Mitchell will be center of attention

SportsLine.com Report
Sept. 6, 2000

Jeff Mitchell may be questionable with a bruised knee, but the Ravens center will most likely be in the starting lineup Sunday against the Jaguars.

He participated in Wednesday's walkthrough and will resume practicing Thursday.

The Ravens need Mitchell to shut off Jaguars middle linebacker Hardy Nickerson, a five-time Pro Bowl performer.

"I'm going to try to work into it and work through it the rest of this week," said Mitchell, who has started 20 straight games. "And we'll see how it goes."

FIRST HONOR: Defensive end Rob Burnett was named the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week after making six tackles and forcing a fumble. But it should have been shared by the Ravens entire front four which held the Steelers to 30 yards rushing and tormented quarterback Kent Graham.

QUOTABLE: From running back Jamal Lewis on not wearing a brace for the first time since injuring his left elbow: "I'm out of it and I'm done with it. Now it's free and ready to go. Now I won't have to think about carrying the ball with that arm and being scared that it might come out because of the big brace. A lot of bad habits were picked up with it."

INJURY FRONT: Starting quarterback Tony Banks (elbow) and running back Priest Holmes (thigh) both practiced this week and didn't complain of pain.

Backup tackle Kipp Vickers (knee) is listed as questionable but has practiced. He would fill in for right guard Mike Flynn, who would start at center if Mitchell can't go.

Hump game ahead

Sept. 4, 2000

It is only the second game of the season, but the Ravens understand the importance of their meeting with Jacksonville on Sunday.

A victory is critical for the Ravens' identity as a franchise.

"Until we beat the Jacksonville Jaguars," coach Brian Billick said, "we cannot say we're at the next level."

The Ravens are 0-8 against the Jaguars, with six of those losses being decided by a touchdown or less.

BIG TIME: Defensive tackle Sam Adams has always had All-Pro talent but a less-than-thrilling work ethic.

So, while Adams' domination of the Steelers' front was impressive, the Ravens have confronted Adams about being consistent.

"Sam was a huge factor," Billick said. "If Sam can maintain this level of play, and that's the challenge to Sam and he knows that, he will rival (Tampa Bay's) Warren Sapp for his impact on a defense and what he'd be thought of at a league level."

MAKING EXTRA POINTS: Unlike last season, kicker Matt Stover got off to a quick start as well as proving to be more valuable to the team.

Besides extending his consecutive field goal streak to 21, he sent three kickoffs to the end zone, forcing touchbacks and winning the field-position battle. He had a total of three touchbacks all last year.

"My point is I'm an 11-year vet, 32 years old, and I just signed a 4-year deal," said Stover, who received a game ball for his effort. "I'm not old. Don't be calling me old. I just want to stay healthy, keep fresh and kick the ball well."