Carolina receiver Steve Smith saw his first preseason action of 2009 after missing two games with a shoulder injury. His physical, confrontational style hasn't changed a bit.

Smith blasted Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth out of bounds with a big block on Carolina's first play. Later, Smith caught his first pass, tried to stiff-arm Foxworth and ended up drawing a face-mask penalty.

But at least Smith was using that formerly injured shoulder with authority. Later, he did stiff-arm Foxworth on a 26-yard run off a flanker screen. Smith's return was one of the most positive things about a very uneven game for Carolina.

The Panthers' first-team defense seemed to have forgotten what a three-and-out was during the first half, but it certainly understood 10-and-in.

Baltimore had long touchdown marches on two of its first three drives – one a 90-yarder. Quarterback Joe Flacco repeatedly whipped the Panthers D, throwing very effectively to Derrick Mason when he was matched with Chris Gamble.

Baltimore almost scored touchdowns on its first three drives.

On the other, the Ravens got to a first-and-goal at the 1 before two penalties, a Tyler Brayton sack and a missed field-goal attempt short-circuited that one. That half certainly was not what new Panthers defensive coordinator Ron Meeks wanted.

Although Bank of America Stadium was only a tenth full 30 minutes before kickoff, it wound up close to 90percent full. Charlotte is obviously ready for another football season.

Panthers coach John Fox is starting to get into regular-season mode. On third-and-14 from the Baltimore 24, with the score 0-0 in the first quarter, the Panthers called timeout.

They went with a three-receiver set – and a draw play featuring fourth-string running back Decori Birmingham. You can probably guess it came up short.