Baltimore Ravens: 5 Things We Have Learned Through Week 3 of Preseason

It is hard to believe that we are now in the fourth week of the preseason. With the matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Carolina Panthers now in the rear view mirror, questions about the state of the Ravens abound.

But so do feelings of hope.

Here are five things we have learned thus far this preseason and some things to look for in the final exhibition game against the St. Louis Rams.

Ravens Offense Still a Work in Progress

The Ravens opened the Carolina Panther preseason game with an impressive touchdown drive that featured crisp throws from quarterback Joe Flacco and a touchdown run by running back Ray Rice.

It seemed like the wheels came off after that drive. After the "mojo" left the Ravens offense, Joe Flacco and Tyrod Taylor combined to throw three interceptions. The Panthers scored three touchdowns off interception and fumble returns.

Flacco seemed out of sync with the receivers for most of the game, while Luke Kuechly and company wreaked havoc on the Ravens offense.

Rookie Receivers Show Potential

There were some bright spots amidst those dreadful miscues that had some Ravens fans completely up in arms. The Ravens' young receivers made solid contributions.

Seventh-round pick Aaron Mellette made two receptions and drew a pass-interference call. Fellow rookie Marlon Brown had, perhaps, the best performance of any Raven on offense.

Brown had four receptions for 59 yards and one touchdown against the Panthers' aggressive defense.  Mellette and Brown have been impressive in training camp and in preseason action. One has to wonder if that will be enough to push them past the likes of Tandon Doss on the depth chart.

Brandon Stokley Still Has It

Ravens rookie receivers were not the only ones to impress. It would appear that Brandon Stokley has made a triumphant return to Baltimore.

It seems like just yesterday that Brandon Stokley torched Jason Sehorn for a touchdown in the first of two Ravens Super Bowl wins.

Although it is certainly too early to draw any real conclusions, Stokley's performance against Carolina provides hope to the Ravens fanbase and to Joe Flacco, who needs a consistent performer in the slot after losing Anquan Boldin to the San Francisco 49ers and Dennis Pitta to injury.

The Defense Appears Ready

The Baltimore Ravens lost to the Carolina Panthers, 34-27. Sometimes, the scoreboard does not tell the whole story.

Four of the Panthers touchdowns came from turnovers and a 74-yard punt return by Ted Ginn. The Ravens defense played well. 

They held the Panthers to 119 yards passing, 77 yards rushing and no touchdowns. The front seven appeared stout against the run and pressured quarterback Cam Newton several times.

Looking Back and Ahead...

Ravens stars Marshal Yanda and Ladarius Webb both returned to action against Carolina. With that in mind, the Ravens head into the fourth preseason and the regular season relatively healthy (save Dennis Pitta).

Few starters, if any, will participate in the final preseason game, as they prepare for the regular season opener in Denver.

Things to keep an eye on are the Ravens young receivers Aaron Mellette and Marlon Brown as they vie for roster spots. The completion at center between Gino Gradkowski and A.Q. Shipley still rages on, although Gradkowski appears to have the upper hand.

The Ravens' questions on offense are likely to remain unanswered after the final preseason game. But young players will look to make their mark in this final exhibition game.