The Best Baltimore Ravens Blog

Ozzie on vacation as the Suggs' clock ticks down

2009-07-14T11:21:00.002-04:00

Like many of the folks employed by Steve Bisciotti, Ozzie Newsome is on vacation. That should tell you something about the team’s contract talks with Terrell Suggs.

Think about it…

The Ravens let Adalius Thomas go opting instead to invest their defensive dollars in the younger and more talented Suggs. Fair enough. Good choice if you ask me and Jarret Johnson’s play in AD’s absence further validates that decision.

Yet here we are 2 years later STILL waiting on a new deal for Suggs.

By his own admission, Ozzie has deemed a Suggs extension to be an organizational priority. Suggs has to sign any new deal by 4PM tomorrow, July 15 otherwise, all bets are off until February, 2010.

Meanwhile somewhere, Ozzie has his toes in the sand and perhaps a Pina Colada in hand.

But no Suggs!

Ozzie’s absence suggests that he’s offered Suggs the best deal he can and the line is drawn in the proverbial sand. Maybe Suggs’ agent Gary Wichard is simply waiting on 4PM tomorrow to see if the Ravens blink and offer a little more as the deadline approaches. After all, what is there to gain by signing the deal prior to the deadline?

T minus 29 hours and counting.

Another Pina Oz?

Mason and agent paint Ravens into corner

2009-07-14T10:03:00.002-04:00

Last year when Derrick Mason fought through a shoulder injury for the benefit of his team he shared that his son was a motivating force behind his ability to expand his threshold of pain. In so many words Mason would explain that he wanted to teach his child that there are obstacles in life that need to be navigated and for Mason, a shoulder separation was just one of those obstacles.

His efforts were borderline heroic.

Fast forward to July 13, 2009 and we learn through the website of Mason’s agent Lamont Smith (JOCKlife.com) that the two-time Pro Bowler has decided to retire.

My immediate thought was that Steve McNair’s death deeply affected Mason on many levels. Perhaps he had an epiphany of sorts and concluded that there are far more important things in his life than playing football.

But then I read this from JOCKlife.com…

“I have been thinking about [retiring] since the season ended. Emotionally I am just not that enthused. I have not been that enthused to get up and work out…it was getting to that point. This decision has nothing to do with the contract situation; I have made enough money, more than enough money. Emotionally there are things that are more important. It’s time right now. I don’t know what’s going to happen from here, but it’s going to be really nice to see what life has in store for me. What I want people to remember about my NFL career is that I played hard…played hard in practice and the game. I tried to make everyone better and would do anything to help.”

The timing of this surprise announcement is suspicious to say the least.

Why did Mason wait this long?

A player who had walked and talked team; one who embodies the underlying meaning of the franchise’s new mantra, “What’s our name?”; a player hell bent on setting an example for his son pulls the rug out on his team? What kind of message is THAT for his son? If the idea of retirement has genuinely been on his mind this long, why not tell the team? Might they have approached the draft a little differently? Dealt with Anquan Boldin more aggressively?

It doesn’t add up.

It flies in the face of all Mason stands for.

There must be something more than a lack of enthusiasm for the game going on here, right?

Oh you better believe it!

It’s about money and Mason’s statement through his agent’s website is a classic example of passive aggressive behavior.

Let’s think about this from the agent’s perspective…

Agents don’t make money by announcing retirements. When players with gas in the tank like Mason start talking retirement, agents do all they can to snap them out of their momentary lapse of reasoning. They usually leave such announcements up to the team after the player has officially informed the league. Retirement to an agent is like daylight to a vampire; kryptonite to Superman.

But…

If such an announcement can jumpstart stalled contract extension discussions, an agent will plunk down that trump card faster than a speeding bullet.

Just a few weeks ago while discussing the rehabilitation of his shoulder injury, Mason had this to say about his availability for opening day:

“We’ll see. I guarantee you, I’ll be ready for the first game, that’s all I can say. I’ll be ready by the first game. Everything else, I’ll just play it by ear.”

Mason would later expand upon his projected status for the opener against Kansas City.

"You never know with Superman. I can come out with the cape and it could be the first day or the second week. You never know, but I'm optimistic that when it's time to play, I'll be able to play whenever it is. I'll be able to play when we play Kansas City."

Does Superman ever go into the phone booth and emerge as Clark Kent?

Do these sound like the words of a player contemplating retirement?

Despite rehabbing his shoulder, he attended nearly all of the team’s voluntary OTA’s.

He was a regular participant in the team’s offseason conditioning program. Mason was even in Owings Mills yesterday and according to the Ravens’ official website he spoke to a few team officials after his workout and left the building just before 3PM.

And shortly thereafter, Lamont Smith posted the retirement announcement.

It blindsided the team.

Both Smith and Mason know that the team’s Achilles’ heel is the position of wide receiver. If Mason bails, the depth at the position drops significantly.

A team that arguably finished four minutes removed from the Super Bowl last season and with so much promise for 2009 just took a major blow before training camp even begins.

“I have had a tremendous career and I played for two great teams, I had fun. In my career, I have been able to do everything but win a Super Bowl. I’ve had the opportunity to play on great teams and with great players. After 12 years, I have seen it all and done it all,” Mason stated. “Right now, I am content with the decision I am making. All good things come to an end and I am ready to see what else life has to offer.”

Mason is an emotional player and we’ve seen outbursts from him in the past, particularly when he wasn’t seeing the ball as much. It’s possible that this is another of those emotional outbursts stemming from his inability to land that contract extension and the loss of a friend.

But more than anything else, this announcement seems like a charade – a staged drama that will achieve its intended objective.

It’s a shame that the Ravens let it get this far with Mason. His importance to the offense, to their franchise quarterback, performance that belies his age and his dedication should have been rewarded by now. Instead the Ravens find themselves with a gaping hole in their flank on the negotiating chess board. So far given Ozzie Newsome’s absence (he’s on vacation), the team’s only response was terse and unemotional.

“For any player to retire, he has to send a letter to the NFL stating this, said Ravens Senior Vice President of Public and Community Relations, Kevin Byrne. “Derrick Mason has not done that.”

For the record, if Mason does follow through and retires, the Ravens will realize a cap savings of $3 million. Perhaps then they’ll turn their attention towards a player like Marvin Harrison. And if you are wondering if Mason will pull a Brett Favre and go back to Tennessee or end up in Indianapolis or something along those lines, don’t!

The Ravens will more than likely place Mason on the Reserved/Retired List which would enable them to retain his rights for the remaining year of his contract - regardless of when he would try and come back whether it's next year or 3 years from now.

This story, this chess match is hardly over.

You might say that it’s just beginning and for the moment it’s advantage Mason.

And another lesson learned by Little Mase…

McNair's legacy tainted by kicker...might the Ravens '09 season experience the same?

2009-07-11T10:28:00.002-04:00

Steve McNair’s death has forced many of us to consider his body of work and ponder how he will be remembered. Many have varying opinions today, some of which will change as the tragedy soaks in. Time also has a way of softening our views. This is after all a forgiving society.

While reminiscing I thought of McNair’s career as a Titan. He was always a formidable foe whose style I would describe as relentless. Just when you thought he was wrapped up, he’d escape and make a play downfield with a throw on the run or he might sustain drives with his feet. You could never count out a Steve McNair led team until the clock read 0:00.

Ravens fans won’t want to hear this but the 2000 Titans were a better team than the 2000 Ravens. Statistically their defense was ranked No. 1 and clearly their offense was more potent than the Ravens. Let’s not forget that the Billick/Cavanaugh offense went 21 consecutive quarters without scoring a touchdown.

Had it not been for the inadequacies of Al Del Greco the Titans, not the Ravens would have the Super Bowl XXXV Trophy on their mantel.

How might that have altered McNair’s legacy?

Could Del Greco’s failures keep McNair out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

They might.

Clearly this all presents some interesting topics for friendly pub debates.
While re-living those moments from the 2000 season in my mind, thinking of Al Del Greco and the Ravens touchdown drought, I couldn’t help but think of Matt Stover. How would that championship season have played out without the dependability of No. 3?

Apparently the Ravens are ready and willing to usher in the post-Stover era.

But are they able?

What if the Joe Flacco improves, the offensive line solidifies, the receiving corps proves to be above average and the defense holds serve? Might that be the difference between an AFC Championship Game appearance and a Super Bowl appearance?

It could be.

But what if neither of the Stover replacement candidates, Steve Hauschka or Graham Gano connects consistently under pressure? Is that kickoff/long kicker specialist roster spot really that critical?

The Ravens personnel department has done a fine job of finding players with multiple talents who can contribute in more ways than one. Gone are the players like Clarence Moore and B.J. Sams. Soon Yamon Figurs will be gone for the same reason.

