final spot comes down to four players: Ramon Harwood, Tony Wragge, Justin Boren and Jack Cornell. Harewood gets it.  “Harewood, a sixth-round draft pick in 2010, has been banged up but appears the healthiest he’s been since coming to Baltimore,” says Butt. “He would also give the Ravens another body at tackle, with Osemele and Reid being swing guys.”

Prediction 5: Linebackers are the victim of keeping three quarterbacks. Danelle Ellerbe is in, but he could be pushed by Chavis Williams or Nigel Carr. “For now, Ellerbe remains in but needs to prove he belongs through the remainder of the preseason,” wrote Butt. “Williams could be a victim of Baltimore’s desire to keep three quarterbacks, and someone deep on the depth chart at another position would have to be released to make room.”

Prediction 6: Billy Cundiff is the kicker by default. “Cundiff gets the edge for now since there’s no indication what Harbaugh and his staff will do at kicker,” wrote Butt. “But it should be noted that Tucker has out-kicked Cundiff in practice. There’s still a lot of time before a final decision will be made but this battle could go down to the wire.”

Pees The Master Of Disguise?

Ravens Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron revealed the toughest defensive coordinator he’s ever had to scheme against.

And he’s had to face this opponent every day in practice this offseason: Dean Pees.

“Dean, I’ve known about Dean, and known Dean for a long time. When he was in New England, I went against him several times. He’s the best I’ve gone against,” Cameron told reporters yesterday. “And the reason I tell you that is because you can’t decipher – or he’s very difficult to decipher – what they’re trying to do.”

With the Ravens’ top pass rusher Terrell Suggs sidelined for an indefinite amount of time this season, plus losing defensive end Cory Redding to free agency, Pees’ ability to camouflage his defense is exactly what the team needs right now.

“The Ravens defense might need to become the masters of disguise to manufacture a fierce pass rush this season,” wrote The Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson. “Generating pressure through more elaborate blitz packages and overloads is likely to be a large part of the equation.

“For Pees … hiding his intentions is pivotal.”

Pees was more humble about his ability to fool an offense. He gave credit to smart coaches and quarterbacks around the league for their football smarts. He said the key to disguise is putting in a coverage that looks exactly like a blitz.

With younger, less-experienced players stepping up this year – Paul Kruger, Courtney Upshaw, Pernell McPhee, Arthur Jones and Terrence Cody – the Ravens will rely heavily upon their new defensive coordinator.

“Known for his cerebral approach, Pees has an instant recall of opponents’ tendencies gleaned from studying countless hours of game tape,” wrote Wilson. “The Ravens are counting on Pees’ football acumen.”

No-Huddle Is The Right Plan Of Attack

You saw it Thursday night against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Ravens are using more no-huddle offense, which quarterback Joe Flacco “loves.”

And while the Ravens offense didn’t perform it to the best of its ability in its debut, ESPN’s Jamison Hensley likes the team’s decision to use it more often.

“The increased use of the no-huddle offense is the right plan of attack with Baltimore’s Joe Flacco,” he wrote.

“Flacco doesn’t gush often. So when he says he loves the no-huddle, this is significant. Flacco has a comfort level with the no-huddle and the shotgun because that’s what he ran for most of his time at Delaware.”

Hensley added that some of the fifth-year quarterback’s best moments last year came in the no-huddle, shotgun attack, including the winning drive at Pittsburgh and the almost-winning drive in the AFC championship.

“Despite Flacco’s support, I’m not sure how much more the Ravens will use the no-huddle attack this season,” the AFC North blogger wrote. “The Ravens used no huddle on 7 percent of their offensive plays, which already put them in the top half of the league.”

Highlights Of Harbs’ Fan Chat, Including Kicker Decision

In case you missed it, Coach Harbaugh chatted online with fans yesterday afternoon, answering questions for 30 minutes.

Here are some highlights (full transcript):

Lucas: What’s your opinion on the Cundiff and Tucker competition?

