Video breakdown: Bernard Pierce’s first NFL score

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Derek Arnold

I give Cam Cameron a lot of crap. He’s been on my bad side for the better part of his tenure in Baltimore. However, I have to give him credit when he earns it, and Sunday in Cleveland he did. Ravens fans were clamoring for the team to get back to basics on offense, and to pound the running game, and that’s exactly what they did. Fifteen of the team’s first 22 plays from scrimmage were runs, and those 22 plays resulted in 141 yards of offense and two touchdowns. … Continue reading →

The Good, Bad, Ugly, & The Megan Fox: Grinding it out

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Tony Lombardi

The Baltimore Ravens escaped Cleveland with a 25-15 win to push their division leading record to 6-2 and 3-0 in the AFC North. It was a game of highs and lows – really a microcosm of the season. The only predictable thing about the Ravens when they hit the road is that they are schizophrenically unpredictable. But when all was said and done, the win was reminiscent of a pitcher who can’t consistently pound the strike zone but managed to battle through. They did what they needed to do to … Continue reading →

Interview: Ray Rice ready for a strong second half

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Kris Jones

During Ray Rice’s career, playing in Cleveland has typically meant a heavy workload for the Ravens running back. The Ravens have won their last nine meetings against the Browns, and in the three games Rice has been the Ravens starting running back in Cleveland Browns Stadium (2009-11), he’s never had fewer than 20 carries. However, in 2012, giving Rice more than 20 carries will mean a shift in offensive philosophy for the team. So far this season, Rice has only carried the ball 20 times in one game (New England), … Continue reading →

Statistical Look: Ravens’ “sugar huddle” more sour than sweet

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Kris Jones

The best way for the Ravens to execute the sugar huddle in Cleveland on Sunday will be to do just that – give it the execution it deserves. Sayonara, scram, adios and goodbye. Eliminating what seems to be the Ravens’ primary offensive philosophy may seem drastic, but so far – especially on the road – it has caused more harm than good. The play calling lacks creativity, being extremely predictable in most instances. The offense is barely on the field and then a battered and bruised defense ends up getting … Continue reading →

Harbaugh talks about lack of rushing attack

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Kris Jones

Coming off his worst defeat in his four-plus seasons as the Ravens head coach, John Harbaugh was more candid during his Monday press conference than usual. The loss wasn’t pretty for the Ravens, who were on the short end of a 30-point beating at the hands of the Houston Texans. Harbaugh said afterwards that the fingers should be pointed at him. “We didn’t put our players in a great position to win that game,” Harbaugh said. “We obviously weren’t ready to handle their scheme, their intensity, the crowd. All the … Continue reading →

Ravens abandon run game

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Kris Jones

Yesterday in Houston, the Ravens treated Ray Rice and Vonta Leach like they were a cardboard box full of puppies left in a grocery store parking lot. No, not cute. Abandoned. At the conclusion of the Ravens’ 43-13 beat down by the Houston Texans, Rice had failed to top at least 100 yards from scrimmage for just the third time in 2012. Rice is a phenomenal talent but Leach has had much to do with his success. While it’s understandable that defenses will sometimes eliminate their opponents rushing attack, having … Continue reading →

More Rice Please!

Posted on October 14, 2012 by Tony Lombardi

We’ve all heard the NFL has morphed into a predominantly passing league. League personnel executives are now building their rosters on both sides of the football to address the trend. On offense road grading linemen aren’t the flavor of the month. Instead teams seek athleticism and technicians who can pass protect. Tight ends are now built more like small forwards and they are being asked to challenge the foot speed of safeties. Desirable wide receivers must be tall and fast. On defense, getting to the quarterback is key and that … Continue reading →