The New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens know a thing or two about controversy. Both teams have been the subject of off-the-field distractions in recent years, but can turn to the gridiron on Thursday night.
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For those out of network, a free live stream to watch the contest between the two can be found here (requires free trial registration). Radio coverage can be heard live on WBAL 1090 AM.
Preview
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
Weather: 80°F, Clear
Odds: Ravens -3, per vegasinsider.com
I know everyone was waiting to hear this one, but Clete Blakeman is your referee for tomorrow night's #Saints-#Ravens game (#NOvsBAL)
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) August 12, 2015
Position Battles To Watch
Saints: Ask the Buffalo Bills about the importance of boasting a reliable kicker (wide right). Having released veteran Shayne Graham, New Orleans turns to rookies Dustin Hopkins and Zach Hocker in search of an heir apparent. Both have performed amicably in practice, going 5-for-5 with a pair of 59-yarders on Sunday.
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Ravens: With Torrey Smith signing with the 49ers, the search for Steve Smith's opposite number begins on Thursday. Michael Campanaro, Kamar Aiken and Marlon Brown are all vying for snaps, and Breshad Perriman did little to add clarity to the team's receiver situation. Perriman was drafted No. 26 overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Breshad Perriman is the 'fastest man on turf' in Madden https://t.co/fe22bLRRVq pic.twitter.com/E4Q6QS10fj
— Baltimore Beatdown (@BMoreBeatdown) August 13, 2015
Performance To Examine
Only Cleveland (2,265), Tennessee (2,195) and the Giants (2,162) conceded more rushing yards than the Saints in 2014 (2,125). Such a paltry record required reinforcements in the draft—reinforcements in the form of Stephone Anthony.
Selected No. 31 overall, the "Mike" linebacker has worked with the starting defense in recent practices, per NOLA.com. Although David Hawthorne is above him in the depth chart, look for Anthony to receive plenty of reps as the Saints search for depth at a key position.
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