Harbs: It’s a good one. It’s a tight race. The great thing about it is that they’re both doing really well. I’m not concerned about it because they’re both doing well. They’re both going to be kicking for a team this year in the NFL. You let it play out and let the decision make itself.

Kelly rippeon: Do you think [Terrell] Suggs will play in the 2012-2013 football season?

Harbs: Yes, I do.

Jen: Coach is it concerning that you have to play the steelers twice in 3 weeks knowing its always a hard hitting game that takes alot out of the team?

Harbs: The Steelers have to play us twice in three weeks too, so I guess that evens it out.

Thomas: Coach have you ever seen Ray Lewis down or blue in the four years you have been with the Ravens? He always seems to talk and jump around on the sidelines.

Harbs: Never. Never seen Ray let disappointment or frustration get the best of him. When he does feel he’s being challenged he’ll get quiet. He’ll pray. That’s good advice for all of us.

Mohamed: Do you feel that Flacco has the potential to become within the top 3 quarterbacks this year?

Harbs: Absolutely.

Quick Hits

• “There apparently won’t be a Round 3 in the training-camp fight between wide receiver Antonio Brown and cornerback Ike Taylor,” wrote Hensley. “After their second skirmish of camp, Brown said he and Taylor went to breakfast on their day off and ‘ironed out our differences.’”[ESPN] 
• @jeffzrebiecsun: Torrey Smith was really slowed by sprained ankle [Monday] in practice so him not being out there [Tuesday] is no surprise. #Ravens [Twitter]
• @Ravens: Cam Cameron said that Michael Oher & Marshal Yanda graded at nearly 100 percent in last week’s game. [Twitter]
• @Ravens: Cam Cameron said they have not yet determined how long the starters will play on Friday. [Twitter]
• @mzenitz: According to Ed Lee at the Sun, Tucker now 82-of-87 during camp. Cundiff 74-of-89. [Twitter]
• Gross! … @TMO_90 [DE Terrence Moore]: I’ve worn the same shirt for the past four days and I.. don’t.. care…. #CampLife [Twitter]
• @AnquanBoldin: Congrats to my friend @LarryFitzgerald on winning the Arthur K. Arkush Humanitarian Award. Tremendous accomplishment. [Twitter]
• @Dgorrer36: Some of my teammates are “jerks” im not gone say no names @Crushboy31 [Twitter]
• @Crushboy31 [Bernard Pollard]: @Dgorrer36 lol how am I a “jerk” because I corrected you? You’re out! I hope you catch a full body cramp tonight while you sleeping… [Twitter]
• @Dgorrer36: @Crushboy31 the things u say sometimes just make me want to punch u n yo big lips….lol [Twitter]
• @Crushboy31: @Dgorrer36 lol!!! My lips are normal size. [Twitter]
• @brendon310: Never been scared of thunder b4. Until today!! Sleeping in the basement tonight [Twitter]
• @brendon310: Every one calling me a baby. You guys would be wearing diapers! Lol I been I’m hurricanes less violent than these storms tonight [Twitter]

With coaches and players also accounting for respective thirds of the vote tally, the respect Cundiff gets around the NFL should move him up the list.

Rosburg said he hears the praise on a weekly basis.

“It’s remarkable how many kickers and special teams coaches I’ve seen before the game that have all commented about Billy’s performance so far and how well he’s playing and how clean his technique is,” Rosburg said with a chuckle. “Kickers are usually the guys that comment about his fundamentals, and the special teams coaches are usually the guys that talk about his kickoff touchbacks.

“The kickers want to pay attention to detail and the special teams coaches are just looking at the results.”

Cundiff’s impact cannot be understated for the Ravens.

He’s produced a league-best 34 touchbacks on 58 kickoffs this year. His 58.6-percent touchback rate is also tops, while only 23 of his kickoffs have been returned, the fewest in the NFL.

In fact, since the league moved the kickoff mark to the 30-yard line in 1994, Cundiff needs only six more to tie Mitch Berger (1998) for the most in NFL history.

This is all while Cundiff has connected on 19 of 22 field goal attempts (86.4 percent).

