The NFL season has officially arrived and the preseason gets underway on Thursday featuring some matchups that would be a lot more exciting if this were say Week 5 of the regular season. However, it is the preseason which means fans will be lucky if they see the starters play more than two series in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens face off as a rematch of the Super Bowl just two years ago. Again, this would be so much more exciting if this score actually mattered.
The 49ers return already down two running backs and likely without Michael Crabtree who suffered an injury that might sideline him for weeks. The 49ers season began by losing Kendall Hunter for the season after tearing his ACL while LaMichael James went down the next day with a dislocated elbow. There is also the lingering issue of Marcus Lattimore's health as he too has yet to participate in practice. That leaves the ground game to Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde who is getting his first taste of NFL action.
San Francisco is hoping to see some big things from their rookies. The team drafted Jimmie Ward with the No. 30 overall pick and so far he has impressed in training camp. He picked off quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the first practice, earning the praise of the tea. Chris Borland is also expected to make an impact While Quinton Patton is looking to earn a spot on the wide receivers corps after his rookie season ended fast thanks to an injury.
The Baltimore Ravens offseason was not kind as they suffered multiple player suspensions and the drama surrounding Ray Rice. The running back will only be forced serve a two-game suspension after violating the league's personal conduct policy and many are wondering how he and the fans will respond to the whole ordeal. CJ Mosley will be getting his first taste of the NFL as he is expected to replace Ray Lewis this season.
