Derrick Mason speaks up

Veteran Ravens WR, Derrick Mason has publicly asserted that the team will feature three WRs in their regular formation next season. Cam Cameron wants to create some offensive variety, and he thinks having a three-wide set is a particularly good way of doing it. The one stipulation is that the receivers have to prove they're capable. Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams are ready to step up to the plate. They're even more motivated with former New Mexico Lobo record setting wide receiver, Marcus Smith nipping at their heels.

The Ravens come to blows

Will from Deadspin has painted a picture of anarchy in Owings Mill, MD. Meanwhile, Brooks from Sports by Brooks recognizes that though the fighting may be bad for the PR department, it demonstrates a passion for playing football. The 85 person fracas is particularly interesting because it was started by rookie OT, Oniel Cousins. That man wants to play!

Ray Lewis is back and ready to play

Ray Lewis came to Owings Mill, MD for the mandatory mini camp ready to talk about his hopes for the upcoming season. He discussed his first interaction with new Head Coach, John Harbaugh.

Ray Lewis Eats People thinks the first meeting went a little something like this:

RL: "Here are the keys, I'm the first parking spot on right."
JH: "No, Ray I'm John, you're new coach."
RL: "Oh, my bad coach. Never seen you before."
JH: "I just want you to know I respect you as a player and leader Ray."
RL: "Well I don't know you, but I know you're better that that crack addict Brian Billick I ousted from here. We're going to get along no matter what as long as you aren't him. I hate that mother fu...."
JH: "Ray Ray, preach my brother."

Terrell Suggs absent from camp

The Baltimore Ravens held a mandatory mini camp this weekend. There was one player not in attendance that was expected to be, Terrell Suggs. Suggs' contract issues have been well documented. He was franchised for the upcoming season, which he openly accepted. Unfortunately for both parties Suggs didn't agree with his franchise position. He wants to be labeled as a Linebacker because it would mean a pay increase of over $800,000. The two parties need to reconcile these differences because the 5-11 Ravens need as few distractions as possible, especially considering they have a new coaching staff and potential franchise QB.

Cam Cameron, the man, the mystery, the enigma

Cam Cameron, who’s legal name is Malcolm Cameron, was a talented athlete in his youth. He was an All-American Quarterback and star point guard for his high school in Tarre Haute, Indiana. Cameron played football under the tutelage of Lee Corson and basketball for Bobby Knight before a knee injury ended his career.

Cameron began his career as an assistant for Bo Schembechler at the University of Michigan. He entered into the NFL as a quarterbacks coach for the Washington Redskins in 1994. After three seasons of coaching Gus Ferrotte he had enough. He thought to himself, “self why am I coaching this dunce? I shouldn’t be here coaching a kid who concusses himself while running into a goal post.” After realizing the error of his ways, Cameron returned to the college ranks as the head football coach of the Indiana Hoosiers. He finished his tenure with a disappointing 18-37 record.

Cameron realized he just couldn’t be a head coach. He begged and pleaded on his knees with diamond rings in hand for the Chargers to give him a job. They conceded and gave him the title of offensive coordinator. Cameron created an offense that allowed LaDanian Tomlinson and Drew Brees to blossom. He hit the jackpot, a successful team and offensive studs. Unfortunately, Cameron’s eyes got a little too big.

He thought he would take another shot at the head coaching gig, but this time for the Miami Dolphins. What a mistake that was in hindsight. 1-15, enough said. Then on January 23, 2008 John Harbaugh, new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, swooped down from the heavens and saved young Mr. Cameron. Cameron now has a host of weapons to work with, but an offense that has historically struggled. He will once again have to turn a historically poor offense into a powerhouse as he did in San Diego.

Solid gold

You know the age old saying, "I put my puts on one leg at a time just like he does?" Well these guys have single handedly proved this widely accepted saying wrong.

Jason Taylor is a "cheerleader"

Troy Smith doesn't know who Joe Flacco is

Troy Smith mistakingly thinks Joe Flacco's name is John. I like the "accidental" confusion. This indicates that Smith is ready to be competitive for the starting spot. He doesn't want some upstart rookie from a small school taking his spot or the starting role.

Let Kyle and Troy fight it out this year. Start Flacco next season. Please, no more Kyle Bollers (who openly admits that he didn't want to play in his first professional season).

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.

Todd McShay could be certifiable

What the hell is Todd McShay doing? Why would he put together a mock draft for 2009 already? Why does he have the Ravens picked in the first half of round one?

All inside intelligence indicates uncontrollable intake of barbituates. Only an imbalance of neurotransmitters can explain the insane ardor McShay has for 20-year-old athletic men.