Although the Pro Bowl fan ballot closes on Monday, Dec. 20, Rosburg thinks others will take notice of Cundiff’s contributions in the next two games.

“I think the more they see him, the more they’ll realize what he’s doing, and Monday night’s another opportunity for that,” Rosburg said. “But the thing I love about Billy is he’s really not trying to be in the Pro Bowl. He’s trying to win football games, and if [the Pro Bowl] comes along at the same time, that would be great.

“The things he’s done so far this year really stand out, and I think the longer the season goes on, the more exposure he gets, the more people are going to realize that.”

Oakland’s Sebastian Janikowski is currently leading kickers in the fan vote. He has connected on 24 of 31 field goals (77.4 percent) and owns 27 touchbacks (40.9 percent).

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens’ organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors’ views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.

Winning the battle for Ravens kicker over Shayne Graham, Billy Cundiff is happy for the opportunity to stick with his ninth NFL team.

Now, the challenge for Cundiff is to support the Ravens’ investment.

“It’s validation, first and foremost of what I’ve done in the offseason, training camp and the preseason,” said Cundiff from his home in Phoenix, packing for a flight to Baltimore on Saturday.  “I went out there literally taking every kick one at a time. That approach served me well.

“I didn’t worry about how Shayne was doing and worried about what I need to do to be my best. On one level, I won the competition and it’s exciting.  On the next level, it’s only the beginning.”

The fact that the Ravens waited until the last minute to declare a kicker shows how stiff the competition was.

Cundiff nailed all three of his field goal attempts in the preseason and was consistently deep on his kickoffs. Graham did miss one field goal from 50 yards, but was also strong on kickoffs.

In training camp, both kickers hit over 80 percent of their field goals during open practice sessions. Cundiff was just a little better.

“We’ve talked about this the entire preseason: both Billy and Shayne rose to the occasion and performed at high levels,” said Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh.  ”We know Shayne will kick in the league, but we feel very good about the decision to go with Billy.”

Graham carried a stacked resume when he was signed in early June.  The former Cincinnati Bengal is the fourth-most accurate kicker in NFL history, connecting on 85.2 percent of his field goals over nine seasons.

But Cundiff had a familiarity with the Ravens organization.  He played seven games in 2009 and hit 12 of 17 attempts.  Cundiff also spent a ton of time at the Ravens’ offseason conditioning program, commuting back home to his wife and two children in Arizona on the weekends.

“It’s a little easier to have success when you’ve spent the entire offseason with a team,” said Cundiff, who also made a successful transition to new long snapper Morgan Cox in camp.  ”You can get that rhythm down and get the end result you’re looking for.”

Just because he won the job doesn’t mean Cundiff is resting easy.  At a position under constant upheaval in this league, Cundiff cannot take any kick lightly.

“We haven’t played a regular season game,” said Cundiff.  ”I’m excited about kicking for this football team.  It’s been a long journey, but the real work starts from here.”

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens’ organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors’ views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.

Neither Shayne Graham nor Billy Cundiff had an opportunity to let their foot make a closing statement in their argument to be Baltimore’s kicker Thursday night, as the Ravens didn’t attempt a single field goal.

Thus, one of the most important decisions in selecting the Ravens’ 53-man roster is in the coaches’ hands now. And it’s going to be a tough call.

“I don’t know if we’ve seen enough to make a clear determination because they’ve both done so well,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said after the Ravens’ 24-21 loss to the St. Louis Rams. “Either way we go, it’ll be a good decision.”

The Ravens didn’t spend time kicking field goals in practice Friday morning and didn’t get one last look. Despite Thursday’s non-action, Baltimore’s coaches and front office have plenty of kicks to judge from.

Cundiff was perfect on three preseason attempts from 25, 26 and 42 yards. He had great distance on kickoffs with four touchbacks in 10 attempts and a 72.1 average.

Graham, whom the Ravens signed to a one-year deal this offseason, made 2-of-3 attempts from 24 and 32 yards. He missed from 50 yards. Graham also showed good distance on kickoffs with two touchbacks in nine attempts and a 70.6 yard average.

