Bodog Beat

As long as Ray Lewis is around the Ravens defense will be great. (AP Images)

When the Baltimore Ravens open training camp today, they will be looking to improve on a season where they advanced to the AFC championship game under first-year coach John Harbaugh and with rookie quarterback Joe Flacco.

The Ravens, who are listed at +2200 to win the Super Bowl, are poised to make another run, but only if Flacco continues to improve and the defense can overcome the loss of defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.

Coach John Harbaugh is hopeful that Derrick Mason will return to the Ravens but couldn’t predict whether the team’s top receiver will do so.

Mason hasn’t spoken to reporters since announcing his retirement earlier this month.

Mason, 35, has been the team’s only dependable receiver, leading the Ravens in catches for three of his four seasons with the team.

Rookies, quarterbacks, and select players will report to training camp today, with the first full-team practice open to the public on July 31.

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