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Ugly Loss

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:08:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

So here we are, at 6-3. Beat Steeler twice. Beat the Jets and the tough Texans. But lose to Titans, Jaguars, and Seahawks. Huh?

The topsy-turvy season of the Ravens continues. And we won't mention the egg they nearly laid to the Arizona Cardinals.

Special teams - pitiful. Offense - pretty woeful. Defense - just tired out.

I don't know what kind of tricks Coach Harbaugh has in his bag, but it may be time to use them. We still have four division games left plus contents against the 49ers and Chargers.

Preseason hopes are starting to sour. Not sure what this franchise has left in the tank, but they better get it in gear quick before the season is gone.

2011 Season with a Thunderous Boom

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:32:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

The NFL lockout scared me but that is now over. After going 3-1 in the preseason (the only hiccup being a loss to the highly overrated Iggles) I had a feeling the Birds of Baltimore would have another great season. Yes, I was saddened by the loss of Mason, Heap, and McGahee but I figured Ozzie Newsome knows what he is doing, as his track record clearly indicates.

I am not fortunate enough to be able to go see Ravens games in person. I was close to M&T Bank Stadium yesterday and witnessed the flyover prior to kickoff from a rooftop deck. Then I ran inside to watch the game, and what a game it was!

After some early big gains given up by the Ravens defense, I was impressed with all the turnovers they caused. Looked a lot like the dominant D of 2000 and other squads under Rex Ryan. Awesome showing guys. Made the Steelers look like preschoolers out there.

Throw in a Flacco and a Rice who did not make any errors and you had the perfect recipe for success as the NFL season began in full. Yesterday was important to 1) remember those who lost their lives in the tragedy of 9/11/01 and; 2) smash a hated division rival with a major statement victory. Mission accomplished on both counts.

Not a lot to say that has not already been reported in the press and in the cheers of purple/black fans all over the region. So we look forward to seeing the Ravens on the road for the next two weeks. If that is how we deal with a Super Bowl contender, this could be a VERY good season here in Baltimore.

Will There Be A Season?

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:21:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

The Green Bay Packers are world champs (and my brother is grinning). The hated Steelers got beat to the delight of the Baltimore faithful. And now we look forward to the 2011 season.

There have been a few changes made to the coaching staff since the Ravens existed the playoffs and the rumors about which players will remain or go are abundant.

The biggest concern is the CBA which expires on March 3. If a new agreement is not in place, a long lockout could ensure and perhaps shorten or even end the 2011 season.

I have no control over such things and therefore I am not going to get upset. Right now I have baseball to look forward to and the NFL currently is an afterthought.

Not sure when I will post again. But in the football off season, if you want to read a good story, pick up Michael Oher's I BEAT THE ODDS which is available now. It is the true tale of his life and his rise to prominence in professional sports.

Until next time...

Sun Sets on Another Season

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:54:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

I have had a few days to simmer and stew, but it does not help. There were 4 divisional playoff games last weekend and all the teams I wanted to win (Bears, Packers, Jets) won except the game that mattered most. Ravens infuriated their fans with another postseason meltdown and worse - a loss to the hated Steelers who now have a 3-0 record against this Baltimore franchise in the playoffs.

Yes, the cheating Patriots are gone although it means I had to swallow my disdain and root for the Jets. Classic franchise rivals Chicago and Green Bay advance too, with crybaby Favre home looking like a fool while is old team keeps moving forward. So there is a certain satisfaction seeing New England, Philadelphia, and other franchises I despise now sent home, but the pain of seeing the Ravens blow it again is difficult to bear.

First off, we had a huge lead. Huge. And then the mistakes came, again and again. Interceptions, a fumble, and a D who could not prevent the scores.

Is it no coincidence that since Rex Ryan left following the 2008 season our DEF has gotten progressively worse? Is it all him? Or did Father Time play a role too? And for the 2nd year as Jets head coach, his team is going further in the playoffs than the Baltimore Ravens.

There has been a lot of speculation about the future of Cam Cameron as OC for the Ravens but that was muted when Harbaugh announced his retention. Funny that with all the weapons and with Cameron, Saunders, and Zorn all on the offensive staff we still were worse than 2009. Is it the play calling or is it the players?

I for one am still not convinced that Flacco is your future. Maybe have him compete for the job next year with Bulger. Despite winning a lot of regular season games, he seems to crap out at the most inconvenient times. A Dan Marino or Joe Montana he is not.

And then we have the aging defense. Should the DC be the scapegoat for the dip in excellence? If Rex was still here could they be better? Honestly, I do not know. Age and injury take their toll on anybody over time and maybe the time in the sun for the glorious Ravens D has passed.
I am not a coach or a trainer, so I do not know for certain.

Losing never sits well. If you are a real fan, you hate to lose and for the end to suddenly arrive. The Ravens have done very well as a franchise since 2000. 7 postseason appearances in 11 years. Not bad at all. Throw in a Super Bowl win and you have a very elite franchise.

But when you fall short of expectations, the questions are always going to linger. Do you still have it in you? Can you bounce back? The offseason for the purple and black begins now with roster and coaching staff evaluations and overhaul. It could be a very different-looking team come August.

PS - Baseball spring training opens in a month. That should take our minds off the NFL for a while.

Smash the Curtain

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 18:01:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

We hate them. Yes we do. Baltimore's number 1 rival. Possibly the biggest rivalry in the NFL these days, even more so than Packers/Bears or Steelers/Browns.

Since the appearance of this NFL franchise in Baltimore in 1996, the Steelers have been our toughest opponent. They own the advantage in head-to-head meetings at 20-12 (includes 2-0 in the playoffs) and have 6x the titles that we do overall, including 2 to our 1 since 1996.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steelers%E2%80%93Ravens_rivalry

If you really examine the philosophies of the teams and their base city, Baltimore and Pittsburgh are not all that different. Smash mouth football based on the run and defense with a blue collar fanatical fan base to back them up. In fact, all 4 AFC North cities have similar blue collar origins though there are not as many Bengal and Browns fans out there.