The two veteran kickers were both reliable throughout camps and practice. If trying to give any edge from practice, Cundiff looked a bit more consistent than Graham, the fourth-most accurate kicker in NFL history.

Graham said he’ll spend the next day trying to distract himself from thinking about what the decision will be.

“I feel that I’m confident in what I do,” Graham said. “I feel I strike the ball well. I feel like even with down years, I’m still at 80 percent or 85 percent [field goal percentage]. I feel like I’m a guy that a team can count on to put points on the board.”

Since the battle is so close, Harbaugh is hoping a team in search of a kicker makes a trade offer, which would make the decision easier. But don’t count on it.

“I’m quite certain whichever way we don’t go, he’ll be kicking for a team the next day,” Harbaugh said. “We would love to get a call from somebody. But they’ll probably wait, knowing that we’ve got to let one go and there will be a bidding war.”

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens’ organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors’ views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.

Stallworth’s Surgery A Success

Just two days after breaking his foot in the Ravens’ victory over the New York Giants Saturday night, receiver Donte’ Stallworth proclaimed his surgery to correct the injury was a success.

Stallworth’s operation consisted of inserting a screw into his broken foot in order to aid the healing process.

“The surgery was successful,” wrote Stallworth from his Twitter account. “[Thank you] all for your prayers. Love you much. Now back on the grind, I’ll be back SOON!!!”

If all goes as planned, Stallworth will return to the field in eight weeks, right around Halloween.

I mentioned yesterday that some fans were upset with Head Coach John Harbaugh for giving the first-half punt return duties to Stallworth during a less-meaningful preseason game. Some assumed Stallworth sustained the injury while returning a punt.

Turns out, however, Stallworth injured his foot while running a route as a receiver, not as a punt returner.

Now, Demetrius Williams, Marcus Smith and David Reed find themselves battling it out for that fifth receiver spot.

Thursday’s fourth and final preseason game will weigh heavily on the outcome of that battle. The only problem for Williams is that he has to overcome an ankle injury to even compete.

“He does need to get out there Thursday night and he’s shooting for that,” Harbaugh told Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com. 

Decision On Cundiff vs. Graham All Comes Down to This

Speaking of Thursday’s game vs. the St. Louis Rams, this will also be a huge night for kickers Billy Cundiff and Shayne Graham.

The Ravens have admittedly been putting off this decision, as neither kicker has done enough to create separation. But the decision can’t be delayed much longer and the kickers know it. Check out CSNBaltimore.com’s video breakdown of the sitch.

Pass Protection Needs Beefing Up

With right tackles Jared Gaither (back) and Oniel Cousins (head) still sitting out, the Giants recorded five total sacks against the Ravens Saturday night.

“The pocket overall wasn’t consistently solid,” said ESPN’s James Walker. ”At times, it was miscommunications. Other times New York simply outplayed Baltimore up front.”

Through three preseason games the Ravens have allowed a sack nearly 11 percent of the time they attempt a pass. Only the Chicago Bears have allowed more sacks per pass attempt thus far.

“We’re not convinced Tony Moll is the answer at right tackle,” Walker continued. “Giants defensive end Justin Tuck had his way with Moll on several occasions. Baltimore tackles Cousins and/or Jared Gaither need to get healthy quickly.”

Unfortunately, Cousins’ availability is still unclear, writes MASN’s Dan Kolko.

Clayton Designates Elite Tag To Flacco

ESPN’s senior writer John Clayton breaks down all 32 starting NFL quarterbacks, designating each to one of three categories: The Elite, The Chad Pennington division and the Hit-Or-Miss division.

Ranked as the 12th-best quarterback overall, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is elite in Clayton’s book. Clayton also added an “arrow pointing” category for each elite quarterback, and Flacco’s arrowing is pointing up as he continues to progress and grow.

“For the past couple of years, I’ve preached how the league is divided into teams with elite quarterbacks and those without them. To win in this league, you must have an elite quarterback. Without one, the season can be long and frustrating.”

