The Ravens spent a good part of the offseason retooling their defense. They wanted to get faster, younger and more importantly better. They have yet to step on the field against an opponent but it’s safe to say – MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

Dean Pees unit is deep and they can beat you in many different ways. The back end coverage is better and the front seven is vastly improved. You may not see it in full bloom during the preseason or even during the first month of the regular season. But eventually, particularly during the second half of the season, the Ravens defense will once again be considered among the league’s best.

Offensively the running game looks better. Ray Rice is Ray Rice, Bernard Pierce looks more decisive and stronger and Joe Flacco is playing at a new level. The offensive line looks more cohesive even if Marshal Yanda has yet to join his mates in practice and they have seemingly been reinvigorated by new “Run Game Coordinator” Juan Castillo.

Castillo for all intents and purposes is the new offensive line coach. He may not be in title but one only needs to attend practice once to see that he’s effectually usurped the offensive front authority from Andy Moeller. And if the zone blocking exhibited in camp so far is any indication, the running game will flourish.

Now for the bad…

The biggest concern amongst fans and observers of the team by far is the position of wide receiver. Those concerns have seen little relief and team officials are quietly concerned. They are hoping that someone steps up but so far no one other than Torrey Smith has done so consistently. The best of the lot competing for the No. 3 spot is Deonte Thompson.

There are lingering concerns about Tandon Doss’ toughness and Tommy Streeter has been awful. LaQuan Williams has practiced well and look out for UDFA Marlon Brown from Georgia. He’s got a shot to make the team.

ALL OF TODAY'S NOTES HERE

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