Ravens vs. Steelers is a Bitter Rivalry

Preach on James Walker. Preach on.

"Welcome to the most underrated rivalry in the National Football League. It involves toughness, familiarity, hatred, mutual respect and, on Sunday, the AFC North division title. There is never a shortage of excitement when the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens meet. But when you think of the NFL's top rivalries on a leaguewide scale, this one rarely comes to mind."

Ravens Defense Ranks High In Every Category

The Baltimore Ravens defense is and has been one of the best in the NFL for over a decade. They currently rank no worse than 3rd in any of the major defensive categories. This week they face one of the two defenses that can challenge them for the title of "Best defense in the NFL." The Pittsburgh Steelers have been really impressive this year playing behind former Raven, James Harrison. This will undoubtedly be a clash of titans.

Baltimore Ravens Moving Up in NFL Power Rankings

The world wide leader finally moved the Ravens up to single digits in the NFL power rankings. They now rank 7th in the NFL. Here is the full top ten:

1. Titans
2. Giants
3. Steelers
4. Panthers
5. Colts
6. Bucs
7. Ravens "The Ravens aren't asking for respect. As winners of seven of their last eight, they're taking it." -James Walker
8. Cowboys
9. Cardinals
10. Patriots

Here are 7 Ravens Cheerleaders to celebrate our ranking of 7 in the NFL power rankings. I'm really just using any excuse I can to post photos of Ravens cheerleaders.

Battle of the Beltway Goes to Baltimore

The Baltimore Ravens took the field Sunday Night in a game against the cross-town rival Washington Redskins that had major playoff implications. The Ravens came out victorious with a score of 24-10. This win allows the Ravens to keep pace in the AFC North Division race, just one win behind the 10-3 Pittsburgh Steelers. Meanwhile, the Redskins's chances of making the playoffs got significantly worse. They are competing with the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles for a wildcard spot in the NFC.

Ed Reed=Good

The Ravens defense was fantastic. They battered Clinton Portis to the point of forcing him out of the game. Their blitz packages worked all night, allowing Terrell Suggs to tip a Jason Campbell pass into the waiting arms of Ed Reed. Reed finished the night with two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Did I mention that he ran the touchdown in backwards. The rest of the defense played well. Terrell Suggs was moving quickly around the field, abusing back-up offensive linemen. Haloti Ngata, Trevor Pryce, Bart Scott and Fabian Washington all made their presence felt throughout the game.

Joe Flacco=Bad

Ravens QB Joe Flacco played a terrible game. He seemed out of sync and distracted by the cold weather. Even when he completed passes to Todd Heap and Derek Mason they were floating ducks that were only caught because of outstanding plays by the receivers. The Raven's offense only found their rhythym when they took the ball out of Flacco's hand and put it in the workman-like hands of Le'Ron McClain who carried the team on the fourth quarter drive that sealed the victory.

Jason Campbell=Ugly

No game commentary here, Jason Campbell is just ugly. I actually think he is a really good QB, but man he needs to wear a Ladanian Tomlinson style dark visor.
The Ravens have won 7 of their last 8 games and are looking good. This week's game is huge because it is against the Pittsburgh Steelers, its for a share of the AFC North lead and its at M & T Bank.

Haloti Ngata Needs His Props

Jeffri Chadiha shines some light on a story that hasn't received enough attention around the NFL. Haloti Ngata has been an interior force for the Baltimore Ravens, but has received very little national acclaim and certainly no pro bowls invitations.

He is the anchor of a defensive line that helps make up the 2nd best defense in the NFL. Its time to get Haloti out there for the world to see. Its time for him to make his first pro bowl team.

Plaxico Burress' Gun Shot Wound Makes You Think

For those of you that don't know, New York Giants WR Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself while in a nightclub this weekend. He is in all kinds of trouble for carrying and firing a concealed weapon, which he apparently didn't have a permit to do. If you want more info on the story you can check it out here, here, here, or here.

Though this situation does directly affect the Ravens right now, it does provoke thoughts about the safety of professional athletes. Let me preface this by saying the vast, and I do mean vast, majority of pro athletes remain incognito and out of the public eye for negative events. We think of athletes as controversial figures because there are a very vocal minority that frequently find themselves in precarious situations. More often than not, that negative situation doesn't escalate to the point of violence. Why then do so many athletes own a gun or employ a secuity staff that carries guns?

Most Ravens fans remember the trouble both Ray and Jamal Lewis found themselves in not too long ago. Then there are stories like Richard Collier and Sean Taylor who are most certainly the victims in their violent interactions. Clearly there is a spotlight on these athletes because of the nature of their job and the payout of that job. It is something that they all think about. They wonder how many people know where they live, who they can trust and many more questions that most of us never have to worry about.

