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CHARLOTTE -- About this time last year, the Carolina Panthers played their third exhibition game and it set the tone for the season.

That night the tandem of DeAngelo Williams-Jonathan Stewart alluded tackles, showed surprising speed and celebrated in the end zone during the Panthers' 47-3 rout of Washington. They combined for 201 yards rushing, including touchdown runs of 60 and 50 yards, in a precursor of Carolina's run-dominated 12-4 season.

Today, 231 days after their last home game -- a stunning playoff flop against Arizona -- the Panthers (0-2) are looking for another breakout game on both sides of the ball in the only preseason game where the starters play into the second half.

It won't be easy against the Baltimore Ravens (2-0), whose defense has made it clear it's still among the NFL's best.

"It's a good measuring stick," quarterback Jake Delhomme said. "You don't want to play teams that are trying to find themselves. You want established teams that are very good at what they do to see what you need to work on to get ready."

The Ravens' defense, ranked second in the NFL last season, shut out Washington in the preseason opener. Then the New York Jets managed one first down and Haloti Ngata returned an interception for a touchdown before Ray Lewis and the starters left in the second quarter Monday night.

Even though linebacker Terrell Suggs (Achilles' tendon) hasn't played a down in the preseason, nose tackle Kelly Gregg will sit out today with a shoulder injury and the Ravens didn't put in the typical game plan because of a short week, the Ravens are a confident bunch and looking to perfect their pass rush against the Panthers.

"You kind of want to make sure you have enough of it, but make sure you're doing it the right way," first-year defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said.

Baltimore may not get a chance to test its run defense against Williams or Stewart. Williams, who broke four tackles in a 25-yard touchdown run in last week's loss to Miami, sat out practice Wednesday with a sore knee. He'll be a game-time decision.

The bigger concern is Stewart, who missed his 16th straight practice Friday and will sit out his third exhibition game with a left Achilles' tendon injury. Receiver Steve Smith could make his preseason debut as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

Defense, though, is where the injuries and worries are piling up for Carolina.

The loss of defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu (torn Achilles' tendon) has left the Panthers with a hole in the run defense. The New York Giants (139 yards rushing) and Miami (141 yards) took advantage.

Middle linebacker Jon Beason (knee) and free safety Charles Godfrey (hand) were injured in Miami and won't play today. While the Ravens will again be without receiver Mark Clayton (hamstring), they'll provide a test for Carolina's young unit. Quarterback Joe Flacco is 17-of-35 for 223 yards in two games.

"We started pretty slow the first two games," Panthers safety Chris Harris said. "We definitely need to get some more three-and-outs and get some more turnovers. This is going to be a good gauging point to see where we are going into the season."

Julius Peppers will also play his first home game since he spent the offseason trying to leave Carolina. The four-time Pro Bowl pick decided against holding out, but has been a non-factor in two preseason games, totaling one tackle and no sacks.

He'll be matched up some against Baltimore rookie right tackle Michael Oher, the 23rd pick in the draft.

"He's a great player. I grew up watching this guy," Oher said. "Of course you look forward to those type of games playing against great players."

For Delhomme, in his first game at Bank of America Stadium since his ugly six-turnover effort against the Cardinals, it's another chance to match up with one of the league's best.

The Ravens used their dominant defense to make a run to last season's AFC championship game. The Panthers have already played two defending division winners in the Giants and Dolphins and face Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh next week.

"Our preseason schedule is fantastic for us," Delhomme said. "And it's 3-4 looks, which is something we'll face during the season. So we're going to face a Ray Lewis-led defense with all kinds of talent, multiple looks."