Back to the opponent at hand... the Pittsburgh Steelers represent the golden franchise in the AFC if not the whole NFL. They do everything legit and legal unlike New England, and have six Lombardi trophies to show off. Getting past the Steelers this week will solidify the Ravens as a real championship level team as well as vanquish the demons of Steel City bad memories for good.

Both game played against the Steelers this year were won by 3 points or less. Both teams won on the road. Now with the Ravens coming off a huge offensive performance in their victory over Kansas City, the expectations are higher that they can repeat that level of output.

Standing in their way is a vaunted defense and a franchise that is the nemesis to everyone in Charm City. I will say for the record that I respect the Steelers. They win, they have a classy family who owns the team, and they are the professional team that that inspires the most pride in Pennsylvania (unlike the felon embarassment Philadelphia franchise coached by the Big Hoagie). That being said, I want to beat them silly. I am tired of them always being in the hunt. And their fan base grows in number and arrogance with each winning season. It needs to stop now.

The Ravens of old were visible last Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium by holding the Chiefs to a mere 7 points. With the question mark hovering about Ed Reed and his current family situation, it is a slight worry that any personal distractions could dull the focus of the team. I highly doubt it and if there is any team that fires up Baltimore, it certainly is Pittsburgh.

They mirror each other.

They don't like each other.

They respect each other.

Not it is time to get what that black and gold team has. Another title.

Let's go purple and black!

Wild Card Excitement

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:11:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

After a near implosion again yesterday, the very lucky Ravens will head west next weekend to take on the rejuvenated Kansas City Chiefs, making their first postseason appearance since the 2006 season.

The Cincinnati Bengals once again had the Ravens number. Marvin Lewis, once the highly respected defensive coordinator in Charm City, weaved his magic to keep the game very close in what was likely his last appearance as the Bungles head coach. Two field goals in the first half helped the Ravens to a 6-0 lead at the half.

Defensively, the Ravens were themselves. Two interceptions by Ed Reed and two fumble recoveries by Ray Lewis and another by Ngata put the team in good positions but the offense, by and large, went nowhere. Blame Flacco, the offensive line, penalties, Cam Cameron, whomever... but it was a nail biter there towards the end. The Bengals were in the red zone but squandered the opportunity by not getting a TD on 4th and goal and the Ravens ran out the clock.

At 12-4 with the 5th seed, the Ravens have to take the road route to the Super Bowl much like they did back in 2000. Kansas City who surprised a lot of people this year is the first test. Whoever wins that game will go to Pittsburgh in the divisional round.

For Coach Harbaugh and his team, making a third straight postseason appearance is very humbling. First time it has happened in the franchise's brief history. Brian Billick, in all his time here, only made the postseason 4 times himself. So this team is on the right track, and only if they can get their offense out of neutral for four full quarters, they could be a major force in the post season.

If the Ravens are one and done this year, then I would expect some major staff and player changes in the off season.

But, most experts and media loudmouths are going with the seasoned Ravens team this week on the road in Missouri. Let us all hope for once, that they are right.

Postseason Greetings

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 17:00:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

For the third straight year, the Baltimore Ravens have advanced to the NFL second season by securing a playoff birth yesterday following the 20-10 victory over Cleveland. The Wild Card is theirs for the moment with a possible chance to obtain the division crown next week with another win and a Steelers loss.

For coach Harbaugh, this season has been a struggle. The lofty expectations of making a Super Bowl run have been dealt numerous blows with injuries, offensive ineptitude and weekly defensive meltdowns. He now has temporarily quelled the fans backlash by winning his 30th game in 3 seasons and making the playoffs in the process. Very few coaches have done what he has done especially in their debut job as head coach in the NFL.

With three straight wins now, the Ravens look forward to hosting the banged up Bungles on January 2 in Baltimore. A victory would make them finish at 12-4 and be a serious contender for this years title. Despite an aging and slowing defense this team still has the overall talent to compete and should not be taken lightly.

The lack of offense is what concerns me and numerous other fans. Key weapons like Heap are hurt but the lack of production out of WR studs like Boldin make me question the genius of Cam Cameron. Twice this season we have scored 37 points but most often it is in the range of 20-25 per game. Not exactly overpowering in the modern NFL.

So now, we sit and wait. Wait for another win over a lowly opponent. Wait and see where exactly we are seeded in the playoffs. And then wait to see if we can actually make some noise this postseason.

Here is to a great new year with more Raven's victories in January 2011.

Near Choke

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:03:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

After another meltdown by the defense against Houston on Monday night, the Ravens escaped with their lives and held end for a 34 -28 victory over the Texans thanks to a late INT returned for a touchdown.

Fans who stayed up to witness this debacle had words of anger for Coach Harbaugh, Cam Cameron, the Ravens D the following morning. For the 8th time this season, the Ravens D could not hold a lead and gave up numerous long drives to allow the Texans to hang with them the whole game. Combine that with an offense that went from cruise to sputter after halftime, and you had a recipe for disaster.

No one in reality should complain about having a 9-4 record. Seriously. But with the lofty postseason expectations put on this team, we see the same mistakes week after week and it seems that no improvement has been made in a few areas that are for lack of a better word, problematic.

1) Defense holding lead

2) Questionable offensive play calls

3) Running game that is non-existent

We blew games to Atlanta, Pittsburgh, New England because we could not hold them. And don't even mention the disaster against the Bungles back in September. Like many fans, I am questioning the level of talent and the resolve of this current club. Is it the players? Is it the coaching? Or is it the age of the veterans?

The New Orleans Saints, winners of Super Bowl 44, will be here on Sunday. And while they might have trouble playing in the cold due to being a dome team, their offensive firepower - if clicking - could spell major problems for the Ravens.

And with a division title not looking so rosy now, any loss can cost us positioning for the wild card too. There are some worried people these days here in Birdland, and count me among them.

Still Seething

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:08:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

Those dang Steelers! Ruined our 8 game win streak at home! How come we can't beat Big Ben?

These are the ranting we heard starting Monday after the Ravens came up short to Pittsburgh on Sunday night. Boy, this town was mad.

I will dissect the game a bit and show us where we went wrong.

