Baltimore Luke - Keeping Up with the Jones

Listen in on WNST today at 2:30 PM

2009-06-15T12:56:00.001-04:00

I'll be joining Nestor Aparicio on Limited Access on AM 1570 WNST and WNST.net this afternoon at 2:30 PM. Be sure to listen in!

I'm WNST's King of Baltimore Sportstalk!

2009-05-29T23:45:00.005-04:00

It's truly been an exhilarating week! On Wednesday night at Padonia Station, I had the opportunity to interview former Ravens head coach Brian Billick, former Baltimore sportscaster John Buren, and WNST's Drew Forrester in WNST's King of Baltimore Sportstalk Finals. It was a great time talking sports in front of a live audience.

At the end of the night, I was crowned the King of Baltimore Sportstalk! The other six competitors did outstanding work, and I truly enjoyed meeting them. It's exciting to know there are others out there just as passionate as me about Baltimore sports. It's such a passionate city filled with knowledgeable and proud fans.

I would just like to thank everyone who have shown their support by reading my blogs and listening to my radio spots. Your kind words and encouragement continue to mean so much to me!

As for the future, I hope to do more work with WNST and WNST.net, but we'll see what happens. It's truly a great sports media company that really knows the pulse of this great city.

Here is a link to my "acceptance speech" blog:

http://wnst.net/wordpress/lukejones/2009/05/28/wish-you-were-here/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk0qO6vReIY&feature=related

http://wnst.net/wordpress/nestoraparicio/2009/05/27/luke-jones-is-crowned-the-coors-light-king-of-baltimore-sportstalk-winner/

Update on WNST's King of Baltimore Sportstalk Competition

2009-05-20T23:45:00.003-04:00

I thought I'd take a moment to post an update on my status in WNST's King of Baltimore Sportstalk Competition. I have advanced to the final round, taking place next Wednesday, May 27 at Padonia Station at 7 P.M. If you're in the area, I invite you to come out and cheer me on. There are six other finalists, and it figures to be a fun night of local sportstalk.

Remember to read and comment on my WNST.net blog. It can be found at wnst.net/wordpress/lukejones

Thanks for your continued support!

Why the Orioles bullpen held a closed-door meeting

2009-05-05T22:00:00.001-04:00

From the home office in Glen Rock, Pa., I bring to you the Top 10 Reasons Why the Orioles Bullpen Held a Closed-Door Meeting on Monday Afternoon.

10. They’re still trying to figure out just how high Radhames Liz’s ERA was in his last stint with the club.

9. “I know we’ve asked you before, but is it pronounced ‘Danny’ or ‘Dan-eez?’”

8. They figured since they can’t manage to close the door late in the game, they might as well try to do it in the clubhouse.

Read the rest and comment here.

Join me on AM 1570 WNST on Friday afternoon!

2009-05-04T23:01:00.006-04:00

I'll be in the WNST studio on Friday afternoon at 4:20 to discuss what's happening in the world of Baltimore sports. With the Ravens starting their mandatory minicamp on Friday, it figures to be a hot topic on Friday afternoon.

I'd like to know what you think the biggest story will be heading into training camp at McDaniel College on July 27. Are you most interested in seeing the progression of Joe Flacco from his rookie season to year two? What about the effect new defensive coordinator Greg Mattison will have on the Ravens defense after the departure of Rex Ryan? Or, are you anxious to see who emerges as the replacement for Bart Scott in the Ravens linebacker corps?

There should be plenty to talk about as we get our first tease of football this weekend! You can listen in the Baltimore area by tuning into AM 1570 WNST or listen online at WNST.net. I'll be taking phone calls at 410-481-1570. Start your weekend the right way with Luke Jones on WNST!

Update on WNST's King of Baltimore Sportstalk Competition

2009-05-02T00:12:00.005-04:00

For those of you wondering, I have qualified for the second round in WNST's King of Baltimore Sportstalk Competition. I continue to blog at WNST.net and will make an appearance on AM 1570 WNST next Friday, May 8 at 4:20 PM. You can also listen online at WNST.net.

Please continue to check out my blog here and post your comments.

Recently, I've been blogging about the Ravens' draft, the Orioles' woes, and my other thoughts regarding the sports world. Thank you to those who have checked out the blog and tuned in to my audition on the radio. I thank you for your continued support!

Several Dominoes Must Fall for Boldin to Fly to Baltimore

2009-04-18T09:58:00.003-04:00

Originally published at WNST.net

In the months leading to the NFL Draft, talk has persisted over the Ravens’ need to select a receiver in the first round. But now with the draft only a week away, could Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin be heading to Baltimore?

The Arizona Cardinals have officially placed Boldin on the trading block, and the Ravens are interested in the 28-year-old wideout according to numerous media outlets.

Boldin would certainly be the playmaker the Ravens’ offense needs, but there are several barriers to overcome before the three-time Pro Bowl selection can begin reining in passes from quarterback Joe Flacco.

The Cardinals are reportedly seeking a first- and third-round pick, a likely sticking point for the Ravens who have only six picks in the draft. General manager Ozzie Newsome has not traded out of the first round since 2003 when the Ravens traded their 2004 first-round pick to the New England Patriots in order to select quarterback Kyle Boller.

The fact that the Ravens are even discussing the possibility of trading picks for Boldin suggests a lack of enthusiasm for the group of receivers that could be available with the 26th overall pick. Maryland’s Darrius Heyward-Bey, Rutgers’ Kenny Britt, and North Carolina’s Hakeem Nicks have been mentioned as potential first-round choices, but all have weaknesses and would likely struggle to make an impact in their rookie season.

Director of player personnel Eric DeCosta mentioned earlier in the week that more failed picks have come at the wide receiver position than any other between picks 24 through 32.

And despite Newsome’s immense success on draft day, wide receiver is not a position on which the Ravens typically hit a home run. Past early-round picks include Patrick Johnson, Travis Taylor, Devard Darling, Mark Clayton, and Yamon Figurs–not exactly a group that strikes fear in a secondary’s heart.

If the Ravens are truly serious about getting better at the wide receiver position immediately, Boldin is a far better option than anyone in the draft, including top-rated receiver Michael Crabtree from Texas Tech. While a young receiver could become a threat in the future, none would transform the Ravens into a legitimate Super Bowl contender like Boldin.

Even the asking price of a first- and third-round pick is not a steep one when solely considering the value of the picks. Using the NFL draft-pick value chart, a point system used by general managers to consider potential trades, the Ravens’ first-round pick (26th overall) is worth 700 points and the third-round pick (88th overall) is worth 150 for a total of 850 points. This is roughly equivalent to the 20th overall pick.

The chart is only used as a tool for evaluating potential trades, but the surrendered picks would be worth no more than the value of a mid-first-round pick. In return, the Ravens would receive one of the best receivers in the NFL. Despite the possibility of only having four remaining picks, the decision is a no-brainer from this standpoint.

And remember, the Cardinals are asking for a first- and third-round pick; that doesn’t mean they will get them.

The bigger issue working against a potential deal is obviously the money. Boldin wants out of Arizona, because he wants a new, lucrative contract to replace the current one with two years remaining. Any team acquiring the wideout would unquestionably have to sign him to a new deal with a huge signing bonus, a proposition far more costly than signing the draft picks that would be surrendered.

The reality is the Ravens have very little salary-cap room. Even the possibility of restructuring existing deals and releasing one or two average veterans would not clear enough room to sign Boldin.

The only way the trade happens would be the signing of Terrell Suggs to a long-term deal, something Newsome has been unable to do after designating the linebacker with the franchise tag for the second straight season. Suggs’ 2009 salary is $10.2 million, eating up a large chunk of cap room.

Signing Suggs to a long-term extension would create several million dollars of cap room, leaving the flexibility to complete a Boldin deal.

Suggs discussed the possibility of providing a hometown discount to re-sign linebackers Ray Lewis and Bart Scott earlier in the offseason. It would be interesting to see if he would be more flexible in signing a deal, if it meant the Ravens could add an elite receiver to the offense.

Even if Suggs agrees to an extension, Newsome will have to assess whether Boldin’s production is worth the much larger financial commitment than the modest investments that would go into the draft selections.

Considering any deal for Boldin would involve an expensive contract, Arizona may not find a team willing to trade the draft picks they desire. It’s possible the Ravens could offer a first-round pick and a conditional 2010 selection, perhaps a third- or fourth-rounder, to get the deal done.

It’s always a risk trading early draft picks for a veteran player, but Boldin is the receiving threat that could push Flacco to become an elite quarterback in the NFL. The combination of Boldin and Derrick Mason would become one of the best receiving duos in the league. It would also allow Mark Clayton or Demetrius Williams to compete against the third or fourth defensive back on the field, creating favorable matchups in Cam Cameron’s offense.

But what about critics suggesting Boldin cannot put up the big numbers without fellow receiver Larry Fitzgerald in the same offense?

Boldin caught 101 passes for 1,377 yards and eight touchdowns in his rookie season in 2003 while Fitzgerald was making acrobatic catches–at the University of Pittsburgh.

I’d say he’s an elite receiver.

The need for an improved offense is more apparent when considering the age of the defense. Mainstays such as Lewis and Trevor Pryce are in the twilight of their careers (both will be 34 at the start of the season) and cannot be expected to play at the same level that they have over the past few seasons. Even the dynamic Ed Reed will be 31 in September and has an impingement in his neck and shoulder that could potentially shorten his career.

The defense can still play at a championship level, but for how long? The window for the veterans on the team is small, so Boldin could be viewed as the missing piece for a trip to the Super Bowl. Keep in mind, this team was a fourth-quarter touchdown drive away from advancing to the Super Bowl last January.

Boldin could be the difference in simply being a playoff contender in 2009 versus becoming a legitimate Super Bowl contender right there with Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and New England.

They’re close. Trading for Boldin is certainly a risk, both financially and to future player development by surrendering draft picks, but it just might be enough to get the Ravens to the Super Bowl.

With great risk, comes great reward.

Trading for Boldin is a chance worth taking to seize the Lombardi Trophy next February.

Please support Luke Jones in his quest to become AM 1570 WNST's King of Baltimore Sportstalk. You can read his work, comment, and vote at WNST.net.

WNST King of Baltimore Sportstalk Competition

2009-04-10T13:08:00.001-04:00

I have recently been chosen as a contestant in AM 1570 WNST’s King of Baltimore Sportstalk Competition to see if I can fulfill a dream of blogging and doing radio for a living. I'd like to personally invite you to take a look at my new blog at WNST.net. The link can be found here.

www.wnst.net/wordpress/lukejones

Please read and comment (as always, agree or disagree as much as you want!) on my work. The competition will also include a voting element that will begin in the near future. My goal is to bring you the same analysis and focus on sports (with a Baltimore-based focus) that I have tried to do since starting my blog in August 2008.

Thank you so much for your support!

Koji Uehara Makes Orioles History Tonight

2009-04-08T18:46:00.003-04:00

Orioles fans will get their first look at Japanese pitcher Koji Uehara as he faces the New York Yankees tonight at Camden Yards.

Uehara was an eight-time All-Star and won two Sawamura Awards (the Cy Young Award of Japanese baseball) playing for the Yomiuri Giants of the Central League.

The 34-year-old right-hander is the first Japanese player to play for the Orioles despite the arrival of numerous Japanese major leaguers in the last decade. The Orioles hope Uehara's performance will lead to an increased presence in Japanese scouting after years of inactivity in the Pacific Rim.

It will be interesting to see how well Uehara adapts to the major leagues, as the Yankees will provide as formidable of a lineup as any he will face in the American League in 2009.

WNST Radio Appearance on Friday

2009-04-01T19:52:00.003-04:00

I wanted to spread the word that I'll be a guest on WNST AM 1570 on Friday afternoon from 3-4 with Nestor Aparicio. If you're not in the greater Baltimore area, you can listen online at WNST.net. I'm looking forward to discussing Baltimore sports with a Baltimore radio legend, so check it out!

Nine Orioles Innings (Week of March 30)

2009-03-30T19:41:00.007-04:00

During the 2009 season, Luke Jones will present Nine Orioles Innings every Monday, sharing his thoughts on what’s happening with the Baltimore Orioles. It will feature a mix of serious analysis and the lighter side of Orioles baseball.

1. It’s hard to believe it was only two years ago that Jeremy Guthrie was an unknown heading to Baltimore on Opening Day 2007 as a long man in the Orioles bullpen. The Opening Day starter now represents the only safe bet in a rotation that is still deciding on the three starters to fill the back end.

The pitching staff will need Guthrie to remain healthy after making trips to the disabled list in each of his first two seasons with the Orioles. The rotation will be extremely thin as is, so the loss of Guthrie could cause a massive implosion.

The organization hopes that Guthrie’s terrific work ethic will influence the many young pitching prospects expected to arrive in Baltimore over the next two years. He may not be a true ace, but Guthrie could provide a calming influence on young pitchers that will undoubtedly experience some growing pains in their first months in the big leagues.

2. Felix Pie has struggled adjusting to his new surroundings this spring, hitting only .216 (through Sunday) and posting a .595 OPS.

With the strong spring performances from Nolan Reimold and Lou Montanez, many are calling for the Pie experiment to end before the team even heads north to Baltimore. The choice is simple when you consider Pie is out of options while Reimold and Montanez can start the season at Triple-A Norfolk.

Are Pie’s critics the same ones that were calling for Nick Markakis to be sent back to the minors when he was hitting around .220 in June of his rookie season in 2006?

While no one expects Pie to become the offensive threat that Markakis is, the young outfielder needs at bats in the big leagues after receiving only 260 at bats in two seasons with the Cubs. The former number-one prospect needs a legitimate chance to play in the majors.

If Pie is still struggling in July and Reimold or Montanez is tearing it up in Triple-A, this questions will be revisited, but for the time being, Pie should be sent out to left field to play everyday.

3. The November unveiling of the new road uniforms displaying “Baltimore” on the front was a far overdue move by the organization to restore some civic pride. The city name will appear on the road uniforms for the first time since 1972.

To take full advantage of the occasion, the Orioles should buck tradition and wear the new road uniforms on Opening Day despite it being a home game.

With the large number of Yankees fans expected to attend, detractors will argue it’s a road game for the Orioles anyway. Why not debut the new gray threads at home?

4. Andy MacPhail’s decision to send Matt Wieters to Triple-A to delay the start of his service time is well-documented and makes sense from a financial standpoint, especially when remembering Scott Boras represents the 22-year-old catcher.

However, should the team decide to keep Wieters in Norfolk until June when he would lose eligibility for Super-2 status, many will view the move as another penny-pinching maneuver.

Though delaying Wieters’ promotion would eliminate a year of arbitration, possibly saving millions, it would harm his ability to win Rookie of the Year as well as simply impede the growth of the catching prospect.

Mimicking Tampa Bay’s approach with Evan Longoria by waiting until the middle of April to promote Wieters is financially prudent; waiting until June is just being cheap.

5. Corner infielders Aubrey Huff and Melvin Mora are both free agents after the season and were the top run producers on the club last year, driving in 212 runs combined.

With no viable prospects at first or third base ready for the big leagues, MacPhail will have to consider bringing back at least one of the two veterans.

Newly-signed infielder Ty Wigginton would be a fine one-year stopgap at either first or third, but the team would have to look to acquire another corner infielder.

The team does hold an $8million club option for Mora, but Huff is five years younger.

Both players are likely to be shopped at the trading deadline in late-July, but look for the club to explore short-term extensions for both players as MacPhail searches for younger answers at each corner.

6. Japanese newcomer Koji Uehara will hold the second spot in the starting rotation, but the Orioles hope he means much more to the future of the organization.

A successful season for the veteran would potentially open the door for other talent from Japan and the Far East to consider the Orioles for their American destination.

Watching Japan win its second World Baseball Classic made it apparent that many more Japanese players have the ability to succeed in Major League Baseball, so the Orioles need to continue to increase their scouting presence in the Far East.

Uehara finding success in Baltimore would not only improve the team’s prospects in 2009 but could lead to more Japanese talent landing with the Orioles in the future.

7. It’s difficult to believe the Orioles are even considering Adam Eaton for the starting rotation. Even putting his spring numbers aside (6.75 ERA), the right-hander was hammered in Philadelphia the last two seasons, posting a 5.80 ERA in 2008 and a 6.29 ERA in 2007.

Ouch.

You might be wondering what his numbers were on the road, considering Citizens Bank Park is a hitter’s park. Eaton pitched to a 4.81 road ERA in 2008 and 6.12 in 2007.

Not exactly a ringing endorsement, especially when you consider Camden Yards is known for the home run.

With the seemingly endless search to fill the starting rotation, the Orioles might want to take a long look at the Bird (no, I’m not talking about Mark Fidrych). He throws some devastating off-speed stuff to the kids in the outfield grass before home games.

Only kidding, or am I? Ask me again in late-April when the bullpen is already being overworked.

The Bird might be throwing some simulated games in the bullpen by that point.

8. Despite the concerns over the starting rotation, the Orioles bullpen looks to be a formidable unit with closer George Sherrill, Jim Johnson, and Chris Ray providing a triple-threat to shorten the game after six innings.

Ray looks to be fully recovered from Tommy John surgery and has been dominant, not allowing a run in 11 1/3 innings of spring work.

A fully-recovered Matt Albers would be key to bridging the gap from the starting pitching to the three stoppers in the late innings.

Even with the vast potential, it’s hard to predict how well the bullpen will perform if starting pitching cannot get past the fifth or sixth inning consistently. In recent years, the bullpen is worn out by August, setting up for the collapse down the stretch.

9. It’s hard to envision any scenario in which the Orioles avoid a 12th-straight losing season in 2009 despite the promising future with the improving farm system. The years of losing have begun to run together, and it’s sometimes difficult to believe how long it’s been since a winning team graced Camden Yards.

To put it in perspective, in the Orioles’ last winning season in 1997, Cal Ripken was playing his first full season at third base, interleague play was making its debut, Michael Jordan was winning his fifth NBA championship, and Nick Markakis was in the eighth grade.

Quite a long time.

Extra Innings: For an organization in the midst of 11-straight losing seasons, the Orioles could definitely benefit from a stronger marketing campaign to create excitement for the 2009 season.

Though young pitchers such as Brian Matusz and Jake Arrieta were in the major league camp, MASN scheduled only four television appearances for the Orioles in the spring. In fact, Wednesday’s game against the Marlins will mark the first televised Orioles game on MASN in over three weeks.

Yes, televising spring games costs money and does not earn huge ratings, but subscribers are paying hefty fees to receive MASN in their cable lineups. The Orioles owe it to their customers to televise a few more games and could create more interest in the club in the process.

In comparison, the Yankees’ YES Network televised 16 spring games while the Red Sox’ NESN showed nine.

With struggling attendance, the Orioles need to provide more opportunities for fans to follow the team in the spring. Their own cable network is here; they need to use it.

Televising eight or nine spring games is more than reasonable.

For those turning to the radio for their Orioles fix, the flagship radio station 105.7 The Fan abandoned the final eight innings of Sunday’s broadcast following a lengthy rain delay.

While it may not have been a regular season game and will be forgotten quickly, the story is no less pathetic and was even featured on Yahoo! Sports.

With these television and radio blunders, the question begs to be asked: how badly do the Orioles even want their fans back?

The organization needs to try much harder.

How the NFL Can Boost Revenue Without Changing the 16-Game Schedule

2009-03-26T22:07:00.003-04:00

By: Luke Jones

The NFL’s annual league meeting brought much discussion regarding the pending labor showdown, rules changes to improve safety, and commissioner Roger Goodell’s desire to expand the regular season to 18 games.

Though the expiring collective bargaining agreement is the league’s most pressing concern, the juxtaposition of passing new rules to improve players’ safety and the desire to extend the season of such a physically demanding sport seems peculiar, if not preposterous.

Under the proposed plan, the league would shorten its preseason to two games and add two regular season games to the 16-game schedule. An additional bye week would also be included in the schedule, increasing the regular season to 20 weeks.

Though many have called for a shorter preseason to decrease the number of injuries in meaningless games, it’s far more likely for marquee players to suffer injuries having to play two more “real” games with higher stakes and intensity.

In reality, many of the league’s top players partake in only a small portion of the preseason, sometimes sitting out entire games or only playing a series or two in each contest.

If the fundamental goal is to protect the players, would a plan calling for a 12.5 percent (two regular season games) increase in players’ exposure to potential injury really be the answer?

Frankly, the NFL is only interested in increasing its revenue despite these rules changes and calls to increase safety. Using the veil of safety is motivated solely by the revenue the top stars of the league create—stars such as New England’s Tom Brady who missed the entire 2008 season with a knee injury suffered in Week 1.

Goodell and the league can speak of improving player safety, but a few isolated rule changes will not supersede the increased risk of exposing players to injury and fatigue in an expanded regular season.

How often do we see players running on fumes—physically or mentally—by the time they enter the postseason? Now, just add two extra games to that equation. It would be extremely difficult for teams to maintain a high quality of play deep into the playoffs.

Do we really want players that are barely able to compete in the conference championships and Super Bowl?

Traditionalists will also point to the effect an 18-game schedule would have on the record book—both single-season and career numbers alike.

We’ve already seen the records from the 1950s through 1970s crushed due to the progression from a 12-game schedule to 14 games in 1961 to the current 16 games in 1978. There has to be a point when the league begins pushing the limit to maintain some reverence for the history of the game.

Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is already rewriting the record book, but an expanded 18-game schedule would provide him with a 50 percent increase in the number of games he can play in a season compared to legendary quarterbacks of the 1950s such as Johnny Unitas playing 12 games a season.

To put this in perspective, using a stat-happy sport such as baseball, Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs in a 154-game schedule in 1927. If baseball adopted a 50 percent increase in regular season games, Albert Pujols would have 231 games this season to take aim at the Bambino’s career-high mark.

A current NFL running back playing eight seasons would be able to play 16 more games—one extra season—than all-time rushing leader Emmitt Smith would have had in eight years. This could easily be an additional 1,500 rushing yards in a career, a significant boost in climbing the all-time rushing list.

Why even bother keeping statistics anymore?

Though Goodell would never admit it publicly, he is far less concerned in improving player safety and preserving its history than he is in strengthening the moneymaking machine that is the NFL. All of these discussed topics center around increasing revenue.

So how can the league increase revenue while sincerely maintaining safety and protecting the record book?

A far simpler plan would address nearly all of these concerns while still increasing league revenue.

The league does need to revise the preseason schedule. The modern NFL player maintains a high level of conditioning throughout the calendar year, so a four-game preseason is unnecessary.

Dropping one preseason game would provide enough time for coaches to evaluate unproven talent while limiting the risk of injury to established players.

While this would leave an unbalanced home-away schedule of three games, teams could schedule an extra scrimmage at their stadiums to recover lost revenue in seasons when they played only one home preseason game. Though less-appealing to season ticket holders, teams could opt to recover the loss through a prorated increase in the nine remaining home games in the package.

The remaining lost revenue from these 16 preseason games (the total number of league preseason games would decrease from 64 to 48) would be recouped by the proposed changes to the regular season and playoffs.

The elimination of one preseason game would provide an open week in the NFL’s calendar. Instead of increasing the number of regular season games, a second bye week would be added to each team’s regular season schedule.

The NFL included two bye weeks in each team’s schedule in 1993, but the response was unfavorable. However, with the astronomical money involved in the league’s current television contract, the extra week in the regular season would provide more nationally-televised prime-time games with lucrative advertising revenue.

Another benefit from an additional bye week would be added flexibility to schedule international or neutral-site games. One of the biggest complaints from players regarding playing overseas is the sacrifices that have to be made for traveling and adjusting to the different time zone. Providing teams with another bye week would ease the strain of playing in these international games.

The league could easily schedule a few more international games under this plan.

The extra bye week would also provide more recovery time for teams, increasing their chances of remaining healthy for the postseason.

Each team would receive its first bye some time between Week 3 through 9 and the second between Week 10 through 16. All 32 teams would play in Week 17 and 18 to maintain competitive balance.

The most radical change would be to increase the number of playoff teams in each conference to eight, the four division champions and four wild card teams.

With the extra bye week in the regular season schedule, the first-round bye for the top two teams in each conference would be eliminated. No other major professional sport offers byes in the first round of the playoffs, so why should the NFL?

This would create an additional four games in the Wild Card round, improving revenue for these four playoff teams as well as the entire league through added television revenue.

The top team in each conference would still earn home-field advantage in the playoffs, and the teams would be reseeded for the Divisional round (the best team in the conference would play the worst remaining team).

For good measure, the league could even address the criticism of the current system by no longer promising a home game to each division winner. The four teams with the best records in each conference would play home games in the first round of the postseason. Division winners would only be guaranteed a spot in the postseason, thus creating more incentive for teams having already clinched a weak division to continue competing for one of the top four seeds.

When considering this plan, the league would simply have to examine the lost revenue of 16 total preseason games against the potential revenue gained from an extra week of nationally-televised games, four more playoff games, and the flexibility to schedule more international and neutral-site games.

On top of that, the owners would not have to fight the union over the contractual issues created by increasing the number of games in the regular season schedule.

And even though they are not top priorities, it would actually be a fundamental step in protecting the health of players by adding an extra bye to the schedule while also preserving the game’s modern history.

Will it happen? Probably not, but it’s something to ponder before making radical changes to the fabric of the National Football League.

Surviving the 2009 Orioles

2009-03-24T22:56:00.001-04:00

Depending on how you look at the current state of the Baltimore Orioles, two vastly different conclusions come to mind.

On one hand, the Orioles’ minor league system is in better shape than it has been in over 20 years, consistently ranking in the top 10 according to various publications.

Along with catching sensation Matt Wieters, who is expected to be promoted to the big leagues in the early weeks of the 2009 season, the Orioles boast three of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball.

Brian Matusz (2008 first-round pick), Jake Arrieta (2007 fifth-round pick), and Chris Tillman (acquired from the Seattle Mariners in last winter’s Erik Bedard trade) provide a rock-solid foundation upon which the Orioles hope to rebuild their woeful pitching of the past decade.

In addition to these three, other top pitching prospects include Brad Bergesen, David Hernandez, Brandon Erbe, Zach Britton, Chorye Spoone, and Troy Patton.

Unlike past pitching prospects such as Rocky Coppinger, Sidney Ponson, and Adam Loewen, no single prospect needs to be viewed as the supreme savior for the organization, but all will instead be developed methodically, mastering each level of the minors before being promoted. The Orioles hope this depth will pay dividends in the near future.

General manager Andy MacPhail has continuously preached patience with the organization’s talented, but inexperienced, pitchers.

But from the other perspective, the thought of patience seems unbearable, if not impossible, to the many Orioles fans that have suffered through 11-straight losing seasons in the American League East. To them, the rebuilding has continued far too long.

“It’s time to win now—not in 2011,” they insist.

But sadly, they see a rotation that will only contend to be the worst rotation in 56 seasons of Orioles baseball, much less compete against the Yankees and Red Sox.

Beyond ace Jeremy Guthrie, the rotation overflows with question marks. Newcomer Koji Uehara was a star in Japan, but no one knows what to expect when the right-hander begins competing against the fierce lineups of the AL East.

Lefthander Rich Hill, acquired from the Chicago Cubs, hopes to regain his 2007 form in which he won 11 games and pitched to a 3.92 ERA, but has missed much of spring training with a sore elbow.

