Kidz Korner

With 12 picks to work with, Ravens could be movers on Draft Day

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In Baltimore, opinion on Ozzie Newsome has ranged from the worst GM in football, to the best the league has ever seen. Fans were skeptical at first, just to find out that Newsome has a plan yet again. Newsome proved his plan by making another marquee signing on Wednesday. Michael Huff has been signed to a three-year, six million-dollar deal, further solidifying the 2013 Raven defense. Huff was a former 1st round pick by Oakland, and was a real fan favorite when he was a Raider. We don’t know if … Continue reading →

Ravens bolster defensive line, sign Marcus Spears to a two-year deal

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Marcus Spears
Signings by the Baltimore Ravens during free-agency haven’t been marquee, but general manager Ozzie Newsome has been clearing the way for fresh, young blood. Even though Newsome will attempt to build most of the vacant spots on defense through the draft, he has helped a struggling defensive line with inexpensive veteran talent. On Wednesday, Newsome signed former New York Giant Chris Canty, and today he has made another move to add veteran depth with recent salary cap casualties. The Ravens have signed former Dallas Cowboys’ DE Marcus Spears to a … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: Possible free agent replacements for the departed Anquan Boldin

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The NFL turned heads today as reports surfaced that wide reciever Anquan Boldin would be traded to the San Francisco 49ers, pending a physical. Boldin is currently in Africa on a service trip, so the deal won’t be official until he gets back, but it is all but set in stone that Boldin will be a 49er in 2013. There are many mixed emotions to this deal as Boldin was certainly a fan favorite. The fact is however, that the Ravens will now gain $6 million dollars to use in … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: Is Tyrod Taylor the Ravens’ best backup quarterback option?

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The Baltimore Ravens have made it clear to the entire NFL that the organization has a quarterback, and he is here to stay for a long time. Many may argue that Joe Flacco received too much money, but in the end that isn’t the important statistic. What matters is that Joe Cool is the quarterback for at least the next six years, and you are going to be seeing a lot of him in the upcoming years. Besides his play on the field, Flacco’s biggest accomplishment has been his durability. … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: An interview with Ray Lewis III

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Now that Ray Lewis has danced his last dance and finished his career, he is turning his attention to his kids. One of his kids, Ray Lewis III, will be playing his freshman year of football at the University of Miami, his father’s alma mater. Lewis III gave me the great opportunity to interview him this past week. Joe Wedra: If one day you became a Baltimore Raven, would you dance out of the tunnel like your Dad? Why or why not? Ray Lewis III: It would have to be … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: Intriguing wide receiver draft prospects for Ravens

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Now that a deal has been done, and Joe Flacco is officially the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history, it is time to bolster the weapons around him. I had previously written an article about the state of the running game and if Vonta Leach would be released, but what about the passing game? With the immense deal that Flacco has signed, it is possible that the organization will want to strengthen its receiving core. If the team decides to go that route, there are many viable options to choose from. I … Continue reading →

Ed Reed must stay a Raven

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Much was made earlier this week about free agent safety Ed Reed possibly signing with New England Patriots, and while he is in the twilight of his career, he is still among the top-five safeties in the NFL. Reed currently does not have an agent, so talks are still at a standstill. But don’t let his play over the last two years in terms of interceptions fool you. On NFL AM on Monday, Ed Reed indicated that he would like play two or three more years. If that is the … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: Vonta Leach: Possible Cap Casualty?

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Payday came for Joe Flacco, and his new contract will officially make him the highest-paid quarterback to ever step foot on the gridiron. Flacco has been secured as the Ravens’ starting quarterback through 2018. It was a long and drawn out process, but in the end a deal was worked and Flacco can get back to concentrating on what really matters: Super Bowl XLVIII. The truth is, Flacco can focus all he wants. What really matters is the front office’s upcoming decisions on which players will stay, and which will … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: What the experts are saying about the Ravens’ first-round pick

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The NFL Scouting Combine is over, and the only thing that stands between now and the NFL draft are teams’ respective pro days. This is a showcase for skilled position players, but generally doesn’t help their stock as far as the Baltimore Ravens’ needs go (linebackers, defensive linemen, and safeties). With the draft just 56 days away, general manager Ozzie Newsome and Co. are continuing their preparations for one of the biggest days of the year. Will Newsome and the rest of the front office strike gold again? The Ravens … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: Tucker was the Ravens’ most overlooked player in 2012

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In an emotional season filled with tough tasks, resiliency and unforgettable moments, it was sometimes difficult to look ahead. Week by week, we had to take things just one step at a time and stay focused on the ultimate goal. In a postseason full of flashy plays and big-time accomplishments, there were many things that were overlooked. Take the brilliant play of the offensive line for instance. It only allowed quarterback Joe Flacco to be sacked six times during games. That’s something that can’t be taken for granted. A prime … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: Five Prospects the Ravens could target in the first round of April’s Draft

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ozziesmile
It’s that time of the year again. The few months where college basketball is the main focus of the sports world, and sports like hockey and baseball are just fillers for the empty spot of the NFL. Now, this isn’t saying that there’s anything wrong with other sports, but it’s just that we miss football, and we need something… anything to keep the spirit of the gridiron alive. Luckily for us, hundreds of college kids are preparing to take the next step in the NFL, and we get to follow … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: Joe shut me up!