1) Should have aired it out more. As Mason says, we have the weapons so why not use them.

2) The defense seemed to let up on Ben in the 2nd half. Whose call was that?

3) Not going for that field goal was clearly a bad decision.

4) Joe fumble cost us the game. I am not that impressed with Flacco. You think that by his 3rd year in the pros, he would have grown a bit more. He is no Bollerish bum, but I thought his level of consistent excellence would have gotten a little higher by now.

So, at 8-4 the Ravens now look up to Pittsburgh in the standings. They have only themselves to blame for this loss. Couple that with a dumb defeat to Cincinnati back in September and that is why they are now in second place.

So even if we win out and finish at 12-4, that still may be only good enough for a wild card. Shows you how good and competitive the AFC is. Houston is next, who is reeling themselves. We will be in Texas on Monday night trying to right the ship. I don't want to say it is easy pickings, but it won't be as difficult as an AFC North game.

Interesting that in 6 postseason appearances (2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009) that the Ravens have only 2 division titles (2003 and 2006) while the rest were wild card appearances including the 2000 Super Bowl run. Now, we were in the AFC Central from 1996-2001 until the league reformed in 2002 after the Texans were added. Now with 4 divisions of four in each conference, it is a little easier than before to win a division.

Win at Houston and the title can possibly get a little closer.

Lose another game, and the playoff picture gets muddier fast. Welcome to December in the NFL.

Time For A Purple Out

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:25:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

As we enter Week 13 of the NFL, the Ravens sit with an impressive 8-3 record and tied for the AFC North Division lead. Technically we are ahead due to a win over Pittsburgh back on October 3, so this Sunday night's match up on NBC has more at stake than just two rivals squaring off for the second time this season.

Of the three losses thus far this year, only one was legit. Choking to the Bungles is practically unforgivable and New England probably cheated just like they have done for years under Bill Belicheat. Only Atlanta, who staged a stupendous comeback in the final minute against the Ravens defense really deserved the win. They are red hot and a great team especially when playing at their dome in Georgia.

So after eeking out a victory last weekend against Tampa Bay, the Ravens - even with all their injuries - have to make a stand against Pittsburgh this Sunday night. Pride, playoff positioning, and bragging rights are all at stake here as these two running and defensive teams face off for the final time in 2010.

From what I have seen from the Ravens as of late, I am cautiously optimistic. Our defense is not feared these days, and we don't cause nearly as many turnovers as we used to in our heyday. Offensively, Ray Rice struggles due in large part to an ineffective line in front of him. Winning on Sunday will not be easy but if the mistakes are minimal to non-existent, it could be a well earned W.

Incluind this Steelers contest, 3 of the final 5 games are at home with the only away games being those at Cleveland and Houston. I myself, fearing that there will be a lockout next year and since I have not gone to a game in over 2 seasons, am going to see the Bengals when they come here in January. It should be a third straight playoff appearance for Harbaugh and the Ravens (fingers crossed) and perhaps a strong push towards Super Bowl 45.

Who knows what to expect though, right?

No Ground Lost

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:57:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

After our loss last week to the Falcons on Thursday night, the Ravens were in a position to fall into second place in the AFC North. Lucky for us, the Steelers, the Browns and the Bungles all blew their games over the weekend as well.

There has been a lot of press lately about the supposed demise of the Ravens defense. How they are no longer feared, how they are aging rapidly etc. There was a time when they were the best defense on the planet, bar none. But the loss of Rex Ryan and the passage of time will take its toll and as with anything, no one is on top forever.

So, with a still better than average record of 6-3, the Ravens go into Carolina this week seeking victory #7. The last time these two squared off in the regular season, the Panthers came up with the win back in 2006. But with only 1 win so far this season, it looks like the Panthers are going to be the underdogs.

With 4 home games left in the schedule, it is time for these Ravens to show us what they are made of, here and now. The NFL is wide open as there are no clear cut favorites in either conference at the moment. So it is still any one's game (unless of course you only have 1 win to your credit currently - then it is safe to say you are already eliminated).

The time for urgency is now. If this team is a legitimate contender, the Ravens need to show everyone that they still have the fire and the talent to bring home the gold. If not, well I hope we will all enjoy the lockout next year.

Short Week

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:53:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

The Ravens may have beaten the upstart Dolphins on Sunday, but they have little time to rest. Their next game is this Thursday evening, down in Atlanta as they play the Falcons on the NFL Network initial Thursday broadcast for this season.

Sure, the Birds did knock out Miami in a 26 - 10 grudge fest. We did improve to a healthy 6-2. But the defensive side of the ball - what was once the golden goose for the Ravens and the mark of the franchise - allowed a lot of rushing yards and certainly showed signs of its age.

It was a game with little drama as the Ravens scored on their first possession and never looked back. The Dolphins came in having won all their games on the road thus far and looked to continue that streak. But alas for aqua and orange fans, the Ravens made the big plays in the end and added another W to the column.

The next two games for Baltimore are against NFC South opponents on the road. A dome game at Atlanta and then a game in Carolina who as of today, only have one win in what will likely be their head coach's final season there. Atlanta is currently a first place team and will the tougher of the two opponents.

The first half of the season is over. Overall, I would give the Ravens performance to date about a B. Certainly room for improvement on the DEF and special teams side, and more TDs from Ray Rice. But we as fans of the purple & black really have no room to complain. A winning team and a lot of support from the community makes the Ravens the most beloved team currently in Baltimore.

Perhaps a few more wins will put us a little closer to another playoff berth for Coach Harbaugh.

Squeaker

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:28:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

What everyone assumed to be a cakewalk game, turned out to be a classic nightmare for Ravens fans. The Buffalo Bills, a franchise suffering from a decade long despair, came in to M&T Bank Stadium and shredded the Ravens secondary and nearly walked away with a win.

I didn't even write an article here last week because I figured there was not much to say about the Bills coming to town. The excitement was supposed to be the Super Bowl XXXV team from 2000 that was to be honored at the game.