Though there is hope for these three to somehow keep the starting rotation afloat, the laundry list of candidates to fill out the final spots of the rotation includes veterans Mark Hendrickson, Danys Baez, and Adam Eaton and unproven young pitchers Brian Bass, Hayden Penn, and Alfredo Simon.

Yikes.

Clearly, the Orioles will not contend in the toughest division in baseball. The starting pitching will be too ineffective, and the improved offense and bullpen will not be able to overcome this deficiency.

So, the question begs to be asked: what should Orioles fans reasonably expect in 2009?

Those hoping and praying for a pennant race will inevitably be disappointed while those choosing to focus on the deficiencies of a rebuilding team and asking why the team is not trying to win this season will undoubtedly look past any bright spots concerning developing players such as Felix Pie and Adam Jones.

For Orioles fans bracing themselves for a 12th-straight year of losing baseball, the truth may hurt. The reality is the last 11 years of losing mean very little to the present state of the club. MacPhail was president of the Chicago Cubs while manager Dave Trembley was managing in the Cubs’ minor league system when this period of losing began in 1998.

Despite how infuriated Orioles fans have become over the decline of a once-proud franchise, these men cannot and should not concern themselves with the mistakes of their ineffective predecessors.

Fans have every right to criticize owner Peter Angelos, the one constant throughout the past 11 seasons of losing baseball. His annual late-season proclamations of grandeur for the following year are just a small sample of the empty promises given by the organization during his ownership.

Orioles’ loyalists deserve to be angry and have expressed their displeasure in recent years, ranging from a fan protest in 2006 to the drastic decline in attendance from 3.7 million in 1997 (the club’s last winning season) to just under two million fans in 2008.

Despite this anger and intense yearning for a winning team, many fans’ cry for a quick fix by signing a couple veteran pitchers is the wrong wish and is the exact thinking that has plagued the organization over the past decade.

For the first time throughout this eleven-year nightmare, the Orioles finally get it. They have finally committed to rebuilding after so many half-hearted, feeble attempts.

This organization should be playing for 2011—not making shortsighted moves for the false hope of competing in 2009.

Fans need to view the organization like that friend that has been driving around that beat-up car for years. Yeah, he tried to make the quick fixes and even used a bit of duct tape, but it never ran well. After years of denial, he finally conceded that it’s time to start over completely, because there’s just no salvaging it.

But, the question remains, does your friend look for that instant gratification and buy a used car with 85,000 miles on it, or drive the junker for just a little longer and save for something brand new?

Sure, that used car may look shiny and new after going through the carwash, but there’s no telling whether it’s going to run well for a few years or be a total lemon.

Investing in veteran pitchers and overpriced free agents would make the current Orioles a team that could approach .500 and maybe contend for a wild card if everything went absolutely perfectly.

But then what happens when these players break down and you’ve already committed millions of dollars to them? The young arms could potentially be ready, but there is no payroll flexibility to add that slugging first baseman or shortstop—not to mention you’re left with the predicament of dumping these veteran starters to create room for the younger pitchers.

Instead, MacPhail is making the right decision by saving the club’s money, enduring another season or two of misery while building that muscle car that can compete with any in the AL East.

The Orioles are saving, waiting for the young pitchers to develop, and then, when the time is right, they’ll spring for the bigger pieces to fill out the roster in free agency.

The plan is the right one, but will it succeed? No one can know for sure, especially in this division. And if the Orioles fail, the criticism will again be justified.

There is no guarantee with pitching prospects, as the Orioles have painfully learned over the last 11 years, but with the vast supply of promising talent, the odds are more favorable this time than any other in the past decade.

Fans may continue to gripe—surely, they have every right to complain until the Orioles retake their place among the game’s respected franchises—but this time, the Orioles are getting it right.

For fans doubting the approach of the franchise, they need only look back in its rich history.

Until the early-1960s, the Orioles struggled to avoid the “second division” of the American League. However, through the construction of a talented farm system based around pitching and defense, the club improved to the point of winning over 90 games in 1964 and 1965.

In December 1965, the Orioles finally knew they were one player away from a championship and sent pitcher Milt Pappas and two others to the Cincinnati Reds for a veteran right fielder named Frank Robinson, the dominant hitter that could put Baltimore over the top.

The rest was history, as the Orioles then embarked on one of the most successful 20-year stretches of any franchise in baseball history.

Obviously, the game is much different today with the high stakes of free agency, but the basic philosophy remains in MacPhail’s mind.

The current Orioles are building for something special, something long-lasting. And when the youthful pieces are in place, they’ll seek out another Frank Robinson to put them over the top.

But it’s going to take a little more patience.

Eleven years is a long time, no question. But hopefully, that excruciating wait will soon be worth it for Orioles fans.

Cringing at the Orioles' Starting Rotation

2009-03-23T18:03:00.000-04:00

The vast improvement of the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system brings much hope for an organization trying to break a string of 11-straight losing seasons and return to contention in the cutthroat American League East.

However, two decisions made over the weekend signal a harsh reality of the present, and the need for more patience as the organization waits for its bumper crop of starting pitching to mature in the minor leagues.

The Orioles optioned pitcher Brad Bergesen to Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday despite the young right-hander being one of the biggest surprises of spring training.

Bergesen pitched 11 2/3 innings with a 3.09 ERA and 11 strikeouts, launching himself into consideration for a starting rotation spot before being demoted.

President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail has been assertive in stating the club’s approach in taking its time to promote their young pitchers, wanting them to gain experience at each level before being promoted to Baltimore.

This certainly makes sense, considering Bergesen has never pitched above Double-A Bowie. Manager Dave Trembley wants the young pitcher to improve his changeup and his ability to retire left-handed hitters before making his debut in Baltimore.

Trembley told reporters that Bergesen would be one of the top candidates for a promotion in the early stages of the season.

While the decision to option Bergesen is disappointing to those wanting to see the Orioles’ core of promising pitchers, it makes sense considering other young pitchers such as Hayden Penn and Brian Bass are out of options and would have to pass through waivers before being sent to Norfolk.

The Orioles are not playing for 2009, so it makes little sense to rush any of their top pitching prospects, especially when you have these young placeholders at the major league level that could improve their value for potential trades in the future.

This would be a logical plan, but another decision made by Trembley over the weekend raises more concern about the present state of the club.

Still vying for a spot in the starting rotation, Penn was scheduled to start on Sunday before rain postponed Saturday’s game. Instead of skipping veteran Mark Hendrickson’s scheduled Saturday start, Trembley started Hendrickson and bumped Penn into a relief role in which he pitched only two innings.

While the oft-injured Penn, 24, has lost the top-prospect status he enjoyed a few seasons ago, the club needs to give him and fellow young pitcher Brian Bass every opportunity to earn a spot in the starting rotation.

Skipping Penn for a veteran swingman like Hendrickson fails to provide that opportunity and does nothing for the club’s future.

Penn may not be a long-term solution in the starting rotation, but certainly provides more upside than veterans Adam Eaton and Danys Baez. The veterans have started a combined six games compared to none for Penn. Trembley has given Bass two starts this spring.

Eaton and Baez may provide the veteran presence Trembley likes on his club, but they do not provide a productive presence.

Eaton has failed to post an ERA below 5.00 since 2005 and was released by the Phillies before signing a minor league contract with the Orioles. Baez is returning from Tommy John surgery in 2008 and posted a 6.44 ERA for the Orioles in 2007.

Why are these ineffective veterans receiving more opportunities than Penn? A veteran does little for a staff if he is being annihilated every five days.

If the Orioles need a reminder of how letting a former top prospect go before giving him a fair opportunity can backfire, they only need to look at John Maine, who after making eight starts in Baltimore in 2005, was traded to the Mets for Kris Benson. Maine won 15 games in 2007 and 10 in 2008 for New York.

How many wins did Kris Benson have with the Orioles again? Eleven? But he was a strong veteran presence, right?

Penn and Bass are relative unknowns at the major league level, but they do not have to perform at a high level to match what Eaton and Baez would contribute to the club, and could easily exceed the veterans’ projected performance.

The Orioles need to move away from this obsession with ineffective veteran pitchers at the expense of giving opportunities to younger pitchers.

While Penn and Bass are unlikely to stick beyond the next season or two, they certainly have a higher ceiling than veteran retreads with no trade value.

If Penn or Bass can perform better than expected, it would be a nice problem to have when the next group of young pitchers is ready for the major leagues. If they do not perform, you simply unload them and find another Baez or Eaton on the waiver wire.

Regardless of which five pitchers make the Opening Day rotation, the results will not be pretty. After ace Jeremy Guthrie, who would be a middle-of-the-rotation arm for a contending club, the Orioles will send out four unproven, if not ineffective, starters against the likes of the Rays, Red Sox, and Yankees.

Though Koji Uehara created much excitement in spring training before going down with a hamstring injury, it is difficult to project how well the Japanese pitcher will perform against major league hitters. His lack of spring training innings further clouds the situation.

The team will receive another potential boost when lefty Rich Hill returns from injury and enters the rotation later in April. Pitching coach Rich Kranitz is trying to fix the former Cubs pitcher’s woes in hopes that he can return to his 2007 form.

Beyond these three, the best bet for tolerating the club’s starting rotation in the first half of 2009 is to close your eyes and think about August, when several of the organization’s young pitchers are projected to be ready for promotions.

The first wave could bring Bergesen, David Hernandez, and even two of the organization’s “Big Three," Jake Arrieta and Chris Tillman.

Starting then, the Orioles will be able to move away from ineffective veterans and out-of-option projects and focus on developing a top-notch staff to compete in the AL East.

But until that happens, whether it’s young placeholders such as Penn and Bass, or veteran outcasts like Baez and Eaton, it figures to be a long couple of months in Baltimore.

Terps-Cal Preview: Looking into the Mirror

2009-03-18T21:44:00.000-04:00

Maryland returns to the NCAA tournament for only the second time in the last five seasons on Thursday afternoon.

The No. 10-seed Terrapins (20-13) face the No. 7-seed California Golden Bears (22-10) in an ACC-Pacific-10 showdown in the first round.

The Terps earned an at-large bid after beating North Carolina State and Wake Forest in the ACC tournament while the Golden Bears finished in a third-place tie with Arizona State in the Pac-10.

Both Maryland and Cal rely on strong play from their guards and lack any consistent threats in the frontcourt.

The Terps rely on pressure and penetration from its guards to create offense while coach Mike Montgomery’s Golden Bears lead the nation in three-point shooting, making 43.4 percent of its attempts.

Cal’s three-point shooting is more selective than other long-distance shooting teams like Duke that take over 700 attempts in a season. The Golden Bears took only 468 three-point attempts, 106 fewer than Maryland.

Maryland likes to occasionally switch between man-to-man defense and a 3-2 zone to compensate for its lack of size, but the Golden Bears’ long-range shooting may prevent coach Gary Williams from using this strategy. Cal’s junior guard and leading scorer Jerome Randle makes 46.8 percent of his three-pointers, third overall in the nation.

Guarding the three-pointer is a glaring weakness for the Terps, ranking 225th in the nation and allowing opponents to shoot 35.1 percent from behind the three-point line. If Randle and forward Theo Robertson begin draining long-range shots, the Terps will be in serious trouble.

To advance to the second round, Maryland will need to guard Cal’s shooters closely and refrain from gambling for steals, a trap the Terps often fall into, leaving opportunities for wide-open shooters. Cal’s half-court offense will take advantage if Maryland takes too many chances defensively.

Junior guard Greivis Vasquez leads Maryland in scoring, rebounding, and assists, but reserve guard Eric Hayes has recently become a reliable scoring threat for the Terps. If Cal begins shooting from beyond the arc, Hayes’ long-range shooting will be needed to keep the Terrapins in the game.

Hayes, averaging 10.1 points per game, has sparked the Terps in the postseason, scoring a career-high 21 points against N.C. State in the first round of the conference tournament and 20 against Duke in the semifinal loss.

Another key for the Terps could be the shooting of forward Dave Neal. The 6-7 forward hits 38.9 percent from the three-point line, strong enough to lure a bigger defender away from the paint to contest his shot. This could free up the inside for Vasquez and guard Adrian Bowie to drive to the hoop and get to the foul line.

If the game comes down to foul shooting, the two teams figure to be evenly matched. Maryland shoots 76.8 percent from the line while Cal makes 75.6 percent of its free throws.

This is a tough one to predict given the similarities between the two. While their guards have different strengths, each team lives and dies with the play of its backcourt players. Both teams lack a consistent big man, so the inside game does not figure to play a major factor in the game.

It appears Maryland might be catching Cal at the right time. The Golden Bears have lost four of their last six games while the Terps recovered from a crucial road loss at Virginia in the regular season finale before making their run in the ACC tournament to regain favor in the eyes of the selection committee.

If the Golden Bears’ long-distance shooting comes out hot, the Terps will need Hayes and Vasquez to counter to keep them in the game.

Look for Maryland’s pressure and trapping defense to keep Cal off-balanced and prevent their shooters from getting open looks consistently.

Vasquez is the emotional leader of the Terps and is fully capable of taking over the game if he comes out strong.

Gary Williams has not lost a first round game in the NCAA tournament since 1997. The streak continues as the Terrapins move on to the second round to face the powerhouse Memphis Tigers.

The pick: Maryland 72, California 66

March Madness: Nobody Knows What They're Talking About

2009-03-17T23:30:00.002-04:00

As sports fans throughout the country polish up their tournament brackets in anticipation for Thursday, I began to think about this ritual that accompanies March Madness.

It’s remarkable how a simple bracket printed on a piece of paper motivates us to try to become the next Andy Katz or Digger Phelps.

We analyze, dissect, study, and agonize over who will be the next surprise, the next disappointment, and ultimately, the next champion of the NCAA tournament.

We read a few articles published on some of the popular websites or watch an hour-long special on ESPN and suddenly claim to be an expert on the field of 65. All of our friends must listen to us explain why VCU is going to defeat UCLA or how Boston College will fall to the red-hot Trojans from USC.

The discussion over office pools and banter between college buddies is ubiquitous.

And you know what? Nobody knows what they’re talking about. Not even a little bit.

No one.

And that’s what makes the magic of the NCAA tournament. The unknown is what draws us to this unique sporting event.

I love college basketball, and I’m comfortable in saying I know a good deal about the sport.

For instance, I know that Jim Boeheim and Syracuse are returning to the tournament after a two-year absence. However, I’ll also admit to knowing more about Stone Cold Steve Austin than I do about Syracuse’s first-round opponent Stephen F. Austin.

I also wonder about the status of Ty Lawson and how it affects North Carolina’s title hopes, but I also wonder about Cornell. Yes, it’s an Ivy League school, and I know that Andy Bernard of The Office attended Cornell, but I couldn’t even pretend to tell you who their leading scorer is.

Northern Iowa? Oh, that’s easy. Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner played there, but who’s their top rebounder? Next question, please.

Meanwhile, I’m still trying to remember who Robert Morris even was, let alone who the school’s head coach is.

It isn’t what we know that makes this sporting event so enjoyable, but it’s what we don’t know.

In any other sport, we know all of the teams and competitors. In the NFL or NBA playoffs, the teams are all familiar and most of the key contributors are easily recognizable.

We know the big names of college basketball. We’re familiar with the Connecticuts and Michigan States of the bracket, but for the many household names printed on that piece of paper, we find many that are foreign.

It’s a mystery where several of these schools are even located, so why would we know what to expect when they take the floor on Thursday or Friday?

Most of these unknowns will return to obscurity after their two hours of fame, but every now and then, one of these strangers, a Valparaiso, a Davidson, or a George Mason, surprises us all, and we get to know them.

Instead of simply being that new kid standing on the sideline, waiting for his chance to play but bolting when he can’t hang with the big kids, they steal the show and upstage one of the neighborhood legends.

They become more than just the champion of their mid-major conference somewhere in the Midwest. No longer is it just a funny name or a set of initials we don’t recognize.

We yearn to know who that Cinderella is going to be, so we can take credit for saying it would happen all along. It would make us a god among friends, or even a champion of the office pool.

In that quest, we turn to the experts on television. Surely, Jay Bilas can tell us about Binghamton’s best player and provide some good information from a detailed stat sheet, but answer this question:

Do you honestly think Jay Bilas has seen the Bearcats play more than once or twice all season, or even at all?

The truth is the experts that work countless hours and are truly outstanding at what they do don’t really know what they’re talking about either. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day to really break it down in any kind of precise way. The variables to consider in picking these games are too many to count.

When it comes to picking the upsets and the Cinderella stories, your guess is as good as anyone’s.

So, what does this all mean?

Don’t worry about trying to be so analytical just to impress your friends.

When completing your bracket, simply close your eyes and go with your gut. Avoiding any urge to pick a No. 16 seed would also help.

Just use your imagination.

Listen closely and you might be able to hear Gus Johnson screaming during the final seconds of Dayton’s thrilling upset win over West Virginia.

Close your eyes and you might envision Bob Knight’s breakdown of why Western Kentucky knocked off Illinois on Thursday night’s Sportscenter.

Is it only a crazy dream, or can it become reality?

Nobody knows, but we are all so very eager to find out.

Oh, and by the way, would you like to hear my picks for the tournament?

Gary Williams Coaches Scrappy Terps Back into the Dance

2009-03-15T21:53:00.000-04:00

As Gary Williams and his Terrapins walked off the floor following the embarrassing 93-64 defeat at Clemson on Feb. 17, their aspirations for a second NCAA tournament appearance in five years appeared to have all but vanished.

Williams was facing intense scrutiny regarding his inability to recruit bigger stars and his disintegrating relationship with athletic director Debbie Yow and the university.

The highly inconsistent Greivis Vasquez was yapping at his own fans and struggling to lead the offense.

The struggles figured only to get worse for the 16-9 Terps as they prepared for home battles against powerhouses North Carolina and Duke. The final two nails in the coffin, right?

Perhaps we needed a refresher. Never count out a Williams-coached team.

The season turned on the next Saturday afternoon as Vasquez’s triple-double led Maryland to shock North Carolina in overtime, giving the Terps new life in their quest for an invitation to the “Big Dance.”

Though there would be a few more loops in this undulating season, including a crucial loss to Virginia in the regular season finale followed by two wins in the ACC tournament to put them back in good standing, the sweaty palms and nail biting paid of Sunday afternoon paid off as Maryland learned they would be the No. 10 seed invited to face California in the first round of the NCAA tournament in Kansas City.

For all of the harsh criticism for Williams and the struggles of his program over the past five seasons, the coach never wavered, insisting this was one of his favorite teams in his noted career.

There’s no question Maryland is undersized and lacks the talent to consistently compete with the top teams in the country. Of the Terps’ starting five, only Greivis Vasquez would start for the top programs in the country.

These doubts regarding recruiting will continue to follow Williams unless incoming freshmen James Padgett and Jordan Williams can provide the impact size the team has sorely lacked this season.

But for all of the critics droning about Maryland failing to make the NCAA tournament consistently, Williams found a way to silence them in what might be his best pure-coaching job since arriving at Maryland 20 years ago.

From the unimpressive, yet effective, Dave Neal to the out-of-position Landon Milbourne holding his own against burly opponents, the Terps never conceded failure, even when they appeared done in mid-February.

The scrappy play of this Maryland team is unlikely to move them beyond the first or second round, but Williams once again proved there should be no doubting his ability to get the absolute best out of his players.

This is the point that Williams needs to sell to potential recruits, whether they’re looking to win a national championship, go to the NBA, or both.

If he can get this underdog roster of players to play its way into the NCAA tournament, just think what he can continue to do with more talent.

The fire is still there in the 64-year-old coach to win another national championship for Maryland. He just needs to recruit the horses.

Who knows? Perhaps Williams can channel the past, and the Terps can defeat Cal and upset No.2-seeded Memphis to advance to the Sweet 16.

Certainly an unlikely proposition, but it was equally unlikely when Joe Smith, Johnny Rhodes, and the Terps knocked off Massachusetts in 1994, putting Maryland basketball back on the map after years in the doldrums following the tragic death of Len Bias.

Oh yeah, Maryland just happened to also be a No. 10 seed that year, and John Calipari was the coach of the Minutemen, the same Calipari coaching the Memphis Tigers in a potential second-round matchup.

It would be hyperbole to compare the magnitude of a potential run in this year’s tournament to those past heroics. The recent struggles do not compare to the state of the program when Williams arrived in College Park in 1989.

However, it might just launch the Terrapins back into elite status in the near future if they can capitalize on the recruiting side.

Crazy? Perhaps.

But, as we’ve learned throughout his brilliant career and again this season, never doubt the heart of Gary Williams and his basketball team.

How Syracuse and Connecticut Could Have Avoided 6 OTs

2009-03-13T19:52:00.003-04:00

Watching Thursday night's epic six-overtime battle between Syracuse and Connecticut was an astonishing experience for those who persevered well into Friday morning to watch its conclusion.

The gutsy performances displayed by both teams in Syracuse’s 127-117 victory were mind-boggling, as it seemed the clash would never end.

This was never more apparent than when my mother turned to my brother and me at the end of the second overtime and asked, “So, will they play a third overtime?”

Obviously, taken aback by her question (Mom loves sports but admits to occasionally opening her mouth before she thinks), I began thinking about the possibility of the game continuing forever.

Perhaps it was the madness of March seeping into my psyche, or just the exhaustion of being awake past midnight on a work night, but the ideas of how to properly finish this classic encounter began rolling into my mind.

So, if a sleepy Syracuse team fails to advance over West Virginia in the semifinal, perhaps the Big East could have avoided the six-overtime marathon by simply thinking outside of the box:

1. Despite Paul Harris’ 29-point performance, the forward’s numerous misses from point-blank range were tough on the eyes. Perhaps a simple layup contest could have determined the winner? First team to miss loses.

2. The referees lead a ferocious game of Simon Says at center court. Last man standing wins it for his school.

3. Jim Boeheim and Jim Calhoun look at each other and simply nod, knowing how to settle this. A duel? No, this isn’t the 1700s. The rival coaches play a game of one-on-one to determine who advances. Suit jackets must stay on, no matter what.

4. After four overtimes, dribbling becomes optional. What an interesting dynamic to consider as fatigue continues to grind down both teams. Rugby, anyone?

5. When the third overtime fails to produce a winner, the referees decide to go back and take one more look at Eric Devendorf’s shot at the end of regulation. “On second thought, now that we look at it again, it was good. Let’s go home.”

6. In a fine display of college spirit, the teams agree to a game of beer pong. Only upperclassmen of legal-age are eligible, of course. But alas, the game of 10-cup goes into, you guessed it, overtime.

7. After failing to best one another, the rivals agree to join forces and play the semifinal as the Syrnecticuse Orskies. West Virginia and the rest of the Big East will not stand a chance!

8. When both coaches are informed of the Big East’s 1:00 AM curfew, the players disperse to their respective hotel rooms. The last player on the bench from each school finishes the game: playing Xbox Live.

9. The public address announcer calls for any former players in attendance to proceed to the court for one last moment in the spotlight. In street clothes, Gerry McNamara drains six 3-pointers to seal it for the Orange.

10. And finally, in a moment that will define the history of Big East basketball, the Madison Square Garden crew sets up the arm wrestling table for the final battle to decide who advances and who goes home.

Syracuse and UConn.

A trip to the semifinal on the line.

The two combatants cautiously walk to center court.

Otto the Orange versus Jonathan the Husky.

Best out of three.

March Madness personified.

Justin Jones contributed to this article, and in his mind, actually wrote it.

Terps Hoping to Recapture Georgia Dome Magic

2009-03-11T22:07:00.001-04:00

It’s a position Gary Williams has found himself in too many times in recent history despite an astonishing coaching career that includes over 600 victories and a national championship in 2002.

The seventh-seeded Terrapins find themselves needing an impressive run in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, beginning with Thursday night’s matchup against North Carolina State, to gain a realistic chance to be invited to the NCAA tournament on Sunday evening.

Last Sunday’s ill-timed loss to Virginia planted the Terps (18-12, 7-9) on the wrong side of the bubble after an earlier win over North Carolina thrust them back into consideration down the stretch. Consecutive losses to Wake Forest and the Cavaliers prevented Maryland from reaching the .500 mark in conference play, a record that would have likely secured an at-large bid.

With the regular season concluded, Williams and the Terps can only hope to capture the magic from past successes to find their way into the Dance.

How ironic it is that Williams brings his team to the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for the conference tournament, the very edifice where Maryland basketball came full circle and reached its pinnacle only seven years ago. Seven long years in the eyes of many of the program’s followers.

The image of Juan Dixon launching the ball toward the Georgia Dome roof in the final second of Maryland’s 64-52 victory over Indiana to win the title continues to grow fainter as the program encounters the likelihood of missing the NCAA tournament for the fourth time in five years.

The criticism for Williams has gained momentum for several years but never as strongly as it has this season. From his rocky relationship with the athletic department to the perceived failure in recruiting high-profile athletes, Williams has been placed under intense pressure to return the program to national prominence.

If he needs to look for inspiration beyond the school’s history at the Georgia Dome, he should look no further than the 2004 ACC tournament. The sixth-seeded Terps entered the Greensboro Coliseum with a 7-9 conference record and work to do in order to earn an NCAA invitation.

The underdog Terps, led by a sizzling John Gilchrist, proceeded to shock Wake Forest, N.C. State, and Duke to win the tournament and earn an automatic bid.

While this year’s team may be hard-pressed to repeat such an improbable feat, especially having to win four games in the since-expanded tournament, two victories would garner strong consideration from the selection committee. Three victories would almost assure an invitation.

What are this team’s chances of putting together a strong run in Atlanta? It starts with Greivis Vasquez.

Though frustratingly inconsistent, Vasquez is more than capable of providing a Gilchrist-like performance to lead the Terps to a few victories over the weekend.

Vasquez’s triple-double in the North Carolina win as well as his 33-point performance in a road win over N.C. State showed how capable the junior guard is of taking over a game. If Vasquez can find a similar rhythm to the one he had in those contests, he can lead the Terps to victory against anyone in the ACC.

When looking back upon the Terps’ 2004 conference tournament championship, Gilchrist was the overwhelming hero, but others such as forwards Jamar Smith and Travis Garrison as well as little-used Mike Grinnon, and his key free throws, provided strong support to upset top-seeded Duke.

The Terps cannot solely rely on Vasquez to carry them to victory. Williams must find another player to step up in the conference tournament, a tall order facing a team that lacks any strong inside presence. Senior Dave Neal has played well recently, but the forward lacks the athleticism to compete against the tougher big men of the conference.

Landon Milbourne has been the most improved player on the team, averaging 12.2 points per game, but has seemingly disappeared down the stretch, bottoming out with two points against Wake Forest in the next-to-last regular season game.

Whether it’s a reemerging Milbourne or another candidate such as Cliff Tucker, who had 22 points in the North Carolina win, the Terps need a supporting cast for Vasquez if they have any visions of playing beyond Thursday or Friday.

Williams must instruct his team to treat the conference tournament opener against N.C. State as though it were the first round of the NCAA tournament. The stakes are just as high, and as an added bonus, Maryland faces a team they beat less than two weeks ago, not a mystery tournament team that you often face in the first round.

If Maryland is able to get by the Wolfpack, they meet Wake Forest on Friday night, a team that bested them by only two points last week. While it would be no easy task, Maryland certainly proved they can compete with the Demon Deacons.