Its not that I'm condoning the ridiculous actions of Matt Jones who drove around looking to buy some white powder for a pick-me-up or even Plaxico Burress who appears to just be stupid and selfish. I am however making the case that we can't expect athletes to simply sit at home and watch Pirates of the Caribbean on their projector screens. They deserve to have lives too, but under certain cautions. I don't think an athlete should ever own a gun, but I am not opposed to hiring security guards who own guns LEGALLY.

Ravens and Steelers in a playoff race

Steve Garceau made the claim on BaltimoreRavens.com that it is a two horse race between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers heading into the final 4 weeks of the season. I agree that no other AFC North team (Ohio teams) are able to win because that simply can't be argued at this point, but this isn't just a two horse race.

The Steelers and Ravens both have intensely difficult schedules ahead including a second match-up against each other. If you remember, their first match up was a bruising, hard-fought 3-point game that the Ravens lost in Pittsburgh. If both teams want to make the playoffs, they both have to keep winning. The Patriots and Dolphins are nipping at their heels for a wild card spot.

Baltimore Ravens declaw the Cincinnati Bengals

Well the Baltimore Ravens did it again. They dominated yet another opponent, with this week's victim being the Cincinnati Bengals. The 34-3 victory was as dominant as a win could be.

The Ravens beat the Bengals in total yards (451 to 155), completion percentage (66.6 to 36.4), turnovers (0 to 1), possession time (38:58 to 21:02) and almost every other major positive statistic.

Mark Clayton stood out with one TD reception and one TD pass, his first since high school. In total he had 164 yards receiving and 32 yards passing.

It also has to be noted that Ray Lewis led the defense again, with 7 total tackles. This is a team effort, but Lewis, Haloti Ngata, Trevor Pryce, and Terrell Suggs have been stand outs.

The Ravens are now 8-4, winning 6 of their last 7 and find themselves in a good position to secure a wild card spot. Lets not get ahead of ourselves though. The team still has to play the Redskins, Cowboys, Steelers and Jags. There will be some tough games ahead, but for now Baltimore is partying.

Ravens Best Texans 41-13

What they're saying around the web:

Associated Press: The Baltimore Ravens have won four straight, rookie Joe Flacco is showing the poise of a veteran and Ray Lewis looks as good as ever.

Sporting Life: The Ravens' stifling defence intercepted Sage Rosenfels four times. Two of those picks led to second-half touchdowns, as Baltimore erupted for 29 points after intermission, a second-half season high.

Baltimore Sun: The Ravens' fourth straight win - their longest streak since December2006 - improved them to 6-3 and moved them into a first-place tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers (who have the tiebreaker edge because they beat the Ravens this season).

FanHouse: The Ravens offense was able to move the ball at will, with both the run and the pass, and really were only stopped when they made mistakes or penalties. TE Todd Heap and RB Willis McGahee had huge games with two touchdowns for each. Rookie quarterback, Joe Flacco played for the most part, a very poised game.


One Winning Drive: Haloti Ngata showed sheer dominance throughout the game. From snagging an interception in the red zone, forcing an interception, and nearly blocking a punt, Ngata is having a Pro-Bowl year.

East Coast Bias: The team sorely missed Trevor Pryce last year, and it's showing now with him present. Pryce and Haloti Ngata are eating up four linemen by themselves, much as Tony Siragusa and Sam Adams did for the Ravens' 2000 championship run. This defense is not as strong as that one - just look at the corners - but this offense is better than that one too. The similarities are eerie, really.

Knee-Jerk Reaction: Ravens/Texas

The Ravens put together another impressive win today against the Houston Texans. The team is firing on all cylinders and has proven they are a contender.

The veterans are meshing well with the young guys.

It feels great to see Todd Heap's name on the scoreboard again.

Ravens are #4 in power rankings

Bill Simmons, ESPN's Sports Guy, put out his most recent NFL power rankings. He placed the Ravens at #4 in a group with the Steelers and Panthers. Simmons' only knock on the Ravens was a rookie QB at the helm. What he fails to realize is that rookie QB is playing better than a lot of veterans around the NFL.

John Harbaugh gives his team a break

The Baltimore Sun recently wrote a piece about the fact that the Raven's haven't had a Monday off since the season started. As they say in the story, most teams are given Mondays off if they win their game that weekend. It takes guts for a rookie head coach like John Harbaugh to tell his team that they have to change tradition and work through their usual weekly break. It is those kind of guts that have gotten the Ravens to the position they're in today. The team needed to work through its hiccups, growing pains, and infamiliararity with each other.