Ryan Fitzpatrick and crew showed Coach Harbaugh and his team that no team in the NFL is to be taken lightly. Just look around the rest of the league. The Rams have won a few games, the Redfaces are actually a decent team while the Cowboys and Vikings are floundering at best.

Even with the return of super safety Ed Reed, the defense looked lost, old and confused. Sure it will take a while to gel but a team like a Buffalo is supposed to be like a 60 minute practice where you sharpen your skills. Now with the bye week, the Ravens can lick their wounds from the New England defeat (lousy cheating franchise) and the Buffalo scare.

Many more tough games still remain on the schedule. I hope this team gets it together and fast or else our hopes for a deep postseason run will evaporate in a flash.

Northern Bound

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:03:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

This week, the Ravens journey to Taxachusetts, home of the 3x winning Super Bowl Patriots. Tom Brady also threw 50 TD passes in a season, and recently became the fastest QB to a certain number of wins. You know what I say? Stick it.

This is a franchise that to put it mildly, was terrible for most of its existence. Then all of sudden Belicia arrives and poof - dynasty. Uh huh... We all know the truth. Cheating. 7 years of cheating. And what did the NFL do about it. Well they took away a draft choice and then also fined the coach. Oh boy!

So all those accomplishments from 2000-2007 were allowed to stand. Even though they are fraudulent, the wonderful commissioner allowed them to stand. I know what that team really stands for and I do not trust that coach to this day.

So, why are people still talking about how great the Patriots are? They are truly a puff of smoke. And they can be beaten. The Baltimore Ravens are considered by many to be the best team in the NFL at the moment and whacking the chowdah cheaters in their own home would solidify that status.

Yes, I am very bitter about New England. They are still worshipped and feared when in reality, they are jokers. Their coach should have been banned for 5 years for stealing signs and their titles revoked, but this is the NFL, which stands for Neanderthal Felon League these days.

All I want is for Flacco, Rice, and our WRs to take it to New England and leave them with cleat tracks all over their faces. Very few teams make my blood boil the Patriots and the see them fall would do my pride good.

The road to Super Bowl 45 is a long one. We know the Ravens will lose a game or two more this year. I personally do not want it to be in Foxboro.

Denver arrives

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:36:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

The Broncos will be here this weekend at M&T Bank Stadium bringing their 2-2 record to town along with their aerial attack against the high-caliber Ravens defense.

After their stunning win last week in Pittsburgh, the Ravens have been flying high with attitude and emotion. This sets the stage for a possible letdown in front of the home crowd if they are not too careful. We saw what Cleveland did a few weeks ago when they came to town. If this time wants to be considered an elite level squad, they need to use this weekend to make a statement to the rest of the NFL.

This also could be the weekend that the offense comes to life. We caught glimpses of it against the Browns with the Flacco to Bouldin connection, but the running game need to step it up as a complement to the passing game. Ravens fans hate seeing one dimensional football (see Billick years) and a well-rounded team has a better shot at beating an opponent.

The heart of the Ravens schedule is still forthcoming as we all know. Being 3-1 means squat. My message to the team is not to rest on its laurels and keep pounding away. They look good right now but as always, there is a lot of room for improvement.

More next week...

Bringing Down the Steel Curtain

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:32:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

I will admit that I respect the Steelers. As a PA native, they are a great run team and have been owned by the same family for generations. Wonderful history, six titles, and a slew of immortal players give them bragging rights over almost any other franchise. That being said, this weekend - I hate them.

While Charm City and Steel City have many similar aspects, these two teams and towns have a deep dislike for one another. Probably because they are the only 2 consistent teams in the AFC North who constantly vie for the top spot, and because they are both entrenched in defensive based strategies with a powerful running game. In essence, they are mirror images of each other.

While Big Ben is out this weekend (people around here refer to him as Rapistberger), the Ravens should not take the Steelers lightly. Last week, they squeezed out a win over the Browns who with a no-name RB really gave the vaunted D-line a lot of trouble. So while this game is a rival match up of the leagues best defenses, it also will be a test for the Ravens who look to continue their offensive surge and for the surprising Steelers who at 3-0, look to maintain their winning streak with a backup QB.

The Ravens usually do not perform well at Heinz Field. Maybe it is the awful turf or the curse of the terrible towel, I don't know. I expect a low scoring affair that hopefully will end in a W for us, but I am not all that optimistic. The Cleveland Browns exploited what may be the new weakness for our defense, and a talented Pittsburgh team can, in theory, run rough shot over us.

The time is now to right the ship. Injuries to Ed Reed and the question mark over Ray Rice's status notwithstanding, we should be the Bergerless Squealers. Our team is loaded with veterans and leaders, and if they dig deep enough, it could be a good feeling on Monday morning for Baltimore.

Let's pray for our Birds! Go Ravens!

Bungling Away

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:28:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

Losing to Cincinnati is dreadful, so I am going to take the Peter Schmuck approach today and just rant and rave a bit in short bursts.

Scoring 19 points in two games is a joke if you want to win your division. What year is this anyway - 2000?

The defense is once again carrying this franchise. The Cam Cameron offense with the other "geniuses" on staff is not showing any progress thus far.

I hate to say it, but Flacco may not be the answer. I was always pulling for Troy Smith (OSU) vs. a guy who played at 1-AA Delaware. With Troy gone, and Bulger behind him, Joe better step it up fast before he goes to the pine.

WRs are another weak link thus far. I hope Boldin and TJ are worth the money in the end.

I miss Ed Reed.

Ravens better pound the Browns by 10-15 points if they want to regain some respect in this league. After that game it starts to get really tough.

Still 14 left to go so why panic? But problems needs to be addressed ASAP before they become unfix able.

Week 1 - In The Books

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:44:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

Rex Ryan ran his mouth. Rex Ryan lost in the marquee match up of the week. And while the Ravens squeaked by in points, they really did dominate a hapless Jets team. Yes!

The vaunted and re-tooled Ravens offense did not manifest in week one. That is OK, because with Ryan as a HC, you know his defense is always going to be prepared. But it is the old reliable, the Ravens D (minus Ed Reed) who took the Jets to school before a national audience and sounded their bell - and then some.