An opportunity is there for Maryland to recapture the NCAA invitation that slipped through its grasp in the disappointing loss to Virginia. Williams thrives in the underdog role, so you can never count his team out, even with the underwhelming talent on the roster.

If the Terps are unable to make any noise, the reality of another disappointing season will face Williams as he begins the offseason and the daunting challenge of boosting recruiting for a program that has seen the shine vanish from its vast success earlier in the decade.

The image of Dixon will only continue to fade, replaced by the blinking question marks facing the coach and his struggling program if they’re unable to recapture some of that magic left behind on the Georgia Dome floor only seven years ago.

Seven long years.

Ray Lewis Experiences Cruel World of Free Agency

2009-03-02T20:38:00.001-05:00

The feeling of being unwanted is a sobering, bitter pill to swallow regardless of how successful one has been in his profession.

For Ray Lewis, the silence of his phone has been deafening, reflecting how his actual value contrasts the Pro Bowl linebacker’s lofty goal of scoring one more big payday in a certain Hall of Fame career.

Despite all the talk of playing in Dallas or New York and even the rumor that he would rather retire than return to the Baltimore Ravens, Lewis sits at his Florida home with only one standing offer, the rumored three-year, $24 million offer from the Ravens.

Perhaps he did not realize how good he had it in Baltimore until he saw how cruel the reality of free agency could be for an aging veteran with unrealistic demands.

Lewis is a very proud man, so it is no surprise the rejection from the league’s other 31 teams stings deeply. Still a very productive linebacker at 33, Lewis will unquestionably use the perceived snubbing as motivation in preparing for his 14th season.

But how long will it take Lewis to lick his wounds before calling general manager Ozzie Newsome to accept the Ravens’ contract offer?

From a financial standpoint, the Ravens could easily lower their offer to Lewis after seeing how emaciated the market is for the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.

However, Newsome and the Ravens will not do this, showing more respect for the face of their franchise than he has shown for the organization that drafted him and has treated him well throughout his career.

Since the Ravens lost linebacker Bart Scott and center Jason Brown to lucrative contract offers from the New York Jets and St. Louis Rams respectively, the organization has no choice but to keep its aging leader and prevent an even bigger hole at inside linebacker from opening.

Reducing the offer would not only further sour an already stewing Lewis but would also increase the likelihood of another team jumping into the market for his services.

Owner Steve Bisciotti and coach John Harbaugh insisted the Ravens would value Lewis higher than any other team in the NFL, but Lewis refused to believe he could not earn any more than what Baltimore was offering.

No one can blame the Ravens’ leader for seeking more money, as he has every right to cash in with his final contract, but if Lewis has anyone to blame for his current predicament, it is his representation and, ultimately, himself.

Whoever was advising Lewis about his earning potential in free agency either severely misread the market or was not assertive enough in convincing their client about his actual value.

Or, perhaps that intense pride that has pushed Lewis to be one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the game led to his downfall in this free agent experience.

Regardless of the cause, the situation was handled miserably by Lewis and his people, who portrayed the inside linebacker as a mercenary with no loyalty to the organization that clearly wanted to maintain his services with a generous contract offer.

For the teams rumored to be interested in Lewis for his unquestioned leadership ability, this behavior had to be a red flag when also considering his age. Teams may have viewed his disloyalty to the Ravens as a warning sign that Lewis may not be the easiest to appease if a situation is not to his liking.

This is something the Ravens have known about Lewis for years. His leadership can be outstanding but only when things are going his way.

The inside linebacker has been known to mope and even lash out, as he did following the 2005 season, wanting to be traded if the Ravens failed to acquire a big defensive tackle to keep blockers away from him. When the Ravens drafted Haloti Ngata in 2006, Lewis was suddenly happy again.

It is also common to see Lewis duck out of the locker room without talking to the media following a tough loss.

The Ravens have put up with these behaviors for so long, because Lewis is their guy, and they know what he brings to the football field when he is content.

It may take a few more days to swallow his pride, but Lewis will eventually concede and accept the Ravens’ contract offer. He’ll then probably begin to mend some fences and attempt to save face by claiming his heart was truly with the Ravens, and that Baltimore is “his” city.

And though the Ravens’ front office will privately roll their eyes, they will accept it as the proud Lewis simply being himself. After all, they realize how much Lewis has done for the organization, even if he does not want to acknowledge how much they have done for him.

While hurt feelings are apparent with Lewis, the Ravens, and even their fan base, all will be forgiven when Lewis comes dancing out of the tunnel and creates an absolute frenzy at M&T Bank Stadium in September.

Ultimately, Lewis returning to the Ravens was the way it was supposed to be, but it took a humbling rejection from 31 other teams for him to finally see where he rightfully belongs.

Monday Musings in the World of Baltimore Sports

2009-02-23T22:38:00.001-05:00

The latest chapter in the Ray Lewis saga has the 10-time Pro Bowl linebacker envisioning suiting up for the Cowboys next season.

Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware told DallasCowboys.com that Lewis' "dream" was to play for Dallas, and he has been discussing it with Ware for months.

This story screams negotiating ploy as Lewis continues to try to generate a bigger market for himself. What better way is there to drive up the market than to drop hints to opposing players that he would be interested in signing there?

While it's likely that Lewis has voiced an interest in the Cowboys to Ware, there's no telling how serious he really is about playing in Dallas. Also, consider how much the All-Pro Ware would like to play with another star like Lewis. It would be easy to take a few comments and turn them into it being Lewis' "dream."

Lewis has sounded off to several media sources this offseason, but this is nothing new. He has never been afraid to speak his mind, even if it means ruffling some feathers in Baltimore.

Following an injury-plagued 2005 season, Lewis campaigned for a new defensive tackle to protect him and even went as far as requesting a trade if general manager Ozzie Newsome failed to do so. The Ravens drafted Haloti Ngata in the first round of the 2006 draft, appeasing Lewis in the process.

One thing is certain: if Lewis departs for greener (no pun intended) pastures, he will definitely leave a few burnt bridges that could potentially hurt him in the future if he plans to start any business ventures in the Charm City.

Stay tuned for the next edition of 'Ray's of Our Lives.

***

The agent of center Jason Brown and linebacker Bart Scott said Monday that he expects one of his two clients to re-sign with the Ravens before hitting the free agent market on Friday.

It's hard to believe that Brown or Scott would sign only days away from being able to field offers from other teams.

Brown is believed to be seeking guard compensation similar to what Jets guard Alan Faneca received in free agency last season. This would put the Ravens center in the $8 million per year range, likely to be more than the Ravens are willing to go.

While Brown has provided strong leadership for a young offensive line, the 2005 fourth-round pick has never been selected to the Pro Bowl.

The Ravens would like to keep Brown but are prepared to move guard Chris Chester to center, especially with the expected return of right guard Marshal Yanda.

If not for Chester's play in place of Yanda last season, the Ravens would be panicking over the potential loss of Brown, but the team seems willing to let him go if the price climbs as high as it's rumored to go.

The more intriguing possibility would be the Ravens signing Scott to a contract before Friday, leaving fellow linebacker Lewis in a precarious position.

While the team has spoken publicly about maintaining both linebackers in addition to the franchise-tagged Terrell Suggs, it is considered a long shot given the team's other free agents and salary cap situation.

Signing Scott would send a message to Lewis that the Ravens are prepared to move on without him, putting more pressure on Lewis to find a suitor that will meet his high financial demands.

My guess is that neither Scott nor Brown is inked to a contract before free agency begins.

***

Free agent safety Jim Leonhard was one of the surprises of the 2008 season, filling in for Dawan Landry after the starter suffered a season-ending neck injury.

In addition to providing solid play in the secondary, the savvy Leonhard provided a spark in the team's punt return game, replacing the oft-injured and ineffective Yamon Figurs.

Though Leonhard would be nice to retain, I have a difficult time understanding the strong infatuation with the undersized safety, especially when he's expected to be in high demand in free agency.

Leonhard is a poor tackler, an area the Ravens need to improve in the secondary as cornerback Fabian Washington is a liability in run support and safety Ed Reed's tackling has declined due to lingering neck and shoulder issues.

The Ravens need a strong tackler to complement Reed in the backfield, the type of player Leonhard is not.

With the drafting of safeties Haruki Nakamura and Tom Zbikowski in 2008 and the expected return of Landry, the Ravens should not view maintaining Leonhard as a high priority.

***

Though position players reported to Spring Training five days ago, Orioles left fielder Felix Pie is still absent due to visa issues in the Dominican Republic.

Having been acquired in a trade with the Chicago Cubs, Pie is expected to be the starting left fielder, but general manager Andy MacPhail and manager Dave Trembley need time to evaluate the young outfielder.

While visa issues are common in the early days of Spring Training, Pie needs as much time as he can to acclimate himself to new teammates and a new coaching staff.

Pie's absence figures to benefit outfielder Lou Montanez and prospect Nolan Reimold, two players that have seemingly been surpassed by the former Cub in the organization's plans for the future.

A strong spring by either could put more pressure on the club to find a spot for them on the 25-man roster, but with Pie being out of options; it would probably take an injury of some kind to open a spot for Montanez or Reimold.

Update: The Baltimore Sun is reporting Pie's visa issues have been resolved, and the young outfielder will report to Spring Training as early as Tuesday morning.

***

I hope 2006 first-round selection Billy Rowell is paying attention to what's happening in Fort Lauderdale. The third baseman had a disappointing season at Single-A Frederick in 2008, hitting only .248 and slugging only .368.

While the 20-year-old prospect is still in the organization's long-term plans, Trembley was complimentary of first baseman and 2005 first-round pick Brandon Snyder this week at Spring Training, citing his strong power to the opposite field.

The former catcher temporarily fell off the radar after suffering a shoulder injury in 2006, but the first baseman put up impressive numbers at Frederick last season, hitting .315 with 80 RBI.

Snyder has seen limited time at third base, and there has been discussion of giving the 22-year old more opportunities to develop at the hot corner.

The talk of Snyder potentially becoming an option at third base sends a message to Rowell that the organization will not wait forever for his development.

Critics have questioned Rowell's work ethic and openness to coaching, and Trembley's strong praise of Snyder hopefully provides a push for Rowell to step up his play in 2009.

It's too early to give up on Rowell when you consider he was drafted at the age of 17, but this figures to be a pivotal year in determining whether he will be a legitimate prospect moving forward.

The farm system's infield talent is minimal and with the impending free agency of Melvin Mora and Aubrey Huff following the season, the organization needs Snyder and Rowell to continue to develop.

***

Following Maryland's shocking 88-85 overtime upset over North Carolina, the students rushed the floor of the Comcast Center, mobbing Greivis Vasquez and the victorious Terrapins.

This predictably sparked the tired debate of when it's acceptable to rush the court after a big win in college basketball.

While the celebration may be a reflection of how far Maryland has fallen over the past five seasons, critics should consider the fact that most students currently enrolled at Maryland have only witnessed one NCAA tournament appearance in their college careers.

Let them celebrate, as you never know when another win as improbable as Saturday's will take place again. As long as the rioting is kept to a minimum, the students are entitled to enjoy the win.

Now, the debate on the safety issues involved in students rushing the floor is another story entirely.

Maryland Gives Glimpse into Past in Upset Win

2009-02-21T23:50:00.001-05:00

The dark cloud suddenly lifted as an ocean of red poured onto the floor of the Comcast Center, and Maryland was king of the college basketball world again, if only for one afternoon.

While much work remains in regards to their NCAA tournament hopes, the Terrapins enjoyed a return to their glory days as unranked Maryland shocked No. 3 North Carolina 88-85 in overtime on Saturday.

If you squinted hard enough at Greivis Vasquez, on his way to a triple-double, you could almost see Juan Dixon, or Steve Blake, or even John Gilchrist, as he carved up the Tar Heels’ defense all afternoon. In fact, Vasquez’s epic performance may have topped them all, as he led the team in points (35), assists (10), rebounds (11), blocks (3), and steals (2).

There was Cliff Tucker, draining five three-pointers in the contest, just as Dixon or Drew Nicholas used to do.

The questions about their lack of size will remain -- nobody on the court resembled Lonny Baxter or Chris Wilcox no matter how hard you looked -- as the Terrapins surrendered 22 offensive rebounds, but they still found a way.

And finally, there was coach Gary Williams, pumping his fists and storming the sidelines as he has for the past 20 years, coaching up a less-talented team on their way to victory.

Williams once again reminded us how great a coach he really is and how effective his teams can be, even against the toughest of opponents.

For one afternoon, the doubts disappeared, and everything suddenly felt right again in College Park.

The next few weeks will tell us just how much this win means to Maryland’s postseason hopes, but for Williams, the exposure of a nationally-televised upset may help to jumpstart his maligned recruiting efforts.

Yes, it was only a season ago that Maryland upset then-top-ranked North Carolina on the road. And true, the Terrapins have managed to score a major upset nearly every season in their recent dry spell of missing three out of four NCAA tournaments, but the criticism surrounding Williams and the program this season is unlike the school has faced since receiving NCAA sanctions in the early 1990s.

The image of Juan Dixon cutting down the nets in the Georgia Dome continues to grow fainter while the sting of embarrassing losses such as American last season and Morgan State this year has soiled Williams’ once-untouchable status.

Williams has defended his performance, citing just how far he has taken the program since he rescued it from the ashes of the Len Bias tragedy and the Bob Wade era, but it is difficult to overlook the lack of talent currently enrolled.

Shortly after he arrived, Williams was able to recruit a little-known forward named Joe Smith and Baltimore native Keith Booth to return the program to prominence, so he has to hope Saturday’s upset can help to spark another recruiting blitz.

While critics will continue to point to the players Williams fails to recruit, perhaps it is the talented, yet inconsistent, Vasquez who can help to right the direction of the program. The Venezuela native has continued to support his coach publicly despite rumblings about Williams’ dealings with recruits and other players.

“Every Maryland fan should be grateful because that man right there can coach,” Vasquez said to reporters following the game.

Perhaps Vasquez’s words are based purely on the emotion of an improbable win, but Maryland supporters should remember that the familiar joy experienced on Saturday is only familiar because of the man who continues to storm the Terrapins’ sideline, 20 years after raising the program from its lowest point.

Williams deserves an opportunity to do what he does best: rebuild.

As bleak as it has been at Maryland for much of the season, Williams is still coaching with that fiery persona and chip on his shoulder. If he can bring that same passion to his recruiting efforts, Maryland may regain its place in ACC and national prominence.

Whether Williams can reinvent himself as a recruiter remains to be seen, but for one afternoon at least, it felt like Maryland was again one of the elite programs in the country. You could almost see Dixon hitting the baseline jumper or Smith delivering the thunderous dunk, as the memories of past success came flooding back. And now, Vasquez can add his thrilling performance to those special images of past Terrapins.

Regardless of what Saturday’s win means for the immediate future of Maryland basketball, whether it’s the catalyst for a late tournament run or only an aberration in a disappointing season, Williams hopes it’s not only a flashback to past glory but also the beginning of a turnaround for the program he hopes to rebuild again.

Monday Musings in the World of Sports

2009-02-16T14:20:00.003-05:00

Watching Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal share the All-Star Game MVP award reminded us how dominant the duo really was despite their dysfunctional relationship in Los Angeles.

Who knows how many championships they could have won had egos not ruined their run?

Even after receiving the award, Bryant had to remind everyone that he and O’Neal are far from being best friends.

“We are not going to go back to the room and watch 'Steel Magnolias' or something like that, you know what I'm saying, crying, all that stuff,” he said. “We had a good time. That's all.”

Yes, we get it, Kobe. You’re still insecure about being in O’Neal’s big shadow.

***
The All-Star Game is often a punch line used to point out the absence of defense in the professional game, but it’s difficult to overlook how special it is to see so many stars playing on the same court.

From LeBron James and Chris Paul to Yao Ming and Amare Stoudemire, the talent on the floor is unbelievable.

Now, if only these stars treated the contest as more than a relaxed pickup game, we could truly get excited about watching.

To create more intensity in the game, should the NBA take a page from Major League Baseball and award home-court advantage in the NBA Finals to the winning conference? Yeah, I didn’t think so either.

***
General manager Andy MacPhail and manager Dave Trembley can continue to explain how Orioles catching prospect Matt Wieters is not ready for the big leagues and needs more seasoning in Triple-A Norfolk, but no one is buying it.
Wieters’ staggering minor league numbers in 2008 proved to everyone that he’s ready to take the next step.

This move is all about the money, and it’s difficult to fault the Orioles for doing it. No matter how well Wieters performs in 2009, it will not turn the Orioles into a serious contender. However, having Wieters in 2015 would be extremely beneficial if the Orioles are seriously contending, something they plan to be doing long before then.

Wieters is represented by Scott Boras, so he will clearly be looking for the biggest contract he can get when he hits free agency. By sacrificing Wieters’ production for a few weeks in 2009, they could be saving an inordinate amount of money by keeping Wieters in 2015 when he figures to be in the prime of his career.

Could Wieters benefit from working with some of the organization’s young pitchers at Norfolk? Sure, but the young pitchers will be getting way more out of it than Wieters will. This one’s all about the money, and it’s the right move.

***
Matt Kenseth won his first Daytona 500 in a rain-shortened 152 laps. Taking nothing away from his special moment, I cannot help but shrug my shoulders.

While the weather is out of anyone’s control, it seems anticlimactic to award your sport’s equivalent of the Super Bowl or World Series to the winner after completing only three quarters of the race.

Can you imagine the Pittsburgh Steelers being awarded the title at the end of the third quarter? Can you envision the Philadelphia Phillies winning the World Series after the sixth inning of Game 5? Oh wait, it almost happened, but baseball made sure the Fall Classic had its proper ending.

To avoid this problem in the future, NASCAR should consider finishing the race the next day or schedule the race a week earlier, leaving an open weekend in the schedule to account for inclement weather. It may not be ideal, but it is better than having a race end when no one is even aware of it.

***
Bills running back Marshawn Lynch is just the latest example of a professional athlete completely out of touch with reality after being arrested and charged for possession of a concealed firearm over the weekend.

Where was Lynch when Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress was shooting himself in the leg at a Manhattan nightclub last November? How many of their colleagues have to get busted to understand they are not immune to the laws we, as a society, must all obey?

Again, any athlete needing to carry a loaded firearm should hire security, or better yet, reevaluate the decision to go to these places where they feel the need to have such protection. Just using some common sense would keep more of these players out of trouble.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has received occasional criticism for the severe discipline levied on troubled players, but the message needs to be sent, especially if the legal system is unwilling to crack down on these millionaires.

***
The debate will continue on Maryland basketball coach Gary Williams’ recruiting efforts and practices, but there’s no questioning his coaching ability.

In Maryland’s impressive 83-73 home victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday, Williams pushed all the right buttons and managed a rotation that had four Terps scoring in double figures.

Williams is a victim of his own success, losing several assistant coaches over the years and being unable to replace their recruiting ties. Having always relied on his assistants to sign recruits, Williams simply lacks the troops to help him.

While the landscape of recruiting has changed with the emergence of AAU teams as an overwhelming factor, Williams has been unable, and possibly unwilling, to adapt.

Until this issue is addressed, Williams will continue to get everything he can out of his players on the court, but Maryland will continue to struggle in the talent-heavy ACC.

Five Stories Headlining Spring Training

2009-02-12T23:45:00.002-05:00

Pitchers and catchers report on Saturday.

Six words that mean so much to a baseball fan.

A signal that spring is on the way after the harshness of winter. The hope that comes with a new baseball season. Regardless of what happened last year, there is always that chance, how slim it might be, that this year could be different; could be special.

For Baltimore fans, this annual spring hope has brought little in return in the past 11 losing seasons, but this spring almost comes as a relief.

The past week’s baseball news has been disheartening to say the least, both on the national stage with the fall of Alex Rodriguez and locally with the sagas of Miguel Tejada and Roberto Alomar.

For Orioles fans, expectations are again tempered playing in the difficult American League East, but for the first time in years, there is light at the end of the tunnel. An affluent crop of pitching in the farm system may finally put the Orioles in a position to compete with the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays in the near future.

The Orioles may be another year or two away from taking the next step, but there are five stories worth watching in Fort Lauderdale this spring.

1. Quantity, but Quality Too?

The Orioles will bring 37 pitchers to the major league camp in hopes of finding the names to fill a wide-open starting rotation and a promising bullpen.

Although ace Jeremy Guthrie and Japanese newcomer Koji Uehara are seemingly entrenched at the top of the rotation, the names that will fill the last three spots are anybody’s guess.

“The Big Three,” pitching prospects Chris Tillman, Jake Arrieta, and Brian Matusz may not arrive until later this season or next, but several other young arms will be vying for manager Dave Trembley’s attention.

Former top prospect Hayden Penn will finally try to prove he belongs in the Orioles’ rotation. Penn has battled injuries and some freakish bad luck but will battle for a spot in the rotation or long relief.

Many are quick to write him off as a viable option, but at 24, Penn is still young enough to reinsert himself in the club’s future plans. He is out of options, so barring a disastrous spring, it would seem Penn breaks north with the club.

Newcomer David Pauley will also be a contender for the rotation. After finding success in the Red Sox system but receiving few opportunities in the majors, the 25-year old was acquired for reliever Randor Bierd. Pauley possesses a good sinker and a solid curveball. A change of scenery could be ideal for the right-hander.

Sticking with the theme of needing a fresh start, former Cubs pitcher Rich Hill was sent to the Orioles for a player to be named later. After posting a 3.92 ERA and winning 11 games in 2007, the southpaw fell apart last season, losing his command and eventually his spot in the Cubs’ rotation. The Orioles hope a reunion with pitching coach Rick Kranitz can reverse Hill’s control problems.

Other names to watch in the battle for the rotation include right-handers Matt Albers (returning from a shoulder injury), Brian Bass, Radhames Liz and lefties Chris Waters, and the reacquired John Parrish.

2. The Face of the Franchise

Severna Park native Mark Teixeira may have spurned the Orioles’ attempts to bring him home, but general manager Andy MacPhail showed the organization is willing to pay its own homegrown talent.

After failing to reach a long-term deal last offseason, the Orioles signed right fielder Nick Markakis to a six-year, $66M deal, officially branding the 25-year old as the face of the franchise.

Markakis is the type of player to build your team around, having all the tools needed to become a star. The super-reserved Markakis seemed more relaxed and comfortable at the press conference announcing the deal, possibly foreshadowing a willingness to take on a more vocal role with the club.

It will be interesting to see how Markakis performs after signing the second-richest contract in club history.

3. “Wieting” in the Wings

Catching prospect Matt Wieters will continue to be the talk of the Charm City until he arrives at Orioles Park at Camden Yards.

The organization figures to start the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year at Triple-A Norfolk. MacPhail and Trembley will speak of Wieters needing more experience calling pitches before joining the big leagues, but it’s only window-dressing.

The Orioles will pull an “Evan Longoria” by starting Wieters in the minor leagues for the first weeks of the season. This would delay the start of his service time, impeding his eligibility for free agency until after the 2015 season. With the shrewd Scott Boras serving as his agent, the Orioles would be making a wise decision to hold onto Wieters as long as they can.

Of course, all bets might be off if Wieters hits .450 in spring training and forces the team’s hand. Sound unlikely? Maybe not.

Baseball Prospectus’ Kevin Goldstein wrote in January that Wieters is already the best player on the club and is “quite possibly the best catcher in the game.” Keep in mind, Wieters has never played above Double-A. Can you say hype?

4. Athletes in the Outfield

While Markakis has become the mainstay in right field, the Orioles have secured promising pieces in center and right.

Adam Jones had a solid debut in Baltimore despite missing time with a broken foot last season. The gifted centerfielder needs to improve his plate discipline with only 28 walks and 108 strikeouts in 477 at bats, but his hitting improved prior to the trip to the disabled list in early August.

Reports indicate the 23-year old added some muscle in the offseason, so his power numbers should improve in 2009.

Roaming left field will be newcomer Felix Pie, a former top prospect for the Cubs whom the Orioles attempted to acquire in the Brian Roberts’ trade talks a year ago. After struggling in 2008 in limited opportunities with Chicago, the Orioles were able to grab the 23-year old in a trade for pitcher Garrett Olson.

Pie received only 260 at bats with the Cubs in two seasons despite being ranked the top prospect in the organization at one time. He possesses four of the five tools, though some believe he can still develop more power, and is an intriguing low-risk, high-reward acquisition.

Could the addition of Pie give the Orioles the best young outfield in baseball? All three outfielders play great defense, and if Pie’s 2009 production can approach what Jones did last season, the Orioles could be looking at a dynamic trio in the outfield for many years to come.

5. A Closer Encounter

The return of hard-throwing Chris Ray from Tommy John surgery crowds the backend of the bullpen, always a good problem to have.

Ray was the team’s closer in 2006 and 2007 but will have to unseat All-Star stopper George Sherrill to regain his job.

Sherrill had a dominating first half in 2008 before struggling down the stretch with a sore shoulder, finishing with a 4.73 earned run average and 31 saves. He could be more valuable to the bullpen as a left-handed specialist, especially if veteran lefty Jamie Walker is unable to rebound from a rough 2008.

Look for Trembley to give Sherrill every opportunity to win the job, considering Trembley was not present during most of Ray’s tenure as closer.

Regardless of how the closer situation is resolved, the back of the bullpen looks to be a strength. Setting up Ray and Sherrill will be right-hander Jim Johnson who enjoyed much success in his first full season with the Orioles.

If the Orioles can somehow bridge the gap from the starting pitching to the seventh inning, these three have the ability to shorten games and give the club more opportunities to win.

Here’s an early shot in the dark of how the roster could look when the Orioles break camp and head north to Baltimore.

Lineup
2B Brian Roberts S
CF Adam Jones R
RF Nick Markakis L
1B Aubrey Huff L
3B Melvin Mora R
DH Luke Scott L
C Gregg Zaun S
LF Felix Pie L
SS Cesar Izturis S

Bench
IF/OF Ryan Freel R
IF/OF Ty Wigginton R
IF Chris Gomez R
C Guillermo Quiroz R

Rotation
Jeremy Guthrie R
Koji Uehara R
Rich Hill L
David Pauley R
Hayden Penn R

Bullpen
Matt Albers R
Mark Hendrickson L
Dennis Sarfate R
Jamie Walker L
Jim Johnson R
Chris Ray R
George Sherrill (closer) L

What will you be following as the Orioles prepare for the 2009 season in Ft. Lauderdale? Who will win a spot in the starting rotation? Leave your thoughts below.

The Steroid Era: The Names We Truly Seek

2009-02-09T22:25:00.000-05:00

The Steroid Era has finally delivered the knockout blow to the jaw of the American Game.

With the revelation that Alex Rodriguez is as guilty as the many others that chose to use performance-enhancing drugs, the last hope for the purification of the home run record, and perhaps the game itself, now appears lost for good, at least in terms of perception.

Many will call for the remaining 103 names who failed drug tests in 2003 to be revealed, but what purpose will it really serve? Will knowing more names suddenly make us feel better about the state of baseball? Is it simply the shock value? Or, do we simply want to shake our heads in disappointment again and again?

The damage has been done. The list of those to blame is endless, ranging from league executives to club owners, trainers to coaches, and utility infielders to league MVPs. The Steroid Era is a period that cannot be repaired or erased, ignored or forgotten.

As time goes on and more perpetrators are revealed, my desire to seek a new set of names continues to grow. Names that will not be found in the list of the remaining 103, the Mitchell Report, or even BALCO.

