As the Ravens prepare this week to open the the 2014 NFL season against the Cincinnati Bengals, they do so with all 53 players on the practice field, a good sign everyone is healthy and ready to go.
Perhaps most important of all the players that returned to practice were cornerbacks Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith, who were suited up as the team held their first open practice of game week.
With the considerable depth concerns in the Ravens’ secondary heading into Week 1, the organization made a move prior to practice today, signing cornerback Derek Cox and releasing veteran linebacker Josh Bynes.
“Derek helps us at corner, and we’re moving forward from there.” Harbaugh stated at the podium on Tueday.
Cox, who was cut last week by the Ravens looks to provide some quality depth behind Webb, Smith and Asa Jackson if the injury bug rears its ugly head again.
Cox, he former San Diego Charger and Jacksonville Jaguar, played well for the Ravens in his debut against the Saints in the preseason finale, recording three tackles and one pass deflection.
Home Openers Favorable for the Ravens
The Ravens have won eight consecutive home openers dating back to 2006. In team history, Baltimore is 13-5 in home openers (6-0 under head coach John Harbaugh), a mark that ties for the second-best winning percentage in all-time NFL home openers.
More importantly though, is the amount of success the Ravens have throughout the month of September under Harbs.
Since his arrival in Baltimore, the Ravens have gone 14-6 in September, tying for the NFL’s best record during that
month. Impressively, the Ravens have won 14 consecutive games at home in the month of September, a streak dating back to 2006.
This certainly bodes well for the team since they open with two straight home games against divisional opponents.
Pressuring Dalton
Keeping Andy Dalton winless in Baltimore will be the primary goal for the Ravens defense when they take the field on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.
Formulating a pass rush is a must against Dalton and the Bengals, something the Ravens have done incredibly well over the past few seasons.
The pass rushing tandem of Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs must come out of the tunnel ready to attack. In last season’s Week 10 20-17 OT win against Cincy, Dumervil turned in a career game recording three sacks (-21 yards) while Suggs’ 7.5 sacks vs. the Bengals are the third most he has against a team during his career.
Saying Goodbye to Josh Bynes
Fighting for a roster spot is nothing new for Josh Bynes, who went undrafted out of Auburn University.
Bynes, who was released today after spending three years with the organization, played in 26 career games for the team, making nine starts, recording 79 tackles and four passes defensed.
“All I can tell you about Josh Bynes is if we can ever bring him back, we will, in whatever capacity we can,” Harbaugh said following practice. “He’s been a Raven through and through; he’s done nothing but help us be our best; he’s completely [been] all-in for everything that we’ve ever done here. I love Josh, and I know he’ll do well no matter what he does.”
Bynes will forever been known to Ravens fans as the player who made the final tackle on special teams that preserved the Ravens’ Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Off the field, Bynes was entrenched in community activities helping those less fortunate. Often on his days off, Bynes would be with teammates’ charities handing out backpacks, coats and warm meals around the holidays. Just this past summer, Bynes, along with fellow former Raven Jameel McClain, hosted their annual free football camp and clinic, teaching not just football skills but life skills as well.
Best wishes to Josh wherever his career may take him.
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