With the J-E-T-S in the rear view mirror, we now get to face the Bungles and their dual loudmouth WRs in Chad Johnson (I refuse to call him Occowhatever) and Mr. Owens. The Bengals were brought back to earth last week in Massachusetts and will be out for blood in their home opener, which happens to be against a division rival.

Am I scared? No. Can we lose? Of Course. This is the NFL and unless you are the 1972 Dolphins, you will lose along the way. The 2007 cheater Pats are not a real team since they thought they were above the law.

I see us beating Cincinnati but only by a few. This offense with Boldin and TJ needs time to gel and a few preseason games is not enough time. It might be a season to remember here in Charm City but it will take time to get our legs firmly on the ground.

More opinion and insight next week as I will dissect the Ravens game then.

NFL - I am back!

noreply@blogger.com (birdsofprey) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:54:00 +0000

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

It has been over 1 year since I last had anything to do with the NFL. After the abysmal decision to let Michael Vick return to the league and then the audacity of a team to sign him, I boycotted the NFL for a full year. I did not watch, did not follow, did not wear my merchandise.

Let me state that I am still angry the NFL. I think the Commissioner with his supposed "law and order" stance is a farce. The league is full of thugs and criminals and seems a far cry from the dominant sports entity it was in the 90's and 2000's. Quite honestly, it is slightly above the NBA in terms of its sliminess these days.

I came back this year to watch the Ravens. I own a ton of Ravens stuff including furniture and jerseys. I am a member of a local Ravens Roost and I love football. Last year I had to sustain myself on college football and the MLB Network to get me through the winter. I lost a year of my pro football life and sometimes it makes me sad.

But now I have returned to support the rebuilt Ravens in their quest to make a Super Bowl run. Not sure I can actually afford to get to a game this season but I will be rooting for the purple & black as usual. In my next report, I will breakdown my season predictions regarding the Ravens regular season. Starting 3-0 in the preseason is a positive sign.

The NFL countdown begins.

WORDS FROM THE GURU

noreply@blogger.com (The Guru) — Tue, 04 May 2010 00:26:00 +0000

Pre Mini-Camp Thoughts

Now that the draft is over… it’s time to go to work. Pre season mini-camps and OTA’s are important enough and I guess we can talk some about what’s going on. All though there are no pads, the more players you have participating in voluntary programs, the better your team is usually. This is a big part of the year for the younger players and guys that suffered injuries. There’s a long list of returning players who everyone is looking to get better. Paul Kruger, K.J. Gerard, Justin Harper, Marcus Smith, Eron Riley, Lamar Divens and Jason Phillips are all looking to earn playing time.
Hopefully our new additions at WR can get on the same page with Joe Flacco. I would love to see McClain get more carries too. But let’s look at the 3 things that WILL determine how far this season goes. Check back, but I promise. If these 3 things happen, the Ravens will be at least in the final 4.

#3) Put the RUSH in Pass RUSH once again
To have a truly elite defense, you have to do 2 things. Force turnovers (we’re great at it) and get after the other QB (not so good at it). For the past 2 seasons, our pass rush is getting worse and worse. Watching us play the Bengals and not touch Carson Palmer in TWO 4th quarters last year. Whether they blitzed or sent 4….they were getting locked out. No one was coming free from a blitz, and no one could DEFEAT A BLOCK…and get home. This has to change and quickly. It doesn’t matter who’s playing DB, if the QB is back there 6 seconds…someone is getting open. We need more sacks, more QB hits, more QB pressures…more making QB’s uncomfortable.

#2) The O-Line has to take a step forward, not backward
Understand in sports, especially football nothing stays the same. Either you’re getting better, or you’re slipping…there is no in between. Our line is young except for the wily Vet Matt Birk, but we need guys to get better. Oher and Gaither need to be in better shape (especially Gaither… if he was in shape he wouldn’t be hurt all the time). Grubbs and Yanda need to be EVEN more dominant, really start to get that GREAT push all the time. The thing with lineman are they need to be ready and IN SHAPE. When lineman start getting fat, slow…that’s when they start playing bad (see Vikings LT Mt. McKinney). If our line can take that next step to be a top 3 unit in the league…watch for us to win 12-13 games.

#1) Joe Flacco takes the final step and starts playing up to his full potential.
Let me just say, Joe is the man to me. He’s had the best beginning to a career I can remember and has all the tools… BUT!!! It’s time to take the TRAINING BRA OFF!!! For goodness sakes, let this kid change plays at the line. I was glad to see him getting mad at Cam Cameron in that playoff game vs. the Colt. (BTW...one of the WORST called offensive games in the HISTORY of football) He may not lead the league in yardage or TD’s but simply put he has to play better. He’s got to get them into better plays; he has to STOP missing WR’s. Now he’s got a good enough group to make plays all over the field, he’s got to prove people right. I also would like to see him run more, because he is a pretty good athlete, would like to see that pocket get moved around some. Also, Joe… Hit the squat rack ok. No reason some extra-regular tackle from the raiders should make your hip swell up. If Joe can ward off silly injuries, see the whole field, and start using that arm to put the ball any and everywhere… we can go to the Super Bowl

The Guru's Report Card

noreply@blogger.com (The Guru) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:34:00 +0000

WORDS FROM THE GURU

As my 1st blog for SportsMixed, I’ve been appointed the great responsibility of grading the Baltimore Raven’s draft. Now I’m not like some other bloggers from Baltimore who need Mike Mayock or Todd McShay to form an opinion (Stay classy Baltimoresun.com) With that being said…Let’s get to it… We’ll break it up in Day 1, 2, and 3. All of these grades are my own and were made as the picks rolled in.

DAY ONE:
If you’re like me and have seen every draft since 1992…you see how this works and why some teams will NEVER win consistently. (Looking at you Jacksonville Jaguars or should I say L.A. Jaguars) Ozzie pulled another one, found a team willing to trade back into the 1st round for a QB (UHH Tebow???) and restocked his picks. Picking up a high 3rd round pick and a high 4th round pick to drop 18 spots in what seems to be a very deep draft
DAY 1 grade: A
While not the sexy choice, to get more picks in a deep draft probably was the best move.