What are the names of those who chose to stay away from steroids and performance-enhancing drugs in this corrupted period of professional baseball?

The question is commonly asked with a heavy dose of cynicism, but my asking it is utterly sincere.

Unfortunately, the endless lies, whether it be to the grand jury or to the court of public opinion, make it impossible to truly believe anyone that has come forward to speak out against the use of performance-enhancing drugs in professional baseball.

The image of Rafael Palmeiro wagging his finger before Congress in 2005, only to fail a drug test months later, is irreversibly burned into our collective memories.

We can only imagine what players ultimately chose to play the game with integrity, even if that meant making sacrifices or being passed over by others. Make no mistake, these honest, clean players did exist and do exist today, but there is simply no way of knowing who they are for sure.

These are the players for which we have no other choice but to admire, even if we’ll never find their names on a list. They are nothing more than faceless heroes in this era of corruption.

I respect the middle infielder that will never receive the big contract, because he barely hit his own weight. He may never hit home runs, but he knows he is getting everything he absolutely can out of his ability, without compromising his principles.

I appreciate the grizzly backup catcher whose time in the game has come to an end due to the emergence of a bigger, stronger, younger backstop. He could have reached out for that extra edge, but he speaks to the local high school team and gives them a positive role model.

I look fondly at the 10-time All-Star first baseman, one of the greatest players in the game, who has to deal with the scrutiny and consequences of his peers’ actions. While we’ll never truly know whether his Hall of Fame performance is authentic, he can tell his grandkids that his name legitimately belongs with the all-time greats.

I admire the career minor league outfielder, riding buses from town to town, playing for one shot at the major leagues but knowing it will not come. Even if he never receives as much as a cup of coffee in the big leagues, he can sleep at night knowing he did it the honest way, even if that meant others “succeeded” over him.

In this era of dishonesty and ultimate disappointment, these nameless players are the ones that will ultimately carry us through this dark time in baseball. There’s nothing they can really say, for we would have a difficult time believing them anyway.

All they can do is continue to take the field as they always have, competing as hard as they can against those choosing to be dishonest.

These are the players I choose to celebrate-even if we’ll never truly know who they are. And this is the saddest fact of all.

Why Ray Lewis and the Ravens Need Each Other

2009-02-06T18:01:00.000-05:00

The “face of a franchise” is a term carelessly thrown around in the world of professional sports.

What exactly does it mean? Is it simply being the team’s best player? The most marketable or outspoken? The highest paid?

More often than not, the label becomes cliché but if it were to fit one player more than any other in the National Football League, it certainly fits Ray Lewis.

Having just completed his 13th season with the Baltimore Ravens, Lewis has personified the organization since its inception in 1996. When thinking of the Ravens, it starts and finishes with an intimidating, often flamboyant, defense that will haunt your dreams. Lewis cultivated this image from the beginning, even when the players around him could not live up to his high expectations in the early years.

When considering how synonymous Lewis and the Ravens truly are, how could they now be bracing themselves for a separation?

As is usually the case in the NFL, it overwhelmingly boils down to money and the salary cap. Lewis seeks one final payday as he enters the final stretch of his surefire Hall of Fame career. On the other side, the Ravens struggle with the idea of resigning its iconic figurehead, but also a linebacker entering his 14th year, to a lucrative contract that could come at the expense of keeping other younger players on the roster.

While this scenario plays out almost every year with some player in some other city, this situation is unique. Ray Lewis is the face of the Baltimore Ravens, and Baltimore is his city.

Critics will point to Jerry Rice or Brett Favre as examples of icons finishing their careers in other cities, but these teams already had legends that had come before them. San Francisco already had Joe Montana and Steve Young; Green Bay already had Bart Starr and Ray Nitschke. With apologies to future Hall of Famer and left tackle Jonathan Ogden, Lewis stands alone for the Ravens.

It is truly rare when the face of a franchise is with the team from its very beginning. After moving from Cleveland in 1996, the Ravens were much like an expansion team with no identity. That identity quickly became Lewis’ menacing visage and has been ever since.

The Ravens simply do not feel or look like the Ravens without Lewis in the middle of the defense. While he obviously will not play forever, both Lewis and the Ravens deserve a proper departure, one that is authentic with Lewis leaving his battlefield for the final time as a Baltimore Raven.

Not only is it the way things should end for both parties involved, it also makes the most sense when looking deeper into the situation. The reality is that both the Ravens and Lewis need each other.

For the Ravens, the defense has already taken a significant hit with coordinator Rex Ryan departing to become the head coach of the New York Jets. The loss of Lewis would not only leave a hole at inside linebacker, but his football intellect may only rival Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

Lewis’ reputation for watching game film is legendary and heavily influences the defense’s ability on Sundays. He has been known to call out the opponent’s exact play countless times throughout his career. Players with such instinct and intelligence come along so rarely.

Though safety Ed Reed has followed in Lewis’ footsteps with his propensity for watching film, the loss of Lewis’ mind might be a more significant loss to the Baltimore defense than his actual production at linebacker.

In addition to his intelligence, Lewis’ leadership cannot be overemphasized. Numerous players have come and gone from the Ravens’ defense and all left with a common theme: they enjoyed their best years in Baltimore. From Lional Dalton to Sam Adams, or Ed Hartwell to Duane Starks, numerous players, young and old, have left Baltimore but failed to find the success they enjoyed with the Ravens. Critics might suggest it’s the coaching staff, but many coaches have also come and gone.

The one constant has been Lewis. His ability to single-handedly raise the level of, not only his own play, but also of his teammates, is what makes a dynamic career. It’s what the greatest players in the history of professional sports are able to do time and time again.

The Ravens must also consider Lewis’ marketability. Having been the face of the franchise for 13 years, the organization cannot help but view Lewis as a valuable commodity.

Simply take a look around M&T Bank Stadium on Sundays in the fall. You’ll see an increasing number of Joe Flacco and Reed jerseys, but Lewis’ 52 is still the most commonly sported by Baltimore fans.

Lewis is not only a value to the team with his play on the field, but his name and national appeal brings an incredible amount of revenue to the organization. Lewis is clearly aware of this and wants to be compensated accordingly.

Owner Steve Bisciotti also has to be considering the potential public relations disaster of allowing Lewis to leave. The casual fan will not be thinking of salary cap implications but only that the Ravens allowed their leader to depart after a season in which they were one win away from a trip to the Super Bowl.

It would be a difficult scenario for fans to accept, especially after the Ravens have seemingly found their quarterback after so many years in the doldrums with a putrid offense.

Perhaps the biggest reason why the Ravens need Lewis is there is no player ready to take his spot in the lineup.

Backup linebacker and special teams player Nick Greisen is a solid tackler and did a nice job filling in for an injured Lewis at the end of the 2007 season, but the drop-off at inside linebacker would be significant.

Rookie Tavares Gooden is a fellow University of Miami alum but would benefit from more of Lewis’ tutelage before taking his place in the lineup after spending most of last season on injured reserve.

A team that has finally found its franchise quarterback in Flacco would likely need Lewis to return for another season or two if they have any plans of building upon their AFC Championship appearance in 2009 or 2010.

Though the reasons why the Ravens still need Lewis might seem fairly obvious, a closer look shows that Lewis might need the Ravens more than he’s been claiming in recent weeks.

Lewis clearly wants one big final contract before his days as a player are over, but would it pay more in the future to accept a fair, but modest, contract from the Ravens? His earning potential in Baltimore will be very high long after his playing career is finished.

It’s unlikely that Lewis would have the same long-term earning potential after making a two- or three-year pit stop in another city.

An ugly departure from the place he’s called home for 13 years could potentially damage his marketability in Baltimore for years to come.

The reality is that Lewis has had it pretty good in Baltimore for many years. He shares a close relationship with Bisciotti and has even gotten away with occasionally criticizing the team’s shortcomings with little consequence.

In the offseason prior to the 2006 NFL Draft, Lewis complained about needing a big defensive tackle to keep blockers away from him and even talked about wanting to be traded if the team failed to get one. What happened? The organization drafted Haloti Ngata in the first round that year.

Another example of Lewis’ influence has been his role in acquiring veterans such as defensive backs Corey Fuller and Deion Sanders, decisions that may or may not have been good for the organization.

It’s difficult to envision another team giving Lewis the influence he has come to expect in Baltimore.

Lewis could also have a tough time playing in a market such as Dallas or New York if he, or the team, fails to live up to expectations.

His leadership is unquestioned when things are going well, but Lewis also has a reputation of occasionally sulking during losing seasons and sometimes slipping out the backdoor of the locker room without talking to reporters after a difficult loss.

Actions such as these are merely an afterthought in Baltimore but would be heavily criticized under the blistering media lights of New York or Dallas. Yes, Lewis could find success in these cities, but he could just as easily win another title in Baltimore as these cities.

Ultimately, Lewis needs to stay in Baltimore in order to protect his sterling legacy, something that is extremely important to him.

“I already believe I am the best linebacker in the game,” said Lewis several years ago. “Now, I have to show one more thing: that I am the most dominating, influential person in the game and the best football player to ever put on a pair of cleats.”

Lewis has a strong appreciation for the history of the game and his place within it. He already knows his bust in Canton is secure but why risk tarnishing it by going to another team, especially when the Ravens want him to return?

Yes, Michael Jordan had a final run with the hapless Washington Wizards, and Brett Favre became a New York Jet, but while history may be forgiving to its legends that finish brilliant careers in other cities, their final chapters are often ignored or completely forgotten out of necessity. Nobody wants to remember Jordan fading away in Washington or Favre throwing interceptions in New York.

That just doesn’t fit Lewis’ brash style.

When legends stay with that same team where they found so much success, they’re given a proper farewell, even if they may not be the player they once were. The city and its fans are able to truly show how appreciated their hero has been and how he will always have a virtual key to the city.

The coming weeks will show just how much these other factors will play into the decisions faced by both Lewis and the Ravens. It figures to ultimately come down to money, as it usually does, but both sides need to take a long hard look at each other before deciding to part ways.

Will Lewis finish his career in Baltimore where the legend was born and continues to thrive, or must we brace ourselves for the possibility of another legend’s final act taking place in another city and needing to be forgotten?

Regardless of the answer, Ray Lewis is the Baltimore Ravens, and the Baltimore Ravens are Ray Lewis. It should ultimately stay that way.

2009-01-24T15:17:00.003-05:00

A Festivus On the Brink

2009-01-13T20:53:00.000-05:00

For those who enjoyed “The Night Before Festivus,” this is the next chapter.

A Festivus On the Brink
By: Luke Jones

On the brink of greatness, these Ravens, they were,
As the fans of Baltimore continued to stir.
The Ravens were ready for just one more test
To prove that they were the AFC’s best.

Though tired and weary from a Titan contest,
the Ravens had no plans of trying to rest.
These men on a journey to climb to the peak
Were ready to play for at least one more week.

Coach Harbaugh, the general, inspired his team
To play with such heart and never say “me.”
It may not be perfect or an effort of splendor,
But they’ll show what it takes to be a contender.

From the hits of Ray Lewis to the heart of Jim Leonhard,
The flash of Bart Scott, the tough presence of Trevor,
The playmaking Reed, the work ethic of Johnson,
The strength of Haloti, the coverage of Washington.
A defense so feared with a scent for the ball,
as foes, one by one, continued to fall.

Joe Flacco looked calm without any fears.
Such a rarity, a rookie so far past his years.
Mason and Clayton kept hauling in throws
as Neal and the line gave punishing blows.
With McClain and McGahee earning big gains,
Todd Heap with the big catch, moving the chains.
And Stover, the veteran, with his kick in the clutch,
Making the game-winner with just enough touch.

But now, the Steelers, whom they had yet to unseat,
For Festivus to continue, they were the team to beat.
Their two games so close, twice a narrow, tough loss.
The Ravens were hungry to show them who’s boss.
A clash of two rivals with it all on the line,
the fans couldn’t wait until it was time.

The Ravens had given so many great gifts
To the fans of Baltimore this Festivus.
But the ultimate present was still on their list
As the players would embark to grant them their wish.
With the same punishing effort, the Ravens will try
To show just how high they really can fly.
Coach Harbaugh will shout at the end of the day,
“Festivus Maximus for all! We’ll see you in Tampa Bay.”

Why Ed Reed Missed Out on Defensive Player of the Year

2009-01-06T00:49:00.000-05:00

Ed Reed seized two interceptions from quarterback Chad Pennington in the Baltimore Ravens’ 27-9 playoff victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday but could not grab his second Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year award on Monday afternoon.

Not surprisingly, Ravens message boards and Baltimore sports talk radio were abuzz with dismay over the perceived snubbing of the Pro Bowl safety who finished third behind winner James Harrison (16 sacks and seven forced fumbles) from Pittsburgh and Dallas’ DeMarcus Ware (20 sacks).

Reed, the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year, led the league with nine interceptions in the regular season before turning in his amazing performance in the Wild Card round. He added to this league-leading feat with 41 tackles, a forced fumble, 16 pass deflections, and three defensive touchdowns.

Reed is unquestionably the best safety in football and has been the best player in the NFL over the last seven weeks. In his past seven games, including Sunday’s postseason contest, the free safety has grabbed an astonishing 10 interceptions, deflected 12 passes, and scored three defensive touchdowns.

Reed’s dominating tear started much too late in the season to argue he clearly deserved the award over Harrison or Ware. Both players had outstanding seasons, so an argument could have been made for any of the three defenders.

Not unlike the Heisman Trophy commotion of college football, NFL awards are often spurred by national media hype, albeit on a smaller scale than the Heisman campaign hoopla.

Reed’s name was merely an afterthought before his two-interception performance against the Washington Redskins on a nationally-televised Sunday night game in Week 14. By that time, the Harrison and Ware publicity wagons had been rolling for weeks.

It’s conceivable that many voters had already made up their minds on a candidate before the season was even over.

It didn’t help Reed’s cause that the Steelers are a media darling while the Cowboys have been the most popular soap opera in professional sports over the past few months. Until recently, the Ravens were mainly viewed as an overachieving pretender and are still trying to shake their past reputation of being out-of-control bullies.

Both the Steelers and Cowboys own a more storied history than the newer Ravens and had higher expectations entering the season. All things being equal between several choices, voters will lean to the candidates from the more fashionable teams, as they often do in college football.

Though it can be debated whether Reed deserved the award, there is no question he was the league’s best defender over the last six weeks.

But herein lies the problem.

Where was Reed in the first 10 games of the season?

Besides a 32-yard interception return for a touchdown in Week 3, Reed had a meager six pass deflections. The ball-hawking playmaker appeared to be a ghost in many critics’ eyes.

The same message boards and talk radio callers clamoring for Reed to be Defensive Player of the Year on Monday were questioning the play of the Ravens safety as late as mid-November.

One popular Ravens message board even had a thread titled “Ed Reed on the decline? Looks to be” that went on for several pages. The 30-year old safety was a shell of himself according to many.

Until Reed’s breakout performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12, which included two interceptions and a record 107-yard interception return for a touchdown, the safety was having a poor season compared to his lofty standards.

Two factors contributed to the slow start.

Reed sustained an injury in the 2007 season finale against Pittsburgh, suffering a nerve impingement in his neck. The injury limited the movement and strength in his shoulder, causing him to miss the entire preseason and putting his status for the regular season in doubt.

Reed chose to play with the injury, but it forced him to play cautiously, shying away from his trademark big hits in the secondary. Reed has told media that surgery on the injury would potentially end his career.

A second factor in Reed’s slow start was the lack of health in the Baltimore secondary. Cornerbacks Chris McAlister (injured reserve), Samari Rolle, and Fabian Washington all missed multiple games in the early stages of the season.

Strong safety Dawan Landry sustained a neck injury in the second game of the season and did not play again.

With a revolving door of defensive backs playing beside him, Reed had to play more cautiously, often covering more ground and unable to take as many chances. Once Rolle and Washington returned to the lineup and safety Jim Leonhard became more comfortable in the backfield, Reed’s playmaking ability was reborn.

Although Reed’s play early in the season did not show up in the statistics, he anchored a pass defense that ranked second in the league despite a plethora of injuries.

Unfortunately for Reed, these factors were unlikely to sway national voters to vote for him over Harrison or Ware, players that had more consistent production over the course of the season.

Though Reed came up short in the voting for Defensive Player of the Year, his recent play is putting an explanation point on an already impressive career.

If Reed can pick off another piece of hardware by postseason’s end, the Vince Lombardi Trophy, he may grab a more prestigious honor than any he missed this season: a future invitation to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Ravens-Dolphins Playoff Preview: An Improbable Reunion

2009-01-04T01:25:00.000-05:00

Who would have thought when the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Miami Dolphins 27-13 back on Oct. 19 that these two teams would be meeting again in the playoffs?

First-year coaches Tony Sparano and John Harbaugh have done outstanding jobs with their respective teams as Sparano’s Dolphins (11-5) won nine of their last 10 and Harbaugh’s Ravens (11-5) nine of their last 11 to reach the postseason.

Miami possesses a dual threat in Ronnie Brown (916 yards) and Ricky Williams (659 yards) on the ground. They will attempt to run their famed Wildcat formation, but Baltimore’s second-ranked defense did an excellent job shutting it down in the first meeting, holding it to only four yards on five plays.

The Dolphins will depend on quarterback and Comeback Player of the Year-winner Chad Pennington to make plays with his arm against a banged-up secondary. Cornerbacks Samari Rolle and Fabian Washington are both listed as questionable but are expected to play.

The Baltimore secondary can be vulnerable to the deep ball, but Pennington is more of an intermediate passer. Receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. led Miami with 790 receiving yards and could test the Baltimore defensive backs though Ed Reed is always stalking in the defensive backfield. Baltimore's defense leads the league with 26 interceptions.

Ravens running back Willis McGahee will again be motivated returning to the city where he played his college ball. In one of his few big games of the year, McGahee rushed for 105 yards in their regular season meeting.

The Miami defense is 10th against the run, but the Ravens will try to grind it out with Le’Ron McClain and McGahee. Rookie Ray Rice has missed the past three games with a shin injury, so it is doubtful he’ll have much of an impact.

Quarterback Joe Flacco had a huge game against Jacksonville, throwing for 246 yards in the first half. The Dolphins’ 25th-ranked pass defense will need to be aware of the deep ball. Flacco has found a deep target in Mark Clayton as the two connected four times for 128 yards last week.

The Ravens’ mainstay at receiver is veteran Derrick Mason. He continues to battle a shoulder injury but posted 1,037 receiving yards this season. Flacco will look to Mason to move the chains consistently to keep the Miami offense off the field.

The Ravens will use an unbalanced line with two tackles on the same side to block Pro Bowl linebacker Joey Porter (17.5 sacks). The key to containing Porter is running plays directly at him to wear down the outside linebacker, slowing his motor on passing plays. Left tackle Jared Gaither has been outstanding but will face another test from Porter.

Miami’s amazing turnaround will come to an end on Sunday against Baltimore’s tough defense. The Wildcat did not confuse the Ravens in October when it was still a novelty, so it does not figure to fool them in January.

The Ravens have not only beaten the teams they were supposed to this season, but they’ve dominated them. Baltimore’s net points rating (points scored versus points allowed) is +141 while Miami’s stands at only +28.

Reed has been in the zone over the second half of the season, so look for him to bait Pennington into throwing a rare, but key, interception to set up a Baltimore score.

The Ravens will control the tempo of the game with their methodical running game and will mix in a few deep balls to Clayton as they move on to Tennessee in the Divisional Round next weekend

The prediction: Ravens, 24-13

Can the Ravens win their first playoff game since the 2001 season? Or will the Dolphins continue their Cinderella season by advancing to the Divisional Round? Leave your comments and predictions below.

Ravens Set Sights on Super Bowl

2009-01-03T04:10:00.004-05:00

In some eyes, the Baltimore Ravens are a gambler playing with house money. They say Baltimore should be happy just getting to the playoffs.

Few expected them to be playing football in January after a disastrous 2007 season and the firing of Super Bowl-winning coach Brian Billick.

Most teams in this position would simply be happy to be where they are today and view the season as a rousing success, but the Ravens are going to let the house money ride and refuse to reflect on what they’ve already accomplished.

Entering the season with low expectations, especially with a rookie head coach and rookie quarterback, the Ravens (11-5) secured a wild-card berth in the AFC Playoffs and will meet the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Teams in this unlikely position often tend to take a modest approach, using tired clichés such as “we’re just happy to be here” or “we’re going to enjoy this.” However, humble has never been the Ravens’ style.

It was only eight years ago that then second-year coach Brian Billick addressed his players in the locker room after a victory over the San Diego Chargers to secure the first playoff berth in the franchise’s brief five-year history:

“Men, the time is here. It’s time to go to a Super Bowl.”

The brash remark turned heads considering the team lacked a big-name quarterback and seemingly came out of nowhere to grab a postseason spot, but Billick saw no reason to hide from the possibility.

He wanted his players to have no other vision in mind but winning a championship. Riding the coattails of a record-breaking defense, Billick’s statement proved prophetic as the Ravens went on to win Super Bowl XXXV seven weeks later.

Fast-forward to the present. Coach John Harbaugh has reined in a veteran locker room that was seemingly out of control and re-energized the Ravens into believing they are an elite team again.

Harbaugh may not be as gaudy or outspoken as Billick, but it’s clear the Ravens have set their sights much higher than simply making the playoffs.

One only has to look at the present NFL to see how quickly things can change. For every story like this year’s Ravens or Dolphins, there are stories of disappointing teams failing to meet high expectations. There’s no assurance that this opportunity will be present next year or even the year after.

Simply remember the 2007 Ravens. Following a 13-3 campaign in 2006, the Ravens entered the year poised for another run at the Super Bowl. However, injuries and a crumbling relationship between Billick and the team’s veterans led to a disastrous 5-11 season.

The Ravens cannot take anything for granted when change is so abundant throughout the league. Regardless of what happens on Sunday, or even possibly over the next few weeks, the team’s makeup will undoubtedly change following the season.

Though Baltimore is projected to have as much as $20 million in salary cap room this offseason, key veterans Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Bart Scott, Jason Brown, Matt Stover, Corey Ivy, Jim Leonhard, and Lorenzo Neal are unrestricted free agents. General manager Ozzie Newsome will look to re-sign as many of these veterans as possible, but no one’s return is guaranteed once players hit the free-agent market.

In addition to the impending number of free agents, the Ravens are a veteran-laden team in several areas. Though many are excited about rookie quarterback Joe Flacco and the improving offense, the second-ranked defense is still the main channel of Baltimore’s success.

The problem is defensive leaders Lewis, Ed Reed, Trevor Pryce, and Samari Rolle are all age 30 or older. Don’t ask any of these players if they’re “just happy to be here.” For these veterans, this playoff run could be their last shot at Super Bowl glory.

Another factor creating a strong sense of urgency is the status of highly respected defensive coordinator Rex Ryan. After narrowly missing out on the head coaching jobs in Atlanta last year and in San Diego the year before, this could be the year that Ryan finally joins the head coaching fraternity of the NFL. Teams already expressing interest include the New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, and Detroit Lions.

Ryan is greatly admired by his players, so what better way to send him off to a head-coaching gig than with a Super Bowl title? If Lewis and the defense have anything to say about it, teams interested in meeting with Ryan will have to wait a few more weeks.

Perhaps the biggest reason why the Ravens are setting their sights on making it to Super Bowl is their belief that they can beat anyone in the league.

Despite owning a 0-4 record against Pittsburgh, Tennessee, and Indianapolis, the three teams considered to be the favorites in the AFC, the Ravens lost their two games to Pittsburgh by a combined seven points and one to Tennessee by three.

The Ravens would probably like to avoid a rematch with Indianapolis after losing 31-3 to the Colts back in October. Then again, the Ravens believe they have improved greatly since October, and a possible rematch with Indianapolis would not take place until the AFC Championship.

Though the Ravens might lack the outspoken bravado they held under Billick, make no mistake, Harbaugh has his players believing they’re ready to take the next step. Even the mood after clinching a wild-card berth last Sunday was more business-like and less euphoric than the typical Cinderella team to make the playoffs.

The Ravens do not intend to finish their season with anything less than a championship. The first test will be a tough Miami team that also never figured to be in this position after their misfortune in 2007.

“We have an opportunity to prove we’re the best team in the NFL,” Harbaugh said, following Baltimore’s 27-7 victory over Jacksonville last Sunday. “That’s what we’re going to try to do.”

The Ravens might be playing with house money, but they hope to ride their good fortune all the way to Tampa Bay and Super Bowl XLIII. They will not expect anything less.

Jaguars-Ravens: Baltimore Hoping to Fly into Playoffs

2008-12-27T17:01:00.000-05:00

With a trip to the playoffs at stake, the Baltimore Ravens hope to insert a new chapter in the city's storied football history when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

The day marks the 50th anniversary of the “Greatest Game Ever Played,” a 23-17 overtime victory for the Baltimore Colts in the 1958 NFL Championship Game.

While many former Colts will be in attendance for a halftime ceremony honoring the 1958 team, the Ravens are focused on creating history of their own.

Following a 5-11 season in 2007, new coach John Harbaugh has led the Ravens to a 10-5 record, needing only a win over the Jaguars to capture the last wild-card spot in the AFC Playoffs.

On the opposing side, the Jaguars are playing out the string with a disappointing 5-10 record after high expectations entering the 2008 campaign.

Earlier in the week, vice president of player personnel James "Shack" Harris resigned, adding further uncertainty to the organization’s tumultuous season. The news of Harris’ departure supplements the impending change within the organization.

Notable veterans such as middle linebacker Mike Peterson and tackle Khalif Barnes are unlikely to return to the team that advanced to the AFC Divisional Round only a year ago.

Complementing the off-the-field distractions is the failure of the Jaguars’ offense. Quarterback David Garrard has turned the ball over more frequently than he did last season, and the running game ranks 18th in the league, numbers that do not bode well for any visitor coming to play the Ravens’ second-ranked defense.

The Baltimore defense is +9 in turnover difference, good for third in the NFL. Look for the Ravens defense to pressure Garrard into making mistakes with safety Ed Reed looming in the secondary.

Running back Maurice Jones-Drew is expected to play, but he will have a difficult time gaining consistent yardage on the ground against the Ravens’ front seven.

Despite this, defensive coordinator Rex Ryan will need to be aware of Jones-Drew’s receiving prowess, as he leads all running backs with 61 catches and 555 receiving yards.

The Ravens’ 21st-ranked offense will face more of a challenge from the Jacksonville defense, 12th overall.

The rushing attack received a boost last week with long touchdown runs by Willis McGahee and Le’Ron McClain in the final minutes of their win over Dallas.

The Ravens can be a scary team in January if McGahee can regain some of last year’s form. Last week’s game was a good sign.

Rookie Ray Rice hopes to return to the field after missing the last two games with a shin injury. The Ravens would like to have Rice on the field to get back into rhythm in hopes of a playoff run.

Rice provides more of a receiving threat out of the backfield than either McClain or McGahee.

The Jacksonville defense is vulnerable in the secondary, giving up 25 touchdown passes this season, so expect quarterback Joe Flacco to test the Jaguars with the deep ball.

Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron would like to see Flacco follow up his solid performance against Dallas with strong production in the regular season finale. Flacco has not thrown for multiple touchdowns in a game since Week 13.