AFC North quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Carson Palmer were also designated the elite tag, ranked No. 4 and No. 10, respectively.

Quick Hits

• Among NFL players from around the league, SportingNews.com correspondents believe Ravens safety Tom Zbikowski, cornerback Lardarius Webb and guard Marshal Yanda are primed for a breakout season. [SportingNews.com]
• Steelers safety Troy Polamalu’s three-feet long, flowing locks have been insured for $1 million by his endorsement brand shampoo, Head and Shoulders. [ESPN]
• For the record, Ravens former Head Coach Brian Billick agrees with Tony Dungy. Billick believes his former colleague and now Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan should tone down his use of obscenities on HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” [USA Today]
• duffstar: Harbaugh said injury settlements will be coming soon to get down to 75 on roster. [Twitter]
• duffstar: Harbaugh said Fabian Washington has a bruise on his ribs and that’s why he didn’t practice today. [Twitter]
• In reaching for a ring, 10-year veteran Todd Heap has more help this year. “(Defenses) are going to have to decide who they want to put pressure on, and we’ve got a lot of guys that can step up and make plays when the pressure’s on somebody else,” said Heap. [USA Today]
• Could the offense now be the Ravens’ strength? “We’re definitely going to be better,” said Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron. “It’s just a matter of how much better. The sky’s the limit for this team.” [SportingNews.com]
• andysimms (sports agent): NFL Teams have serious roster cuts in next 5 days. 32 teams going from 80 players to 53 means 864 cuts to be made. Reality check for many. [Twitter]
• Receiver Mark Clayton said Giants safety Antrel Rolle should not be fined for the concussion-inducing hit Rolle delivered Saturday night. Rolle was subsequently penalized for hitting the defenseless receiver. [The Baltimore Sun]

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens’ organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors’ views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.

Despite Shayne Graham’s missed 50-yard field goal Thursday against the Carolina Panthers, Head Coach John Harbaugh believes there is still a long way to go before the Ravens make a kicking decision between Graham and Billy Cundiff.

“I think it’s too early to say,” Harbaugh said Saturday.  “They’ve both done well.

“I think Shayne’s kick in the game was a tough one. He wants to make that kick, but it was a tough kick.”

Cundiff got things started well when he booted the opening kickoff into the end zone for a touchback.

Then, Graham answered with a 32-yard field goal, followed by a touchback.

Cundiff nailed an extra point following Joe Flacco’s 30-yard touchdown pass to Mark Clayton, and then added his second touchback.

When it was time for Graham to step up again, the kick sailed to the right, and would have only just made it over the crossbar.

“Really, what you think about is how you’re going to hit your next ball,” Graham said.  “You don’t let that get you down because you know you can make it.  I’m just going to keep trying to hit the ball solid.”

Grahm didn’t get another shot.  Cundiff placed another PAT, and that was that.

Still, Cundiff – the Ravens’ kicker for 10 regular-season games last season – knows the battle is far from over.

“This is going to be a marathon, not a sprint,” Cundiff said.  “The way things worked out, sharing kicks, Shayne got field goals, and I got the extra points.

I definitely feel like kickoffs are an area where I’m strong, but this isn’t going to be decided by kickoffs.  That’s extra.  I look to where [kickoffs] definitely compliment my game, but it’s not the end all.”

Lewis Says Reed Is ‘Feeling Good’

Linebacker Ray Lewis gave what feels like an annual television interview while he and the other starters rested during the second half of the Ravens’ first preseason game.

In the interview, ESPN’s Suzy Kolber asked Lewis about his “gut feeling” on teammate and All-Pro safety Ed Reed’s return from offseason hip surgery.

Baltimore Sun’s Edward Lee characterized Lewis’ response as optimistic.

“Just to listen to him, I think he’s excited just about his improvement and where he is,” Lewis said. “The surgery is healing kind of fast. I won’t really speak for him. I just speak about what he’s told me. He’s just feeling good, and anytime you can come out of surgery and hear somebody is feeling good, that’s all you can ask for.”