DAY TWO:
Patience is a virtue if you’re a Raven’s fan. Picking up Sergio Kindle with the 43rd pick is like stealing. It’s literally like DeNiro and Kilmer robbing a bank in Heat. Everyone agrees he’s a top 20 talent, but his knee has drawn a lot of concern. All I’ll say is Texas is on TV a TON…and I remember him making a lot of plays…so he wasn’t THAT hurt. Look for him to get in multiple packages rushing the passer and making plays. Probably won’t take JJ’s spot this season…but he projects to. Also have to remember, he came to Texas as a MLB and played in a NFL type system… where he was standing on running downs as a LB, and down at DE on passing downs. The Raven’s benefit from another “whisper” campaign, like with Mike Oher last year …gotta love it.
Ozzie just kept the thievery going by grabbing the Imposing NT Terrance Cody. Getting him at # 57 is just incredible value. Think getting a 52” LCD 1080p from Wal-Mart for 400 bucks on sale!!! Ngata and he on the interior just isn’t fair…. You can nit-pick all you want about his weight, but Vince Wilfork is AT LEAST 375 lbs and he’s the top NT in the game….Another pick that could have been made at 25 and wouldn’t have raised eyebrows.
And to finish off the grand larceny, TE Ed Dickson was picked 70th in the 3rd round. A big time play maker with great hands and the ability to spread out wide and create match-up problems. He has the body to develop into a decent blocker. He ran a low 4.6 at his pro-day and at 6’4” 250; he’s got all the measurables. (I really like this kid, Oregon is a team I watched 4-5 times this fall. Not sure why he wasn’t targeted more there, he’s a good player) On another note, coaching in the NFL is a big key here…proper technique, hand placement, and leverage must be taught.
Day Two Grade A+
When you trade down for more picks, then use said picks to get PROVEN players, at GREAT value, who were HIGH on the board. It’s what’s known as a W my friends.

DAY THREE:
At pick #114 the Ravens grabbed another TE in Dennis Pitta from BYU. While at 1st, I was highly agitated, since corner is the biggest need…OR SO IT SEEMS!!! When a team drafts the same position with 2 straight picks…they’re speaking… and they’re saying, “this position on our team SUCKS…and we need some dudes NOW” Todd Heap is the only TE on the team other than Devon Drew, who now, isn’t making the team. Pitta was a BIG-TIME target for BYU. The Ravens basically shored up this position for the short and long term. Between Dickson and Pitta the Ravens will get some plays out of the #2 TE.
David Reed was our pick at #156 and I think it’s a good one. He’s really sudden and explosive and brings something to the table in the return game. His 91 yard TD on YouTube is worth checking out. The key for him is learning how to run routes and get open in the league. If he can get on the SAME page with Flacco, look for him to play some. He has real tackle breaking ability. And even though he runs in the low 4.5 range, he plays a lot faster.
Art Jones was picked next at #157, and again it seems to be a nice value pick. With some other corners getting claimed they most likely figured get best available and that very well could prove to be Jones. Highly thought of, but got hurt and needed surgery in November. Also this kid was playing NT when he’s built to play 3-4 DE. Has good pass rush moves and as a 5 tech, would be a factor in the run game. If healthy, look for this kid to get into the rotation. I caught his game against Cincinnati and he consistently played on THEIR side of the line.
Ramon Harewood was the pick in the 6th round. Not much info on this huge Tackle/Guard prospect from Morehouse University. There are reports online he ran a 5.18 40 yard dash time at his pro day…..at over 340 lbs. Worth a pick in the 6th round to see if he can develop into a player in a few years.
Day 3 Grade: B+
Would have been an A, but they didn’t grab a corner. Anyone who watched the Ravens play last year wanted to see them grab at least one cover guy.
Overall Grade: A
The Ravens have stayed true to their board and made their team better for the short and long term. Not much more you can ask from a draft. Also don’t have to spend money on a 1st round pick. All these guys will be in camp, on time. When you couple these draft picks with guys who didn’t really contribute last year (Kruger, Phillips, Gerard, J. Riley, and M. Smith) the future looks real bright. If they can find 1 young corner who can contribute as an undrafted FA this draft is an A++. (This is VERY likely people, they find gems)

Stallworth Signing Leaves Fans Questioning Ravens' Front Office

noreply@blogger.com (T. Springs) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 07:18:00 +0000

By Tyler Springs

February 19, 2010

Earlier this week, the Baltimore Ravens signed free agent wide receiver Donte' Stallworth to a one-year contract worth $900,000. Generally, a Ravens fan would have two possible gut reactions to seeing that news crawl across the ESPN Bottom Line (or a similar news ticker):

A) That's good! He's gives the Ravens some speed that they currently lack at that position, and the Ravens need that desperately.

B) What? Wasn't he suspended this whole year for killing somebody?

Neither reaction is incorrect. Stallworth automatically becomes the fastest wideout on the roster and has the potential to improve quarterback Joe Flacco's deeper passes so that he can worry more about being accurate on a given throw than overshooting his target. Stallworth also hasn't shown that speed in over a year - last March, he was charged with vehicular manslaughter after killing a pedestrian while driving under the influence of alcohol, and he was consequently suspended for the 2009 season by the NFL.

The shrewd part of this signing is in the facts and figures: Stallworth's contract is pretty low for a veteran (mostly due to his undesirable status as a criminal), and he has shown that he can produce solid numbers for a No. 2 receiver, catching 70 passes for 945 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2005 for the New Orleans Saints. Economically speaking, that sounds like a low-risk and potentially high-reward acquisition.

The more important aspects of this signing are, unfortunately, a lot less measurable. The intangibles of the Stallworth signing make up a veritable powder keg of negative publicity that could really hurt Baltimore if he doesn't play a considerable role in the offense in 2010. For one, the fact that he signed with the Ravens perpetuates Baltimore's "thug" reputation among the rest of the NFL. The stream of off-field incidents involving Cincinnati Bengals players in recent years has helped divert attention from the Ravens, but they have yet to really shake the "bad boy" label, one that they have been desperately trying to erase in the wake of investigations involving Ray Lewis and Jamal Lewis earlier this decade. The "second chance" philosophy that owner Steve Bisciotti stands by is admirable, but at the moment, it may not be great for business.