Wide receiver Derrick Mason continues to battle the effects of an injured shoulder expects to play on Sunday. Mason has been the team’s most valuable player on offense, aiding in the rapid development of Flacco.

Outlook

All signs in this one point to a Ravens’ blowout in the regular season finale.

The crowd will be in full-fledged playoff mode with an extra boost from the halftime celebration of the 1958 champion Colts.

The Ravens have everything to play for in this one while the Jaguars are thinking about how to spend their upcoming vacation time.

The Ravens will go up early thanks to the legs of Le’Ron McClain and some big gains through the air. When they do, the Jaguars will begin going through the motions, leading to the Ravens taking ultimate control.

Perhaps the Jaguars’ best chance in this one would be for the Buffalo Bills to upset the New England Patriots in the early game, which would clinch the last playoff spot for the Ravens prior to Sunday's kickoff.

Harbaugh might be more inclined to rest veterans such as Mason and Ray Lewis if the team’s playoff ticket is already punched, but even that might not be enough for the Jaguars to win in Baltimore.

The prediction: Ravens 27-10

Can the Ravens secure the last wild-card spot in the AFC? Or will the Jaguars play spoiler to close out their disappointing season? Leave your comments and predictions below.

The Night Before Festivus: Baltimore-Style

2008-12-24T13:18:00.002-05:00

This is a poem adapted from The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clark Moore. In the Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl run of 2000, guard Edwin Mulitalo coined the phrase "Festivus" in referring to the playoffs, a term taken from the popular television sitcom Seinfeld.

The Night Before Festivus

'Twas the night before Festivus, when all through Charm City
Ravens fans were stirring and even felt giddy.
The jerseys were hung by the chimney with flare,
In hopes that Joe Flacco soon would be there.

The fans were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of the playoffs danced in their heads.
And when we awoke and December 28 was the date,
We just settled down for a winter's tailgate,
When out in the end zone there arose such a clatter,
The opponent looked over to see what was the matter.

In a huddle of players that looked like a flash,
The Ravens looked ready for a hard-hitting clash.
The season had boiled down to one single game
as the players were looking for more than just fame,

And what to my wondering eyes looked intense,
For it was Ray Lewis…and the Baltimore defense.

A terrifying unit, so lively and quick,
They’ll hit you, they’ll haunt you, or even grab the pick.
More rapid than wolves these hunters they came,

And Ray whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"T-Sizzle! now, JJ! now, Bannan, Haloti!
On, Trevor! on Leonhard! on, Reed and Samari!
To the top of the mountain! to the top of the hill!
Knock them out! Get the ball! Now in for the kill!"

And then, the offense, led by a menacing line,
Came onto the field and was ready to fly.
A three-headed monster was at running back,
led by McClain, a big rumbling mack.
And Mason the veteran, with his shoulder so sore,
Kept reining in passes, one, two, three, more!

And finally, a sight so perfect, so new;
a quarterback to be proud of, a little like Johnny U.
Joe Flacco was ready to take the city by storm,
his cannon for an arm much better than norm,
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And led them downfield, the fans going berserk.

The Ravens were ready to give such a gift
to the fans of Baltimore who needed the lift.
Coach Harbaugh exclaimed, while his team looked so sleek,

"Happy Festivus to all, and we’ll see you next week."

Ravens-Cowboys Preview

2008-12-20T15:53:00.000-05:00

The stars and pageantry will be on full display as the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys add a final chapter to the storied history of Texas Stadium on Saturday night.

As if appearances from legendary stars such as Roger Staubach, Emmitt Smith, and Troy Aikman weren't enough, the two teams actually playing will be fighting for their respective playoff lives.

The 9-5 Ravens are currently the sixth seed in the AFC, but the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins currently hold the same 9-5 record. A loss would put the Ravens in the unenviable position of needing help in Week 17 to advance to the postseason.

The Cowboys (9-5) are currently the fifth seed in the NFC and need a win to remain in position for a playoff spot.

The Ravens will try to bounce back from an excruciating 13-9 loss to Pittsburgh after the Steelers scored a controversial go-ahead touchdown with 43 seconds to play. Unlike past Baltimore teams, these Ravens were very quiet in their comments regarding the officiating last Sunday, a reflection of coach John Harbaugh's message of discipline and focusing on the things they can control.

Dallas is riding high after an impressive 20-8 win over the New York Giants in which they held the second-ranked rushing offense to a meager 72 yards on the ground. Even the disgruntled Terrell Owens appears to be content for now.

The Cowboys' high-powered offense will be challenged by the Ravens' second-ranked defense that has the uncanny ability to confuse, and often times intimidate, the opponent.

Running back Marion Barber is a game-time decision with a lingering toe injury, but the Cowboys figure to struggle in the running game regardless of Barber's availability. Baltimore has the third-ranked run defense in the league.

The Cowboys will need quarterback Tony Romo's injured back to hold up against a tough defense. Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan will throw various blitzes and stunts against Romo in hopes of confusing the quarterback in his first encounter with the Baltimore defense. Romo is prone to making mistakes when a defense can keep him in the pocket while applying pressure.

A major factor will be the status of Ravens cornerback Fabian Washington who is questionable with a thigh injury. Washinton is expected to play but has admitted concern with how long his thigh will hold up on Saturday night.

His fourth-quarter exit from last week's loss was evident on Pittsburgh's final 92-yard drive for the game-winning score. Frank Walker took his place in the lineup, forcing Ryan to use a more conservative approach as Ben Roethlisberger picked the secondary apart en route to a touchdown.

If Washington cannot go, the Ravens will need to be creative in finding an answer in the secondary for Owens. Walker nor veteran Samari Rolle have the athleticism to cover the explosive playmaker.

The Ravens will have to keep a close eye on tight end Jason Witten. He will provide a matchup problem if the Ravens are unable to get to Romo quickly enough with their blitzing schemes.

After enjoying great success in the second half of the season, quarterback Joe Flacco has struggled in his past two games, throwing for a combined 249 yards and three interceptions against Washington and Pittsburgh.

The Ravens' offensive line will need to protect Flacco from Defensive Player of the Year candidate DeMarcus Ware. Though tackles Jared Gaither and Willie Anderson have played extremely well and possess great size, Ware's 19 sacks are more than enough to concern offensive coordinator Cam Cameron a great deal.

If the Cowboys are able to pressure the rookie quarterback consistently, Flacco will likely make mistakes, potentially turning the Texas Stadium finale into a laugher.

The return of running back Ray Rice will provide a lift as he provides a receiving threat out of the backfield in addition to the bruising running style of Le'Ron McClain. Former starter Willis McGahee has become a virtual non-factor in the running game.

The Ravens will try to control the clock with their running game, but the Cowboys' seventh-ranked run defense has shut down the running game of the Steelers and Giants in their last two games. If the Ravens cannot run the ball effectively, it will force Flacco to throw with Ware and company bearing down on him, something the Ravens do not want to do.

Outlook

Both teams desperately need a win to keep their playoff destinies in their own hands.

The Cowboys figure to come out strong with the excitement and hoopla with the closing of Texas Stadium. The Ravens will need to ride the early wave of emotion and prevent Dallas from jumping ahead in the early stages.

Harbaugh's Ravens are too tough, both physically and mentally, to be overwhelmed by the emotions of the Texas Stadium finale, but they are catching the Cowboys at the wrong time.

The Baltimore defense will do an admirable job against the Cowboys' high-octane offense, but the offense will have trouble generating much of anything against the Cowboys' red-hot defense. Flacco will see better days, but he's not ready to steal a win against a defense as hot as this one.

The prediction: Cowboys 20-13

Can the Ravens keep their playoff destiny in their own hands? Or will the Cowboys put the Ravens' postseason hopes on life support? Leave your comments and predictions below.

Redskins-Ravens Preview

2008-12-06T16:55:00.000-05:00

It's difficult to believe this will be Washington's first trip to Baltimore to play the Ravens. This game has been circled on many Baltimore fans' calendars since Art Modell announced he was moving his franchise to Baltimore for the 1996 season.

The rivalry between the teams only exists for the fans of Washington and Baltimore, but this will create an electric atmosphere in Baltimore for Sunday Night Football.

The 8-4 Ravens and 7-5 Redskins appear to be heading in opposite directions. The Ravens, winners of 6 of their 7 games, remain one game behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North with a big division battle between the two looming next week.

The Redskins have lost three of their last four games, though the three losses came against three top teams in the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys.

The Redskins have the league's sixth-ranked defense and have an extremely tough secondary. When former Pro Bowl selections DeAngelo Hall and Shawn Springs are your third and fourth cornerbacks, it says something.

The Redskins struggle to get consistent pressure on the quarterback, however, as the trade for defensive end Jason Taylor (one sack) has not brought the impact pass rusher that coach Jim Zorn hoped it would.

Joe Flacco continues to improve each week and has really become a quarterback for opposing defenses to be aware of. Over the past seven games, he has thrown 11 touchdowns and only two interceptions. If the Redskins' defensive line cannot pressure the rookie, he will make some plays with his arm.

The Redskins are tough against the run, ranked seventh overall, but the Ravens' third-ranked rushing attack averages 143.8 yards per game. Look for the Ravens to control the pace of the game, using any of the three-headed attack of Le'Ron McClain, Ray Rice, and Willis McGahee. It will be interesting to see if McGahee will find his way out of coach John Harbaugh's doghouse and back onto the field this week.

Redskins running back Clinton Portis is second in the league in rushing but is slowed by several injuries. Don't expect him to get any healthier against the Ravens' third-ranked run defense that has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in two seasons.

Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell has thrown only four interceptions all season, but he seems to lack that big-game confidence to lead a team down the stretch into the playoffs. He has all of the tools to succeed, but the question marks remain until he can beat a tough defense.

He'll get his chance Sunday night against the league's second-ranked defense, but he won't be up to the challenge.

The Ravens' offense will not be able to produce as much this week against a strong defense as they have over the past two weeks, but it will be more than what Portis and the Redskins can muster against the tough Baltimore defense.

The prediction: Ravens 17-10

Baltimore Ravens: Serious Contenders or Happy to be in Hunt?

2008-12-01T23:23:00.001-05:00

Despite a convincing 34-3 road victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens continue to face the same skepticism.

When will Baltimore beat a good team? My high school team could have beaten the Bengals!

And yes, while the miserable Bengals are already looking ahead to next year’s draft (not to mention whether Marvin Lewis will be retained as head coach), it’s unjust to completely dismiss a Baltimore offense that totaled 451 yards in Sunday’s win, its highest total since 2001.

Remember, we’re talking about the Baltimore Ravens here. Despite winning Super Bowl XXXV in January 2001, the Ravens’ offense has been putrid for the past decade, wasting one of the better defenses of the past 25 years.

If the Ravens had even an average offense over the past eight years, another Super Bowl or two would have been very possible.

With that in mind, let’s acknowledge a Ravens’ offense that has averaged 30.6 points per game over the last seven weeks. Even more remarkable has been the fact that rookie quarterback Joe Flacco has led the unit, throwing 12 touchdowns with only nine interceptions.

Rookie quarterbacks are not supposed to succeed in the NFL, but don’t tell that to Flacco or Atlanta’s Matt Ryan who have their teams in the playoff race.

That’s fine, but Baltimore was crushed by Indianapolis and the New York Giants!

There’s no disputing this. The Ravens have lost six straight games to Indianapolis and have yet to find an answer for the Colts’ high-powered offense. However, the defense was missing cornerback Samari Rolle and was playing with an injured Chris McAlister, who has since been placed on injured reserve.

Rolle has since returned and the emergence of Fabian Washington at the other corner has helped to solidify the secondary. Does this mean the Ravens would definitely beat the Colts in a rematch? Of course not, but keep in mind that Flacco was only making his second career road start at the time.

The Giants thoroughly demolished the Ravens, rushing for more yards against a Ravens’ defense than any team since 1997. Baltimore was playing its third straight road game. And, oh yeah, the Giants are the best team in the NFL. Anyone that expected the Ravens to win this game was being unrealistic.

The Ravens’ two other losses came against Pittsburgh and Tennessee, considered by many as the class of the AFC. Baltimore lost by a total of six points, holding second half leads in both contests.

Both of these games took place early in the season when the offense was still finding its way with a rookie under center. Flacco has grown leaps and bounds since early October.

While the Ravens narrowly came up short against the top two teams in the AFC, does this mean they don’t deserve to be mentioned as a contender?

The numbers suggest they do.

While critics regularly mention the Ravens have only beaten two teams with a current winning record (Miami and Philadelphia), the other top teams in the AFC aren’t exactly beating the 1972 Dolphins every week.

The 11-1 Titans have beaten three teams that currently have a winning record (Minnesota, Baltimore, and Indianapolis).

And while the 9-3 Steelers are coming off an impressive victory over the New England Patriots, the only other teams they had beaten with a current winning record are Baltimore and Washington.

The other top AFC competitors, the New York Jets and the Colts, have each beaten four teams with current winning records.

What can we conclude by these findings? The “haven’t beaten anyone good” argument being used against Baltimore is not as convincing when you see how few “good” teams the other top teams in the conference have beaten.

Every team plays its share of strong and weak teams in the NFL. While strength of schedule can vary, the discrepancy between teams is rarely eye-opening like it can be in college football.

The Ravens’ schedule has been favorable to say the least, but it cannot be held against them.

In addition to looking at the schedule of opponents itself, another helpful statistic to gauge how “good” a winning team really is is total net points, comparing the number of points a team scores to the points it allows. This statistic can often expose the pretenders that are barely squeaking by poor teams and being blown out by superior teams as well as the teams with very poor defenses.

For example, the Indianapolis Colts are at +7 for net points, supporting what many have said about the Colts’ offense struggling to produce as many points as they have in past seasons. While the Colts haven’t been blown out, a 10-6 win over the Cleveland Browns isn’t exactly inspiring. Many critics believe this will doom the Colts in the playoffs.

The 7-5 Denver Broncos lead the AFC West but stand at -27, a result of having one of the worst defenses in the NFL, a reality that will likely cost the Broncos in January.

The top teams for net points in the league are not surprisingly the Giants (+146) and the Titans (+129), but who comes next? The Ravens at +102, three points better than the Steelers.

Does this mean the Ravens are the third best team in the league and are better than the Steelers? As with any stat, it is only one piece of the puzzle to consider, but it suggests the Ravens are a better team than many are giving them credit for.

What we can conclude by the Ravens’ favorable net points difference is not only are the Ravens beating the teams they’re supposed to beat, but they’re also dominating them. This is what great teams do.

The Ravens are doing exactly what needs to be done to compete for a playoff spot in the NFL: beat the teams you’re supposed to beat and hold your own against tougher opponents.

The Ravens have not lost a game to a team with a losing record, something they always seemed to do once or twice a year in the past, sometimes even costing them a playoff spot as it did in 2004.

The question of how serious a contender the Ravens can be remains unanswered, but the last four weeks will provide a clearer picture.

Starting with Sunday night’s game against the Washington Redskins in Baltimore, the Ravens will play three straight teams with winning records before finishing the regular season against Jacksonville.

If the Ravens can win two of three against Washington, Pittsburgh, and Dallas, they will be guaranteed a Wild Card spot with a win over the Jaguars at home on December 28.

Even a 2-2 record would give the Ravens a 10-6 mark and a likely playoff spot, but they would still be haunted by the same doubts of not being able to beat quality opponents.

The Ravens are beginning to show many signs of a great team. Just ask the battered Texans or the aching Bengals. Now, they’ll have to prove it to the NFL’s elite.

Ravens-Bengals Preview

2008-11-29T19:50:00.001-05:00

This is the type of game that players love but keeps the coaching staff up at night worrying about an emotional letdown. Fresh off a dominating 36-7 victory over Philadelphia, the Ravens should dominate the Bengals as the two teams are going in opposite directions.

The Ravens will need to avoid looking past Cincinnati and ahead to next week's game with the Washington Redskins on Sunday night. Though the Bengals (1-9-1) are last in total offense, playmakers like Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh can still hurt a secondary that played extremely well last week but is still battling injuries. Ryan Fitzpatrick can make plays with his arm if the defense cannot apply consistent pressure.

Look for the Ravens to take some early shots downfield and then settle into the running game. In the season opener, Baltimore rushed for 229 yards and dominated the time of possession by nearly 13 minutes in the 17-10 victory over Cincinnati.

The key to an easy victory will be jumping ahead early. The longer the Ravens leave the Bengals in the game, Cincinnati's confidence will grow, making it difficult to pull away. The Ravens need to crush the Bengals' spirit early, making them quit.

This is the kind of game that often plagued the Brian Billick-led Ravens. It's easy to look past this game and chalk it up as a victory, but John Harbaugh consistently preaches to his players to live in the moment and not think about what's down the road. Trailing Pittsburgh by one game in the division, the Ravens know how important every game is down the stretch.

The Ravens have not swept the season series with the Bengals since 2002 and have not won in Cincinnati since 2004. Look for both of these streaks to end Sunday as Joe Flacco makes Bengals fans miss what they have in Carson Palmer.

The Ravens' exotic defensive looks will confuse Fitzpatrick, leading to a few turnovers to give Flacco and the offense a shorter field.

The prediction: Ravens 27-16

Eagles-Ravens Preview

2008-11-22T19:55:00.001-05:00

Though the Ravens should already be highly-motivated trying to bounce back from last week's humbling 30-10 loss to the New York Giants, head coach John Harbaugh faces his old team for the first time. Having spent 10 years as an assistant in Philadelphia, Harbaugh hopes to show Andy Reid and the Eagles his head coaching pedigree. Harbaugh and Reid have much respect for each other.

The 6-4 Ravens are still in the middle of the AFC playoff race but need a win to remain one game behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North. The Ravens are currently tied with three other AFC teams (Indianapolis, Miami, and New England) battling for Wild Card spots.

On the other hand, the 5-4-1 Eagles find themselves in last place in the brutal NFC East after a rare tie with Cincinnati last week. While Philadelphia is still in the playoff mix, a loss to the Ravens would provide a canyon to climb out of in the NFC.

The Eagles will attempt to exploit a Ravens' secondary that continues to bend but not break without cornerback Chris McAlister and safety Dawan Landry, both on injured reserve. Philadelphia's fourth-ranked passing offense will try to mix short passes to running back Brian Westbrook and shots downfield to rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

The Ravens will need to get consistent pressure on quarterback Donovan McNabb to prevent the Eagles' passing game from finding its rhythm. Despite holding a solid 84.7 quarterback rating, McNabb has thrown five interceptions in his last three games.

Westbrook and the Eagles' running game will have a difficult time getting anything going on the ground, facing the third-best rush defense in the league.

On the other side, the Ravens will try to crank up the running game against the Eagles' 11th-ranked rush defense. It's no coincidence the Ravens win when they run the ball successfully. Of the Ravens' four losses, they failed to rush for more than 132 yards in any game. The Eagles will need to keep an eye on running back Ray Rice, as the rookie brings more diversity to the Ravens' backfield.

The Ravens' banged-up offensive line must protect quarterback Joe Flacco from the Eagles' dangerous blitzing packages. Adam Terry is expected to start at left tackle in place of the injured Jared Gaither. Right tackle Willie Anderson is expected to return to the starting lineup. The Eagles have sacked the quarterback 36 times this season, tied for first in the NFL.

Wide receiver Derrick Mason is still bothered by a sore shoulder but is Flacco's best receiver. If the offensive line can keep Flacco upright, Mason will be able to move the chains against the Eagles' secondary.

This game comes down to how well the Ravens will be able to run the ball against the Philadelphia defense and how effectively McNabb can pass on the Baltimore secondary. The Ravens' running game will allow the home team to control the clock, keeping the Eagles' talent passing game off the field.

Playing before the M&T Bank Stadium crowd for the first time in a month, the Ravens will be on a mission to avenge the humiliating loss to the Giants. The Eagles will be competing for their playoff lives but will come up short in Baltimore.

The prediction: Ravens 21-17

History Repeating Itself? Ravens Hope Not

2008-11-19T23:57:00.000-05:00

The Baltimore Ravens were flying high, having won four in a row and three straight road games, heading into last Sunday’s battle against the Super Bowl champion New York Giants. The confident 6-3 Ravens had visions of an upset on their minds.

What followed was a humbling 30-10 defeat in which the Ravens were brutalized by the same style of play that they have proudly used against others over much of the past decade. The Ravens’ intimidating defense surrendered 207 yards on the ground, their highest total allowed since 1997.

As the Ravens pick up the pieces and prepare for Sunday’s game with the Philadelphia Eagles, one has to wonder how a team for which few had high expectations entering the season will respond. After taking such a strong hit to their pride at Giants Stadium, will the Ravens wilt down the stretch with a difficult schedule still to come? Or, will they show the same resiliency they did bouncing back from a 41-3 defeat to the Indianapolis Colts in early October to start a four-game winning streak?

The Ravens’ veteran leaders hope to avoid a conclusion similar to what the team experienced only four years ago.

Much like the current team, the 2004 Ravens were gaining more and more confidence with a 7-3 record in late November, heading into New England to take on the Super Bowl champion Patriots. The defending AFC North champion Ravens were determined to prove they belonged in the elite company of the Patriots. A win would put them in prime position for a playoff spot.

Second-year quarterback Kyle Boller was showing improvement after putting up two-straight 200-yard performances in wins against the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys. The Ravens’ offense was finding its stride going into New England despite injuries to tight end Todd Heap and running back Jamal Lewis.

After playing the Patriots to a 3-3 tie at halftime, the Ravens were demolished in the second half and lost 24-3. Patriots running back Corey Dillon ran all over the Ravens’ defense on his way to 123 rushing yards. Boller and the offense managed only 124 total yards against a stingy Patriots defense.

Though a win was not expected, the effect of the humbling loss was huge. The Cincinnati Bengals came to Baltimore the following week with a 5-6 record and little hope for the playoffs. The situation was perfect for the Ravens to get their season back on track with a victory.

The game went according to plan for three quarters with the Ravens building a seemingly insurmountable 20-3 lead by the end of the third quarter. However, the Ravens’ defense that had entered the New England game as the top-scoring unit in the league allowed 24 points and three touchdown passes by Carson Palmer in the fourth quarter, leading to a 27-26 loss before a shocked M&T Bank Stadium crowd.

The back-to-back losses initiated a 2-4 finish, leaving the 9-7 Ravens out of the playoffs.

While most of the 2004 team has since departed, including the entire starting offense except tight end Todd Heap, defensive veterans such as Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs hope to avoid a similar finish to this season.

One has to wonder what potential damage the loss to the Giants will do to the psyche of the defense. Anyone that has ever watched the Ravens’ defense knows the confidence and swagger it brings to the gridiron every week. What lasting effect will it have knowing the Giants seemingly imposed their will on the Ravens in the same way they are used to doing to others?

The loss to the Giants was not unexpected, but the way in which the Ravens were physically dominated was startling.

Perhaps the most troubling reality for the Ravens entering the season’s final six weeks is the increasing number of injuries. Already with a league-high 16 players on injured reserve, including three defensive starters, offensive tackles Jared Gaither, Adam Terry, and Willie Anderson are battling injuries. With a rookie quarterback playing in intense games down the stretch, unstable tackle play could spell disaster for the Ravens’ offense.

Though Joe Flacco did not have much success through the air, last Sunday’s performance was more unlucky than bad. Despite seemingly having nerves of steel, can Flacco continue to maintain the same poise in late November and December? Head coach John Harbaugh and the rest of the staff have to be cognizant in monitoring the young quarterback down the stretch.

Flacco is the real deal and the future of the franchise, but few rookies have been able to thrive when the stakes are high late in the season. Supporters point to Ben Roethlisberger leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 15-1 mark and the AFC Championship game in 2004, but recently, Roethlisberger’s former coach Bill Cowher described him as being exhausted, both physically and mentally, at the end of the season.

These issues will be watched closely, starting with Sunday’s game against the Eagles. Much like the Bengals game in 2004, the Ravens seemingly have a winnable game against a struggling opponent. Though the Eagles are more formidable than the 2004 Bengals, they sit in last place in the NFC East at 5-4-1 with their playoff hopes in serious need of a victory.

The Ravens’ defense must regain its confidence and not allow quarterback Donovan McNabb and the Eagles’ offense to get back on track after struggling last week in Cincinnati. A loss, coupled with injuries, could send the Ravens on a similar path to what they experienced in 2004.

It is time to see if the Ravens can lift themselves up from adversity and regain their swagger heading down the stretch. Only then will we know they can avoid repeating the same history that took place four years ago.

Ravens-Giants Preview

2008-11-15T18:44:00.002-05:00

The Baltimore Ravens have proven they are a good football team, entering Week 11 on a four-game winning streak including three straight on the road. Sunday's game gives Baltimore the opportunity to show they deserve to be mentioned in the NFL's elite.

Traveling to Giants Stadium to take on the Super Bowl champions will be a daunting task. Quarterback Joe Flacco will be pressured by the best front four in the NFL. The Giants' defense is so effective, because they do not have to blitz to pressure the quarterback, allowing the linebackers to drop into pass coverage. Look for the Ravens to use Ray Rice on draws and short passes out of the backfield to keep the linebackers close to the line of scrimmage.

This will be a classic case of each team trying to impose its will on the other as both pride themselves in running the ball and stopping the run. New York's top-ranked running game will be tested against the best run defense in the league. Brandon Jacobs brings a freakish combination of size (264 pounds) and speed, but the Baltimore defense never backs down from a challenge. Linebackers Ray Lewis and Bart Scott will have to keep an eye on Derrick Ward, a receiving threat out of the backfield.

This game will be decided by the quarterbacks where the Giants have the edge. The Ravens will contain the Giants' running game, but the secondary will have difficulty stopping Eli Manning and the Giants' passing game. Plaxico Burress presents a matchup problem, as cornerbacks Fabian Washington and Samari Rolle lack the height to defend the jumpball. The Ravens must find a way to pressure Manning, or he will gradually pick apart the secondary.

Flacco will have a difficult time finding open receivers while being pressured by defensive ends Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka. Having wide receiver Derrick Mason (dislocated shoulder) on the field would be a major boost, but he will be a game-time decision. Tight end Todd Heap will need to be involved in the passing game as he was last week against Houston. If the offensive line can give Flacco enough time, the Ravens will test the New York secondary with the deep ball.

Flacco has exceeded nearly everyone's expectations in his rookie season, and he will have to do it again for the Ravens to pull off the upset. The Ravens will bring a courageous effort, proving they belong in the playoff hunt, but will come up short at The Meadowlands.

The prediction: Giants 20-17

Ravens-Texans Preview

2008-11-06T22:20:00.001-05:00

The Ravens will feel some extra motivation when they travel to Houston to take on the Texans on Sunday. This was to be their bye week, but the game originally scheduled for Sept. 14 was postponed due to Hurricane Ike.

The Texans are reeling after losing linebacker, and leading tackler, Zac Diles for the rest of the season due to a broken leg and quarterback Matt Schaub (knee) for a few games, helping the Ravens' chances of winning their third straight road game.

The Ravens' defense will be tested by the 4th-ranked offense in the NFL. Explosive wide receiver Andre Johnson may prove to be the secondary's biggest challenge of the entire season. The return of cornerback Samari Rolle, out for the last six games, will help to neutralize the Texans' dangerous passing attack.

