The Little Things Go a Long Way in Baltimore

Opening day for the Ravens was a good start to the season. Yes they made their share of mistakes and they aren't going to be compared to the Lombardi Green Bay Packers. But as the game progressed they showed signs of forming a solid unit where players were doing the little things, the things that don't show up on a stat sheet, to work together.

The most telling moment of this was on the double reverse touchdown on opening day. If you follow the play through you can see everyone finishing their assignment. And you see Joe Flacco (QB) and Ray Rice (RB) downfield making blocks to continue the play. And most impressive was the effort and focus that was put into the execution of those blocks.

The fact they are both rookies will open the eyes of their teammates you can bet on that. And rookies or not when you see the skill position players sell their soul in the non-glamorous assignments or busting a gut to contribute, it forms a bond of trust and respect that only builds a teams confidence.

Especially in Flacco's case. A young QB is not only learning a new system and a the speed and skill level of the NFL, but he has to win the respect of his team. Afterall he needs to be the Ravens' leader. That block proved he is going to go to battle with his team and put his body where his mouth is.

This also helps the team not to feel rushed to get their most experienced running back Willis McGahee who is recovering from a minor knee procedure. So why McGahee is working hard to return, the team's staff and players see the young guys stepping up and pressing ahead. So whether McGahee returns this week or whenever he can take his time and work his way back into the flow.

By Andy Natalie
ProFootball-fans.com Baltimore Ravens Correspondent