The larger issue at play, however, is the direction the Ravens' front office is taking in remaking the receiving corps to better complement Flacco's development as (hopefully) a franchise quarterback. The need for a dynamic No. 1 wide receiver has been staring GM Ozzie Newsome and director of player personnel Eric DeCosta in the face for quite some time now (nearly two calendar years), and in that time, they have yet to make a significant move to take the pressure off a solid-but-aging Derrick Mason. Signing Stallworth is no more an improvement to the offense than was the signing of Kelley Washington from among a group of ho-hum candidates who worked out for the Ravens last May. At best, it's incremental progress for a team that needs serious receiving talent as quickly as they can get it.

How is this year's situation any different from last year? Fans are sharing the same whispered rumors about Anquan Boldin and Brandon Marshall today that they ooh-ed and ahh-ed about before last year's draft. It's clear that Newsome and Decosta are not willing to part with high draft picks or shell out considerable cash to sign a free agent receiver, and neither one of those reservations is necessarily a bad thing. On the other hand, limiting the team's acquisitions primarily to the NFL draft is risky and shrinks the pool of talent considerably.

Given Flacco's success in the passing game this season (3,613 yards, 21 TDs, 12 INTs), some might say that the Ravens don't need any additions at all, but for all the hits Mason has taken in the past two seasons, he's aging at a rate that far exceeds almost any other receiver in the league, meaning that he probably won't be catching passes for too much longer (he turned 36 last month). For a team that needs (and has needed) a quality young receiver immediately, the lack of activity in the Ravens' front office is nerve-racking. The expectations of automatic performance and production that will be demanded of a rookie receiver (assuming Baltimore takes one in the draft) are unhealthy and may hamper his development. Realistically, unless that rookie has talents comparable to a Percy Harvin or a Michael Crabtree (minus the attitude), he shouldn't be reasonably expected to put up good numbers until at least his second or third year.

So now the Ravens are really stuck. They didn't get Mason a replacement to groom or a sidekick to team with last offseason, and the prospects seem restricted to the draft this year. If Mason decides to retire before the start of the 2010 season, their receiving corps will hardly be any better than that of the Browns, Raiders and Rams, all of whom were ranked near the bottom of the barrel in passing offense this year. If that happens, Ravens fans will have only one question for their front office.

Guys, what's going on up there?

For Ex-Raven Adalius Thomas, A Tale of Two Cities

noreply@blogger.com (T. Springs) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 02:48:00 +0000

By Tyler Springs
January 12, 2010

The last time the Baltimore Ravens met the Indianapolis Colts in the playoffs, Adalius Thomas was wearing a purple jersey.

That was the 2006 AFC Divisional Playoffs. This is now.

Almost three years removed from agreeing to a $35 million contract with the New England Patriots in the spring of 2007, Thomas has not been anything close to the All-Pro caliber player that Bill Belichick thought he had acquired.

In the three seasons he started for the Ravens' defense, Thomas averaged nearly 80 tackles and over 9 sacks each season, including a Pro-Bowl campaign in 2006 and a league-leading 3 non-offensive touchdowns in 2005. Thomas saw time at linebacker, cornerback, defensive end and special teams, maximizing the rare speed and strength he possessed in his 6'2", 270-pound frame. He was a smart player that grew to be a fan favorite in Baltimore, a face of Rex Ryan's vaunted defensive unit.

When he signed with the Patriots on March 3rd following the 2006 season, the Ravens were sad to let him go, knowing they had lost a good player to higher pay. Since that time, however, the phrase "I wish we had Adalius back" has not been common refrain. Role players and stars alike, including Jarret Johnson, Jameel McClain, Trevor Pryce, Brendon Ayanbadejo and Terrell Suggs, have taken over different parts of Thomas' former duties and have played well in those areas.

Thomas, on the other hand, has suffered in the painfully cold New England weather and similarly frigid playing environment that is Bill Belichick's locker room. After being elected a defensive captain at the start of the season, Thomas has been frozen out twice, deactivated from the 45-man game roster against Tennessee and Carolina despite being healthy. The second time was the result of being one of four players late to an 8AM meeting on a morning when traffic was congested due to a morning snowfall.

Said Thomas: "Sending somebody home, that’s like, ‘You’re expelled until you come back and make good grades.’ Get that [expletive] out of here. It’s ridiculous."

In his three years with the Patriots, Thomas' numbers have been significantly less than billed.
He hasn't had an interception or scored a touchdown since 2007, and his sack total in that time has been 14.5, barely half of his production level in Baltimore. Much of Thomas' decreased stat totals may have had to do with his progressively diminishing playing time (he played just over 50% of New England's defensive snaps this season), but that's also a chicken-or-egg rationale that might suggest he wasn't playing as well in the first place.

Thomas will probably not survive the offseason in New England (even if he wants to) unless a new collective bargaining agreement is reached. Under the present salary cap terms, the Patriots would owe Thomas a figure north of $4 million for the next two seasons if they were to release him at this time. At 32, he still has a few good years left in the tank and could be an attractive free agent pickup (if he is released) for teams looking to shore up their pass rush, but his disgruntled public behavior and recent under-performance won't help him in that regard.

So much for the grass being greener in New England.
--

Sources: Boston Globe, ESPN

Video Interference: Ravens-Raiders Referees Weaken Integrity of NFL Officiating

noreply@blogger.com (T. Springs) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:53:00 +0000

By Tyler Springs
January 4, 2010

With 18 seconds remaining in the second quarter of Sunday's game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Oakland Raiders, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco took a 3rd-down snap and dropped back to pass, not knowing that the footsteps he made in the ensuing six seconds would potentially change the NFL's use of instant replay in future seasons.

