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Who Will be The Lead Dog Now?

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Reed Lewis
Leadership has never been a problem for the Baltimore Ravens. Since their inception they’ve employed the quintessential field general whose name doesn’t even need to be mentioned. But now their lead dog, Ray Lewis is gone as is the Robin to his Batman, Ed Reed. So for the first time in a generation observers of the team are wondering where the team’s leadership will come from. We all want leaders. We all need leaders and when one leaves, you assess the damage and determine what’s left and what is missing. … Continue reading →

Ravens Earn Four Compensatory Picks in 2014

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Kruger Browns
With June 1st now passed, the Ravens will be receiving 4 Compensatory Draft picks in next May’s draft. Under the NFL’s Comp Pick rules, if a team loses more qualifying Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) than it signs, the team will be awarded Comp Picks for the difference in those two numbers (up to a maximum of 4). In order for a free agent to count for Comp Pick purposes, though, he must be a true UFA, which means that his contract with his prior team has expired. As such, any … Continue reading →

Conflicting reports on Ravens “interest” in JaMarcus Russell

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jamarcus-russell
An oft repeated cliche in NFL circles is, “One man’s trash is another’s treasure.” The cliche clearly has applicability to the Ravens when they courted and eventually signed Oakland Raiders outcast LB Rolando McClain. Now, according to reports, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome & Co. may be sifting through more of that Bay Area “trash”. After losing almost 40 pounds from his 300-pound frame (at the time of his release from the Raiders), JaMarcus Russell will receive an invite to workout with the Chicago Bears according to ESPNChicago.com. The news may … Continue reading →

Help wanted: Defensive leaders

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Suggs v Giants
When Ray Lewis went down last season with his triceps injury, veteran safety Ed Reed became the de factor leader of the defense. Now both are gone. So who steps up into that leadership role? Terrell Suggs, who was drafted in 2003, is now the longest-tenured player on the team. Jameel McClain, assuming he returns healthy from the spinal injury that sidelined him at the end of last season, would be a natural leader in the middle of the Ravens 3-4 defense. But defensive coordinator Dean Pees, speaking at the end of the OTA session last … Continue reading →

The Search for No. 2

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Jacoby v Eagles
The search for the Ravens No. 2 wide receiver may have ended before it even started. If recent OTA’s are any indication that player fox-trotted on to the field for the first time this spring just last week. His name – Jacoby Jones. Most will probably think that Jones doesn’t show consistency as a ball catcher and that making him a bigger part of the offense will diminish his effectiveness as a return specialist. Last year he led the league with a 30.7 average on kick returns, scored 4 TD’s … Continue reading →

The Heat is on for Matt Elam

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Matt Elam
When the Baltimore Ravens selected Matt Elam with the 32nd pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft, many outside of the Ravens circles believed the pick was to secure the spot that future Hall of Famer Ed Reed so adeptly occupies for 11 seasons with the Ravens. Instead Elam will take over Bernard Pollard’s spot at strong safety. But will that erase the pressure Elam has with Reed gone? No it won’t. Being a first round draft pick by itself is pressure enough. Ravens fans for years … Continue reading →

Ravens Bank on Flacco’s Good Health

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Flacco sacked v Jets
Joe Flacco has played in 93 consecutive games in the NFL. In fact the last game that he missed was back during his freshman year at the University of Pittsburgh in 2004. To say the least Flacco is durable and his toughness is understated. During his 5 year career the Super Bowl XLVII MVP has been sacked 180 times in regular season play, once every 15 times he drops back to throw. And while this may seem like a lot, it is pretty close to being the league average during … Continue reading →

M&T Bank Stadium to host 2015 Maryland-Penn State game

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M T Bank Stadium
The University of Maryland football team will play Penn State University at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium on Oct. 24, 2015, the Big 10 announced Monday. “We are excited that M&T Bank Stadium will be the site of the 2015 Maryland-Penn State game,” Ravens team president Dick Cass stated. “This is a tremendous opportunity for the city of Baltimore to host two outstanding teams that are strongly rooted in this region. “This is another special event that we are bringing to Baltimore, and as these events continue to succeed, we will remain committed to holding … Continue reading →

Ravens Offensive Line Prepares for Challenges Ahead

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Ravens o line
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 →

Jimmy Smith’s Time Is Now

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Smith Superbowl
The dust has settled. Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith made the most critical plays during the Ravens final red zone stand in Super Bowl 47 against the San Francisco 49ers. The game probably ends differently without his efforts during crunch time. As if Smith didn’t need more confidence, former Ravens corner back Cary Williams left to take more money to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles, leaving the 2011 first round draft pick in prime position to claim the second corner spot opposite Lardarius Webb. This year will greatly define Smith’s … Continue reading →