Lewis didn’t have much to say in response to Kolber’s question about the Jet’s first episode on HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”

He congratulated former Ravens Defensive Coordinator and current Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan and said, “We’re going to be working, and we’ll see them Week 1.”

McGahee “Showcased” For Possible Deal?

Before last night’s matchup vs. the Panthers, ProFootballTalk.com’s Gregg Rosenthal said he wouldn’t be surprised to see the Ravens “showcase” running back Willis McGahee in light of the circulating rumors that he could be offered in a possible deal for a cornerback.

“One reason why the Ravens might be willing to trade Willis McGahee is their growing confidence in running back Jalen Parmele, who should get a large number of carries in Thursday night’s preseason opener,” The Baltimore Sun’s Jamison Hensley wrote.

McGahee only had one carry last night, but he stood out in the passing game with a series of screen-play catches. He garnered 37 yards on four receptions.

According to Ken Murray of the Sun, Parmele didn’t help himself last night with a fumble that gave Carolina a third-quarter touchdown.

“If the Ravens are really going to consider dealing veteran running back Willis McGahee, they’ve got to be able to count on Parmele or Steele to help out,” Murray wrote.

“Trading McGahee may be the prudent thing to do if the Ravens get the cornerback they covet. But it will come at a potential big cost.”

Writing from his Twitter account after the game, Parmele seemed to agree with Murray’s assessment of his performance against the Panthers.

“I apologize for my piss poor performance tonight. …I will bounce back,” Parmele wrote.

Meanwhile, running back Ray Rice didn’t notch a single carry as the Ravens opted to keep him safely rested on the sidelines for most of the game.  But for anyone who may be worried about his absence, Rice reassured everyone he is fine.

“People don’t be upset that y’all ain’t see much of me tonight,” Rice tweeted after the game. “trust me I’m ready the coaches know what they are doing” (sic)

Harbaugh: I’m Not Voting For McClain

Even Rice has been seen sporting full back Le’Ron McClain’s campaign T-shirts,” Mo Carries, Mo Touchdowns”  and “McClain 4 RB.”

McClain’s grassroots efforts seemed to produce some results with Rice resting on the bench Thursday night. The 6-0, 260-pound bruiser carried the ball four times for 21 yards.

But Head Coach John Harbaugh appears happy with the regular running back rotation.

“I’m not voting for McClain, even though he gave me one of his T-shirts,” Coach Harbaugh said. “It was good to see him run hard. We know he can play, and we’re having fun with him.”

Cundiff Taking Early Edge In Kicking Battle?

ESPN’s James Walker said Ravens kicker Shayne Graham had a “mixed debut” in Baltimore after successfully converting a 32-yard attempt and then missing from 50 yards before halftime.

“Every kick for Graham will be under the microscope during his competition with incumbent Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff,” Walker added.

Edward Lee of the Sun agreed by saying, “Billy Cundiff made his case to win the Ravens’ kicking battle with a solid showing in the first half.”

Both competitors drove their kickoffs into the endzone, resulting in touchbacks. Cundiff converted an extra point, but didn’t notch any field goal attempts.

Quick Hits

The Ravens’ second and third-round picks, Ed Dickson and Terrence Cody, looked like they belonged in the NFL in their first game action as pros. [MASN]

The ESPN Monday Night Football crew met with Ravens backup quarterback Marc Bulger before Thursday’s game, and described him as a “defeated guy.” [ProFootballTalk.com]

Adding another speculative possibility for a trade partner, Tim Kavanagh wrote the New England Patriots could be interested in McGahee and have a bit of depth at cornerback to trade. [ESPN]

“The Ravens know they can run. But the coaching staff wants to see where the passing game is after making several key acquisitions at wide receiver and tight end,” wrote James Walker. “Led by third-year quarterback Joe Flacco, the passing game looked much improved.”  [ESPN]

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens’ organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors’ views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.