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Maybe there is a reason that Ray Lewis handed the title “The General” to Joe Flacco. Ray knew that there is something special with Flacco, something that many did not see. I was one of those fans that doubted Flacco at times. Throughout his career, Flacco showed that he just couldn’t finish the job. Four years with great teams, yet no Super Bowl appearance. His time was running short and his future was in serious jeopardy. “The General” came through. Not the old General, but Baltimore’s NEW general. This postseason, … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: Top 5 Ravens in an incredible win

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Something special has been brewing for several weeks. There aren’t many scenarios where one player can be such a boost to a squad, but since Ray’s emotional announcement, there has been a different feel around Charm City. It’s a sense that words cannot describe. Something like what we all felt when Justin Tucker set up for a 48-yard FG. I can’t provide a quote from Greg Gumble, as I was too busy screaming like a little girl. Tucker drilled it, and the game was over. Earlier in the week, Ray … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: Peyton vs. Joe is closer than you think!

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When it comes to upsets in the NFL, many fans speculate, “It was just a fluke.”  Sure, sometimes things happen due to pure luck, but a lot of times there are reasons to the underdog’s success. It’s the critical thing called… statistics. Saturday’s game against the Broncos is the perfect example for the seven-point underdog Ravens. Unless you live in Charm City, you probably aren’t giving the Ravens a chance. Why? The things that most analysts study are swirling in Denver’s favor. For example, it’s Peyton Manning against Joe Flacco. … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: Thank you, Ray!

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It all started in 1993 at the University of Miami. At the time, Ray Lewis was a mere 18 years old and was looking to make an impact on not only football, but the world. Lewis wanted to show the world that just because you were a professional athlete, you didn’t have to act like one. As Ray shined in his three years at Miami, Lewis chose to forgo his senior year of eligibility and make a leap into the pros – a risky move for a linebacker, but Ray … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: Some lessons from an ugly game

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Sunday’s preseason-esque game proved to be the sleeper we all expected. Starters sat (well, not all…) and in the end, both teams left the field satisfied. Cincinnati went home as the 6th seed, and the Ravens solidified the 4th seed, looking ahead to face the Colts. We did learn some things, however – some good, some bad. Let’s take a look at the “Top 5 Things We Learned from Sunday’s Game”: 5: Bernard Pierce is a crucial asset to the team: Pierce proved on Sunday that Ozzie struck gold in … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: Caldwell’s influence was on full display against New York

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During the 33-14 dismantling of the Giants, significant players made major strides. Joe Flacco led the bunch, throwing for over 300 yards and playing virtually perfect. He must have read my last article. While #5 did play great, he has to keep it up throughout the playoffs if he wants to earn respect. Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce had efficient games as well, both going over 100 yards. Many were surprised to see such a breakout game for the offense, but there was one guy who wasn’t – Jim Caldwell. … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: Ravens-Giants preview

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After losing the last 3 games, the Ravens will look to get back on track against a slumping New York team. The Giants, who are coming off of a 34-0 shellacking from the Falcons, come into M&T Bank Stadium eyeing to improve to 9-6. Some might dispute that the Giants have more to play for, and that could be true. They are in the midst of a three-way tie in the NFC East and a loss on Sunday could doom their chances at winning the division. The Ravens, however, have … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: Joe isn’t the guy

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It’s time to get real Ravens fans. No, I am not talking about the team getting back to winning. I am talking about the future. We need to stop saying things we all know are not true. We have to stop making excuses for players that are flat-out BAD. Yes, you know who I am talking about. Sunday’s game just proved even more that Joe Flacco is not, has never been, and never will be a franchise QB. And for everyone that disputes, just answer me one question. What has … Continue reading →

KIDZ KORNER: Hey Harbs! Where’s the passion? Where’s the killer instinct?

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An earlier version of this article listed the wrong author. Joe Wedra is the correct author. Our apologies. It has been about five years, John. FIve years of failing to finish and lack of emotion. John Harbaugh has coached this team for five years and has yet to produce a Super Bowl appearance when this team is more than capable of winning one. Don’t you think that the pride of Baltimore deserves more than “playoff appearances”? Is John Harbaugh OK with losing two in a row? It sure seemed like … Continue reading →