Can’t the Ravens justify Hauschka or Gano AND Stover?

If there is 0:03 left in a playoff game and the Ravens are down by 2 with the ball on the opponent’s 22 yard line, who would you prefer to make that 39 yard field goal attempt, new guy or Stover?

Let’s just hope that if the Ravens prove to be the AFC’s best team in 2009, that a kicker’s failures don’t keep them out of the Super Bowl.

Just ask the fans in Tennessee how they feel.

Just ask the Hall of Fame voters who will one day determine Steve McNair’s place in NFL history.

Ravens' DB Webb a work in progress

2009-07-10T03:28:00.002-04:00

Although hampered a bit in OTA’s by a nagging hamstring, rookie Lardarius Webb impressed coaches with his willingness to learn and desire to improve. Webb is a tough DB and he posted the fastest 40 speed among corners at the Combines in February. Webb however is not a peddler – that is he needs work in coverage while retreating and turning. At the moment is instincts are more conducive to the position of safety but team officials are optimistic that he will soon shape into a fine nickel back and perhaps more.

Ravens' Nakamura likely to see more playing time

2009-07-10T03:25:00.002-04:00

Word is that Greg Mattison was very pleased with Haruki Nakamura during OTA’s and is particularly excited about his ability to disguise the blitz and time it in such a way that is usually disruptive. Look for much more of Nakamura this season particularly in dime packages. Long-time observers of the team may recall how the Ravens effectively employed Gerome Sapp and prior to him Chad Williams to get after opposing quarterbacks oftentimes resulting in a hurry, sack or a forced turnover. That role and more may be handed to the second year safety out of Cincinnati.

Ravens to turn heat up on Antwan Barnes

2009-07-10T03:23:00.002-04:00

The Ravens thought they scored a fourth round steal when they selected Antwan Barnes in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft yet to date, he has been a disappointment. Many analysts projected that his game could shape up to be much like the Colts’ Robert Mathis but so far Barnes has been very one-dimensional and some close to the team have even questioned his work ethic. Look for the coaching staff to turn up the heat on Barnes as they try to tap into his vast physical tools. How he responds could determine his future with the team.

Suggs' agent nickel and diming the Ravens?

2009-07-09T08:24:00.005-04:00

The next six days could have a huge bearing on whether or not Terrell Suggs is a member of the Baltimore Ravens beyond the 2009 season. If Suggs is not signed by July 15 he will take the field in 2009 season as the team’s franchise player and the two sides will not be able to discuss a long-term deal until the free agency period begins in February, 2010.

The danger in waiting that long is two-fold…

If the Ravens want exclusive negotiating rights with Suggs in 2010, they will have to apply the franchise tag to their Pro Bowl linebacker for what would then be the third consecutive season. The cost of that tag is the average of the league’s top 5 salaries regardless of position and that could approach a staggering one year figure of $17-20 million.

Should the Ravens choose not to tag Suggs in 2010, they will be forced into a bidding war (assuming they want to keep the career-long Raven) with the other teams likely to compete for his services.

Of these two daunting options, the Ravens would probably tag Suggs again despite the heavy burden it would place on their salary cap (assuming 2010 is not an uncapped year) and buy the time to negotiate a long-term deal or trade him. It’s unlikely that the Ravens would let Suggs go without some form of compensation.

But what exactly is the hold up with these negotiations? After the 2006 season the Ravens let Adalius Thomas walk in part because they preferred to keep Suggs long-term yet still there appears to be no imminent new deal.

Suggs however appears to be optimistic.

“I feel like we’re getting close,” Suggs told the team’s web site. “Negotiations are going on with the Ravens. Fans can be optimistic that I’ll be [at training camp].”

During other interviews this offseason, Suggs has suggested that fans will be pleasantly surprised by the numbers in his new deal and that they won’t approach those of Dwight Freeney who signed a then record 6 year, $72 million contract with $30 million guaranteed.

Those words from Suggs just had to have had agent Gary Wichard, the orchestrator of the Freeney deal doubled over in a state of exasperation. You see Wichard also represents Suggs and he’s looking to shape the Ravens franchise player into his next agent trophy – the next record contract for a defender.

Sources have indicated that the Ravens’ current offer approaches that of Jared Allen’s deal which edged Freeney’s slightly, 6 years, $74 million with $31 million guaranteed. Wichard is looking to leap frog Allen’s agent Ken Harris and re-claim the top paid defender title and Suggs is just the man to make that happen.

Wichard will probably haggle over details right up to the 11th hour. He’ll try to get the Ravens to front load the money. Maybe he’ll even get them to go to 7 years and $80 million plus with $32 million guaranteed just so he can win the big weenie contest amongst agents and then tell all prospective clients and the rest of the civilized world why he’s the greatest agent on the face of the planet.

I can almost hear him imploring Ozzie Newsome to, “Just throw me a freakin’ bone!”

At some point on July 15, 2009 he will and Suggs will then make whole on his promise to the fans.

Who among us can really judge Steve McNair?

2009-07-08T10:44:00.004-04:00

It’s been four plus days yet seemingly months ago since Steve McNair was taken from this earth in a violent and unnecessary way.

I’ve taken in the talk on sports radio and I’ve read the feedback submitted by Ravens fans and clearly the opinions vary on how McNair will be remembered.

When I think back, I recall the nickname Air McNair as the former Alcorn State Brave emerged on to the NFL scene as the third overall pick by the Houston Oilers in the 1995 NFL Draft. At the time I thought the nickname was a bit unusual since his legs can be credited with most of his early success.

Right around the time McNair was maturing as a professional my son Tyler, to the delight of his proud Dad began to really develop an affinity for the NFL and in large part the credit for that can be attributed to McNair and his long-time teammate Eddie George. As a parent, I loved the idea of my son attaching himself to two players who I considered to be professional, classy, hard working and obviously successful.

As time went by and the Ravens’ rivalry with the Titans heated up my competitive nature prevented me from rooting for the two players because their success could directly affect that of my team. Yet when the duo began to rack up awards and post season appearances I found it hard to begrudge them given their reputations as stand up guys on the field, in the locker room and in the community.

My son would eventually don jerseys for both players and despite the fact that I was building my livelihood around the Baltimore Ravens, he was young and impressionable and it didn’t bother me all that much. After all he could have chosen a Randy Moss or a Terrell Owens jersey.

Ty would eventually become a full-fledged dyed-in-the-wool Ravens fan yet he has always harbored an affinity for McNair and George.

When I heard the news of McNair’s passing I called Ty to see if he had heard and if so how he was dealing with the tragedy. He was unaware of the news and I could tell he was a bit stunned. He’s now taking it in stride just like most of us who admired Steve McNair.

During a recent radio appearance on Delmarva’s ESPN Radio, I was interviewed by New School host Shan Shariff and asked about my first thoughts upon hearing the news…

“I thought first about McNair’s family – his four boys and his wife and I can’t imagine the pain they must be feeling. I then wondered how and why someone who to the outside observer had it all could even put himself in such an uncompromising position.”

The four days since have allowed the events to marinate a little for me and my thoughts are a bit clearer.

From what I’ve been told, McNair’s wife Mechelle is a caring and strong woman. That coupled with what Steve McNair was able to provide his family through his success will carry them forward and they will likely lead happy lives.

Of course they will miss their Dad. Perhaps Mechelle will look past the grief and anger and one day miss what once was as well. My wish for them is that the goodness of Steve McNair, his smile, his positivity, his success, his leadership, friendship, compassion, community-centric ways, generosity and love will endure for them and for all of us who are now questioning his choices – choices that apparently led to an abrupt end to a wonderful life.

Clearly McNair made mistakes and the truth be told we may never know the extent of those mistakes. Perhaps he and his wife were separating and the extra-marital relationship was a byproduct of that separation. Maybe he was ending a relationship with his girlfriend. Whatever it was the time he needed to cure the issue was taken from him. And now some of his survivors are questioning his motives, his morals.

Do we really have that right?

Who among us has never erred?

Who among us never had a chance to correct mistakes?

At the end of the day, it’s possible that none of us ever real knew the real Steve McNair. Most never met the man and consequently there’s only the public persona to base opinions on.

If that’s all you have, then clearly what he’s given, the good that he’s done far outweigh the indiscretions that ended his life. One only needs to listen to and read the unwavering solidarity of those who played with him supporting their fallen teammate.

Clearly he has made mistakes but hasn’t he now paid the ultimate price for those?

My son and I will remember you fondly Steve.

