Big Game From Burgess

Ravens rookie linebacker Prescott Burgess recognizes the importance of a first impression.

In a game filled with notable performances, the Ravens' rookie shined, twice tackling Eagles' ball-carriers for a loss of yards in addition to recording his first sack.

In a modest evaluation of his professional debut, Burgess said he thought he played "pretty well."

To Ravens' fans and coaches alike, the performance warranted a more glowing assessment.

"He's tremendous," said defensive coordinator Rex Ryan after the game. "[Linebackers coach] Jeff Fitzgerald is doing a great job with him. And he's working as an inside linebacker and as a strong-side outside linebacker."

Though he's been practicing and studying two positions, Burgess looked anything but overwhelmed.

In his first game in an NFL uniform, the rookie was consistently disruptive. Playing primarily on the inside during his two quarters of play, Burgess notched six stops on defense as well as a tackle on special teams.

But the highlight was a violent corralling of Eagles quarterback Kelly Holcomb in the second quarter.

On second-down and one, Burgess stormed through the interior offensive line on a blitz and slammed the Philadelphia quarterback to the ground by the back of his jersey.

"That's what they do," said Eagles coach Andy Reid, referring to the Ravens' aggressive blitz package. "They were having success with it, so they weren't going to back off."

Playing linebacker in Baltimore requires a certain tenacity - and the ability to relentlessly pursue opposing quarterbacks.

"He's got that Raven mentality and Raven mindset that fits right in with the rest of the guys," said Ryan. "He's a smart kid, and I think he's going to be a tremendous help to us."

After drawing praise from coaches and teammates throughout organized team activities and training camp, Burgess' play finally materialized in a game setting.

"I just wanted to go out there and do what I've been doing in practice," said Burgess. "You can't stay at the same spot that you're at now just because you did well in one game. You want to continue to be great, and I want to be great."

For an example of greatness, he does not have to look far. Surrounded by iconic figures throughout the Ravens' defense, Burgess realizes the extraordinary talent and tradition by which he is now encompassed.

"[The Ravens] are known as a great linebacking group," said Burgess. "I'm just trying to be a part of it."

If he maintains this rate of development and can continue to impact a game the way he did Monday, Burgess will certainly be a part of the Ravens' heralded group.

"I always have high expectations. I'm always just trying to conquer my goals," Burgess said. "I'm just out here trying to join the crew as a Baltimore Raven."

But joining the crew mandates the recognition of Burgess' decorated comrades.

"The other linebackers said I played like a Ravens' linebacker, so they gave me a thumbs-up," he admitted.

From a group of critics as tough as the Ravens' linebackers, that is high praise.