That said, it is time to start going easier on the players. The 2008 season is now more than half over and there are plenty of bruises/injuries in the Ravens locker room. Harbaugh gave the team their first Monday off this week and he should continue to do so. He now has to walk the line of keeping his team fired up, prepared and rested all at once.

Return to blogging and football prominence

It has been a long time since I have written a post. I had some major surgery, but have fully recovered. I missed writing, but had to focus on the healing process more than the blog.

Now on to football...

I am proud of the team the 2008 Ravens have become. I have been watching closely throughout the season. They started the year hot, hit a serious bump in the road, and rebounded with a team effort. The team is now sitting at 5-3, in playoff contention and coming off a season sweep of the rival Cleveland Browns.

My observations thus far:

1. John Harbaugh is steady under pressure. Lets not for forget that he is one of the youngest coaches in the league, skipped the period in the normal progression of being either an offensive or defensive coordinator before being a head coach and came from the NFC to the AFC. He has butted heads with star players when needed, added humor to interviews, made positive in game adjustments, and most importantly served as an example to other young members of the team.

2. Joe Flacco's most impressive trait is his character. Sure, Flacco has the physical tools to succeed as a quarterback in the NFL. He is tall, moderately mobile and has a laser rocket arm. It is his composure, desire to learn, and sheer intelligence that will make him a successful QB for a long time. Even when he makes a mistake he comes of the field and immediately talks to coaches about what he just saw.
3. Haloti Ngata is a monster. He is the anchor of a defensive line that has continued their record-breaking streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher against them. He has assumed the lead role, which was previously held by Kelly Gregg. Ngata is an intimidater, a bruiser, and a all-out beast. That is not to say that Trevor Pryce, Terrell Suggs, and others haven't played amazing football, but Ngata has stood out.

4. Ozzie Newsome did a great job this off-season. This year's draft class (Flacco, Rice and the rest) and other pick-ups such as Fabian Washington have made all the difference this season. Without Washington to help in a secondary that seems to be the weak point of the team there would be even more long-yardage touchdowns against the Ravens. Needless to say Chris McAllister is the biggest disappointment of this year.

Its good to be back. There will be much more to come.

Buzz about Baltimore Raven's new QB, Joe Flacco

Here is whats being said about Joe Flacco around the web:

Sporting News:
The Baltimore Ravens' bold move to get Joe Flacco with the 18th pick in the NFL draft was a risk worth taking. Having a strong arm allows Flacco to make throws other quarterbacks can't. And at 6-6, Flacco is three inches taller than Brohm and four inches taller than Henne. Seeing over oncoming pass rushers will not be a problem for Flacco. Simply put, Flacco has the physical tools to be successful.

Bleacher Report:
Even more than that, McShay saying that the Baltimore Ravens taking Joe Flacco in the first round was a “reach,” angered me to no end. Flacco was the best quarterback in the draft. The only competition Ryan has proven he can beat Flacco in is the one for most generic name. The 6’6”, 230-pound Flacco was underrated and should’ve been taken third overall by the Atlanta Falcons. The Ravens have a gem of a player to end their quarterback woes.

Deadspin:
Flacco's a great young man from a great environment, a guy who got trapped behind Tyler Palko in Pitt but became a I-AA superstar at Delaware. He doesn't have a lot of experience in a pro system and will have to learn to drop from under center. But he's a great athlete who is faster than your average Drew Bledsoe-sized kid. And he's smart enough to learn the Harbaugh-Cameron system.

National Lampoon Splog:
Baltimore needs someone like Joe Flacco. Played for Delaware, All-American guy, tall, sits in the pocket, but can escape if he needs to. Ozzie Newsome is known for making great picks. I hope this keeps the trend.

Baltimore Ravens Draft Review

Well the 2008 draft has come and gone. All in all the Ravens did well, but they left room for improvement in free agency. The team adequately addressed the significant needs at the offensive skill positions, but failed to add youth at the corners.

I think the team failed overall with their defensive selections. Taveres Gooden is a quality ILB and fills a need with the team. I am confused by the selection of two Safeties. The team needed one to support Reed and Landry, but two? Corner Back was an issue that needed to be addressed with this draft and wasn’t. Both of these guys play as safeties and are built as such. I can’t imagine the Ravens will try to convert either to CB. So we entered the draft with glaring needs on the offensive lines and at CB. Unfortunately we leave the draft with the same two needs (more so the corner position than the offensive line). Even though there are some issues, I have to reiterate that the team did well with the offensive skill positions. Two wide receivers, two running backs, and a stud of a quarterback. Here is a breakdown position by position:

1. Joe Flacco,QB-Deleware (18)

6’6, laser rocket arm. He absolutely has the strongest arm in 2008 crop of QB’s. Kyle Boller also had the strongest arm in his class. Joe Flacco is talented and intelligent, but he has yet to face NFL caliber competition. He has the potential to be great, but needs some time to develop. I hope the Ravens will hold him out of the starting lineup so he doesn’t suffer from Boller or David Carr syndrome. He has some escapability issues because of his size, so the O-line will have to protect him. If he has time to pass, he can develop into an outstanding pocket passer.