May you rest in peace…

Photo by Sabina Moran

Uncensored: Fans share how they will remember Steve McNair

2009-07-08T08:01:00.003-04:00

I asked the members of our Ravens247 Facebook Group to briefly state their thoughts on how they will remember Steve McNair. Here’s what they had to say, unedited and uncut…

The more details that surface about McNair's personal life, the more sadness I feel for his family. His death is a tragic loss for football as he was a hero on the field. But the details of his death have taken away from his status as a hero off the field. ~ Richard Frank

Similar to how D. Mason was playing the end of last season with just one arm, I will remember Steve persevering with incredible results despite being a " walking M*A*S*H* unit… he will be missed ~ Lawrence Plumhoff

Loved him as a Player. Not as a Playa! Catch my drift. No excuses! Didn't like the situation he was in get out. Don't cheat. One of the Ten Commandments is Thou Shalt NOT Commit Adultery. But it's OK if you’re a Superstar. Sorry T. That's why I'm not married. I haven't found that person to be faithful. As a QB, what can you say Gamer, Tough, always has your back, Winner! ~ Kevin Allen

July 4th was a day for celebration. It personifies the strength, resolve, integrity, and the heart of this country. It is a day for us to remember the sacrifices made by our forefathers. It was also the day when the sports world lost an incredible athlete.

Steve McNair climbed from destitution to superstardom, and unlike so many young athletes today, he grew into his new role with grace and professionalism. Steve McNair was the type of quarterback that every fan wanted on their team. He was tough as nails, and never thought twice about the sacrifices of winning. He punished his body for the betterment of his team. His list of career injuries reads like a chapter out of the Physician’s Desk Reference, and yet, he always persevered.

Having not personally known the man, it is difficult to attest for his integrity and character as a football player. His teammates loved him dearly. Both the Titans and the Ravens organizations have described him as a warrior who would do anything for his team mates. They say he was selfless man with a warm smile, and I am inclined to believe them.

Steve McNair’s legacy has been written and the book closed well before it’s time. He will be scrutinized in the court of public opinion due to the facts surrounding his unfortunate and shocking death. It is a devastating ending to a storied career. Certain aspects of what once was his private life should have no bearing on the type of man he was on the football field and in the locker room. ~ David Harrington

I thought McNair was a competitor and warrior. I also know he was great in the community. However this does not always make someone a good husband or father. Here is a true case of sometimes if you play with fire you get burned. It has been a sad and tragic spiraling end for McNair after he left football. Sad that he will be remembered this way as he was such an exciting player. ~ Mike Conway

My daughter knew him, she was greatly saddened, she thought of him as a good guy. ~ Sharon Zinkhan Yoor

Consummate professional ~ Miles Goodman

Affair McNair... Great gutsy quarterback and seemed like a kind and generous person. BUT, when he said he was retiring to spend time with his kids, I had no idea he meant the 20 year old waitress down at the local burger joint. Tragedy yes. But way more tragic are the lives of his children who have to grow up without a father because Daddy wanted to chase some skirt. ~ Chris Lambros

I will remember him crushing our playoff dreams a couple times. I will remember him stepping in and taking us to a 12-4 season. I will also remember him coming up inches short of the goal line in the Super bowl.But most of all I will remember he was murdered by some 20 year old girl that he was sneaking around with while cheating on his wife. That’s the sad part. If he ever goes to the HOF it will be a sad day because he will be sorely missed on that stage. ~ Jamie Rash

I remember Steve as the ultimate warrior at the QB position! That 2002 season where he played the whole season without practicing due to like 1000 different injuries was unreal! God Bless his family! R.I.P Steve ~ Adam Letschin

He's very hot looking but... he was cheating on his wife. No matter how good looking you are there are things that will make you ugly. That goes both ways. Some people that aren't as attractive can become beautiful once you find something so endearing in them. ~ JoAnn Skiba DeBorja

The man was a tank. Regardless of injuries, he would suit up and lead his team. He shared MVP with peyton... he was a yard away from a SBowl victory.... he was strong and proud... he represented us well. It’s a shame to see a man of such character murdered in cold blood. He deserved better. He EARNED better than that.He will be remembered and missed.... ~ Jessica Pace

I heard the news and I was shocked. Steve was in my mind a positive role model on and off the field. He gave back to the community and always managed to keep a positive outlook even in defeat. I put my Steve Mcnair jersey behind glass in a frame hanging next to my autographed picture of brooks Robinson. Me and My family will miss you Steve R.I.P ~ Joe Micelli

As a QB for the Ravens + Titans. No more, no less. I have more pressing things to worry about than Steve McNair. I do think many of these guys never learn to stay down. ~ Steve Antkowiak

Cheating bastard! Is that too mean? ~ Cindy Mikulski

I too will miss Steve McNair and the calm leadership that he brought to the Ravens. While all of the facts have not come out on the circumstances surrounding his death, it wouldn't surprise me to find out that he was the victim of some kind of blackmailing scheme. Trying not to be judgmental, it's hard to imagine that a 36 year old man with a wife and 4 kids and a reputation as a family man could end up in the situation that he was in with a 20 year old woman.Truth be told, I'm more concerned about the 5 year old girl named Raven that was a totally innocent victim of a street brawl that escalated into a shooting in downtown Baltimore. As she fights for her life, my heart goes out to her." ~ Eric Buckner

My thoughts about the Steve McNair tragedy are that he was a gritty, tough and fearless football player and the second he came to Baltimore we were contenders. I was at that Tampa Bay game when he went on that 16 play drive and crammed it in the end zone and the poise and leadership he displayed was inspiring.

Steve McNair was a human being and obviously was having an extra marital affair with a younger woman that was very attractive and unfortunately crazy. I will remember Steve as the football player and that he was taken too soon by a tragedy and I feel terrible for his children that will have to grow up under this cloud of scandal. ~ Vic Biscoe

A Hall of Fame player, who gave everything he had for the game and his teammates every time they walked out onto the field.. ~ Clif King

The fun and festive celebration on the fourth of July were abruptly brought to a halt as I stood in "mute shock" at the news that Steve McNair had been shot. The bearer of bad news, "assumed" I'd heard the news, as they jokingly refer to me as "The Ravensgirl"; and normally I'm passing on news relating to anything Ravens. Yet, there I stood, stunned, shocked, and yes, nearly in tears. While Steve was only with us for a short time, when he came to Baltimore he brought a new hope for the offense; and he had the spirit of a true leader which we had not had in Kyle Boller. I recall feeling such elation to have a great leader on offense, and a great leader on defense, the perfect balance. I am saddened by this news, and do feel like many that it is a senseless tragedy. Steve McNair was a great athlete. He will be missed. ~ Stephanie Bjork

There are no words to describe my feelings the second I heard he was gone. It wasn’t even how he died to me, he was just GONE! My mind went back to the first game he started as the Ravens QB. He walked on the Ravens field and for the 1st time we had “presence” in the QB position! Not only did he ooze talent he was truly respected and touched everyone in Baltimore from the players to the fans. One of my favorite moments is playing against the Titans and we certainly rocked them- sad for the Titan fans but what a huge victory for the Ravens- he walked off that field with complete class and waved to adoring fans in Tenn. as well.

He will always be a part of the Ravens and I for one will never forget the glimmer of hope he gave the fans- we FINALLY had a quarterback!Steve McNair is a man to remember on the field and off- he may have made mistakes, and I’m sure if he could he would “apologize” for his “faults”! But that is not how he would want to be remembered- I for one will remember him as the Ravens QB, (maybe for a short time but we had him)!May God hold his latest angel and give his family the peace and love they need! ~ Stephanie Brough

When I first heard about McNair, I was shocked and saddened. He was my son's first football hero. Now, I have to read the paper, listen to the radio and answer my son's questions about why Steve McNair cheated on his wife, and was vacationing with his girlfriend while his sons were at home, oh and how the DUI's just didn't seem to go away. It's just a shame...I would like to remember him for the player that he was, but now that's not the case. ~ Melissa Levitt Perlman

My quick thoughts... Steve was a helluva player - I have never seen before nor since his ability to play through the pain. I don't remember which game it was, but when I saw his linemen carrying him to the huddle and I was breathless. As an adversary back when the Titans and the Ravens were in the same division he was to be feared and respected, as a Raven he was a Raven. He wasn't perfect, but who is. He commanded the team in ways Baltimore hadn't seen in a long long at QB. He had done a lot of community work in both Nashville and Baltimore - always a good thing to see. I'm a little surprised how choked up I got over it, he was only a Raven for a short while, but I always felt he was a part of the family. He'll be missed in my household... ~ Evan Lougheed

From a football standpoint, I'll remember Steve as a player who was a warrior. It did not matter how many injuries he had or how serious the injuries were. Steve really left his mark on the Ravens in 2006 when he led them to a 13-3 record and a division championship. The playoff loss to the Colts was disappointing, but it was a very enjoyable season for Ravens' fans. RIP Steve! ~ Chuck Bireley

I remember back when I heard Steve McNair was coming to Baltimore to replace Boller. My knee-jerk reaction was "Oh thank God!!!!" My heart breaks for his family and NFL fans everywhere. ~ Margie Donahue

I will remember Steve McNair as a very good quarterback who came to the ravens in the twilight of his career giving the ravens hope for a future. I am in no position to judge his off the field activities or choices. I will always remember him for the excitement of that last minute drive in the Super Bowl.I will prefer to try and forget how he left this world and try to keep my memories of him on the field. ~ Jim Breakwell

I see McNair as a football warrior and weak family man. Runner's World recently had a little blurb about what to do to stay motivated. It quoted Deena Kastor, the 2004 women's bronze medalist in the marathon as saying over and over "define yourself." McNair defined himself on the field. Sadly, defined himself off the field as well.No matter what we do in life, we always lead. RIP Steve. Thanks for being a very good football player. God bless you the rest of the way. ~ Kevin Scally

I first got the text at 4:30pm July 4th. At first I was like wow, Steve McNair murdered (in with the wrong crowd?). Then as the hours went by and more info came out, him and woman found, then murder suicide (the toll of being out of football?), and then the woman not his wife. It started to look more and more not good. He made a few bad choices in his life, DUI, etc. But most were good, just the last bad choice was his last.

