About Joe Wedra

Joe calls Harford County his home however wishes he could spend most of his time traveling to every football and baseball stadium in the US. Joe is currently in the 9th grade and occupies the pitcher’s mound for the Harford Sox. Joe has a passion for the Ravens and spends a great amount of time analyzing and often scrutinizing the various moves within the organization. He maintains his Commissionership of his fantasy league and has established strong relationships with other league commissioners. Joe hopes to continue to play baseball and go on to be a Sports Writer. While his sights are set high, he believes you must aim high. He actively engages in personal training for field ready fitness and the development of his pitching.

For Ravens to repeat in 2013, they must improve in several areas

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Joe Wedra

The Ravens’ 2012 season wasn’t always pretty. It was without a doubt exciting week by week, but you could never script what would come next for John Harbaugh and the team. Things didn’t always go the Ravens’ way, but with the help of Ray Lewis and the resilient defense, the now-Super Bowl champions prevailed. Repeating is tough, but the 2013 Ravens have a shot at making history. Consistency will be significant—an aspect that is a big part of the following list. Here are some of the biggest things that must … Continue reading →

Next Man Up: Kyle Juszczyk

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Joe Wedra

It’s been a motto that has surrounded Ozzie Newsome and his staff for years. “Next Man Up” isn’t just a general phrase, but one that Newsome firmly believes in and that has proven to be vital during his tenure as GM of the team. After it was announced that Vonta Leach’s time in Baltimore is over, one rookie fullback was probably the happiest rookie Raven. Kyle Juszczyk, the team’s 4th round draft pick now holds the “next man up” role at the starting fullback spot. While the fact that the … Continue reading →

Rainey could see increased role in 2013

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Joe Wedra

Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce will look to be a vicious one-two punch in the 2013 season just as they were last year. Pierce, a Temple alumnus, broke out in his rookie campaign as he showed flashes that he can not only be a sufficient backup but perhaps a solid number one option if Rice ever falls to injury. As a fan, you never want to have to think about the “what if.” Unfortunately, injuries can and will happen, sometimes before the season even starts. Rice and Pierce will be … Continue reading →

Ravens said to be in talks with veteran linebacker Smith

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Joe Wedra

As the World Champion Baltimore Ravens visit the White House today, reports say that the upcoming days could be business as usual for Ozzie Newsome—meaning he could continue to add the right players at well, you know… the right price. Multiple outlets, including Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, are reporting that the Ravens and former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Daryl Smith might have “mutual interest” in signing a contract, per sources. Smith, the former 2004 draft pick to Jacksonville, has put up pretty good statistics through his nine seasons, all … Continue reading →

Ravens Offensive Line Prepares for Challenges Ahead

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Joe Wedra

Rounds of optional OTA’s have kicked off in the grueling heat and while there are players that didn’t make the crucial appearances in this group of workouts, it seems that these “optional practices” have been impressive outings for many. Recent reports indicate that the offensive line could improve upon their 20th ranked performance in sack total last season. One of those encouraging reports came from RSR’s Tony Lombardi who stated that Bryant McKinnie was among a significant group of players that have showed up looking slimmer and more athletic. McKinnie … Continue reading →

Ravens Avert a Potentially Devastating Offseason

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Joe Wedra

Losing key players from an NFL roster is usually a big “dark-spot” in any team’s offseason. For the defending Super Bowl Champions, not so much! The added depth Ozzie Newsome has been able to accumulate is remarkable! Big-name signings of Elvis Dumervil and Michael Huff can over-shadow the deeper acquisitions like Chris Canty and Marcus Spears. Ozzie & Co. started slow, but again wowed everyone around the league. And who knows, another move might still be looming. There’s little doubt that John Harbaugh’s Mighty Men are on paper, significantly better. … Continue reading →

Could Jah Reid still have a future at tackle in Baltimore?

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Joe Wedra

Have you ever seen Jah Reid in person? If you haven’t, you probably don’t realize why the guy is a football player. The 6’7” (even that doesn’t do justice to how huge he is) tackle is one of the scariest looking players in the league, and having to line up against him on defense would be enough to have you faking an injury. Reid showed up to the first week of OTA’s, marking the first time he’s been back on the field since before the 2012 playoffs. A dislocated toe … Continue reading →

Ravens corners ready to cover

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Joe Wedra

Week one of OTAs wrapped up yesterday and as much as players wanted to get out on the field and play again, they were very happy to get out of the heat and into the air conditioning after some long days. These “Organized Team Activities” often are used to get players back in shape and back in the groove of things and don’t generally provide much to get talent reads on players—new or old. The wide receiver battle will overshadow some other crucial battles including the one in the defensive … Continue reading →

LaQuan’s time?

