Watson’s legendary touchdown-saving tackle of Champ Bailey. B/R gives the Ravens’ best and worst offseason moves so far. Steelers LB Harrison chronicles his drug-testing experience. Ravens try to extend replay again. In Orioles news, Gausman and Bundy are still the future.
Ben Watson’s 131-Yard Pursuit of Champ Bailey
Once upon a time, when Ben Watson donned the same color uniform as Tom Brady, he saved a pick six. Facing a goal-to-go situation and down by 4, Champ Bailey intercepted a Brady pass. Bailey looked like he would surely score a touchdown, but the much slower Watson managed to run him down and force a fumble at the 1-yard line. Matt Waldman of the RSP explains why he personally connected to this play.
Every NFL Team’s Best and Worst Offseason Moves So Far
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report went through each team’s best and worst decisions of the 2016 offseason. His choice for best move has been a popular one around town and here in this space – Kenneth Dixon. We’ll let it slide that Knox said he was a fifth-round pick. He considers letting Osemele walk the worst move for the Ravens. At a cost of $12M/year, I’ll take a hard pass on a good guard but unproven tackle. I guess when Ozzie consistently makes smart decisions, it’s hard to find one that’s a bad move.
James Harrison records his random drug testing experience
I don’t like James Harrison, or any Steeler for that matter, but I do like the insight he’s given into the NFL drug testing process. Last year, he filmed himself getting tested and posted it to his Instagram. This year, he chronicles the process of being forbidden from recording his PED test.
Ravens’ push to extend instant replay continues at Charlotte owners meeting
The Ravens want to uncomplicate the replay system, but the one they submitted won’t be considered at the owners meeting according to Clifton Brown of CSN Mid-Atlantic via The Washington Post. The original proposal would have made all but eight judgement call plays reviewable. I get where the Ravens are coming from, but I’m not sure how it would work in practice. Reviewing a no-call of a false start could slow down the game a bit too much for me, even though it would have benefitted the Ravens last season with a victory.
In baseball news…
Hot Take Tuesday: Gausman and Bundy Remain a Future 1-2 Punch
The Orioles’ pitching development staff has struggled to produce a consistent, reliable starter. Highly ranked prospects like Brian Matusz, Zach Britton, and Jake Arietta never reached their expectations with the Orioles. Britton has become a reliable closer, but we expected more from him. The history of Orioles pitching has left fans with a lack of confidence and deep concern for future and current prospects and young big leaguers. Ryan Blake of ESR discusses why the change in the pitching staff breeds hope for the future of Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy.