Everyone makes bad choices in life, some just end up being worse than others. ~ Rick Noppenberger

Steve McNair was a sweetheart of a guy. Very soft spoken and kind. He was extremely supportive of the efforts of The MOM Squad and donated his time to us in past years. He came to our holiday party at Raven's stadium Christmas of 2008 and spoke to 450 children from the Baltimore Police Athletic League. He encouraged them all to stay in school, be good and follow their dreams.Another occasion I worked with Steve was at an event I helped coordinate called "Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner". I was trapped in a butler's pantry about 2 feet wide in the hotel's kitchen getting autographs from Steve, Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Terrell Suggs and Jamal Lewis. I had to keep them in hiding until all of the guests were seated for the event. At the end of the dinner, the fans who attended were able to stand up and ask questions of the players. One fan asked Ray Lewis what one of his best moments in football was and he said "It was June 7, 2006 when Steve McNair called him up and said he was signing with the Ravens the next day."I thought that was such a gentlemanly response on Ray's part and spoke tremendously of what a great person/athlete this Steve McNair guy must have been. ~ Michele Musil Alessi

I have always been a McNair fan since his college days at Alcorn State. I remember when the Ravens first came to Baltimore and how much I hated playing the Oilers/Titans. I always felt like McNair always dominated the Ravens. When he got traded to Baltimore, I finally felt like we got a real quarterback, but the best memory of McNair has to be that 2 minute drive against the Chargers in 2006. It is sad his life had to end at 36 years young. His legacy will live on throughout the NFL. McNair will never be forgotten in Baltimore. I think for the upcoming season, Titans and Ravens players should wear #9 on their jerseys or helmet. One other thing, since Ernest Byners name is in the Ring of Honor, Steve McNair’s should be honored in Baltimore. ~ Ed Kapinos

My thoughts on McNair are two-fold.......On the positive side, I remember what a great light he shown upon our franchise and how much I truly believed we would make the Super Bowl that 13-3 year......In addition, he was great for the community here in Baltimore and especially in Nashville. On a bit negative side, he certainly had a different life that was mostly hidden from all....I feel awful for his kids because I am sure he was their hero!! R.I.P. #9 ~ Patrick Lund

I want to start off by stating. I admired Steve McNair as an athlete as well as one of the toughest quarterbacks in the NFL. I want to also add that; any murder and or senseless killing is unfortunate. When it involves family members that may have to endure the consequences and ramifications from such a heinous crimeI feel sympathy for his wife and his children. This should be a lesson to people that step outside the institution of a marriage just for a momentary "roll in the hay". ~ Kenny Shadow

As I write to you, Tony, with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes, I am troubled by the senseless murder of a very young, talented man!! I remember how excited I was when I first heard that Steve McNair was going to be a Raven!! I was so sure that Steve belonged with us!!! Though he retired and has passed on to a better place, I will always think of him as a Raven!!! May he rest in peace!!Steve, if you are listening, maybe you can have a talk with the Big Guy...another Super Bowl would be nice!! I love you Steve NcNair, you will be missed!!!! ~ Julie Thornley

I know there has been so much controversy the last couple of days. But Steve Mcnair will always remain as a pillar in the NFL community no matter how you look at it. He knew his limits but yet pushed himself constantly. He was a human being that just so happened put his cleats on one foot at a time. Steve was a man with a big heart and was hurting inside just like the rest of us. He spent every free moment he had in making a difference in other peoples’ lives daily. There will always be a void within the Ravens and Titans organization's that will never be filled.

To the fans I think they will see through the injustice of infidelity and the outcome will be the true measure of Steve McNair. This was a great tragedy to all who had the pleasure of knowing. My thoughts and prays go out to his friends and family in these difficult times. Please remember, with great tragedy marks the time for rebirth of how we live our lives. Nonetheless, I am truly shocked and sadden about his murder and the events that are unfolding. We have again lost another great athlete surely before his time.....Respectfully ~ Monica Krausch

Still just devastated. I guess because he played through so many injuries and was thought of as so tough. To think that violence could bring him down. It can happen to anyone at anytime. The day he signed his contract here in Baltimore he threw out the first pitch at the o's game that night. I left my office and walked into a suite to watch him. I was SO excited that we had signed a "legitimate" quarterback. I just remember the few thousand people that were there for the o's game clapping and cheering so loud. It was going to be the start of something very exciting. That was a fun memory that I have of Steve Mcnair. ~ Gina D’onofrio

He brought an unforgettable amount of class to the Ravens uniform. ~ Audra Landgraf Parfitt

He was always a fun guy to be around. Never turning down fans for pics or autographs In fact I have posted a picture right now of a picture we had taken together on my web site SportsSteve.com.

When I traveled to Tennessee for the game against the Ravens and he was on our team and not the Titans I saw the love the fans had for him there. I sat in the 2nd row on the fifty yard line lower deck behind the Ravens bench. The entire McNair family sat right in front of us and I got the chance to meet them and talked to them and said to myself what a wonder family situation. Hard to imagine that it wasn't as I saw it. I remember Steve looking over and saying hi to me and it made me feel great especially around all the Titan fans.

Even though he was only here a couple of years I really felt I knew him. I still can't believe this has happened at a tender age of only 36. As a person I have a lot of respect for and considered him a friend. ~ Sports Steve LaPlanche

As a player, Steve was amazing, tough and very talented…as a community member devoted to supporting charity with his money and his presence…Steve was generous and devoted…as far as his personal life…I don’t know. I will say that there are quite a few people I know personally that have given of themselves significantly to charity, done some phenomenal things in their occupation, but aren’t all that good at relationships! That being said, I worked with Steve directly for a few hours at a charity event and he was very personable, friendly, and interacted very positively with the kids. That’s my personal memory of Steve so that’s how I will remember him, rather than concern myself with his private life. I do, however, have great sympathy for Machelle and his sons and wish them some peace with this tragic end. ~ Jennifer Naylor

I will remember number 9 as the quintessential professional. He was a team player that put the team above his own needs. He was probably the guttiest player of all time. I will never forget the early battles the Ravens had with Steve Mcnair and Eddie George in the early years of the franchise coming to prominence. As good as Steve Mcnair was on the field he was even greater off the field. He did a lot of charitable work in Houston, Nashville, and Baltimore. I read an article last week that talked about Steve paying for three football camps and then cleaning up trash at one of them afterward. This was the essence of Steve Mcnair. Finally it saddens me deeply that Steve's legacy could be tarnished by a choice made after his playing days were over. This murder was senseless and leaves me feeling terrible for his wife and children. They are the lost victims in all of this. What a tragedy. ~ Scott Kodarides

I'm sorry if I'm not shocked or surprised about this happening. It is however very sad that a man in the prime of his life was killed. What McNair did or didn't do in his private life is none of mine or anyone else's business. He is a private citizen and no longer the face of an NFL franchise. If he were still an employee with a multi-million dollar contract then I feel he had a responsibility to maintain a certain image.

I also don't fault the coverage of his death; by accepting a job in the NFL he also accepted the price of becoming a public figure. I feel badly for those he left behind to deal with the aftermath. I met McNair before a game once briefly; he signed my program, exchanged a few words and made me feel like I did him a favor by asking for the autograph. McNair by all accounts was like this all the time and was always respectful to fans.

