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Defenses are usually ahead of offenses early in the season, and that's to be expected. But watching the Ravens' offense perform Monday was downright frustrating. The Ravens were without starting offensive center Matt Birk and right guard Marshal Yanda, and their absences were partly to blame. But this offense has no consistency in the passing or running games. The good news is the season is still young and the Ravens have plenty of time to improve, but you'd figure there would be more cohesiveness in a unit that has some key starters returning. There were times when the backup quarterbacks couldn't handle exchanges or tripped over their feet while dropping back. At one point, it was so ugly that offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said, "Some of you guys are thinking about tomorrow, but there might not be a tomorrow for some of you."
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Outside linebacker Sergio Kindle is bringing a lot of energy to the defense. He has exceptional quickness, and is relentless as far as pursuit. Kindle isn't strong enough to bull rush offensive linemen, but he has quick hands and a burst to match his hand speed.
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Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed practiced for the second straight day in equipment, and he appears to have added some bulk to his upper body. Reed is more muscular now than in his previous 10 seasons with the team.
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Rookie cornerback Jimmy Smith, the team's top draft pick, had ice placed on his left groin late in the afternoon practice. Smith apparently suffered the injury after he got beaten over the middle by receiver LaQuan Williams (Maryland). Smith has stood out so far in practices and is extremely physical. He can run with any receiver but doesn't always finish plays once he gets beaten. That may have worked at Colorado, but it won't work in the NFL.
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Rookie receiver Tandon Doss, out of Indiana, doesn't have great size or speed, but he runs good patterns and has excellent hands. This kid knows how to find the holes and seams in defenses to get open.
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The big hit of the day belonged to rookie right tackle Jah Reid, who pancaked Kindle on a running play. Reid has a good initial pop and can do some damage if he gets into his opponent's body, but he has been slow off the ball and cutting off backside penetration.
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2011/08/offense_struggles_early.html