WEBB GEMS: Lardarius shines during charity softball game

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Screen Shot 2013-06-03 at 6.29.26 AM
Thousands of fans gathered at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, Maryland on Sunday afternoon and not for IronBirds’ baseball. Instead it was to watch Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb’s annual charity softball game to benefit his Lardarius Webb Foundation. “The turnout was great. Without the fans, this event  wouldn’t even be possible. Just knowing my foundation, they’re giving to  a great cause. It’s all about the kids. I love the kids.” stated Webb who took it easy during the game as he continues to recover from a torn ACL. Joining Webby were several … Continue reading →

OTA NOTES: Flacco Spotted and the WR Games Begin

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Wide Receiver
The Ravens practiced in their shorts and shells yesterday in conditions very similar to those they will be forced to endure when training camp begins in late July. This group of OTA’s is not mandatory and as expected, several players were not in attendance including: Terrell Suggs; Haloti Ngata; Marshal Yanda; Vonta Leach; Bernard Pierce; Marcus Spears; Chris Canty; James Ihedigbo (who did get on the bus bound for the Beach Bash along with teammates Omar Brown, Chykie Brown, Adrian Hamilton and Deonte Thompson); Chris Johnson; Antoine McClain. Many will … Continue reading →

Ravens Kelechi Osemele is a star in the making

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Kelechi
The Baltimore Ravens may have found gold in Kelechi Osemele when the team selected him 60th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. Most players selected in the second-round may take a year or so to groom to become NFL ready at their respective position. Not K.O. The tackle/guard out of Iowa State who had one of the most impressive rookie seasons and provided a security blanket for quarterback Joe Flacco. The 6ft. 5in. 335lb gentle giant started all 16 regular season games at right tackle during his rookie campaign. Osemele helped … Continue reading →

President Obama to Honor Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens

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Obama Super Bowl Champs
WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, June 5, President Obama will welcome the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens to the White House to honor the team and their Super Bowl XLVII victory. This visit will also continue the tradition begun by President Obama of honoring sports teams for their efforts to give back to communities as part of their trip to Washington. More logistical details of the event will be released when they become available.

BEING ROGER GOODELL: If I was Commissioner for a day

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Roger Goodell
Today the Ravens are back at it for the next round of OTA’s. We’ll be sharing our thoughts and insights from today’s practice and post-practice comments from Jim Caldwell and Dean Pees. Until then, and with the relative dearth of news from One Winning Drive, I thought I’d play the role of NFL Commissioner for a morning. Clearly my last name screams NFL, right? Although admittedly, when my last name was screamed during those formidable years it usually meant I was in trouble. Be that as it may and since … Continue reading →

Ravens Avert a Potentially Devastating Offseason

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Ozzie Newsome
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 →

TWO-MINUTE OFFENSE: Another Raven off to Cleveland?

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NFL 2010 Dec 19 - Ravens vs Saints
Joe Linta’s remarks about the Ravens were poorly chosen words that only Amanda Bynes would be proud of. That drum has been beaten to death and I promise I’ll only tap on the single-ply calfskin one more time… “I’ve never in my life seen a dumber move. I guess people can say, ‘Well, Joe was dumb, too.’ It could have been (dumb), God forbid, if he got hurt. But $1 million to Steve Bisciotti six years from now? That’s like 100 bucks for you or me today.” He said it. … Continue reading →

What’s in Store on NFL Opening Night?

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Goodell the puppet
We all know why the Baltimore Ravens will probably be the only DEFENDING SUPER BOWL CHAMPION not to host the NFL season opener for a very, very long time. We’ve heard all the reasons, all of the excuses and fingered all of the potential scapegoats. My goat is Roger Goodell and the NFL owners. Driven by greed they disingenuously stuck it to the fans. Not moving the game to Wednesday, September 4 is a disservice to every one of you who for years has shelled out your hard earned dollars … Continue reading →

After offseason as Champs, Harbaugh, Ravens get back to work

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harbaugh_fans
Though the Ravens are almost four months removed from their Super Bowl victory, for some players and fans, the celebration is still carrying on. Winning a Super Bowl has many positives, but with the season extending into February, that means a shorter offseason to prepare. With the whirlwind period of free agency and the draft in the rearview mirror, the Ravens finally hit the field again for their first Organized Team Activity (OTA). It’s the first time since way back in 2001 that the Ravens gather as defending Super Bowl … Continue reading →

OTA’s: The NFL’s Daycare Center?

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LaQuan
One of the more interesting developments during the NFL’s modern era is the advent of OTA’s: Organized Team Activities. Most are labeled voluntary while others are mandatory. It’s those voluntary ones that really seem to get folks agitated. If a veteran fails to report to the voluntary camps, his commitment is questioned; his work ethic, challenged. If a player whose position on the team isn’t certain and he fails to appear at the voluntary camps, voluntary suddenly morphs into mandatory and that is met with the scorn of positional coaches … Continue reading →