McNair also did so many things in the communities where he lived and played. McNair was a great athlete and did not seem to ever not appreciate the opportunity he had. I will remember him for the enjoyment he brought me on Sundays and how he made me feel in the brief moment that I was honored to share with him as a fan of football. All the best to the McNair family, especially the four sons he left behind. ~ David Prince

Tough as nails football player with a heart of gold. Tragic end to his life stuns all of us but the factors that led to it were said. For all the hater of his situation the theme is common in our replaceable society where almost nothing is sacred any more. ~ Michael Tama

I will remember three things about Steve:

1. On the field he had no fear and was willing to sacrifice his body to make the next play. I often think if he had learned to be a pocket passer sooner he would have had a longer career. But, he gave us all that he had on every play. He was soft spoken, but had a strong will the determination to get the job done and always, always had a smile on his face.

2. His work within his communities whether it was here, or mostly in Nashville or helping the victims in Katrina, which he put 6 figures of his own money into. He worked as hard for his causes as he did on the field. I wish I had half the will-power he always showed in trying to accomplish a goal. Whether it was building a house or talking to a sick child he put his entire focus into the job. You never felt he was faking it or didn't want to be there even if he wasn't at 100%.

3. I saw Steve with his friends and with his family. The questions may now arise about his marriage, but I always saw a man who cared for his wife and especially his children. It hurts me that the cause of his death have made people question his love of his children as a father. While this tragedy has taken him away from his children, that is exactly what this is a tragedy. This is not some outcome from a bad choice. Rarely does anyone think that a relationship will result in this type of outcome. For everyone that questions him as a father, remember he has probably done more and will provide more, even after his passing, for his children than most of us could even imagine. Though let us not forget that his being there for them as they grow up, his life back, anyone of us would trade for all the money in the world.

Rest In Peace Steve
We Will Miss You
But, We Will Not Forget You -Christopher Roberson

Thanksgiving in July...HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

2009-07-04T08:56:00.001-04:00

I remember as a kid there was always a buzz about the Fourth of July. The energy, the positive karma, the celebratory atmosphere combined to create riveting electricity during this most festive of summer days.

There were the backyard barbeques, the trips to the Rosedale Cabana Club or maybe even a family gathering at Beaver Dam or a trip to Ocean City. All of the Moms seemed to effortlessly orchestrate the day’s activities as they bunkered down alongside the picnic tables with reclining beach chairs. They covered themselves with oil, baked in the sun and policed the food supply so that neither the Dads nor the kids would get too far ahead of themselves.

This Holiday has a flow to it and the Moms are the maestros.

The late morning of the Holiday gave way to lunch time and lunch time to an early supper. We migrated from snacks to hotdogs and burgers to chicken, ribs and sometimes steak accompanied by corn on the cob. Then came the watermelon…

Swimming, diving, frolicking, volleyball, whiffel ball and basketball were in play throughout the day which upon reflection almost always seemed to be sunny and warm.

As the sun fizzled out, we knew that it was time to move on and continue our celebration. When the darkness of night fell we would feast our eyes upon a beautiful cascade of lights seemingly falling from the heavens above.

It was and still is an annual summer fiesta – a Thanksgiving in July.

During those formative years most of us never fully embraced the true meaning of the Fourth of July – Independence Day. Perhaps we were just too young to absorb the significance of the day; maybe our youthful exuberance was simply just too intoxicated by the sights, sounds and smells of this glorious and celebratory day.

The day was all about fun and then one day we woke up and we became our parents and then it was all about enabling the fun for our children.

Then the children went on their way to do their own thing apart from the families like teenagers do and suddenly the day became all about fun for us again. That is exactly where I find myself today.

One kid is off to Hershey Park, another to the beach while I look forward to celebrating the day with my beautiful fiancé. It’s funny how things run in cycles like that. One day there will be grandchildren and that will trigger another cycle and so on.

What a day this is…

As an adult now I find more time to take pause and give thought to what this day, Independence Day really means. Of course it’s all about freedom and preserving freedom, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

So while we celebrate, let’s take pause and remember the forefathers of our great nation as well as our leaders and the armed forces who put themselves in harm’s way to preserve something that unfortunately we take for granted far too often.

As I was reminded in an email from a friend earlier this week, only two defining forces have ever offered to die for us – Jesus Christ and the American soldier, one for your soul the other for your freedom.

Freedom is the soldier’s gift to us.

While we’re celebrating and making memories let’s remember and celebrate them by saying “Thank you.”

Have a safe and wonderful Holiday!

Oops I did it again!

2009-07-01T13:23:00.005-04:00

Never before in the history of baseball has a last place team overcome a 9 run deficit to beat a first place team – until last night when the Orioles scored 5 in the seventh and 5 in the eighth to beat the Boston Red Sox by the score of 11-10.

You’ve probably already poured over all the exciting details and watched all of the riveting highlights. ESPN is having a love fest with the O’s today and why not? Our Orioles made history last night.

On a personal note, I may have made history last night myself.

Let me turn back the clock to November 23, 2003, Week 12 of the NFL Season. The Ravens entered that game against the Seattle Seahawks with a record of 5-5 and a loss at home to Mike Holmgren’s squad would have made it very difficult for the Ravens to earn a post season berth. Six losses with five games to go usually don’t add up to a playoff appearance.

So with 9:21 left in that game, the Ravens faced a fourth and 10 at their own 30 yard line trailing 41-24. Brian Billick sent Dave Zastudil out on to the field to punt.

Well I lost it!

How could Billick punt in that situation? This could be the season!

I got up from my seat and shouted towards the field, “If you quit, I quit!”

And I walked out frustrated that I was building a website around a team that employed a coach who willingly gave up.

Many others did exactly the same.

So I make my way out to Lot H and while walking I hear the roar of the crowd. I raced over to a pickup truck that was wired for audio and sound where I watched a replay of Ed Reed blocking Tim Rouen’s punt and taking it 16 yards for the score.
Seahawks 41, Ravens 31 with 6:41 to go.

A friend who walked out with me suggested we go back in. As if swallowing a huge chunk of imaginary humble pie I said, “Even if they’d let us, we don’t deserve to go back in.”

We cracked open a cold one and watched the rest of the game beside that pickup truck with many other losers like us who gave up on that game. Collectively we cheered the Ravens’ win but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had just let my wingman down.
I learned a lesson that day – never, ever leave a Ravens game before the clock reads 0:00.

Too bad I didn’t draw from that lesson last night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards…

Prior to last night I had not been to OPACY since 2006. I once shared four seats in a 29 game plan for most of the 90’s but I lost my baseball mojo over the greed of OPACY, the losing and the cheating. Yet I’m happy to say that this Orioles’ team is pulling me back in.

But apparently I’m not yet a believer.

With the Orioles trailing 9-1 after 4 ½ innings, the skies opened and poured upon OPACY. You can probably guess the rest.

One hour later, comfortably in my living room, I turned the game on briefly enough to see that the Orioles were still trailing only now it was 10-1. Turn out the lights, my return to OPACY and the ensuing lowlights from the living room were over. I retired to bed and fell asleep to some network re-run.

This morning I awoke, promptly headed to the coffee maker, fired up some java and then got my day started. Not until 10:45 this morning did I even know that the Orioles had won. When my fiancé told me about the comeback win, I thought she was joking and waited for the punch line.

None arrived.

A few clicks of my mouse later and there it was in black and white…Orioles headlines: WOW!

I’ve since learned that this was the greatest comeback in Orioles history.

I was there…but I wasn’t.

I may have made history though by becoming the only person ever to walk out on both that dramatic come from behind Ravens victory and the greatest comeback in Orioles history.

First the Ravens, then the O’s.

Another lesson learned…

Well until the next time I head to the Comcast Center and the Terps are down by 25 in the second half to Wake Forest.

Rookie Ravens compared to draft busts, argument lacks merit

2009-07-01T11:21:00.004-04:00

It’s easy for critics of the Baltimore Ravens to point at the team’s draft selections of Paul Kruger (2nd round) and Lardarius Webb (3rd round) and conclude that those choices mirror two previous draft picks that proved to be major busts – namely Dan Cody and David Pittman, respectively.

Kruger like Cody was pegged to go in the first round of the NFL Draft but slipped to the second. Both played defensive end in college and while these similarities help explain the comparisons the only other parallel between the players is that both are white. If Kruger was an African-American would people be making the same comparisons to Cody?

I doubt it!

The differences between the two are far more pronounced than the similarities.

“Let’s face it Cody had a lot of catastrophic injuries and while Kruger has had his share they aren’t structural injuries like Cody’s”, said Eric DeCosta, Ravens Director of Personnel during a recent interview.

“Kruger is much stronger and has the potential to be bigger. His lower body today is far more developed than Dan’s was even after 3 years of working with our strength and conditioning coaches.”

DeCosta added, “Kruger was also a quarterback in high school so he has a unique sense for the game from a DE’s perspective. That experience affords him ball skills and ability in space uncommon for a player of Paul’s size.”