2. Ray Rice, RB-Rutgers (55)

Bowling ball. Rice is quick, patient, and strong. He is a great addition as a back-up running back. Rice’s style of play differs from McGahee’s which will provide the team with more offensive option. Many people underestimate his blocking abilities as well.

3. Tavares Gooden, ILB-Miami (71)

Originally a question mark because of an unproductive first half of his college career, Gooden has developed into a prototypical Miami linebacker. He has the athletic ability to fill Ray Lewis’ shoes under his tutelage. I’m excited about this pick more than any of the others.

4. Tom Zbikowski, S-Notre Dame (86)

He hits hard! He really hits hard. Zbikowski is also a quick guy. Expect him to immediately jump to third on the safety depth chart. Good pick up for the Ravens.

5. Oniel Cousins, OG-UTEP (99)

From what the college analysts say, Cousins is a good talent. He is inexperience and raw, but can develop into a quality NFL player. Many experts compare him to the Colts’ Tony Ugoh. Hopefully, Jonathan Ogden stays on for one more year to guide Cousins development.

6. Marcus Smith, WR-New Mexico (106)

He had big numbers while playing with the Lobos. Smith is a tall guy that is willing to go up and fight for the ball. We’ll keep a close on him. He can either become great or disappear in two years.

7. David Hale, OT-Weber State (133)

I don’t know much about Hale, but ESPN seems to think he will peak as a back-up Right Tackle.

8. Haruki Nakamura, S-Cincinnati (206)

I was disappointed with this pick more than any others. I honestly question why the team drafted another safety. Granted Ozzie and others know quite a bit more than I do, but I wish we would’ve used this pick to draft a corner. He stands 5’9, lacking the necessary height to be a good corner. I think Nakamura will be a great special team’s player because of his pension for making big tackles.

9. Justin Harper, WR- Virginia Tech (215)

He is a big guy, but can get pushed around from time to time. He needs to bulk up and learn how to push off a corner at the line, but he has the athleticism to become good.

10. Allen Patrick, RB-Oklahoma (240)

I think this pick is a steal. With 927 yards in 13 games (5.8 per carry) he has impressive stats for a 7^th round pick. Patrick is a hard runner nosed runner and has faced good competition in the Big 12, so I expect him to get a chance after putting in his time on special teams.

Ravens select Joe Flacco

Joe Flacco! Flacco! Flacco!

With the 18th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft the Ravens select Joe Flacco.

My bet: He starts by week 10.

Matt Stover's e-mail sweeps the nation

Raven's place kicker, Matt Stover, recently sent an e-mail to player reps from around the league in an effort to campaign for the end of Gene Upshaw's term as the leader of the NFL player union. The Sports Business Daily analyzed what fans were saying about Stover's e-mail. They found that 59% of of bloggers around the country approve of Stover's message.

This is another example of the influence of the Baltimore Ravens. Matt Stover stepped up to the plate and hit a home run that will hopefully lead to end of Gene Upshaw's influence.

Draft Needs

Story of the day:

"The offense can run, courtesy of McGahee, but last year could not pass. For the Ravens to win, they need to be able to do both, and if Ogden retires without a real replacement, they may not be able to do either."

Chris Henry = Inmate 17294720289

Tony from "The Best Baltimore Ravens Blog" wrote a post today about passing on the newly available Chris Henry. As many of you probably know, Henry is the former receiver of the Cincinnati Bengals. He has been touted as a talented, promising, and gifted football player that just can't stay out of trouble.

That could be a slight understatement. He has given minors alcohol, beaten minors to a pulp, stolen cars, etc. Tony argues correctly that the Ravens shouldn't entertain the idea of hiring Henry for his services, but my question is "was that even a possibility?"

The Ravens have had legal issues throughout the years, most notably the Lewis contingent in the organization, but I can't imagine that they would ever bring such a crime ridden individual into the franchise. The only two teams in the NFL in which I can even envision the possibility of Chris Henry landing a roster spot are the Dallas Cowboys with Jerry Jones and the Oakland Raiders with Al Davis.

Matt Ryan is a franchise QB

Story of the day:

"In the NFL, when you draft a quarterback in Round 1 and it doesn't work out, it's sort of like moving on from a bad break-up. You're going to feel a little bit skittish the first time you try to get back out there. You don't want to just grab the next quarterback who comes along, because the misery is too fresh, and your judgment is cloudy."