One of Baltimore's strengths is something Harbaugh appreciates probably more than anyone else: a solid offensive line. The second-year man Jonathan Ogden is a Pro Bowl tackle who reminds some scouts of the accomplished Jumbo Elliott, currently with the Jets. They also have solid players on the line in Orlando Brown, Wally Williams and Jeff Blackshear.

''I took a beating when I was with the Colts,'' Harbaugh said, ''but when you're playing, when the adrenaline is going, you don't think about it. Now, with this team, I hate to compare these guys to the Colts, but this line is truly terrific. They're one of the best in the game.''

Defensively, the Ravens have a nice combination of experience and young legs. Peter Boulware and Jamie Sharper are two good linebackers entering just their second season. Tony Siragusa, the wise-cracking defensive lineman, and cornerback Rod Woodson, who spent most of his career in Pittsburgh before joining San Francisco, are in their 9th and 12th seasons, respectively.

''I've been very impressed with how we have drafted,'' said the Ravens' owner, Art Modell, referring mainly to Ogden, Boulware and Sharper. ''Our drafts recently have paid off better than any draft or series of drafts I've ever been involved with in my 38 years in the N.F.L. We've also done a good job in free agency.''

Perhaps the biggest key to the Ravens' season will be the first four weeks. They open at home against Pittsburgh on Sept. 6, then are at the Jets and Jacksonville, followed by Cincinnati at home. If Baltimore can at least split those first four games, it could make the playoffs. Last season, the Ravens lost six games by a total of 15 points.

Harbaugh is ready to jump-start what has been a solid career after last year's nightmarish season in which the Colts began 0-10. Because of last year, his Captain Comeback image has been tarnished. But it was Harbaugh who in the 1995 season was just a desperation pass away from beating Pittsburgh and getting to the Super Bowl. That season Harbaugh made the Pro Bowl by finishing with a 100.7 passer rating, making him only the sixth player ever to lead both the N.F.L. and National Collegiate Athletic Association in passer rating; John Brodie, Charlie Conerly, Tommy Kramer, Brian Sipe and Steve Young were the others. Harbaugh is hoping to recapture some of the magic.

In that last playoff game, Harbaugh was hit on one play so hard that he chipped his tooth and tore the entire bottom of his lip. He came to the sideline, spit out a mouthful of blood, got the lip stitched up, and was soon back in the game.

''You know what?'' Harbaugh asked, ''If you win the game, it makes the pain all worthwhile.''