Cody lacked the open field nimbleness that Kruger possesses and that makes it difficult for a player like Cody to shape his game in the mold of other Ravens once considered to be “tweeners” like Adalius Thomas, Terrell Suggs and even Jarret Johnson. Consequently, Cody needed to bulk up in order to be more like Trevor Pryce for example. Unfortunately, his trunk couldn’t support the added weight as evidenced by Cody’s lengthy history of leg injuries.

Webb draws comparisons to Pittman because both were third round choices from small schools. That combination didn’t work for Pittman and the Ravens leaving some insiders to believe that the Ravens would steer clear of small school corners going forward.

But Webb is a small school corner with a twist having competed against Division I teams while at Southern Miss prior to transferring to Nicholls State in 2007. Plus Webb impressed the Ravens’ scouts with a level of toughness that Pittman clearly lacked.

“Baltimore was too big for Pittman” DeCosta explained. “And let’s keep in mind that the NFL is a tough, physical game and it’s important to have a demeanor to match. We’ve learned that that can be more important than whether or not a corner can flip their hips quickly. Webb in our opinion is one of the most physical players pound for pound in the 2009 NFL Draft.”

Webb is also the only player in NCAA Division I history to receive the conference awards of Offensive Player of the Week, Defensive Player of the Week, and Special Teams Player of the Week in a single season.

Both Kruger and Webb possess an intangible quality that attracted the Ravens to them and further differentiates the two from Cody and Pittman. Both had to face adversity during their collegiate careers and each emerged victoriously.

In January 2008, Kruger survived a brawl while defending his sister. The Las Vegas Police Department concluded that a gang was responsible for the attack that left Kruger with life threatening injuries requiring 50 staples to close the incisions made during surgery. Yet he returned to the field at the University of Utah that fall.

Webb was kicked off the team at Southern Miss because he got in some off campus trouble while running with the wrong crowd. He vowed to clean up his act, committed himself to his faith has his life pointed in the right direction. Moreover, Webb is a huge fan of Ed Reed’s and relishes the opportunity to play beside the perennial Pro Bowler. During OTA’s Webb was like a sponge, absorbing the intricacies of the Ravens defense from Reed and Ray Lewis. Clearly a tough challenge but one that Webb welcomes with open arms.

"I'm learning how to see the game from Ray and Ed, how to let plays come to you by anticipating and figuring out what the offense is trying to do," Webb said. "I'm excited about everything. I can't wait for the season to start. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I'm getting there."

Challenges are many in the NFL and at times they can be steep particularly for a rookie. When young players face the best on a regular basis they will be beaten and humbled. How they respond to the beat downs, to the adversity builds character and makes a player stronger.

It may also break them...

Many enter the NFL never having faced adversity. Perhaps some were coddled, perhaps for some things came too easily. That’s not the case for Kruger or Webb.

Both have weathered their personal storms. They arrive with battle tested wills and they are equipped to handle the failures inevitably in store for both Kruger and Webb.

And then one day we can all criticize the critics who mention the pair in the same sentence as Cody and Pittman.

Things change quickly in the NFL, the Ravens are no exception

2009-06-30T11:57:00.004-04:00

As we are all well aware this is the NFL’s quiet time – the calm before the storm of training camp and the five plus months of coverage to feed the insatiable appetites of NFL fans. We love our summers but boy opening day can’t arrive fast enough.

The season is a marathon for the players. Top conditioning is a prerequisite and when you add in the mini-camps, training camp and preseason, there’s very little down time for the league's athletes.

But now is that time.

Since there is next to nothing new going on, save a new contract here and there, I took a look back at some of the articles and reports we posted here on 24x7 at this time last year. The reminiscing was somewhat eye opening and it served as a reminder of the extent of change that occurs in the NFL in one calendar year.

Here are a few of the stories we covered that were relevant at the time yet seem so yesterday less than 12 months removed…

Offensive Line ~ it looked so bad that most fans and observers supported Troy Smith as the starter over Kyle Boller and Joe Flacco if for no other reason than he was more adept at avoiding the rush. The line looked like it would be a sieve as the team considered rejects like Barry Sims and even hired Chad Slaughter to “bolster” the line.

Willis McGahee ~ he would be the beneficiary of Cam Cameron’s system much like LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego. Some predicted a blistering scoring season for McGahee. Apparently no one let McGahee in on the plan.

Chris McAlister ~ the team’s top cover corner knocked down the doors to John Harbaugh’s dog house, dove in and never re-emerged. C-Mac is now sitting in SoCal waiting for that call to come.

The Retirements of Jon Ogden and Steve McNair ~ One, you could see coming…the other was a surprise. When the Ravens drafted Flacco, the Ravens planned to keep 4 QB’s on their roster. It never happened as McNair sailed into the sunset quietly without so much as a whisper of a possible return.

Brett Favre ~ this gunslinger doesn’t whisper about possible returns – his very public un-retirements are about as subtle as a Mariah Carey dress. Some even pegged Favre to the Ravens, championing him as a mentor of sorts for rookie Joe Flacco. At this time last year it was hard envisioning Favre in any color other than Packers’ green. Within the course of a year, he left the Bucs at the altar, signed with the Jets, retired again and is now contemplating another comeback and dress in the colors of the Vikings. Favre packs more drama than a runaway bride and thankfully he never wore Ravens purple.

Le’Ron McClain ~ with running backs McGahee, P.J. Daniels, Cory Ross and Allen Patrick all nursing injuries, McClain was asked to carry some of the load during the summer for Ray Rice who was the training camp workhorse. Along the way the Ravens discovered a new weapon. During his college career, McClain had 37 carries total during his four seasons at Alabama. As a second year Raven, McClain ran the rock 232 times.

John Harbaugh ~ could a rookie head coach with no prior head coaching experience at any level, handle the strong personalities in the Ravens' locker room some of which were huge supporters of annointing Rex Ryan as Brian Billick's replacement? It's safe to say Harbaugh exceeded all expectations and his well thought out staff certainly helped make that happen.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes...

At this time last year I asked several members of the local media who cover the Ravens to weigh in on their thoughts regarding the then upcoming season.

Joe Platania of Press Box had this to say about an AFC North forecast:

Because the AFC North is taking on the two toughest divisions in football this year -- the AFC South and NFC East -- the division winner will not have more than ten wins. The Ravens will go 8-8 and fight Pittsburgh for second behind the Browns. Cincy will finally implode and finish last.

ABC 2’s Rob Carlin shared his thoughts on the notion of starting Joe Flacco during his rookie season:

Let me be perfectly clear - Joe Flacco should NOT start this year. At any point!! He is a rookie without any "big-game" experience. The tackles are, at best, a project. The wideouts haven't proven to be playmakers. There's no reason to throw him out there to get his brains beat out. Maybe get him in some games early. Maybe some late. But he should not have the pressure, or expectations, of being the Ravens starting QB in Year 1.

As you can see, judging from some of the surprising developments from just one of the league’s 32 teams, a lot can change in a hurry in the National Football League.

And those changes are often swift and unpredictable.

Ravens don't need a stud receiver to capture AFC North title

2009-06-30T09:17:00.005-04:00

The Ravens are just a wide receiver away from overtaking the Steelers in the AFC North.

How many times have you HEARD that?

If the Ravens had a true No. 1 receiver they may have advanced to and won Super Bowl XLIII.

How many times have you SAID that?

The Ravens would love to have a player in the mold of Larry Fitzgerald or one with the skills of Brandon Marshall. But is that the only way for the Ravens to take that next step? Can they take that next step with the wide receiver talent currently on their roster provided they improve in other areas?

That’s a reasonable assumption don’t you think?

But before we go there, let’s look at the receiving talent the Ravens do have heading into the 2009 season.

Derrick Mason: It’s safe to say that Mason can at least duplicate what he did in 2008given that he expects to be fully recovered from a shoulder injury that limited him last season when he still managed to haul in 80 catches for 1,037 yards and 5 TD’s. As a point of reference Anquan Boldin had 89 receptions for 1,039 yards and 11 scores.

Mark Clayton: Yes he’s been a disappointment but isn’t it logical to conclude that his productivity could improve now that he’s had some experience with Joe Flacco and now that he’ll have a full training camp with the second year signal caller?

Demetrius Williams: The big “IF” in this corps of receivers…if Williams can stay healthy, his skills immediately improve the unit.

Kelley Washington: A big target with a solid work ethic and familiarity with the AFC North.

Marcus Smith: Raw talent, a former running back now more familiar with his surroundings…through experience a better player.

This group certainly won’t make you forget the targets Kurt Warner throws to in the desert but one could reasonably conclude that they are at least marginally better.

Is that improvement alone enough to elevate the Ravens above and beyond the Steelers?
Probably not, but there are other ways to close that gap without dramatically improving the receiving corps…

Last season the Ravens were victimized by a Steelers’ hat trick, dropping three games by a total of 16 points. Can those losses be pinned on the team’s receivers?