Houston's 23rd-ranked run defense will struggle to stop the Ravens' three-headed monster of Willis McGahee, Ray Rice, and Le'Ron McClain at running back. The Ravens will once again attempt to control the game on the ground, keeping the Houston offense on the sideline.

The Ravens need this win badly before the difficult stretch of playing the NFC East begins next week. A loss here creates a steep path to the playoffs with the difficult part of the schedule looming ahead. Quarterback Joe Flacco builds on his stellar day in Cleveland by throwing two touchdown passes while the defense contains quarterback Sage Rosenfels and the Houston offense after allowing Johnson to catch a touchdown pass.

Prediction: Ravens 24 Texans 13

Ravens Throw Away Old Script

2008-11-05T22:04:00.000-05:00

It appeared to be the same exhausted script in Cleveland on Sunday afternoon.

After taking an early 10-0 lead and outplaying the Cleveland Browns for much of the first half, the Baltimore Ravens allowed their lead to vanish after giving up a late second-quarter field goal to make the score 13-13 at halftime. It appeared the Ravens would summon the ghosts of last season, outplaying a team early, only to fall apart in the second half on their way to another loss.

Quarterback Joe Flacco and the offense promptly went three-and-out to begin the second half before Cleveland return specialist Josh Cribbs returned a punt 32 yards, setting up a Braylon Edwards 28-yard touchdown catch, giving Cleveland the 20-13 lead.

Here we go again. How would the offense respond? Another three-and-out. We’ve seen this story before.

It got worse when running back Jason Wright caught a 7-yard touchdown pass on the next drive. Cleveland was ahead 27-13. The Ravens’ secondary, decimated by injuries, appeared to be on life support, unable to slow the Browns’ passing attack. Surely, the offense would not be able to help the Ravens’ tiring defense.

Time to change the channel, right? Not so fast.

Flacco and the offense responded with an inspiring drive covering 11 plays and 79 yards. Fullback Le’Ron McClain’s 1-yard touchdown run put the Ravens in striking distance.

All right, at least they’re going to make it respectable.

Then, on the Ravens’ first drive of the fourth quarter, Flacco hit Derrick Mason on a 28-yard touchdown, tying the game.

Wait a minute. Is this really the Ravens’ offense?

The offense would orchestrate another drive for the game-winning field goal on their way to an impressive 37-27 victory in an AFC North battle. Besides keeping pace with the Pittsburgh Steelers and improving their playoff chances, the Ravens showed things are changing in Baltimore.

Over the past decade, the Ravens’ defense would always have to rescue the inept offense. A big play from Ray Lewis or Ed Reed would turn a surefire defeat into an unlikely victory for the Ravens. Very rarely would former coach Brian Billick’s offense provide the spark to make the difference late in the game.

So naturally, on those rare occasions when the defense would begin to falter, as it did in the third quarter on Sunday, there was little hope.

Enter Flacco and Cam Cameron. The rookie quarterback and new offensive coordinator have brought confidence to the defense’s ugly stepsibling. A group that for years was only asked to “not mess it up” for the defense is now showing it can contribute when the defense needs the assist.

Instead of panicking and abandoning the strong running game, as the coaching staff often did in past seasons when falling behind, Cameron stuck to the game plan. From the time Cleveland took a 27-13 lead until Matt Stover kicked a 22-yard field goal to put the Ravens ahead 30-27, the Ravens ran a total of 21 plays, 10 passes and 11 runs.

The defense needed a lift? No problem, said Cameron. If the offense is able to continue in doing so, the Ravens can be a factor in the AFC after few expected it.

How did the defense show its appreciation to the offense for picking up the slack? Linebacker Terrell Suggs crushed Cleveland’s faint hopes by intercepting a screen pass and returning it 42 yards for the touchdown.

So that’s what a team victory looks like.

Of course, the defense still reigns supreme, ranked 2^nd in the NFL, while the offense is a modest 19^th, but those paying close attention can see the subtle shift taking place.

It started back in April when general manager Ozzie Newsome drafted Flacco in the first round and running back Ray Rice in the second. Rice ran for 154 yards on Sunday in place of the injured Willis McGahee.

The Ravens are committed to building a more-balanced team, especially as the punishing defense continues to age. There is more work to do, as the front office still needs to address the wide receiver position in the offseason, but Sunday provided a glimpse into a brighter future for the Ravens’ offense.

Championship teams do not have to have a record-breaking defense to carry a struggling offense as the 2000 Ravens did. Teams like that only come along every 40 or 50 years. One unit cannot do it alone, as the Ravens have painfully learned in the seasons following their victory in Super Bowl XXXV. A championship team needs an offense, defense, and special teams that can provide a lift to one another when the game is on the line.

Sunday provided a sample of what coach John Harbaugh and Newsome envision for the Ravens moving forward.

"We're going to be a dynasty," said Harbaugh earlier this season. "If you're not willing to say it out loud, how do you expect to get there?"

Harbaugh’s plan is clear. While defense remains king in Baltimore, the offense is beginning to show it’s ready to play.

The State of the Ravens - 6 Questions to Ponder

2008-10-31T20:59:00.004-04:00

As the Ravens sit at 4-3, second place in the AFC North, here are six questions to ponder at the halfway point.

1) How will the Ravens finish?

The Ravens face a difficult stretch of three straight road games, starting this Sunday in Cleveland. If they can go 2-1 against Cleveland, Houston, and the New York Giants, they will put themselves in position to contend for a playoff spot.

Facing the impressive NFC East will allow the Ravens to show what they’re made of. A 2-2 record against New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and Dallas would impress and put them in contention. They also face difficult home games against Pittsburgh and Jacksonville at the end of the season.

Considering the injuries to the offensive line and secondary, 9-7 would be a realistic goal and would exceed the expectations of most people entering the season. Given the competitive balance of the AFC this season, this would allow the Ravens to contend for the playoffs, quite a feat for a team with a rookie quarterback and coming off a 5-11 season a year ago.

2) What will quarterback Joe Flacco's final statistics look like?

Flacco’s poise and confidence as a rookie has to excite Ravens fans that have yearned for a franchise quarterback since the team’s inception in 1996. His calm demeanor is exactly what you want in a starting quarterback.

As for this season, Flacco simply lacks the weapons to really take the next step, production-wise. Though Derrick Mason is as reliable as they come in the short to intermediate range, the Ravens lack a receiver that can stretch the field, especially now that Demetrius Williams is on injured-reserve.

Flacco has clearly struggled when throwing beyond 12 or 13 yards. Part of this is due to inexperience, but the receivers’ lack of separation is a major reason why. Mark Clayton is too similar to Mason and cannot beat his man consistently.

Flacco’s season stats will be somewhere in the area of 2,800 yards with 13 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

3) Will Todd Heap's role in the offense increase?

Heap is starting to see more passes being thrown his way. Due to the uncertainty at both left and right tackle, Heap has been used more as a blocker, especially earlier in the season. As Jared Gaither and Willie Anderson continue to gel with the rest of the offensive line, Heap’s blocking will not be needed quite as much. However, the injuries to Adam Terry and Marshal Yanda (injured-reserve) have depleted the line’s depth, further complicating the situation.

Heap is still trying to win over the new coaching staff. His toughness has come into question, as he missed much of training camp with a calf injury after missing most of last season with a torn hamstring.

It will be interesting to see if Cam Cameron attempts to throw a few more wrinkles into the offense, trying to get Heap more involved. If not, it will be difficult to justify keeping him around after this season, given his high salary.

4) Now that he's healthy, will Troy Smith continue to get more playing time?

The “Suggs” package has sparked much excitement in Baltimore this past week. It is refreshing to see a Ravens offense with imagination and trickery after so many years of vanilla packages and ineffectiveness.

However, let’s not print the playoff tickets yet. This is a gimmick offense. It will only remain effective in small doses. As Smith continues to play, more tape will be available to opposing teams for scouting. Smith is athletic, no doubt, but he is not as fast as a young Donovan McNabb or Michael Vick.

John Harbaugh and Cameron must also remember they have a rookie quarterback to groom. Though Flacco appears to have nerves of steel, there’s no telling what effect it could have on him if Smith is inserted into the offense more and more, especially in passing situations.

Flacco is clearly the starting quarterback and the future of the organization. Fans calling for Smith need to remember that Flacco now has seven career starts compared to Smith’s two. Smith’s edge in experience is no longer there.

Flacco needs to be given every opportunity to grow into the offense and make it “his.” Can Smith be a part of that offense? Yes, but Cameron needs to look at the long-term progress of the offense, not just this week or this season.

5) What positions will the Ravens target in the 2009 NFL Draft?

General manager Ozzie Newsome will continue to live by the mantra “best player available.” The Ravens’ history of drafting in the first round is outstanding.

Depending on how they finish, the Ravens will look to draft a good young cornerback such as Malcolm Jenkins from Ohio State or Vontae Davis from Illinois. The current tandem of Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle are on the wrong side of 30 and may not even be with the team in 2009.

If no corners are available, they will look to grab a wide receiver that can really stretch the field. Maryland’s Darrius Heyward-Bey would be a popular choice. Heyward-Bey has good size and blinding speed. Jeremy Maclin of Missouri and Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech could also be good fits.

The Ravens could also look at defensive end, as veteran Trevor Pryce may not return in 2009.

6) Who will not be a Raven in 2009?

With the recent clash between cornerback Chris McAlister and Harbaugh, it appears the former first-round pick could be on his way out of town. McAlister’s knee is in bad shape, and his attitude is even worse. It would be hard to justify keeping a high-priced veteran cornerback with a bum knee and a bad attitude beyond this season. He is not a Harbaugh guy.

Cornerback Samari Rolle has battled injuries the past two seasons and could be a salary-cap cut. The team desperately needs to get younger at cornerback.

Inside linebacker Bart Scott will likely leave as a free agent, because the Ravens will have to sign linebackers Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis to new contracts. Scott is a product of Rex Ryan’s system and can easily be replaced by Nick Greisen or a healthy Tavares Gooden next season.

Pryce may retire or could possibly be cut to save cap room.

The Ravens will definitely look to get much younger in 2009 while maintaining Lewis and their core group of younger players.

McAlister Becoming Unnecessary Distraction

2008-10-22T21:35:00.000-04:00

Ravens coach John Harbaugh promised to bring a hard-nosed, no-nonsense approach to a team sorely lacking discipline over Brian Billick’s final seasons in Baltimore.

The new philosophy figured to ruffle the feathers of a few veteran players accustomed to playing by their own rules during Billick’s tenure.

While most veterans appear to have bought into Harbaugh’s approach, what about cornerback Chris McAlister, the loose cannon of the Ravens’ dominating defense over the past decade?

The issue came to the forefront last Sunday when McAlister did not start and was limited to only eight plays in the Ravens’ 27-13 victory in Miami. Fourth cornerback Frank Walker started in his place.

Following the game, Harbaugh told reporters McAlister was rested due to a recurring injury, but McAlister insisted to reporters that his injured right knee was healthy. He was not listed on the injury report.

Then, earlier this week, Harbaugh began to change his story in explaining McAlister’s absence.

“It's a football decision,” Harbaugh told reporters. “We're always going to put the best 11 players on the field for that situation. That's what we did [Sunday]. We had the corners out there in those situations that we wanted to have out there.”

Though McAlister played poorly the previous week in a loss to Indianapolis, he leads the team with three interceptions. The secondary is already missing injured starters Samari Rolle and Dawan Landry, so the decision to sit McAlister after one bad game appears suspicious.

Anyone following the 1999 first round pick’s career had to wonder if McAlister was being punished. Harbaugh confirmed McAlister violated the team’s dress code policy prior to boarding the team bus before Sunday’s game but refused to confirm the violation caused the benching.

Why such a mysterious explanation when it’s clear McAlister was yanked for breaking team rules?

“You have to read between the lines,” McAlister told reporters on Wednesday. “I don't know. He said I wasn't disciplined, so I wasn't disciplined.”

For all of his accomplishments, including a victory in Super Bowl XXXV and three Pro Bowl appearances, McAlister’s conduct has been a sticking point in his 10 seasons in Baltimore.

He was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana in 2000 and was arrested for driving under the influence in 2003. The charges were dropped in both cases.

In addition to legal issues, McAlister has also faced team discipline in the past. In 2003, McAlister broke curfew and skipped a team meeting before being fined and sent home prior to a game in San Diego.

Though the former coach Billick was often criticized for manipulating the media and spinning various stories, he acted definitively in suspending McAlister for his conduct. The suspension seemed to have no harmful effect on McAlister, as he went on to earn his first trip to the Pro Bowl following the season.

Why didn’t Harbaugh do the same? If he is trying to protect his Pro Bowl cornerback’s psyche, it doesn’t seem to be working. In fact, it may be doing the opposite.

“The man [Harbaugh] said he put his best 11 [players] on the field,” McAlister said to reporters. “Obviously, he thinks Frank [Walker] is better than me.”

The rookie head coach must stand up to veterans such as McAlister, Ed Reed, and Ray Lewis to show there’s a new man in charge of leading the Ravens.

Swaying on a delicate issue like player conduct does not establish strong leadership with the veterans in the locker room. If a player breaks a team rule, discipline him, explain what happened (simply call it “conduct detrimental to the team”), and move on.

Following Billick’s model for disciplining McAlister in 2003 would have quickly defused the situation. It was a direct approach that worked with the troubled player.

So, instead of talking about the upcoming game against the Oakland Raiders, we’re wondering whether McAlister will be one of the “best 11” on Sunday.

A successful head coach needs to speak and act definitively, or he will lose his football team. Harbaugh preaches accountability and no nonsense with his players, but he needs to take his own advice in handling the McAlister situation. Don’t blame the benching on an injury or performance.

Perhaps it will eventually lead to McAlister’s departure from Baltimore, but Harbaugh needs to think about the rest of his football team. An unnecessary distraction is not what the team needs when it plays three straight games on the road following Sunday’s game in Baltimore.

This is a pivotal point in the season for both the 3-3 team and its rookie head coach. Harbaugh needs to come clean and end the debate. If not, the distraction will continue to affect McAlister and the rest of the team.

Adding another twist to the soap opera, McAlister was listed as limited in practice in Wednesday’s injury report. Maybe McAlister was injured in one of those eight plays against Miami, but critics are not buying it.

Stay tuned, as it seems there may be a few more chapters to this story.

Baltimoreans Still Feel Pain of Lost Legacy

2008-10-11T22:08:00.004-04:00

Howard Brothers settles into his living room in Baltimore on a Sunday afternoon in the fall to watch the Baltimore Ravens play on television.

After the Baltimore defense forces another punt, the network telecast breaks to highlights of another game. The studio analyst announces Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has just broken another franchise passing record, eclipsing Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas.

Brothers, 75, gets that familiar twinge in his stomach. Not because he dislikes Manning. He actually admires the quarterback’s play.

The problem is his hero Unitas never played a down in Indianapolis.

The trouble is seeing that old horseshoe and the blue and white uniforms.

The sting is hearing the name “Colts.”

Twenty-five years after the Colts played their last home game at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, these feelings continue to resonate with Brothers and many Baltimore fans over the age of 30.

“It makes me feel lousy really," he said. "[Manning] may set franchise records for Indianapolis, but not for the Baltimore Colts. That’s ridiculous. It should be a separate [history].”

Baltimore fans bristle at the notion that they should let these hard feelings go. How callous is it to tell someone to get over something that brought numerous hardened, blue-collar men to infant tears on the morning of March 28, 1984 when owner Robert Irsay and the Colts skipped town in the middle of the night?

For many, it would be like telling them to forget about the death of a family member. These are scars that will never fully heal no matter how many Super Bowl rings the Ravens may win or how many games Indianapolis might lose.

“It was a shock,” said Brothers. “Even though you knew something was coming, it was just a big shock when you lose a team that you rooted for all that time. You couldn’t believe it. They showed the moving van with the snow coming down [on TV]. It was terrible really, a terrible time to lose something like that.”

Older Baltimore fans still remember their Colts fondly, recalling how it brought the community together every Sunday. Players lived locally and worked there in the offseason. Even the demigod Unitas could be seen mowing his lawn or playing catch with the local children of his neighborhood.

Quite a difference from today’s players.

“There was nothing like the old Colts," said Brothers. "It was like a religious experience every Sunday…That’s what you lived for the whole week. ‘Come on Sunday.’ It was amazing.”

The NFL has changed dramatically since Unitas and the Colts dominated the late 1950s. In Baltimore’s 12-year NFL hiatus, from 1984-1996, the NFL introduced free agency, the salary cap, and personal seat licenses for season tickets.

Though the scars of the Colts’ departure remain, Brothers adopted the Ravens as his new team when they arrived in Baltimore in 1996. His sense of civic pride and devotion to Baltimore sports enabled him to embrace the NFL once again, though it’s not quite the same.

Many fans that experienced losing the Colts were at first hesitant to embrace the Ravens, given the circumstances surrounding their move from Cleveland. It just did not feel quite right, though Baltimore had tried to secure an expansion team when the league awarded teams to Jacksonville and Charlotte in 1993.

“I was thrilled when they came here,” said Brothers. “Of course, the way they got it was the same way that Indianapolis got the Colts. [Cleveland] griped and all, but at least they kept all the Browns’ records and everything. We didn’t get anything from Indianapolis.”

Unlike Brothers, you will not find Mirv Metzger, of Millers, Md., camped in front of the television watching football on an autumn Sunday afternoon. Metzger, 60, still considers the Baltimore Colts to be his favorite team, even though they disappeared in 1984. Metzger has never been able to adopt the Ravens as his new team, still feeling an undying sense of loyalty to the team that takes the field every Sunday only in his memories.

His disgust with the NFL and his belief that the league made Baltimore jump through hoops to secure another franchise was the final straw for him.

“The move was the biggest point, but then realizing that the state of Maryland was using my dollars to dance with the NFL, it just helped legitimize my position. [The league] broke their rules to do what they wanted and to just say to the [city] that really made this team what it was, we don’t [care]…I guess I was really just done with the NFL. The Colts name doesn’t belong in Indianapolis. If you’re going to do that to us, then I’m done with you.”

The 12-year absence of football in Baltimore has created an interesting dichotomy in the Baltimore fan base. While older fans can remember the Colts playing in Baltimore, younger fans are unsure where the history of the old Colts fit with today’s Ravens.

Though younger fans were not around to experience the glory days of the Colts and their subsequent departure, this does not prevent many dedicated younger fans from embracing their city’s rich football tradition. The younger fan’s sense of tradition and appreciation of the Colts stems from oral histories passed down by previous generations.
Michael Guss, a 26-year old Ravens fan from Wilmington, Del., embraces the history of the Colts despite only being a baby when the team left town. Not only does it allow him to connect with his Baltimore roots but also with his family.

“My grandfather had season tickets to the Colts, and I have heard many stories over the years of going to the games [at Memorial Stadium],” he said. “You definitely feel a sense of appreciation when you see old videos like the 1958 championship game.”

Guss believes serious Baltimore football fans, regardless of age, should make the effort to learn their city’s football heritage.

“It is very important because without those players and teams, the NFL would not be like it is today,” he said. “It’s harder for the [younger] fan to appreciate it all due to the disconnect created by the move. Almost a whole generation of football fans was lost by that.”

While some younger fans feel this strong connection with the past, the absence of football for 12 years created a generation gap for many younger fans that failed to have a Baltimore football upbringing. Many of these younger fans grew up rooting for other NFL teams or simply not watching professional football.

Justin Milesky, a 25-year old Ravens fan from New Freedom, Pa., acknowledges what the old Colts accomplished in Baltimore but does not feel a connection with the city’s former team. He believes the influence of family has the greatest impact on whether a younger fan will embrace the history of the Colts.

“I didn’t grow up with the strong Baltimore Colts, Baltimore sports fans in my family, so I didn’t have that appreciation drilled into me and learn the history until the past couple years,” said Milesky. “Your dad, your parents, your grandparents are the biggest influence on who you’re a fan of.”

Perhaps the most effective way for younger fans to feel a connection to the city’s rich tradition is the Baltimore Ravens.

December 28, 2008 will mark the 50th anniversary of the 1958 NFL Championship game between the Baltimore Colts and the New York Giants. Baltimore won 23-17 in overtime, ushering in the explosion in popularity of professional football in America . The Ravens play at home against Jacksonville on that day and plan to honor the living members of the 1958 team, including Lenny Moore, Art Donovan, Gino Marchetti, and Raymond Berry.

“This city will really see that in the coming months,” said Guss. “The Ravens will do a great job like always with events like this.”

Though the name, colors, and records remain in Indianapolis, the Ravens have embraced the city’s football history, placing the Baltimore Colts’ Hall of Famers in their Ring of Honor and erecting a statue of Unitas in 2002. The rubbing of Unitas’ famous high top has quickly become a ritual for Ravens fans passing the statue as they enter M&T Bank Stadium.

Despite the Ravens' attempt in preserving Baltimore football history, one issue commonly agreed upon by the different generations of Baltimore fans is a belief that the NFL failed miserably in protecting the legacy of the Baltimore Colts. Where was the NFL in 1984 when Irsay was allowed to not only move the franchise but also take the team’s colors, name, and records? While the NFL learned from their mistake in preserving these for the city of Cleveland in 1995, how does this help heal the wounds of long-time Baltimore fans?

Does it make any sense for Unitas, Moore, and other Colts legends to be honored in the Indianapolis Colts wing of the Hall of Fame despite never playing there or having any ties to the present franchise in a different city?

“I think it’s one of the worst things associated with the move, how [Indianapolis] was able to keep the logo and records all of this time,” said Guss.

A compromise would be to separate the history of the Baltimore Colts (1953-1983) and Indianapolis Colts (1984-present) into separate displays at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Fans have been clamoring for the NFL to do this for years.

Even if the NFL can work out a satisfactory compromise for both Baltimore and Indianapolis, will Baltimore fans ever move on completely from the Colts and eventually view them just like any other NFL team? Some will, others refuse to, and some cannot move on, even if they really wanted to. It still hurts that deeply, even 25 years later.

Critics point to the fact that Baltimore has now had a second football team for 13 seasons and even won a Super Bowl title six years before the Indianapolis Colts were able to. To put it in proper perspective, the Colts have now played in Indianapolis only six fewer years than they did in Baltimore.

“As much as it has been written and opined to ‘get over it,’ it really cannot be the case for many people,” said Guss. “The people that say and write those things are not the people that lost an NFL team. While it may be okay for the younger crowd to think that, it definitely will never go away from the fans that were here in 1984, even if they had stopped going to the games years before that.”

While time and the budding love for the Ravens may continue to dull the sharp pain of the Colts leaving town, the pain in losing their football identity continues to linger in the hearts of many Baltimore football fans. Older fans lost their team, and all Baltimore fans lost a legacy that should have remained, even if the franchise did not.

Costly Mistakes Doom Ravens' Impressive Effort

2008-10-01T23:32:00.005-04:00

The Baltimore Ravens displayed their ability to play with a top gun of the AFC on Monday night but also renewed an old habit of self-destructing at a critical point in the game.

The Ravens outplayed the Pittsburgh Steelers for most of the night, but a costly penalty and protection breakdowns in the third quarter ultimately led to a 23-20 defeat in overtime at Heinz Field on Monday night.

Santonio Holmes' 38-yard touchdown catch followed by LaMarr Woodley's 7-yard fumble return for a touchdown turned the Ravens' 13-3 lead into a 17-13 deficit in only 15 seconds during the third quarter, but rookie quarterback Joe Flacco led the Baltimore offense to a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to force the extra period.

The Ravens failed to muster any points on the opening drive of overtime before Pittsburgh kicker Josh Reed kicked the game-winning 46-yard field goal.

Despite the disappointing loss, the Ravens' impressive performance showed a national audience that their previous wins against the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns were no flukes.

Here is a final look at the Ravens' overtime loss in Pittsburgh.

The Good

Derrick Mason

Mason continues to be Flacco's main target in the passing game, accumulating 137 yards on eight receptions. The pair connected for several key first-down receptions throughout the night.

A questionable incomplete call in the first quarter wiped out a potential 15-yard touchdown. Replays showed that Mason appeared to get both feet inbounds and control the ball, but head coach John Harbaugh decided not to challenge the ruling. Matt Stover later kicked a 33-yard field goal on the drive.

Unlike past seasons, Mason is gaining more yardage after the catch, breaking tackles and even throwing an occasional stiff arm. With the lack of production from the other receivers, Mason has developed a strong chemistry with the rookie Flacco.

Sam Koch

The punter had a 47.4 average and placed two punts inside the 20, giving the Ravens the edge in field position for much of the night. Koch is getting good hang time on his punts, allowing the coverage team to get down field and neutralize the return.

His only blemish came in the third quarter when he shanked a 27-yard punt to give better field position to the Pittsburgh offense on their own 33-yard line. Pittsburgh eventually scored their first touchdown on the ensuing drive.

First-Half Defense

The defensive unit played very well for most of the night but was especially dominant in the first half. The Ravens allowed only 46 yards of total offense in the first half, as defenders were able to pressure quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the secondary provided strong coverage.

The front seven allowed very little room to run and controlled the line of scrimmage.

Corey Ivy, Terrell Suggs, and Trevor Pryce each accumulated a sack in the first half. Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata intercepted a Roethlisberger pass to swing the field-position battled and lead to the Ravens' first points of the game.

Ray Lewis

Critics continue to insist that Lewis has lost a step from his best years, but any steps that he may have lost have been replaced with a higher football intellect and tremendous instincts.

Lewis was all over the field, accumulating 13 tackles to lead the Ravens' defense. He also had two key tackles on the goal line to hold Pittsburgh to a field goal in the fourth quarter and give the offense the opportunity to tie the game in the closing minutes.

At 33-years old, Lewis is still one of the best defensive players in the game and continues to lead a ferocious Baltimore defense.

Joe Flacco

Despite Flacco's two fumbles in the third quarter, the rookie refused to wilt and displayed strong composure in his first road game against the Ravens' biggest rival. Few could have expected such a strong performance by Flacco in his first road start in a hostile environment such as Heinz Field.

Many young quarterbacks would have folded in the aftermath of the disastrous third quarter, but Flacco rebounded to lead the offense to a touchdown in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter to tie the game.

Flacco still needs to improve in protecting the football, as his second fumble could have been avoided by tucking the ball away.

The moves he displayed in buying time and completing a 26-yard pass to Mason in the third quarter should silence any questions about his mobility. Unlike many young quarterbacks, Flacco keeps his eyes downfield as he scrambles instead of simply tucking the ball and looking to run.

He and Mason are quickly becoming an impressive passing duo.

The Bad

Return Unit

The kick and punt return teams failed to provide any spark throughout the night. The units failed to provide any seams to spring returner Yamon Figurs. Figurs also fumbled a punt in the second quarter but was able to recover.

In overtime, a holding penalty negated Figurs' return to the Baltimore 48 and moved the offense back to their own 15. Not only did this spoil the Ravens' opening drive of the extra period, but it also allowed Pittsburgh to control the field position and win the game with a 46-yard field goal on their next drive.

With the Ravens lacking explosive playmakers on offense, the return teams need to provide more of a spark than they did against Pittsburgh. One or two big returns could have put the Ravens in better position to win the game.

Tackling

Although the defense turned in a strong overall performance, the unit needs to improve its tackling. On Holmes' touchdown reception in the third quarter, defensive backs Chris McAlister and Ed Reed missed tackles that could have prevented the receiver from scoring.