Billy Cundiff and Shayne Graham will still get an equal chance to win the starting kicking job, but the format will be a little different than first thought.

Yesterday, Head Coach John Harbaugh anticipated that Cundiff and Graham would each get a half of kicking throughout each preseason game.

After talking more with Special Teams Coordinator Jerry Rosburg, the Ravens will now take turns on field goal attempts.

“That’s what Coach Rosburg wants to do,” Harbaugh said. “He feels like it’ll keep both those guys in the game for the whole game and give them a fair amount of reps. We’re looking forward to that.”

Cundiff, the incumbent, and Graham have been neck-and-neck throughout training camp thus far. Harbaugh said Saturday that he expects the decision to come down to a “gut feeling,” but added that the way they kick during the preseason games will be a big factor.

Although there were 17,861 judges in M&T Bank Stadium Saturday, Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh is the top justice and he isn’t about to make a ruling.

Harbaugh foresees the kicking battle going to the bitter end, saying the decision is on the “backburner.”

While each kicker has had good and off days, both have performed well and the race is too close to call.

“My gut feeling is it’s going to be a gut feeling, which is the toughest way to do it,” Harbaugh said. “You’d like to have it be black and white, and you can make that kind of choice, but right now it looks like they’re both going to kick really well.”

Graham had the better day Saturday, hitting all nine of his field goal attempts, including a pair from 44 yards on Saturday.

His incumbent competition, Billy Cundiff, went 7-for-9 with misses from 44 and 33 yards. Cundiff also had a rough day Thursday when he missed three field goal attempts, but he has, for the most part, been very solid.

Harbaugh said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Ravens get calls from other teams inquiring about one of the kickers.

“Sometimes people wait and they know we’ve got to let somebody go, so they’ll wait for you to let somebody go,” Harbaugh said.

“But, the problem is if you’re low on the pecking order of claiming rights – and you need a kicker and somebody else needs a kicker who’s ahead of you – you’ve got to trade for him. So, I think that’s something that could be beneficial for us.”

While this was Graham’s first time kicking in M&T Bank Stadium as a member of the Ravens, he’s quite accustomed to Baltimore. He tormented the Ravens as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, hitting 15-of-18 field goals including a game-winner in 2004.

Graham said it was good to have the crowd reaction and game atmosphere, but he didn’t let his success thus far at training camp get to his head.

“Every time you line up for a kick, you don’t ever really think back to one of those kicks,” Graham said. “You normally try to keep it as a fresh kick coming up. You use those [his successful kicks in training camp] to build confidence, but never take any kick for granted just because you’ve made other kicks.”

Thus, Special Teams Coordinator Jerry Rosburg said he expects the final call will come near the end of the preseason.

“I would expect [it to be late] because I think both kickers are really good,” Rosburg said. “With that in mind you want to give them every opportunity and not rush to judgment.”

In the first two days of a competition that will be well-charted, Graham is 10-for-12 with misses from 38 yards on a low snap and 50 yards. Cundiff is 11-of-12 with one wide right from 41 yards. Cundiff was perfect from 30, 39, 44, 46 and 51 yards Saturday.

While the battle of veterans is quite different from last year – when youngsters Steve Hauschka and Graham Gano squared off – Graham and Cundiff are actually fairly similar.

Rosburg pointed out that both kickers are about the same on kickoffs. They both have experience. They each have strong enough legs, he said.

One advantage Cundiff has is that he was with the Ravens last year, which Rosburg said gives Cundiff more knowledge of the kickoff system and familiarity with holder Sam Koch.

In an effort to make the competition as balanced and fair as possible, Rosburg has rotated the kickers between first and second teams (thus giving them different blockers) and long-snappers (Matt Katula and Morgan Cox).

Rosburg said the results from the preseason games will be important in determining who wins the job.

“My thinking on that is that it’s much like quarterbacks,” Rosburg said. “Practice is really good and it’s valuable and you learn a lot by watching the guys in practice. But for kickers, game environments are really valuable too.”

“When the dust settles I think we’ll have our kicker. It will express itself.”