Seems to me that the Ravens were beaten on the line of scrimmage and they were unable to get their running game untracked. Perhaps they just failed to remain committed to the run. In either case it allowed the Steelers to unleash their impressive pass rush.

Not wanting to expose his quarterback, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron held Todd Heap in to support in pass protection. He even held in his tailback to try and keep Flacco clean and that in turn allowed the Steelers to cover three receivers with six defenders. Troy Polamalu, primarily responsible for Todd Heap was allowed to track Flacco’s sight lanes and jump routes.

Defending the Ravens became too simple for the Steelers.

If the Ravens had a No. 1 receiver would the Steelers alter their defensive game plan? Well not if the Ravens are unable to keep James Harrison and Lamar Woodley off Flacco.

The Ravens spent their first pick in the ’09 Draft on a right tackle adding to a young and developing offensive line. The addition of Michael Oher might enable the Ravens to get more receivers out in patterns presenting a greater challenge to opposing defenses.

They spent their second pick on a player who will give the pass rush a boost. The third pick was invested in a player who can provide a spark to the return game and add depth to the secondary.

The Ravens made a couple of free agent moves to build even more depth to the back end of the defense. Dawan Landry returns; Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura are more seasoned; Kelly Gregg is back while Justin Bannan has grown as a player; Haloti Ngata is more accomplished and was an absolute beast against the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game.

Joe Flacco is now battle tested and ready to absorb more of Cameron’s playbook. Ray Rice is stronger and more rested. The team’s improved depth bodes well for better special teams play.

Add it up and the Ravens are a more solid football team today than the one that walked off Heinz Field as losers this past January.

Do the Ravens need a No. 1 receiver? Of course they do.

Would that make them a better team? Absolutely!

Must they have such a player to achieve greater things in ’09? Absolutely not!

Winning in the NFL is all about improving as a team, exploiting opponents’ weaknesses better than they exploit yours and controlling the line of scrimmage. And you CAN do that without a prototypical No. 1 receiver.

Need proof?

Go back and take a peek at the roster of the Super Bowl XXXV winners…

Need a babysitter? Why not try Ray Lewis?

2009-06-29T08:34:00.002-04:00

Whenever an NFL player becomes available who might be a match for the Ravens on the field yet is a problem off the field or in the locker room, fans inevitably look to Ray Lewis and conclude that he can be the voice of reason and stave off any potential issues.

Fans think that Ray can turn a drama queen into his own little dancing queen who will march to his beat on demand. Look up babysitter in the NFL Glossary and fans expect to see the willing and smiling face of Ray Lewis.

And given this widely held belief among fans, they precipitously conclude that the problem child flavor of the month can be the missing ingredient for the Ravens – particularly if the player is a wide receiver.

Plaxico Burress – bring him on!

Brandon Marshall – no worries, besides what has he been CONVICTED of…
If either gets out of line, Ray will be there to B-slap some sense into him.

Gee, that theory really worked well with Chris McAlister didn’t it?

It’s working well with Willis McGahee, right?

Look it isn’t Ray’s job to be a babysitter. And how could he even affect a player on offense? During the week, the offense installs their game plan and all of the unit meetings, film study, etc. are conducted independent of the defense. During the game, Ray is on the field when the offense isn’t and vice versa.

How and when is the mentoring to actually take place assuming Ray and/or his protégé is even willing?

The truth is players like Brandon Marshall and Plaxico Burress seldom listen to anyone. They are coddled and have been coddled for so long. Things come easily to them and when they don’t they push back. There’s resistance.

Warren Sapp, one of my personal favorites among the new player-turned-studio-analyst added recently as reported by SI’s Peter King that the game is different and the respect that young players have for the veterans has changed. He used Vince Young as his case in point.

“Look at Vince Young. Why wouldn't he listen to Kerry Collings? I'm sure Vince thinks, 'Nobody's been through what I'm going through. Nobody's been through my kind of pressure.' Are you kidding me! Kerry Collins, fifth pick in the draft, has all the ups and downs, gets benched, makes those racist comments, has the alcohol problems, moves from team to team, comes back, has success ... Vince Young should suck up all the knowledge Kerry Collins has to offer! There's no better role model for him.''

If the Ravens take a chance on a player like Burress or Marshall (and the bet here is that it will NEVER happen) they will do so because the risk v. reward ratio works.

Not because Ray Lewis’ presence will help turn a malcontent into a choir boy.

Love is in the air on The Bruce Cunningham Show!

2009-06-24T00:02:00.002-04:00

This week while driving around from one appointment to the next, I was able to take in several segments of The Bruce Cunningham Show. Bruce just isn’t my style. He knows enough about the wide world of sports to convince the average fan that he’s well versed in most.

Yet it’s difficult for many (myself included) to take him seriously because he errs so frequently especially when asked to drill down and explain nuances of a particular sport beyond Average Joe’s sports intellect. Many times the callers know more than he does.

Yet I still tune in whenever I’m in the car between the hours of 1-3PM.

And I wonder why?

You see listening to Bruce is a bit different than tuning into The Scott & Anita Show. With all due respect to Scott Garceau, in a sadistic kind of way I’m lured in to that show by Ms. Marks. Like a lion lurking in the tall grass for an unsuspecting gimpy gazelle to come stumbling by, I listen and wait for Ms. Marks’ next blunder to pounce on.

She usually delivers.

It’s like shooting fish in a barrel.

Cunningham isn’t that bad especially for Average Joe. He’s smooth albeit redundant and well-spoken despite the fact that he’s sports radio’s corniest talking head.

Yet I keep coming back.

To Cunningham’s credit, his show is as described – a forum for the fans. Much like the message boards that he often criticizes despite the fact that he’s a participant on such boards, Cunningham’s show provides a format that welcomes fans to voice their opinions without being abruptly cut off. And his listeners seem to sincerely appreciate the freedom to express themselves as evidenced by the many callers who define his show as “great.”

I would hardly go that far.

A great show is fast paced, entertaining and educational. That hardly describes The Bruce Cunningham Show, at least for me. That said the host has done a fine job carving out a niche that is working for him and 105.7 The Fan and apparently given my attentiveness I must at least find the show to be somewhat entertaining.

Bruce will chuckle in a geeky way at his own jokes when they are anything but funny; he’ll take out his imaginary driver and hit his imaginary balls down the imaginary fairway; with the help of his capable wingman Mark Zinno (not imaginary) he stays between the imaginary navigational buoys; and then ends his show with the cornball credo:

“Baltimore, I love ya madly.”

To my surprise, the feeling is apparently mutual.

Is Ozzie's poker face failing him in the Suggs contract talks?

2009-06-20T15:15:00.006-04:00

Just after the draft I learned that the Ravens had offered Terrell Suggs Jared Allen-type money (Allen’s deal included $31 million in guarantees). Either Suggs and his agent Gary Wichard both think that’s not enough money or Suggs simply wanted no part OTA’s and delayed the signing.

Or maybe both...

Wichard is said to be a bit of a gambler at the bargaining table and isn’t afraid to push his pile of chips into the middle of the poker table. Let’s consider what’s at stake...

For Suggs obviously there’s the $31 million in guaranteed money. If his refusal to accept that deal continues past July 15, Suggs will play for $10.2 million. He would then have to wait until the start of the free agency period in February of 2010 to negotiate a new deal provided he isn’t tagged again.

If he does wait, there’s always the risk that Suggs could have a subpar season or worse, he could suffer a serious injury – both of which would affect Wichard’s ability to negotiate a deal better than Jared Allen’s.

Suggs really isn’t worried about an injury. He’s yet to miss an NFL start during his six seasons. He’s probably not even worried about a drop in production either – not in a Baltimore Ravens uniform.

For the Ravens, they’ve already paid Suggs $8.8 million in 2008 as a franchised player. In 2009, barring a new contract prior to July 15, they’ll pay Suggs another $10.2. If they tag him a third time Suggs will be paid the average of the top 5 salaries in the league regardless of position and that number will probably fall somewhere in the range of $17-20 million. So conservatively speaking should he hit the franchise tag trifecta, Suggs will make $36 million over three seasons.

And these guys hate being franchised...

Add it all up and it looks to me like Wichard is calling Ozzie’s bluff.

The bet here is that Suggs will get his deal prior to July 15 and he’ll receive the most guaranteed money ever extended to a defensive player. Wichard will pound his chest and tell the world while the Ravens tell us that they wanted Suggs to T-Sizzle in Baltimore as a career Raven all along.

And then maybe buyer’s remorse will set in.

Is Suggs really worth all that money?

When the dust settles and after all the hoopla, pomp and circumstance, Ozzie better turn his attention towards extending Haloti Ngata ASAP.

