Panthers vs. Ravens: Blogger Q & A

It is time for our first Blogger Q & A of 2010 Panther fans! If you're a new member, every week prior to an upcoming game we arrange some type of Q&A between the competing blog sites. For this season opener we'll go with the traditional 5 question swap. Later this season I might try something a little more techno such as a live web cast. Do I hear "Ooooos" and "Ahhhhhhs"?

So I sent five questions over to Bruce Raffell (Rexx), lead blogger over at Baltimore Beatdown, SBN's Ravens blog, and he has kindly (beat down free) provided answers. Check his blog later for my answers to his questions. So let us waste no more time...

Question 1. It's preseason game #1, what can Carolina expect to see from an expected tough Ravens defense? Vanilla or lots of blitzes?

Bruce:  Good question, as I had a chance to ask pretty much the same question to Head Coach John Harbaugh at Training Camp last week ad he said they'll just show base packages, as we're playing you guys later in the season.

Yeah, softball question I know, but given how our back-up o-linemen have looked let's hope the Ravens don't bring heat this early....more after the jump...

Question 2. What rookie should we keep an eye in this game? Why?

Bruce: I'd say keep an eye on three guys, the two rookie tight ends (Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta) as well as NT Terrence Cody. Dickson and Pitta are big fast guys with great hands and "Mount" Cody is the run stuffer and can also collapse the pocket.

Pitta was a favorite of James the Aussie so I'm curious to see plenty of this guy. Let's also see how long Cody can last given he showed up to camp out of shape.

Question 3. Who have been your camp stars to date, the player(s) that look good much to your surprise?

Bruce: WR Demetrius Williams has always failed to live up to the high expectations and now with Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth in the mix, Williams is not expected to get a ton of reps but has looked real solid so far.

Competition makes everyone better...or so they say. They have Williams, we have Jarrett. Let's see how they do head-to-head.

4. What is the number one thing you hope to see from your offense? Why?

Bruce: It would be nice to see the first team offense move the ball with a mix of runs and passes. Like to see Joe Flacco get into a rhythm of using all his receivers and not always check down to Ray Rice all the time.

We need to remember that Flacco (25) is younger than Matt Moore (26) though he has 32 starts to 8. Still I think they are in similar situations, trying to develop an improved passing game to compliment a strong running game.

5. Is there a certain UDFA you think might make the roster? Who and why?

Bruce: The two guys who stand out to me as undrafted free agents are running back Curtis Steele (Memphis) and linebackers Albert McClellan (Marshall). Both got a bunch of reps prior to the veteran reporting and while Steele is small, elusive and quick, McClellan is solid and hard hitting.

Panther fans would agree Memphis knows how to produce good RB's. I imagine Steele will see the rock a lot after the 1st quarter.

Thanks Bruce for your time and answers and let's both pray for an injury-free game!