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Joe Wedra

The journey of every NFL player is different; sometimes they break out as rookies and shine from day one, while some flourish once they have had a few years in the league. Since the day LaQuan Williams was brought in, things have been very unclear when it comes to what kind of player the receiver is. Williams was acquired as an undrafted free-agent in 2011, the same year the team drafted fellow-Maryland product Torrey Smith. In college, he actually red-shirted as a defensive back, but made the transition to wide … Continue reading →

“The Bank”: Among the Nation’s Best

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Joe Wedra

Going to M&T Bank Stadium for Ravens’ home games is a Baltimore favorite for over 70,000 people in Charm City. Many like to enjoy the game at their own home with the dozens of camera angles and couch, but the stadium in Baltimore makes it easy to spend the money on some pricey tickets. Much has been made about enhancing fan experience at NFL stadiums to reel in more fans, but the great folks in Baltimore haven’t, and won’t be having any issue selling out games any time soon as … Continue reading →

Ravens sign four undrafted free agents

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Joe Wedra

Dennis Pitta signing his restricted free agent tender was the big news of the day, but it wasn’t the only news. The Ravens also announced that they have signed four undrafted free agent rookies. Cornerback Moe Lee was brought in for a tryout and signed. He will try to make the team as a backup secondary player in a defensive backfield that has a lot of new pieces. Lee isn’t an overall speedster, but he had decent numbers during his college career at Utah. He played at California Community College … Continue reading →

Might a Veteran Like Breaston Fill the Void Left by “Q”?

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Joe Wedra

It’s been a wild offseason in Charm City and the moves that the team has made have all been notable. Every hole has been filled except for the one that many fans wanted complete the most—another wide receiver. I have no problem with Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones being the top two on the depth chart, but it gets shaky at best after that. I previously wrote an article addressing the talent that is already on the roster and may be able to fill the void. Is it possible that … Continue reading →

Ravens part ways with four UDFAs

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Joe Wedra

Four undrafted free agents’ dreams of making the Ravens ended on Tuesday, as the organization waived a few of the guys they brought in for rookie minicamps. Among the cuts was tight end Murphy Holloway, who was trying to make a transition from the basketball court to the gridiron after advancing to the Sweet Sixteen in the March Madness tournament while playing at Ole Miss. Holloway will apparently try to resume his career playing basketball, as he tweeted the following when the decision: “ @Murphys_Law31: Back to the hardwood couldn’t … Continue reading →

Undrafted FA Interview: Offensive lineman Jeff Braun

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Joe Wedra

The Ravens signed 14 players who took part in rookie minicamps the previous week, and those guys all now hope that they can make enough impact to earn a spot on the team. One of those players is Jeff Braun, an offensive lineman from West Virginia. Jeff didn’t get drafted, but he now hopes that he can find a home with the Ravens’ organization. Though Braun is listed as a guard in most places, he shared with me that he isn’t limited to playing guard, but could end up playing … Continue reading →

Ranking the Ravens’ Top 5 games of 2012

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Joe Wedra

A storybook year certainly ended in storybook fashion. The elation of winning The Lombardi might never wear off and winning it makes the ensuing offseason seem even longer. We’re getting to the point where news can be a little slow and where we miss the sport the most. September is still months away, so the most we can do is look forward to it and reflect on the season that will live in our hearts forever. Counting down the top five games of last season—why not? 5: A Game of … Continue reading →

Sifting Through the Options at Wide Receiver

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Joe Wedra

It’s been an offseason unlike any other in Charm City. It would be hard to argue that there has been an organization that has done more than the Baltimore Ravens through just about three months after winning Super Bowl XLVII. Started by the record-breaking contract handed to Mr. Super Bowl MVP, Ozzie Newsome has been working every angle to ensure another playoff run for John Harbaugh’s ‘Mighty Men’. Of all of the needs that have been addressed, the one that wasn’t might be the biggest talking point for fans. Many … Continue reading →

Potential Weapons for Flacco

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Joe Wedra

The Ravens wasted no time signing undrafted free agents immediately after the draft. Inking 14 of them to deals, we might just see the next NFL star come out of one or two of these prospects. Of those players, some may represent needed help for Joe Flacco. Let’s take a look at some undrafted rookies that have the best chance to make an impact and be some of Flacco’s biggest targets. Gerrard Sheppard, Wide Receiver, Towson: The hometown wide out has a chance to make the team simply because the … Continue reading →

Ravens Add Talent and Depth to D-Line

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Joe Wedra

The reigning Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens have been lacking the sort of respect that you usually expect the defending titleholders to have. Some “off-season predictions” have already labeled the Ravens a potential bust for 2013, but with the amount of skilled prospects Ozzie and Co. have added throughout the previous months, it’s become clear that this team can and WILL contend next season. As I was projecting the team’s front 7, I found that no matter what combination I chose, there will be people on the sidelines that are … Continue reading →

Arthur Brown may make you forget all about Rolando McClain

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Joe Wedra

If you called Ozzie Newsome the best General Manager in football before the draft, you were probably right. After making another perfect pick in round two, Newsome solidified that he is not only the smartest in the league, but he knows where players are going every pick, every round. Newsome decided he wanted to make a move on his player, and he did just that! He moved up seven picks and traded with the Seattle Seahawks to grab the player the Ravens coveted most, Arthur Brown, the linebacker from Kansas … Continue reading →

AFC North rivals improve pass rush in Round 1

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Joe Wedra

Joe Flacco watched the NFL Draft last night cringing, as he saw two fellow AFC North teams draft two very elite pass rushers. The Steelers and Browns both got the players they wanted, and can both provide much-needed help on the edge for their new teams. It was a good first round for each AFC North team, but one pick puzzled many. Let’s take a look at how the Ravens’ fellow division-partners fared in round one. Cleveland Browns- Cleveland was a team that many thought had the opportunity to trade … Continue reading →