Breaking Down the Baltimore Ravens' 2012 NFL Preseason Schedule

The NFL released the preseason schedule for every team on Wednesday, which of course includes the Baltimore Ravens. Let's take a look at the four opponents they are scheduled to meet and what we can anticipate in these actually-important contests.

Preseason Week 1: At Atlanta Falcons (August 9)

The first preseason game is generally a time to evaluate talent, including the new rookie class, in order for more roster decisions to be made. We may get a glimpse of the team's starters, but it isn't likely.

Instead, this is all about finalizing which players could be bumped up to starter or down to the bench and to see how both offense and defense reacts to the playbook.

What to watch for: how well backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor has progressed; how effective any new linebackers are at getting to the Falcons offense; the pass-run balance.

Preseason Week 2: Vs. Detroit Lions (August 17)

In Week 2, the starters should get more time on the field, and against the Detroit Lions and their vicious front center, it should give us a better idea of how the Ravens have handled their offensive line situation this offseason.

Also telling will be how involved running back Ray Rice is—whether he continues to dominate Joe Flacco's targets or if he focuses more on his receivers.

Other than that, it's more talent evaluation once the starters are off the field. This game will be nationally televised on Fox at 8 p.m. ET.

What to watch for: rookie performance; Flacco's passing targets; the offensive line vs. the Lions pass rush; ability to put pressure on Matthew Stafford and Shaun Hill.

Preseason Week 3: Vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (August 23)

Week 3 is the closest thing to a full-on dress rehearsal for the regular season, so we should see both offensive and defensive starters playing the majority of this game.

It gives the Ravens the chance to avenge their embarrassing Week 7 12-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, while also providing the opportunity to install further tweaks to the playbook.

Will Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert progress from his dismal 2011, or will it be more of the same? The Ravens are hoping their signature defensive pressure makes it look more like the latter.

What to watch for: effective pressure on Blaine Gabbert; ability to contain Maurice Jones-Drew; the Ravens offense developing more of a pass-run balance; rookies with breakout performances.

Preseason Week 4: At St. Louis Rams (August 30)

If there were any questions about the Ravens starting roster going into the final preseason game, they will be pretty much resolved by the end of the contest. Few starters will play all that long into this game, giving the team a chance to take a look at the players who remain on the bubble and ultimately make cuts and promotions.

This game admittedly will be more important for the St. Louis Rams, who are dealing with the addition of a new coaching staff and trying to come off of a very disappointing 2011 season that was plagued with injuries.

If the Ravens—even their more marginal players—can hold off the Rams in this game, at least it shows they may have divested themselves of taking supposedly weak opponents lightly.

What to watch for: which players on the bubble step up; whether there are any effective running backs on the roster other than Rice; the drop-off (if any) between first- and second-string linebackers, secondary and offensive line.

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