Safety Jim Leonhard, starting for the injured Dawan Landry, missed a tackle in overtime that allowed Pittsburgh to move closer for the winning field goal. Safety Tom Zbikowski and linebacker Bart Scott also missed opportunities to sack Roethlisberger.

Adam Terry

While other members of the offensive line such as Jared Gaither struggled with protection in the second half, Terry allowed a sack while lining up on the left side and allowed pressure from Woodley that led to Flacco's second fumble of the third quarter.

Terry needs to sure up his pass blocking, or the coaching staff will look to veteran Willie Anderson to take his spot at right tackle.

Deep Passing Game

Though Flacco has built a strong chemistry with Mason, the Ravens' passing offense needs more explosive downfield plays with receivers Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams. Neither receiver has been able to create much separation or make plays on deep balls.

Flacco needs to get his deep throws away much sooner and has to break the habit of throwing flat-footed on some deeper passes. His arm strength is an obvious strength, but he needs to use it more effectively.

Opposing defenses will continue to creep up to the line of scrimmage and stack more defenders in the box if the offense is unable to stretch the field.

Where is Todd Heap? The Ravens' tight end has virtually disappeared, though he stayed in to block on many max protection formations.

The Ugly

Lack of Discipline

Much like recent seasons, the Ravens continued to hurt themselves with critical extracurricular penalties after the play.

The most critical penalty came in the third quarter when linebacker Jarret Johnson shoved Hines Ward on the sideline, drawing a 15-yard penalty and pushing the struggling Steelers' offense into Ravens' territory. Three plays later, Roethlisberger connected with Holmes for the score, swinging the momentum in Pittsburgh's favor.

Penalties are part of the game and are easier to swallow when they take place during play, but the Ravens' lack of discipline continues to hurt them in big games. While Johnson is a classy player who simply lost his cool during the heat of the moment, the mistake ultimately led to the series of events that caused the Ravens to lose the lead and, ultimately, the game.

Linebacker Antwan Barnes was also flagged for a personal foul on the Steelers' first drive of the game. The penalty offset a Pittsburgh penalty that would have turned a 3rd and 3 situation into a more difficult 3rd and 8. Pittsburgh converted the play, leading to the eventual field goal.

Special teams’ standout Brendon Ayanbadejo earned an unnecessary roughness penalty, pushing a Ravens' punt return from their own 33-yard line to the 18.

Harbaugh was extremely unhappy with these penalties and will be sure to repeat the importance of discipline, both during and after the play, to his players.

Ravens Roll Over Browns with Second Half Surge

2008-09-23T22:38:00.005-04:00

The more things change, the more they stay the same for the Baltimore Ravens.

With a new coach and a new quarterback, the Ravens (2-0) continue to win with a frightening defense and a dominant running game after a 28-10 victory over the division-rival Cleveland Browns (0-3) on Sunday.

The Ravens trailed 10-7 at the half but turned two Derrick Anderson interceptions into 14 points in less than a minute to claim a commanding 21-10 lead early in the third quarter.

The offense used a bruising running game to dominate a tired Cleveland defense to close out the victory.

Here’s a final look at the Ravens’ convincing win as they assume first place in the AFC North.

The Good

Ball Control

Much as they did against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, the offense dominated the time of possession by a margin of over 15 minutes. The Ravens controlled the ball an astounding 13:18 to the Browns’ 1:42 in the fourth quarter. This is a formula for overwhelming success in the NFL. It will keep a dominant, but veteran-heavy, defense fresh as the season progresses.

Running Backs

Running backs Willis McGahee, Le’Ron McClain, and Ray Rice wore down the Cleveland defense in the second half. The trio combined for 157 yards on 37 carries.

McGahee looked impressive in his first live-game action of the year. Coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordination Cam Cameron hinted that McGahee would see limited action, but he carried 15 times and was a focal point of the offensive game plan.

McClain continues to be the bruising back that wears down the opposing defense. He has deceptive speed and runs with a downhill style that opposing defenders hate to challenge. McClain’s second touchdown of the third quarter slammed the door on Cleveland’s hope for a comeback. Cameron’s decision to use McClain is much like a manager using the closer in baseball, finishing off the opposition and sealing the victory.

Rice carried only five times but was a good complement to the more bruising styles of McGahee and McClain.

Veteran fullback Lorenzo Neal continued to make the tough blocks and has been a welcome addition to the Ravens’ physical style of play on offense. When lined up in the same backfield, the combination of Neal and McClain is a frightening tandem to face.

Offensive Line

The offensive line that struggled heavily during training camp and the preseason schedule has morphed into a strength in the first two games of the season.

Four of the five starters are new or playing a different position from last season. Offensive lines historically need time to gel as a collective unit, and this line appears to be moving in that direction.

The interior line of Ben Grubbs, Jason Brown, and Marshal Yanda was projected to play well, but the dominating play of tackles Jared Gaither and Adam Terry has been surprising.

Cameron even used veteran Willie Anderson as an extra tackle in some offensive sets. This sends a strong message to opposing teams that the Ravens are going to run and are daring the other team to stop them.

The group controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the game and allowed only one sack of quarterback Joe Flacco. Standout defensive tackle Shaun Rogers made four insignificant tackles for the Cleveland defense and caused little disruption.

The offensive line figures only to improve as Anderson continues to work his way into the rotation more frequently.

Ed Reed

Despite the pain of a nerve impingement in his shoulder and neck, Ed Reed provided the big play as he has so many times throughout his career. Reed read a Derek Anderson pass perfectly to intercept a pass and return it the other way for a 32-yard touchdown, giving the Ravens a 21-10 lead in the third quarter.

Reed appeared to know what was coming, as he broke on the route before Anderson even released the pass intended for Steve Heiden.

Jim Leonhard

Filling in to return punts and kicks for the injured Yamon Figurs, Leonhard performed admirably; averaging 26.0 yards per return on three kick returns and returning a punt for 21 yards.

What Leonhard did not expect was having to replace the injured Dawan Landry at safety late in the first half. Leonhard sacked Anderson and played well in pass coverage.

The signing of Leonhard was considered an afterthought when the organization drafted safeties Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura, but Leonhard has emerged as a strong complementary player in the Ravens’ pass defense.

Leonhard may lack the physical presence of Landry or the playmaking ability of Reed, but he fits the profile of a strong blue-collar role player for the Baltimore defense. He won’t astonish you, but he’ll help you win some football games.

Terrell Suggs

Suggs sacked Anderson twice on his way to a big day. He gave tackle Joe Thomas trouble throughout the day, providing consistent pressure on Anderson.

Suggs has definitely benefited from the return of Trevor Pryce, as opposing offenses cannot devote double-teams to Suggs as often.

Special Teams

In addition to Leonhard’s returns, the special teams came up big throughout the game. The directional kicking of Matt Stover and punter Sam Koch limited the dangerous returner Josh Cribbs to only 76 yards on three kick returns and two punt returns. Cribs destroyed the Ravens’ special teams in two games last season.

John Harbaugh

Harbaugh continued to impress the home crowd with his fearless decision-making. The offense converted two fourth downs, including a 4th and 2 from the Cleveland 49 in the first quarter. Harbaugh also won his first challenge of the season, overturning a Rice fumble in the fourth quarter.

Harbaugh makes observers forget he’s a rookie coach with his confident decision-making and attention to detail. The players appear to be buying into his program, given the early success.

The Bad

Frank Walker

After a rough preseason, Walker continued to draw the disdain of the Baltimore crowd for his personal foul in the third quarter.

Walker appeared to be talking trash to the Cleveland offense, but he really should focus on improving his play in the secondary.

To his credit, Walker is a strong special teams player.

Joe Flacco

While Flacco moved the offense effectively for much of the game, he threw two interceptions and had another negated by a defensive holding penalty.

Flacco’s first interception came in the first quarter when he failed to see linebacker D’Qwell Jackson dropping into coverage, a mistake every rookie quarterback has made at some point. The key will be whether Flacco learns from the mistake and does not repeat it.

His second interception came in the second quarter on a long pass intended for Derrick Mason. The gadget play was too slow developing, and Flacco should have thrown the ball away instead of throwing into heavy coverage. Neither interception resulted in Cleveland points.

While the Ravens are currently relying heavily on the running game, Flacco will eventually need to make more plays with his arm. He was unable to throw to a wide-open Todd Heap on one play, but he did not have many opportunities to throw in the second half, as the Ravens controlled the game on the ground.

Despite the interceptions, Flacco continued to show confidence and an ability to operate Cameron’s offensive system. Considering he was a rookie making his second career start, his performance was not as bad as it looked statistically.

The Ugly

Dawan Landry’s Injury

The only real damper on an otherwise thrilling game was the neck injury to Landry in the closing moments of the first half. After his helmet made contact with Cleveland running back Jamal Lewis’ knee, Landry was motionless on the ground for several minutes as a silent crowd at M&T Bank Stadium looked on.

The scene was quite scary as several Ravens and Browns knelt in prayer as medical personnel tended to Landry.

Luckily, Landry only sustained a spinal concussion and had movement in all extremities after the game. He is expected to return this season, according to Harbaugh. Though Leonhard filled in nicely in the second half, the defense will miss Landry’s physical presence in the secondary.

"Rantin' and Raven" - Week 1

2008-09-09T23:27:00.000-04:00

In addition to providing “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” for each game (which will return next week after a brief hiatus), I bring to you a new weekly piece, offering analysis with a fan’s touch, called “Rantin’ and Raven.”

Here's a final look at the Ravens' 17-10 victory over Cincinnati.

Ray-Ray

Ray Lewis’ pre-game dance to the Nelly song “Hot in Herre” creates unparalleled electricity in M&T Bank Stadium that is sustained through the opening minutes of the game. Despite the critics that say it’s self-promotion and is a distraction for the rest of the team, no one can deny its profound effect on the home crowd.

Lewis’ moves and swagger may not be loved by everyone, but the end result of a frenzied crowd and a stronger home-field advantage is a major plus.

Black Birds

The new look of wearing black pants, in addition to the white jerseys that have previously been worn in early-season home games, was a sharp, menacing way to ring in a new era of Baltimore football.

Old-School

The Baltimore defense, decimated by injuries last season, proved it still has the personnel to dominate even the best of offenses in the NFL. The unit was relentless in all aspects of the game and made a talented Cincinnati offense look like the “Bungles” of the past.

Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan’s schemes are as complex and confusing to opposing offenses as any in the league. Ryan employed packages that sometimes included eight defensive backs and even exotic looks such as linebacker Terrell Suggs lining up at corner to bump Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson (or Chad Ocho Cinco or The Artist formerly known as Number 85 or whatever he’s calling himself this week).

Rumbling Raven

Fullback Le’Ron McClain runs with a downhill style reminding fans of Bam Morris (and unlike Morris, McClain’s not running from the law) or even the hated Jerome Bettis in his early days.

McClain’s running in the fourth quarter was the nail in the coffin for a Cincinnati team that completely quit or had never really shown up, depending on who you ask.

Veteran Lorenzo Neal’s influence may be able to transform McClain into one of the best fullbacks in the league.

Joe Cool

Joe Flacco looked as calm as any quarterback seen in Baltimore since the days of Johnny Unitas and Bert Jones.

While no one knows how good Flacco will eventually be, his calm demeanor has a soothing effect on a team that would otherwise be holding its breath with a rookie at the helm.

The sight of Lewis encouraging Flacco and the rookie staring back at him confidently was a stirring image.

Heeeeaaaappp (Eeeeek?)

Todd Heap had one of his worst games in recent memory, losing a fumble in the first quarter and dropping a touchdown pass in the second.

Heap needs to get more reps in practice to improve his timing with Flacco and get back into game-playing shape. Once this happens, Flacco and the Ravens will once again have a dangerous red zone option to utilize.

F-16 becomes A.D. the II?

Yamon Figurs is known for his return ability but is quickly becoming a force on the coverage units.

Figurs has the potential to become the team’s best punt team gunner since Adalius Thomas made the Pro Bowl in 2003 as a special teams player.

He has blazing speed and continues to improve his tackling every week.

Déjà Vu?

When running back Ray Rice put the ball on the ground, and Cincinnati's Johnathan Joseph scooped it up for a 65-yard touchdown, Ravens fans could not help but think back to last season and the many debacles that plagued a 5-11 season.

The play cut the Ravens’ lead to 17-10 with over 10 minutes to play in the game.

Was the start of the 2008 season going to look exactly like 2007?

The suffocating defense and the punishing running game clearly answered that question and put the fears to rest. Cincinnati didn’t threaten again.

Offense Offensive, Nevermore?

Though it only managed to score 17 points, the Baltimore offense played with good tempo and confidence.

The double-reverse call that led to a 42-yard touchdown run by wide receiver Mark Clayton was executed brilliantly with a key block by Flacco to spring him.

The no-huddle offense kept the Cincinnati defense from substituting and maintained a quicker pace than what was typically seen in the past.

It will be interesting to see what offensive coordinator Cam Cameron does with this offense as Flacco continues to grow into the system.

Wacko for Flacco

The rhythmic chants of “Let’s Go, Flacco” echoing from nearly 71,000 fans symbolically marked the beginning of Flacco’s reign. It was difficult to listen to the chants without thinking this could be the start of something special in Baltimore.

Will Flacco be the next Johnny Unitas? That’s an unfair and unreasonable question to ask of anyone.

But maybe, he’ll be the man to stop the revolving door of quarterbacks that has plagued this franchise since its beginning.

Time will tell, but the crowd’s display of love was enough to get even the most skeptical fan excited about the debut of Baltimore Joe.

Ravens Stare into Uncertain Future: 2008 Season Preview

2008-09-02T23:47:00.001-04:00

The Baltimore Ravens begin the 2008 season with the same theme resonating wherever they look. Uncertainty.

From new head coach John Harbaugh’s effect on a veteran-laden team to the health of free safety Ed Reed, the Ravens face many questions and can provide few answers as they prepare for the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7.

Will Harbaugh be able to turn around a team that finished 5-11 a year ago and seemingly tuned out former coach Brian Billick?

Can rookie quarterback Joe Flacco help improve the offense and become the franchise quarterback the team has lacked in its 13-year history?

Will Reed’s injured shoulder prevent him from leading an aging secondary that battled injuries last season and finished 20^th in passing defense?

Despite these questions, the Ravens believe they are much more like the team that finished 13-3 in 2006 than the injury-plagued group that collapsed last season.

The AFC North looks to be a competitive division in which a 9-7 or 10-6 record could potentially win the division crown.

One thing is certain. The Ravens are a team in transition as the defense continues to age and the offense must overcome the retirement of left tackle Jonathan Ogden.

More changes are likely to come, as several veterans will be free agents after the season, including Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Terrell Suggs, and Kyle Boller.

The team’s veterans will play with a sense of urgency, as they see their window for winning a championship continuing to fade. The Ravens will try to prove the window has not already closed by making another playoff push.

Here is a look at the 2008 Baltimore Ravens.

Coaching

Harbaugh brings a passion and intensity that had been missing from the coaching staff in recent years. His enthusiasm for football was apparent to his players from the moment he was hired.

Veterans faced a more difficult training camp and had to stay in Westminster instead of being able to commute, departures from what the players experienced under Billick.

The early reviews on Harbaugh have been positive, but how the team responds to adversity during the season remains to be seen.

In addition to lacking head coaching experience, Harbaugh never held an offensive or defensive coordinator position, the common progression for most head coaches. Harbaugh made the jump to head coach after being the secondary coach for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2007 and spending the nine previous seasons as the Eagles’ special teams coach.

With his own inexperience in mind, Harbaugh hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron as his offensive coordinator. Cameron will try to improve an offense that has chronically finished in the lower half of the league for much of the team’s existence. Harbaugh hopes that Cameron can bring production to the Baltimore offense much like he did with the San Diego Chargers a few seasons ago.

Once again, Rex Ryan will call the defensive signals after choosing to remain with the organization despite being passed over for the head coaching position. Ryan is known for his complex, blitz-heavy schemes that cause confusion to opposing offenses.

Quarterback

The Ravens entered training camp expecting the veteran Boller or second-year player Troy Smith to seize the starting quarterback position while the first-round pick Flacco would be brought along slowly as he learns the offense.

These plans changed dramatically in an Aug. 23 game against the St. Louis Rams when Flacco was given the emergency start, with Boller nursing a shoulder injury and Smith suffering from a viral infection.

Flacco played with confidence and did not turn the ball over in the team’s final two preseason games. This caused Harbaugh to name him the starting quarterback.

Flacco has great size, standing at 6’6”, and a strong throwing arm. The coaching staff is impressed with his intelligence and calm demeanor in the huddle

The biggest question will be his ability to adjust to the speed of the NFL after spending his college career at the University of Delaware, an FCS (Division 1-AA) school.

Cameron will likely implement a conservative game plan to nurture Flacco’s development and allow him to continue growing into the offense. Flacco looked most comfortable using three-step drops and throwing quicker passes in the preseason.

Depth is a major concern, as Boller could miss the entire season with a partially torn labrum and Smith continues to recover from illness.

The Ravens looked to sign a veteran to use as the backup quarterback until Smith returns to form.

The quarterback position will continue to be an area of concern until Flacco can prove that he is ready to lead the offense. The coaching staff will ask Flacco to manage the offense and protect the football as he enters the season as the starter.

Running Back

Starter Willis McGahee (1,207 rushing yards in 2007) missed the entire preseason after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery and remains a question mark for opening day.

The new coaching staff was disappointed with his absence from off-season activities and his struggles with learning the new offensive system.

These circumstances have led to the emergence of rookie Ray Rice as a viable threat in the offense.

Rice had an impressive career at Rutgers, leading the Ravens to draft him in the second round.

Standing only 5’8”, Rice presents a problem to opposing defenses as he often seems to disappear behind offensive linemen while he finds the hole.

Starting fullback Le’Ron McClain was a bigger part of the offense in the preseason and will occasionally be used at tailback with veteran Lorenzo Neal lining up in front of him in a big-back set.

The experienced Neal will also act as a mentor to the younger McClain.

The Ravens will need to have a strong rushing attack to support the inexperienced Flacco.

Wide Receiver

The wide receiving unit is led by veteran Derrick Mason (103 catches and 1,087 yards in 2007). While Mason is not a deep threat, he remains one of the best possession receivers in the league. Flacco looked his way regularly in the preseason and will need his consistent production.

Starting opposite of Mason, Mark Clayton hopes to rebound from a disappointing 2007 season in which he did not score a touchdown. Much like Mason, Clayton lacks size and breakaway speed.

The offense will look to Demetrius Williams to be the deep threat in the passing game. Williams has good size at 6’2” and shows good speed in deep routes. He will need to remain healthy, as a sore Achilles’ tendon sidelined him for most of the preseason.

Rookie Marcus Smith showed promise in the preseason but needs to catch the football more consistently to make an impact.

The Ravens lack a big-play receiver and need production from receivers other than just Mason. Clayton has failed to live up to expectations after being the team’s first-round pick in 2005.

The receivers will need to show more consistency since the team lacks an experienced quarterback.

Tight End

Heap continues to struggle to remain on the field. He missed most of last season with a torn hamstring and was slowed by a sore calf during training camp.

Heap is still capable of being one of the top tight ends in the league.

Flacco will desperately need Heap to anchor the short passing game and provide a security blanket for the rookie quarterback.

Dan Wilcox is still feeling the effects from off-season toe surgery but is ready to go for the start of the season. His versatility is useful, as he can line up at tight end or in the backfield as an H-back.

Converted linebacker Edgar Jones will be the third tight end and is an intriguing story. Jones possesses good speed and blocked well after moving to tight end during the preseason.

Offensive Line

Replacing a future Hall of Fame tackle is never an enviable position, but Jared Gaither will attempt to fill Ogden’s large shoes at left tackle.

Gaither has great size (6’9” and 330 pounds), but his work ethic and immaturity are concerns. In addition, Gaither missed most of training camp with an ankle injury.

Starting at right tackle will be veteran Adam Terry. Mostly backing up Ogden at left tackle the past few seasons, there are questions as to whether Terry can play on the right side.

Like Gaither, Terry was slowed by an ankle injury in training camp after undergoing surgery on the same ankle in the off-season.

The interior line looks strong with second-year players Ben Grubbs and Marshal Yanda lining up at left and right guard respectively.

Grubbs was the team’s first round pick a year ago, and Yanda plays with a mean streak.

The team’s most consistent offensive lineman is center Jason Brown. Brown moves from guard to center, where he played in college.

Brown will need to show more leadership after the retirement of Ogden and the departure of long-time center Mike Flynn.

Defensive Line

The starting defensive line is as good as any other in the AFC.

Trevor Pryce missed most of 2007 with injuries and is key to the team’s pass rush. The coaching staff is hopeful that Pryce can regain his 2006 form when he led the team with 13 sacks.

Nose tackle Kelly Gregg continues to be a productive player that goes unnoticed around the league.

Gregg underwent arthroscopic knee surgery during training camp, so his status at the beginning of the season remains uncertain. However, Gregg’s health is not expected to be a long-term concern.

Haloti Ngata is one of the most dominating tackles in the league, often taking on two blockers and protecting the inside linebacker Lewis. Ngata suffered a sprained knee in training camp but returned for the final preseason game.

Ngata should receive strong consideration for the Pro Bowl.

Backups Justin Bannan and Marques Douglas provide solid depth and are strong against the run.

The health of Gregg and Ngata is a concern entering the season, but if they prove to be 100 percent, the defensive line will be one of the team’s strongest units.

Linebacker

Linebacker is easily the team’s best unit and has strong depth from top to bottom.

As usual, Lewis is the heart and soul of the linebacker corps and the entire defense. While Lewis has lost a step or two from his best years earlier in the decade, he is still one of the better inside linebackers in the league.

Next to Lewis on the inside is Scott, hoping to rebound from a disappointing 2007 campaign.

Scott exploded onto the scene in 2006, posting 9.5 sacks and earning a trip to the Pro Bowl but struggled last season after the departure of linebacker Adalius Thomas.

Lewis and Scott are both in the final year of their contracts, so they will be looking to earn a big payday with strong performances this season. The team will likely only be able to afford one, so Scott could be moving on after the season.

Outside linebacker Suggs is the team’s franchise player. Suggs skipped training camp after receiving the franchise tag but reported to camp in time to play in the final two preseason games.

Suggs is depending on Pryce to remain healthy and take away double-teams that Suggs routinely faced last season, limiting him to only five sacks.

The starting unit’s most unheralded player is dependable veteran Jarret Johnson. Johnson is one of the team’s most consistent tacklers.

The Ravens have quality backups on the inside with Nick Greisen, rookie Tavares Gooden, and special teams ace Brendon Ayanbadejo.

Antwan Barnes and Jameel McClain will provide good speed as backups on the outside.

A name to remember is the third tight end Jones, who could be moved back to linebacker if injuries become a reality at linebacker.

Cornerback

While the Ravens possess well-known names in veterans Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle, cornerback is an area of concern entering the season.

McAlister and Rolle are both on the wrong side of 30 and were slowed by injuries last season. McAlister’s injured knee continues to be a concern, as he missed large portions of training camp due to continued swelling.

The Ravens acquired Fabian Washington from the Oakland Raiders during April’s draft and will look for him to be the team’s third corner. Washington could challenge Rolle for his starting position as the season progresses.

Veterans Corey Ivy and Frank Walker struggled in the preseason as injuries forced them into the starting lineup.

Ivy is better suited to play the nickel position, and Walker is slow in reacting to the ball.

Derrick Martin started three games in 2007 and grabbed two interceptions. He figures to earn more playing time should Ivy and Walker continue to struggle.

Cornerback will continue to be an area of concern with Rex Ryan’s tendency to use blitz packages that leave the secondary in one-on-one situations.

Safety

Free safety Reed is the team’s best player, but serious concerns remain over his status for the entire season. A nerve impingement in his neck and shoulder continues to limit him in practice.

Reed has not been cleared for live contact by the medical staff. The Ravens and Reed continue to be in a holding pattern, waiting for his shoulder to improve.

Reed has told media that the injury could eventually require surgery that would potentially end his career, but this is only being discussed as an option several years from now.

The absence of Reed will severely hinder the defense’s ability to defend the pass, as Reed is known for his instincts to read the quarterback and create turnovers.

The coaching staff will continue to hold their breath and hope that Reed is able to return to the field as soon as possible.

Veteran newcomer Jim Leonhard played well in the preseason and is expected to start in Reed’s place in the early stages of the season.

Starting at strong safety will again be Dawan Landry. Landry improved his strength and speed in the off-season and will be counted upon to hold more responsibility with the absence of Reed.

Rookies Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura played well in the preseason and figure to be strong contributors on special teams.

Both players seem to have a sixth sense for finding the football and making plays.

The selection of these two in April’s draft looks even better with the unclear status of Reed.

Special Teams

With Harbaugh’s reputation for strong special teams in Philadelphia, the Ravens expect to have good coverage units.

Ayanbadejo was signed to lead the special teams, leading the team to release veteran linebacker Gary Stills.

Zbikowski, Nakamura, and Leonhard also showed strong ability on kick coverage in the preseason.

Return man Yamon Figurs is a threat to take the football all the way as long as he is able to catch it consistently.

Figurs possesses explosive speed, and the Ravens will count on him to give the offense better field position.

The reliable veteran Matt Stover will once again be the team’s kicker. Stover may not have much range beyond 47 yards, but he is still one of the better kickers in the league from inside that distance.

Stover struggles to get distance on kickoffs, so the team signed Steven Hauschka to aid in this area if the roster flexibility will allow it.

Punter Sam Koch punted very well in the preseason, specifically with punts inside the 20. He will be counted upon to provide favorable field position for the defense.

Matt Katula is one of the league’s most reliable long snappers.

How the Ravens will make the playoffs…

Flacco blossoms in his first year, managing the game effectively and posting similar numbers to Ben Roethlisberger’s rookie season for Pittsburgh in 2004.
The defense returns to its dominant form of a couple seasons ago, and Reed and McAlister return to lead the secondary.
McGahee and Rice become the Baltimore version of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, providing a dominant running game for the offense.

How the Ravens will miss the playoffs…

The secondary battles injuries throughout the season, and the defense struggles to get off the field on third down.
The offensive line fails to protect Flacco consistently, and the rookie struggles in his first season in the league.
Heap, Clayton, and Williams are unable to provide the big-play ability needed to pump life into the passing attack and aid in Flacco’s development.

Outlook: 6-10, 3rd place in the AFC North

The Ravens will have a difficult time moving the football with an inexperienced quarterback in the rookie Flacco. The organization hoped to refrain from playing Flacco early in the season, but injuries have forced him into the starting role.

In addition, the inexperience at offensive tackle creates doubt in the offensive line's ability to provide sufficient protection for Flacco.

McGahee and Rice will have to carry the load offensively, as the team lacks the big-play receivers necessary to scare opposing defenses.

While the defense can still be a dominant unit, the health problems of McAlister and Reed leave the secondary very unstable.

Ryan may have to refrain from blitzing as much as he would like to provide more help to the secondary.

The defensive line will need to provide more pressure on the quarterback than they did a season ago.

Overall, the Ravens simply lack the offensive talent and depth in the secondary to pose a serious threat in the competitive AFC North.

A brutal road schedule, with games at Indianapolis, the New York Giants, Dallas, and division rivals Cleveland and Pittsburgh, will prevent the Ravens from making the playoffs.