Flacco evaded pressure from the Raiders defense and started to scramble toward the line of scrimmage, seemingly intending to advance the ball a few yards across the line of scrimmage with a short run. As he approached the line, Flacco spotted running back Ray Rice alone in the endzone. Flacco then rifled the ball to Rice in an attempt to score a touchdown in the waning moments of the half, but the pass sailed over Rice's head and fell incomplete.

The problem with Flacco's decision was that he had already passed the line of scrimmage at the moment he released the ball. According to NFL rules, such a play constitutes an illegal forward pass, a penalty that demands a five-yard penalty on the Ravens and a loss of down; additionally, because the action occurred within the last two minutes of the game, it required a deduction of ten seconds off the game clock.

Everyone watching the game knew Flacco had committed a penalty. In spite of the obvious infraction, no official called a penalty on the play.

There is a general understanding among football fans that instant replay cannot be used as a tool to call penalties that are not originally called during the course of the play. The next five minutes of television shattered this understanding entirely.

Knowing that Flacco almost certainly committed a penalty, the NFL officials in the replay booth took the play into their own hands, calling for an official video review of the play (which they are legally allowed to do with any controversial play within the final two minutes of the half). After reviewing the play, the officials determined that an illegal forward pass did occur and penalized the Ravens for down and distance in relation to the previous play.

Under league rules, the wording of the instant replay policy allows the instant replay process to be used in helping determine whether or not an illegal forward pass occurred; in the spirit of the law, however, this application was probably intended to clarify whether or not an illegal forward pass is made during an attempted lateral, not when the pass was intended for a down-field target. When a play like that occurs, such as the famed Music City Miracle, then the penalty is appropriate, but in this situation, the results could have been disastrous for the Ravens.

The outcome of the play was an incomplete pass, leaving 12 seconds on the game clock before halftime with the ball on the Oakland 15-yard line. Because of the penalty instituted by the replay booth, the field goal attempt ended up being snapped from the 20-yard line, meaning it was 37 yards long. Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff missed the attempt wide to the right side, meaning the Ravens had less than a one-touchdown lead (14-10 rather than 17-10) heading into halftime.

Did Cundiff's miss ultimately affect the end result of the game? No. But the significant role that the officials played in altering the circumstances of the kick could be crucial in future games. The way in which the penalty was called, even if it was the correct call, sets a precedent that is dangerous if not counter-productive to the review process.

Imagine a similar situation in which there are less than two minutes left in the game and the ball is spotted just inside field goal range. Then imagine that the offense throws an incomplete pass, but the booth chooses to review how many people were on the field at the snap of the ball. (This assumes that the excess of people was an accident, as it is unlikely that an NFL team would actually try to run a play with 12 players.) After review, the officials agree that there were 12 offensive players on the field at the time of the snap. The offense is penalized five yards and is now out of field goal range, despite the fact that the result of the play did not help them at all.

It's scary to think that officials who aren't on the field can have such an impact on the game, but that potential is now on the table. Just don't blame Joe Flacco.

Ravens vs. Steelers: Keys to the Game

noreply@blogger.com (Ben Butanis) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:06:00 +0000

By Ben Butanis

The NFL schedule-makers know what they're doing.

Let's face it: when the Ravens' schedule for the 2009-2010 season was released, we all circled December 27 on the calendar.

While the Cincinatti Bengals (9-5) are the surprise of the AFC North, this game between the Ravens and Steelers will go a long way in determining which team will likely take one of the AFC wildcard spots.

Here are the keys to the game for the Baltimore Ravens:

1) Take down Ben Roethlisberger early and often.
Ben Roethlisberger's ability to elude tacklers and extend plays is what makes him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL. With Ladarius Webb joining Fabian Washington on IR, the Ravens were forced to sign CB Corey Ivy to play at corner and on special teams -- which weakens an already suspect secondary. But here's a little known secret: Corey Ivy can't cover anyone. Neither can Frank Walker, or for that matter, Chris Carr. In order for the Ravens to have any success Sunday, the pass rush will need to take Roethlisberger to the ground early and often -- or Roethlisberger will pick the secondary apart.

2) Get Le'Ron McClain 15-20 touches in the running game.
Ray Rice has, without a doubt, been the team's MVP this season. He's a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball, and it's important to keep him heavily involved. But the Ravens will need to use McClain to wear down the Steelers' defense. The Ravens/Steelers matchup always boils down to which team is more physical -- this one won't be an exception.

3) Joe Flacco avoids costly interceptions.
This seems like a no-brainer. Flacco threw an interception in Week 1 (Kansas City) and Week 2 (San Diego) and the Ravens won those games. Since Week 2, in winning efforts, Flacco has been perfect (eight touchdowns, zero interceptions). But over the course of the six Ravens losses this season, Flacco has tossed nine interceptions. Interestingly enough, the Ravens are +9 in the turnover battle, while the Steelers are -5.

Fearless prediction: Steelers 24, Ravens 21
As much as I'd like to see the Ravens win, I don't see them being able to contain the Steelers' passing game with such a depleted secondary. The loss of Ladarius Webb has been the most costly injury this season -- Webb showed the ability to cover extremely well, be a physical run stopper and provide explosiveness in the return game. While Corey Ivy should be able to cover Joey Galloway (recently signed to replace the injured Limas Sweed), I don't see the combination of Frank Walker/Chris Carr being able to effectively stop Hines Ward or Santonio Holmes.

Notes: The Ravens can clinch a playoff birth this week by first beating Pittsburgh, THEN A) Jacksonville AND either the Jets or Broncos lose, OR Miami, the Jets and Broncos all lose...John Harbaugh explains why the Ravens signed Corey Ivy and not Chris McAlister...Troy Smith wants to be more than just a Wildcat quarterback...ESPN's James Walker says the Ravens plan to start Chris Carr at corner against the Steelers...Michael Oher is Jeremy Green's (Scouts, Inc.) #1 Rookie to Watch and his pick for rookie of the year for Week 15...If you haven't seen it yet, ESPN has an interesting video about Ray Lewis' view of Baltimore City...Browns QB Brady Quinn is out for the rest of the season...Mike Holmgren has accepted the GM position for the Cleveland Browns.