Sports columnist

Mike Preston

Mike Preston is a sports columnist at The Baltimore Sun and he provides commentary on the Ravens and college lacrosse. Mike started at The Sun in 1983 as a sports agate clerk and since then has covered University of Maryland football, the Winter and Summer Olympics, and the Blast. He is a 1981 graduate of Towson University. Email him at epreston@baltsun.com.

Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers warms up before the first day of training camp on Wednesday. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)

Mike Preston: 9 takeaways from Ravens’ first day of training camp | COMMENTARY

July 29, 2026 at 5:34 p.m.

The Ravens had their first full practice of training camp on Wednesday. Here's what stood out to columnist Mike Preston.

Ravens left tackle, Ronnie Stanley, shown in 2025, was slowed by injuries last season. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)

Mike Preston: Ronnie Stanley will define Ravens’ offense | COMMENTARY

July 29, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.

If Ronnie Stanley stays healthy, it could be a big year for the Ravens' offense. Columnist Mike Preston explains the left tackle's importance.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson enters this season coming off the worst rushing season of his NFL career. (Nick Wass/AP)

Mike Preston: Ravens shouldn’t rush Lamar Jackson’s next contract | COMMENTARY

July 24, 2026 at 7:00 a.m.

Both the Ravens and Lamar Jackson are in ideal situations when it comes to current contract talks, Mike Preston writes. Here's why.

Mcdonogh’s Hunter Metz scores a goal earlier in his high school career. Metz will play for Notre Dame soon after he partakes in the New Balance All-American Lacrosse Senior Game. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)

Mike Preston: Old-school McDonogh star gets spotlight at All-America game | COMMENTARY

July 23, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.

McDonogh's Hunter Metz embraced tough coaching. It's part of what helped him make the New Balance All-American Lacrosse Senior Game.

Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell, shown in 2021, is dealing with tragedy this week after his mom's death. (Kim Hairston/Staff)

Mike Preston: Calais Campbell’s family tragedy puts football in perspective | COMMENTARY

July 1, 2026 at 4:29 p.m.

There are some days in the sports writing profession where you pause and just remember, it's only a game. The death of Ravens lineman Calais Campbell's mother puts life into perspective.

Salisbury coach Jim Berkman looks on during a national championship game victory in 2007. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)

Mike Preston: Salisbury’s Jim Berkman built a program to be proud of | COMMENTARY

June 26, 2026 at 4:04 p.m.

Salisbury men's lacrosse coach Jim Berkman built one of the best programs in the country, regardless of division, Mike Preston writes.

Ravens defensive linemen Aeneas Peebles and Calais Campbell talk in between drills during minicamp. Campbell gives the Ravens a much-needed veteran presence. (Ryan Bowie/Staff)

Mike Preston: Ravens were immature in 2025. They’ll need to grow up. | COMMENTARY

June 25, 2026 at 7:00 a.m.

The Ravens' lack of team maturity was an issue in 2025. They'll need better veteran leadership to win big this season, Mike Preston writes.

Ravens defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver speaks with the media following an offseason practice. Weaver comes to Baltimore as an assistant after spending the offseason as a head coaching candidate at several places, including Baltimore and Pittsburgh. (Ryan Bowie/Staff)

Mike Preston: Marvin Lewis knows hurdles facing Ravens’ Anthony Weaver | COMMENTARY

June 18, 2026 at 7:00 a.m.

Former Bengals coach Marvin Lewis understands the challenges Ravens defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver faces in becoming a Black head coach in the NFL, Mike Preston writes.

Ravens linebacker Mike Green takes part in a pass-rushing drill during OTAs on Tuesday. Baltimore's coaches expect Green to make significant strides in his second NFL season. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)

Mike Preston: These 10 Ravens must improve in 2026 | COMMENTARY

June 5, 2026 at 7:00 a.m.

The Ravens fell short of expectations in 2025. These 10 players need to improve for Baltimore to reach its goals in 2026, Mike Preston writes.

"I think there's a multitude of positions where we're really trying to rotate a lot of pieces," Ravens coach Jesse Minter said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Mike Preston: Ravens won’t win unless they solve O-line puzzle | COMMENTARY

May 29, 2026 at 3:56 p.m.

The Ravens can't and won't win unless they can protect Lamar Jackson. Figuring out the offensive line puzzle is crucial, Mike Preston writes.

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