The Ravens are likely looking at a 6-10 season, as the team will look to acquire younger talent at several positions, including defensive end, cornerback, and wide receiver, following the season.

The Ravens will take some positives from the 2008 season as Flacco will continue to improve as the season progresses and other rookies such as Rice will make strong contributions.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Ravens vs. St. Louis

2008-08-24T18:35:00.000-04:00

The Baltimore Ravens received a glimpse into their promising future despite a 24-10 loss to the St. Louis Rams on Saturday night.

After a viral illness sidelined starter Troy Smith, rookie Joe Flacco received the emergency start. Though Flacco struggled with accuracy, he performed better than any other quarterback in the team’s first two preseason games.

While the coaching staff is still expected to go with either Smith or veteran Kyle Boller, Flacco has at least thrown his name into the discussion of who will be the starting quarterback against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7.

Here is a breakdown of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for Preseason Week 3.

The Good

Tom Zbikowski

The rookie safety continued to impress on special teams and in the secondary. Zbikowski blocked a punt in the first quarter that led to a Matt Stover 22-yard field goal.

Zbikowski also showed his cover skills by breaking nicely for the ball on an interception in the fourth quarter.

With the unclear status of Ed Reed’s injured shoulder, the Ravens have to keep Zbikowski, Haruki Nakamura, and Jim Leonhard on the roster as all three contribute on special teams and show solid play in the secondary.

Joe Flacco

After learning that Flacco would make the emergency start due to Smith’s illness and Kyle Boller’s sore shoulder, Ravens fans braced themselves for a disastrous result.

Flacco performed admirably despite learning he would get the start only hours before kickoff. He went 18-37 for 151 yards and a touchdown, a 15-yard throw to Derrick Mason in the third quarter. Unlike Boller and Smith in their starts, Flacco did not turn the ball over.

Flacco gained confidence and looked more comfortable in the second half. He was most effective using three-step drops where he was able to release the ball quickly. He also showed enough mobility to avoid the pass rush on several occasions.

He struggled with accuracy, completing less than half of his attempts. Flacco threw several passes high or too hard. He also needs to remember to throw the ball away instead of trying to force throws to covered receivers.

His overall performance surpassed any previous work by Boller or Smith in the preseason. This is probably more a reflection on how ineffective the two veterans have been than a compliment to Flacco.

While Flacco needs to continue to improve and mature as an NFL quarterback, he definitely showed glimpses of why the Ravens selected him with the 18^th pick in April's draft.

Flacco’s performance will at least force coaches to consider accelerating his learning curve, especially if Smith and Boller continue to struggle when the regular season begins.

Derrick Mason

The Ravens lack a receiver that can stretch the field, but Mason is still one of the best possession receivers in the league. He and Flacco showed impressive timing on several sideline routes.

Mason caught six passes for 85 yards and the touchdown from Flacco.

Mason is the only consistent receiving threat in this offense until Todd Heap can show he is healthy.

Special Teams

The special teams continue to shine despite the struggles of both the offense and defense.

Sam Koch punted for an average of 49.9 yards per kick, pinning three kicks inside the 20. His new form of kicking the point of the ball rugby-style on shorter kicks has been very effective in the preseason.

Yamon Figurs continued to show improvement and nearly broke his first kickoff return for a touchdown if he had been able to cut left at the last moment.

Matt Stover was able to get more distance on his kickoffs this week.

Coverage units continued to play strongly as many young players try to make the roster by contributing on special teams.

Le’Ron McClain

McClain led the Ravens on the ground with 41 yards on eight carries. He saw more time at tailback, showing good acceleration and some shifty moves for a big running back.

His emergence is significant with the uncertain status of Willis McGahee and the need to lighten the workload for rookie Ray Rice.

The Bad

Offense

Dealing with the chaotic quarterback situation, the offense struggled, only gaining 76 yards and three first downs in the first half.

Though the offense put together an impressive drive for a touchdown to start the second half, it failed to generate any big plays following that.

The offensive line did a fair job in protecting the inexperienced Flacco but were inconsistent in run blocking at times, gaining 70 yards on the ground for a 3.8 average per rush.

It is crucial for the offensive line to be strong in the running game with the lack of production from the quarterbacks and receivers.

Cam Cameron surprisingly called for Flacco to throw 37 passes instead of focusing on the ground game with an inexperienced quarterback in the lineup.

The Ravens lack talent on the offensive side of the football and desperately need the returns of Todd Heap and Willis McGahee to the starting lineup.

Defensive Line

Still missing starters Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata, this unit continued to show its lack of depth.

The defensive line was pushed around and failed to control the line of scrimmage for much of the night. J’Vonne Parker was able to get good penetration on several running plays but is too inconsistent to be considered as anything other than a rotation player.

Ronnie Prude

Prude had an opportunity to gain strong consideration for a roster spot with the absence of Derrick Martin, but likely played his way off the roster.

Prude missed tackles and was too slow in coverage throughout the game.

Corey Ivy

While Ivy defended a couple passes nicely, he continued to show why he is only effective in the nickel package.

He played too soft in coverage and lost his receiver several times when Rams quarterback Marc Bulger would pump-fake elsewhere and then throw his way.

The Ugly

Frank Walker

For the second straight week, Walker was torched repeatedly. He played too soft in coverage and was slow to react when the ball was in the air.

He allowed a touchdown pass in the second quarter and was called for pass interference and illegal contact.

If Walker is the best the organization has for cornerback depth, the coaching staff needs to pray that Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle can remain healthy this season, something that is unlikely to happen given their age and injury history.

Team Defense

For the second straight week, defensive coordinator Rex Ryan’s unit played poorly throughout the night. While still missing four starters, the return of Terrell Suggs and Samari Rolle seemed to have little impact on the first unit.

The defense came out flat from the beginning as the Rams drove down the field and kicked a 37-yard field goal.

The unit allowed 15 first downs and 250 yards of offense in the first half alone.

The blitz continued to be ineffective, leaving the depleted secondary even more vulnerable. The defensive line was unable to create pressure throughout the night.

Ryan will need to reconsider his game plan if McAlister and Reed continue to miss time with injuries, because the secondary needs as much help as it can get.

While the defense is still capable of being one of the better units in the league when all personnel is healthy, the uncertain status of Reed, McAlister, and Gregg leaves serious doubt.

Unlike the great defenses of the past, this team severely lacks depth on the defensive line and at cornerback.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Minnesota vs. Ravens

2008-08-17T20:19:00.000-04:00

On a night when Baltimore’s Michael Phelps made Olympic history in Beijing, the Ravens could only manage to create more questions in a 23-15 loss at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday.

The Ravens struggled from both sides of the ball and failed in coming any closer to finding a starting quarterback against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7. Troy Smith and Kyle Boller were both ineffective in moving the offense while the stout Baltimore defense that dominated New England a week ago struggled to keep the Vikings offense off the field.

Here is a breakdown of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for Preseason Week Two.

The Good

Ray Rice

Once again filling in for the injured Willis McGahee, Rice looked more comfortable in his second professional start. Rice finished with 77 yards on 8 carries, including a 6-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

Rice showed great field vision in recognizing the cutback lanes against the Minnesota defense. His 42-yard run was the highlight of the night for the mostly ineffective offense.

The offensive line deserves credit for opening some nice holes for Rice after failing to establish the run in last week’s game.

Haruki Nakamura

Nakamura continues to impress on special teams, finishing with 2 tackles on the kickoff team.

He also made a key third-down pass deflection in the second half. Nakamura has a keen ability to find the football and make plays.

Jarret Johnson

Johnson continues to show great hustle and improved speed, finishing with 2 tackles. Players like Johnson are critical for the Ravens to maintain their tradition of great defense.

Derrick Martin

Martin compensated for a rough outing against New England with a strong performance. He broke on the ball beautifully for a 22-yard interception return for a touchdown that got the Ravens back in the game in the fourth quarter.

Martin provided strong coverage in the second half, deflecting two other passes.

He strengthened his bid in making the roster as other members of the secondary struggled throughout the night.

Tom Zbikowski

Zbikowski played well in run support, making 3 tackles and registering a sack. Much like Nakamura, he shows an ability to find the football and make plays.

He did provide a scare in the fourth quarter when he failed to call a fair catch on a punt. Fortunately, he held onto the ball after taking a violent hit.

The Bad

Troy Smith

Smith failed to seize control of the quarterback competition by turning in an uneven performance.

While Smith showed good mobility by rushing for 35 yards, he looked uncomfortable throwing throughout the night. Smith only made 5 attempts but double-pumped on several occasions and failed to see a wide-open Derrick Mason on a play in the second quarter.

Smith and the offense were unable to get in a rhythm throughout the first half. His last play of the night was a pass thrown behind Mark Clayton that was intercepted by Darren Sharper.

This was not the standout performance that Smith or the Ravens were envisioning. In Smith's defense, the poor play of the defense didn’t really allow him or the offense to get many opportunities in the first half.

Antwan Barnes

Starting in place of Terrell Suggs, Barnes struggled to seal the outside on several running plays.

Barnes needs to play stronger instead of relying solely on speed, as he was pushed back into the defensive backfield on several plays in the first half.

Chad Slaughter

The left tackle started well but struggled as the game progressed. He completely whiffed on a block of Jared Allen even though Smith escaped for an 18-yard scramble in the second quarter.

Slaughter needs to improve his conditioning and play stronger. For the second game in a row, he was bull-rushed and pushed back into the quarterback, this time by Allen.

Slaughter played deep into the second half as coaches hope he can get into better football shape.

Oniel Cousins

The third-round pick continues to disappoint as he allowed Letroy Guion to clobber Kyle Boller for a sack.

Cousins also allowed a sack of Joe Flacco in the fourth quarter.

Kyle Boller

Boller completed his first 8 passes but for only 40 yards. He settled for short passes to secondary receivers and did not attempt to throw down the field.

Boller missed on his final 4 attempts after being hammered by Guion.

In typical Boller fashion, he threw into double coverage for an interception on his final attempt of the night.

While Boller was not horrible, he did nothing to stand out and take the lead in the quarterback competition after such a mediocre showing by Smith in the first half.

Joe Flacco

Flacco showed more poise in his second professional game, but he still needs to do a better job protecting the football. He fumbled twice on plays where an NFL quarterback should not lose the ball.

He seemed to settle down and get rid of the ball quicker after his first series.

Flacco showed some promise but is still a long way from starting for the Ravens.

The Ugly

Defense

Perhaps the only thing more troubling than the play of the quarterbacks was the poor performance by the defense. Still missing six starters, the defense failed to get pressure on the Minnesota quarterbacks throughout the game and defended the pass poorly.

In the first half, Minnesota was 7-10 on third down and accumulated 234 yards of offense, keeping the Ravens defense on the field.

The defense missed too many tackles, including ones by Antwan Barnes, Bart Scott, and Frank Walker.

The defense desperately needs cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle and safety Ed Reed to return to the lineup.

Frank Walker

The veteran cornerback was abused by the Minnesota offense the entire first half. He appeared a step slow in coverage and tackled poorly.

Walker also failed to look back for the ball when defending receivers on the sideline.

He may have played his way onto the bubble with this poor showing.

Miscommunication in the Secondary

Fabian Washington and Dawan Landry allowed a 23-yard touchdown pass to Martin Nance in the first quarter. Washington simply let Nance run by him, expecting deep help from Landry.

When Landry’s help did not come, it led to an easy touchdown for the Vikings on their opening drive.

Regardless of who was at fault, the miscommunication was eerily similar to the types of plays given up by the secondary in 2007.

In Loving Memory

2008-08-14T16:54:00.000-04:00

I ask for your thoughts and prayers for my family and me as we mourn the passing of my grandmother Reba Brothers. She was a very dedicated Orioles, Ravens, and Baltimore Colts fan who loved to watch and talk sports religiously. Always an Orioles optimist, she was pleased with the direction the Orioles are finally heading after so many years of losing. I will miss her dearly.

2008 Baltimore Ravens Roster Breakdown (as of August 13)

2008-08-12T18:53:00.000-04:00

As the Ravens prepare for their second preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday night, here is the roster breakdown. The high number of injuries has clouded the roster outlook in the last few weeks. Key injuries to tackles Jared Gaither and Adam Terry, running back Willis McGahee, defensive tackles Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata, cornerback Chris McAlister, and safety Ed Reed has caused the front office to search for added depth at certain positions. Listed in parentheses behind each position is the number of players the team would likely keep. Players no longer on the roster are listed as either CUT or I.R. (injured-reserve).

Quarterback (3)

LOCK: Kyle Boller, Joe Flacco, Troy Smith

BUBBLE: None

LONGSHOT: None

CUT: Brad Roach

Skinny: The quarterback competition is as uncertain now as it was in late July as Boller and Smith had uneven performances against New England. Hopefully, the picture becomes clearer when Smith gets the start against Minnesota.

Running Back (3)

LOCK: Willis McGahee, Ray Rice

BUBBLE: Alex Haynes, Allen Patrick, Corey Ross

LONGSHOT: None

I.R.: P.J. Daniels

Skinny: McGahee’s arthroscopic left knee surgery has thrown Rice into the starting tailback position for the time being. Coaches would really like to see a running back emerge from the pack to win the third running back spot. This becomes more critical has McGahee’s status for Week 1 remains unclear. The Ravens could conceivably carry a fourth running back depending on special teams play.

Fullback (2)

LOCK: Le’Ron McClain

BUBBLE: Lorenzo Neal

LONGSHOT: None

CUT: Justin Green, Jake Nordin

Skinny: In a surprise move, the Ravens cut Green and signed veteran Lorenzo Neal on August 12. Neal is very familiar with Cam Cameron’s offense dating back to their days with the San Diego Chargers. Neal will provide tutoring to the talented younger McClain. McClain was more involved in the offense in the first preseason game than he was at any point last season.

Tight End (3)

LOCK: Todd Heap, Daniel Wilcox

BUBBLE: Adam Bergen, Aaron Walker, Keith Weinrich

LONGSHOT: None

CUT: Lee Vickers

Skinny: Depth at tight end continues to be a major concern as Heap battles a nagging calf injury while Wilcox continues to recover from off-season toe surgery. Bergen blocked poorly against New England. The tight ends will need to be strong blockers given the Ravens’ uncertainty at the offensive tackle position.

Wide Receiver (6)

LOCK: Mark Clayton, Yamon Figurs (return specialist), Derrick Mason, Marcus Smith, Demetrius Williams

BUBBLE: Patrick Carter, Justin Harper, Darnerien McCants,

LONGSHOT: Kerry Reed, Ernie Wheelwright, Matt Willis

Skinny: Williams has battled a sore Achilles' tendon but figures to return soon. Smith has distanced himself from the field for a receiver spot. Harper has shown strong skills and is likely in control for the last receiver spot. The veteran McCants had a 30-yard reception but followed that with a drop inside the 5-yard line in the 2nd quarter against New England.

Offensive Linemen (9)

LOCK: Jason Brown, Chris Chester, Oniel Cousins, Jared Gaither, Ben Grubbs, Mike Kracalik, Adam Terry, Marshal Yanda

BUBBLE: David Hale, Chad Slaugther

LONGSHOT: Adrien Clarke, Adam Kraus, Joe Reitz, Isaiah Wiggins

CUT: Sean Dumford

Skinny: Tackle remains a desperate area of concern with Gaither and Terry missing most of camp with ankle injuries. The veteran Slaughter was signed to add depth but needs to improve his conditioning. The coaching staff has given Cousins more reps as the starting right tackle this week, so this is something to watch on Saturday.

Defensive Linemen (6)

LOCK: Justin Bannan, Dwan Edwards, Kelly Gregg, Haloti Ngata, Trevor Pryce

BUBBLE: Amon Gordon, J'Vonne Parker, Lorenzo Williams

LONGSHOT: Darrell Campbell, Kelly Talavou

Skinny: Gregg underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and will miss the remainder of the preseason. Ngata is recovering from a sprained MCL but is expected to return soon. Bannan and Edwards got great penetration working with the first unit against New England. Gordon, Parker, and Williams have all impressed at different times in the preseason.

Linebacker (9)

LOCK: Brendon Ayanbadejo, Antwan Barnes, Tavares Gooden, Nick Greisen, Jarret Johnson, Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Terrell Suggs

BUBBLE: Edgar Jones, Jameel McClain, Gary Stills

LONGSHOT: Dan Cody, Robert McCune, Terrence Melton

I.R.: Prescott Burgess

Skinny: The competition for linebacker continues to be close even after a fractured wrist landed Burgess on the injured-reserve list. Cody has missed most of training camp with an injured right foot, hurting his chances of earning a spot. The undrafted rookie free agent McClain's impressive play has earned him consideration for a roster spot.

Cornerback (5)

LOCK: Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle, Fabian Washington

BUBBLE: Corey Ivy, Derrick Martin, David Pittman, Frank Walker

LONGSHOT: Ronnie Prude

CUT: Anwar Phillips, Lenny Walls

Skinny: McAlister continues to miss time due to soreness in his right knee, an injury dating back to last season. Veterans Ivy and Walker played well against New England and have a slight edge over the younger cornerbacks on the roster.

Safety (4)

LOCK: Dawan Landry, Ed Reed

BUBBLE: Jim Leonhard, Haruki Nakamura, Tom Zbikowski

LONGSHOT: None

Skinny: Reed's left shoulder injury continues to be a major concern, as there are nerve-related issues. His status is uncertain for Week 1 of the regular season. The veteran Leonhard and the rookies Nakamura and Zbikowski all impressed in the preseason opener. Providing all three play well on special teams, the team could potentially carry five safeties, especially if Reed's shoulder does not improve.

Kicker (1)

LOCK: Matt Stover

BUBBLE: None

LONGSHOT: Piotr Czech

Skinny: Stover is clearly the man. Czech has a strong leg and could find a spot on the practice squad.

Punter (1)

LOCK: Sam Koch

BUBBLE: None

LONGSHOT: None

Skinny: Koch is the only punter in camp and has even practiced kicking a few field goals in case of an emergency situation.

Long Snapper (1)

LOCK: Matt Katula

BUBBLE: None

LONGSHOT: None

Skinny: Katula is one of the league's best long snappers.

Surprising Season Still Missing The Mark For Rebuilding Orioles

2008-08-10T00:08:00.000-04:00

By: Luke Jones

While the Tampa Bay Rays are the surprise of the American League East and all of Major League Baseball, a team trailing them by 13 games is quietly putting together a surprising season.

The last place Baltimore Orioles may be out of the playoff race in the competitive AL East, but their 56-59 record is far better than anyone expected at the start of the season. The club has thrilled fans with numerous comeback victories and entertained with characters such as Kevin Millar who created a humorous Orioles Magic video with other teammates. The video plays after every home victory.

If 2008 has been such an enjoyable year, then what's the problem in Baltimore?

Before Saturday night's 9-0 victory over the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, manager Dave Trembley posted a lineup with 8 players over the age of 30. With last week's injury to center fielder Adam Jones, the only regular under the age of 30 is right fielder Nick Markakis.

Despite claiming to be a rebuilding team, there is very little youth in the current starting lineup.

The Orioles called up outfielder Luis Montanez from Double-A Bowie to take Jones' place. Montanez, 26, was putting up sensational numbers in the Eastern League with a .335 average, 26 home runs, and 97 RBI.

The logical move would be to place Montanez in center field, or at least give him a regular spot in the lineup by rotating days off for several veteran players, right?

The problem is Montanez has only started once in four games.

Trembley explains Montanez needs to adjust to major league ballparks in order to play the outfield and points to his lack of experience in center field as the reason for veteran Jay Payton becoming the regular center fielder instead of Montanez.

While this may be completely reasonable and Montanez might be playing regularly soon, it also sounds like a familiar story from the Orioles. Despite their surprising season, Trembley fails to see the big picture in the organization's rebuilding effort.

Trembley is unquestionably loyal to his veteran players. While this is not a negative quality on most clubs, it is when a team needs to evaluate younger players for the future. The goal should be improving for the future, not to simply finish with a better record in 2008.

Though Montanez is not viewed as anything more than a potential fourth outfielder for next season, isn't now the time to see what he can do at the major league level? Montanez was playing for a possible Triple Crown in the Eastern League when he was brought to the big club. His numbers not only demanded a promotion but also a regular opportunity to play.

Montanez may not be able to play center field, but Trembley should stop worrying about stepping on the toes of veterans such as Melvin Mora, Payton, and Millar and shuffle the lineup to give Montanez regular starts in left field or at designated hitter.

Unfortunately, Orioles fans have seen this too many times.

Past managers such as Mike Hargrove and Sam Perlozzo were often criticized for their refusal to play younger players over veterans late in the season when the club was out of contention. It appears that Trembley is falling into the same trap.

Last season, the team refused to give regular playing time to young players such as Jon Knott and J.R. House. While these players are no longer with the organization, they were never really given an opportunity to stick with the club.

Earlier this year, infielder Oscar Salazar was called up from Triple-A Norfolk after putting up impressive numbers. He rarely played and was sent down after hitting 2 home runs in 17 at bats. Hardly a fair audition.

In a few weeks, minor leaguers such as outfield prospect Nolan Reimold and catching sensation Matt Wieters will likely be called up and should be getting at bats with the Orioles to determine where they fit for the 2009 season.

Will Trembley do the right thing and play the younger players, or will he continue to show loyalty to veterans that will no longer be with the club in the near future? The answer is uncertain.

One thing is clear. The Orioles won't know what they have with these younger players until they're given an opportunity. Many of them might fail, but some will succeed.

After all, when he did get the start this week, Montanez hit a home run in his first major league at bat.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Ravens vs. New England

2008-08-08T04:02:00.000-04:00

By: Luke Jones

The Baltimore Ravens kicked off the John Harbaugh era with a 16-15 victory over the New England Patriots on Thursday night. While the preseason means little in terms of winning and losing, the coaching staff can take some positive things from the first preseason game.

Here is a breakdown of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for Preseason Week 1.

The Good

1st Half Defense:

While six defensive starters did not play including Kelly Gregg, Haloti Ngata, Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs, Rex Ryan's defense brought constant pressure through blitz packages and penetration by the defensive line. The Ravens defense played at a higher and faster level than the Patriots offense, which did not include Tom Brady and Randy Moss.

The defense limited the Patriots to less than 100 yards of total offense in the first half. Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel was confused and rattled by the constant pressure in the first half.

Cam Cameron:

Cameron brought an aggressive game plan to establish the passing game. The Ravens drove 57 yards on their opening drive setting up a Matt Stover 42-yard field goal.

Cameron called several screen passes and used fullback Le'Ron McClain as a bigger part of the offense than in the past. Cameron varied his calls, using runs in passing situations while passing in a few short yardage situations.

The ground game was not very productive as the offense focused on the air attack. Ray Rice carried 6 times for 12 yards.

Keep in mind that Cameron did not have Willis McGahee, Todd Heap, Mark Clayton, and Demetrius Williams in the lineup.

Return Team:

The Ravens return team set up excellent lanes for return specialist Yamon Figurs. Key blocks were made by rookie Tom Zbikowski and linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo. Figurs also made several great moves to evade defenders in the open field. He will have nightmares of being caught on his 2nd quarter punt return to the 2-yard line.

Fabian Washington:

Washington displayed his strong cover skills by picking off two passes in the first half. He was also tough in run support registering two tackles. Critics in Oakland viewed his lack of commitment in stopping the run as his biggest weakness.

Justin Bannan:

The defensive tackle was a constant disruption in the New England backfield. Bannan will once again be a key member of the rotation on the defensive line.

Jarret Johnson:

While Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, and Bart Scott receive the publicity, Johnson quietly has become a very good linebacker on this star-studded defense. He was flying to the football and broke up a 3rd down pass in the first half.

Brendon Ayanbadejo:

Ayanbadejo fits right into the Ravens' defensive style of flying to the football, registering 8 tackles and a sack. He was signed for his special teams pedigree, but coaches have to feel confident in his ability to play linebacker if injuries occur during the regular season.

Discipline:

While penalties piled up in the 2nd half with many reserves and rookies fighting for jobs, the Ravens showed discipline in the first half, a trait missing from last season. The use of a play clock during training camp appeared to help as the offense did not have any delay of game penalties.

The Bad

Offensive Line:

While tackles Chad Slaughter and Mike Kracalik did not protect as poorly as some feared, they had difficulty in protecting Kyle Boller. Slaughter was bull-rushed badly by Richard Seymour on one play in the first quarter but was solid overall.

Kracalik appeared slow as Pierre Woods ran right by him on several plays in the first half.

Though the team did not make much effort to establish the run, the offensive line failed to open any big holes for Ray Rice or the other running backs in the second half. The offense only averaged 1.7 yards per rush.

2nd Half Defensive Line:

The defensive line struggled mightily as players such as Amon Gordon, Lorenzo Williams, and J'Vonne Parker were consistently pushed back by the Patriots offensive line. Gordon did register a sack.

Patriots (and former University of Maryland) running back Lamont Jordan carried 19 times for 76 yards.

Derrick Martin:

Martin committed a 15-yard facemask penalty and missed a tackle allowing a first down in the process. While Martin has played well in camp, he took a step back tonight in a very tight competition for the reserve defensive back spots.

The Ugly

4th Quarter Offense:

Joe Flacco looked like an overwhelmed rookie in his first NFL action. Flacco fumbled once and did not complete a pass in 3 attempts. The offensive line gave Flacco no time to throw.

Troy Smith:

No, not for his quarterback play but for his sideline behavior. What compelled a potential starting quarterback to dive after an errant throw on the Ravens sideline, putting himself at risk for injury? On top of that, he failed to even make the catch. Though Smith was unscathed, it was not something you would expect from a potential starting quarterback. While not a big deal, it shows some immaturity.

Here is a breakdown of how the quarterbacks performed in the first preseason game:

1. Kyle Boller:

Boller made some nice throws, particularly on the opening drive, when the offensive line gave him time to throw. As in the past, he struggled to complete passes when pressured, which is nothing new. Boller looked fairly comfortable in Cameron's new system.

Boller did not take care of the football and had two turnovers. He fumbled on a sack and threw a pass into triple coverage that was intercepted by Shawn Crable in the 2nd quarter.

Overall: Boller had a solid game completing 11-15 passes for 102 yards. The two turnovers leave a bad impression with the coaching staff. Boller appears to be neck-and-neck with Troy Smith in the starting competition.

2. Troy Smith:

Smith made some great throws including a 30-yard strike to Darnerien McCants. He made an even better throw that was threaded between two defenders but was dropped. Smith also showed his mobility carrying 3 times for 6 yards.

Smith still stares down receivers and nearly threw two interceptions. He needs to improve his accuracy to receivers coming out of the backfield.

Overall: While Smith only completed 5-12 passes for 76 yards, he showed some positive flashes. He appears to be almost even with Boller in the quarterback competition. Look for Smith to receive the start against the Minnesota Vikings next Saturday.

3. Joe Flacco:

Flacco was overwhelmed in his first NFL action as most rookie quarterbacks are. He aimed his first pass to the outside and threw a pass behind another open receiver. In his defense, Flacco had little time to throw behind a porous offensive line.

Flacco will certainly have better days than this. Quarterback-starved Ravens fans have no reason to panic.

Overall: Flacco did not complete a pass in 3 attempts. He lost a fumble on a sack. He is clearly the third-string rookie quarterback at this point, but the Ravens should bring this young and talented quarterback along slowly. He is the future of the franchise.

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