Otherwise he’ll be back again at the table holding another losing hand.

Stallworth's plea deal places pressure on Goodell, NFL

2009-06-19T04:53:00.003-04:00

By most accounts Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth is a good guy.

Prosecutors whose business it is to make sure that justice has been served in the eyes of their constituents have repeatedly pointed out Stallworth’s, “excellent pre-incident history of community service, abundant references that attest to his good character, his lack of any traffic violations or criminal convictions, his full and complete post-incident cooperation with law enforcement, and his willingness to accept complete responsibility for his actions.”

Responsibility for his actions…we’ll come back to that.

First, let’s rewind to March 14, 2009 at 7:15am in Miami…

After a long evening of partying at South Beach’s swanky Fountainebleau hotel, perhaps in part to celebrate his then recently awarded $4.5 million roster bonus, Stallworth gets into his black Bentley GT coupe and heads home. While driving across the MacArthur Causeway 10 miles per hour in excess of the posted 40 mph limit, a construction crane operator fresh off his shift darts across the road to catch a bus. Stallworth allegedly tried to warn the construction worker by flashing his lights but to no avail.

Stallworth fought the ill-effects of a 0.126 blood alcohol level and stayed at the scene and called 911. His efforts were too little, too late as 59 year old Mario Reyes was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a flash, no less than two lives were changed forever – one was lost and the other permanently scarred by the guilt of senselessly albeit accidentally taking the life of another.

Stallworth had no priors of such behavior.

In that regard, he’s not much different than most of us. I would even venture to say that many of us have used questionable judgment while sitting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after a night on the town. Could a tragedy like this have happened to you?

Reyes death notwithstanding, bad things do happen to good people.

Some of us could be in Stallworth’s unenviable shoes. Good people will have many restless nights knowing that they took the life of a 15 year old girl’s father.

Some are outraged that Stallworth’s punishment that includes amongst other inconveniences, 30 days behind bars. Thirty days for taking a human life!

Many will point to Michael Vick’s time served of 23 months and incorrectly draw comparisons between his sentence and Stallworth’s plea. They will ignorantly conclude that Stallworth gets 30 days for a human life while Vick gets nearly two years for a dog’s.

The two are miles apart. Vick’s was an often repeated violation with intent while Stallworth’s was a tragic accident.

I do find it interesting though that Stallworth had the presence of mind to flash his lights in an effort to warn Reyes but didn’t have time to brake or redirect his Bentley. I suppose that doesn’t matter much now.

But what does matter is the message sent via this plea. Stallworth is now a couple of days into his 30 day sentence. When he is released he’ll have to deal with the revocation of his driver’s license, 2 years house arrest, 8 years of probation, random drug testing, fines and 1,000 hours of community service.

In addition to these things reports suggest that he had to pay the Reyes family somewhere between $2 and $5 million.

Now typically crimes like vehicular manslaughter carry sentences 10-15 years if convicted. A plea suggests an admission of guilt. Isn’t a verdict of guilty as condemning as admitting the crime? And if so, how did they get to 30 days from 10-15 years?

Isn’t Reyes’ life worth more?

The Reyes family said that they simply wanted closure and that’s why they conceded to the plea. Re-opening old wounds would have been too painful they claimed in so many words.

I wonder how they would have felt if the man that killed Mario Reyes was a penniless, unemployed auto worker with no priors and down on his luck. Would they have pushed for a harsher sentence absent the $2-5 million?

Of course they would have and therefore Reyes death had a value and in the end Mario Reyes would probably have wanted the money for his family if he could no longer be with them. But does the exchange of money make it right? Was justice really served?
Is it ok for the wealthy to avoid severe criminal punishment just because they have the means to satisfy a civil case? Doesn’t that send the wrong message? How will such pleas help deter the next wealthy athlete or entertainer from driving while impaired?

Answer…It won’t!

The inability of the court system to render proper punishment now places pressure on Roger Goodell. Should he allow Stallworth to return to the field in September ‘o9 and face the wrath of Mothers Against Drunk Driving? If Goodell’s ruling is deemed too lenient, how will the MADD activists respond? Might they then pressure NFL sponsors?

Ah, back to the issue of money.

Clearly this isn’t easy for anyone involved – not the remorseful Stallworth, the Reyes family, the NFL or MADD. But someone has to be held accountable -- someone is responsible and someone has to pay an equitable price. So far that hasn't happened and we can all thank the Miami Dade prosecutors for that!

These officers of the court allowed the money flowing from Stallworth’s hands to the Reyes family blind their sense of justice. Their job is to help preserve and be a champion of justice and set a precedent for all of us, not just the Reyes family. Their short-sightedness enables more behavior like this at the expense of Miami’s, Florida’s and this country’s citizens.

And now Goodell has the responsibility, the thankless task to clean up their mess.

NOTE: Since this column/blog was posted yesterday around 4PM, Roger Goodell has decided to suspend Donte Stallworth indefinitely without pay. He issued the following statement:

"The conduct reflected in your guilty plea resulted in the tragic loss of life and was inexcusable," Goodell wrote. "While the criminal justice system has determined the legal consequences of this incident, it is my responsibility as NFL commissioner to determine the appropriate league discipline for your actions, which have caused irreparable harm to the victim and his family, your club, your fellow players and the NFL."

The last indefinite suspension handed down by Goodell was to Adam “Pacman” Jones and that sideline Jones for 6 games.

Read my lips...Brandon Marshall will NOT be a Raven!

2009-06-17T20:43:00.002-04:00

For all of you clamoring for Brandon Marshall, I’ve got three words for you: “GET OVER IT!”

This rumor was dead on arrival.

Would the Ravens like to acquire his talents?

ABSOLUTELY!

He has been described by those in the know as a physically imposing receiver who can out-muscle defensive backs. He doesn’t have top end speed but he creates separation because he’s flat out stronger than DB’s and the truth be told, he may even be a bit intimidating.

Think of him as a taller version of Terrell Owens.

But believe it or not, the guy has more drama than Owens on his worst day.

Not only is Marshall a problem off the field, he’s also a cancer in the locker room. At least with T.O. you never really have to worry about him off the field unless he screws up his pill box.

So at the end of the day, the Ravens don’t want to pay the exorbitant price tag for such a huge risk and that message was sent straight from the organization at the speed of light.

Don’t buy into what some of these talking heads are suggesting. Why would the Ravens spend a fortune for a guy who is the polar opposite of the type of player the Ravens have spent the past five drafts recruiting, hiring and developing?

Remember, “What’s Our Name?”

The answer for that No. 15 out in Denver is, “Brandon Marshall.”

To the question, "Who are we?" No. 15 would reply, "We are Brandon Marshall!"

The Ravens just chased one problem child named Chris McAlister out of town. They’d like to chase Willis McGahee out of town too but unfortunately they’ve got an $11.25 million salary cap noose around their neck preventing that! Be that as it may, those two guys together don’t create the kind of off field nightmares that Marshall dredges up.

We should all spend our time debating something more “realistic.”

You know, like tagging and trading Terrell Suggs for Larry Fitzgerald.

What would YOU do for Ravens Tickets?

2009-06-17T09:11:00.001-04:00

Back when I hosted The Bart Scott Show during the tumultuous 2007 Season down at Della Rose’s Tavern in Canton, one of the things we tinkered with to help improve spirits during the midst of a nine game losing streak was a talent show of sorts.

At the time, the talent show morphed into a cross between Fear Factor and The Gong Show driven by this theme: What would you do for Ravens tickets?

The effort certainly paid off as the antics of most were appreciated and enjoyed by Della’s patrons.

Looking back, I’ve wondered how much better the “show” would have been if we promoted the idea more regularly and efficiently. Well I’m wondering no more – now we are doing!

We are rekindling the concept and we plan on touring area pubs which will serve as the hosting venues for the contest What Would You Do For Ravens Tickets? We are also encouraging our site visitors and all Ravens fans to submit creative videos celebrating your purple passion. No walls...no guidelines...the only thing we ask is that you be entertaining.

Prior to each home game we will select the best vids of the group, place them on our site and ask our visitors to choose the winner via a popular vote. The winner will receive a pair of tickets for a Ravens game and they will be eligible for our grand prize at the end of the season. We are currently in the process of developing those details which we will be providing in the not too distant future.

We will even accept previously recorded videos from your archives if you believe they are worthy. Send all vid files to TL@profootball24x7.com.

As mentioned we plan on touring the metro area and set up dates in pubs you know by heart so that you can bring it live – we will record the performances on video and if they too are worthy, we’ll post them on our site and include them as candidates in the online vote. That said each pub visit will have its own set of winners regardless of the online vote.

Creativity pays!

Maybe you have an idea for a new Ravens’ fight song or maybe a song that focuses on a Ravens player or coach; maybe you’ve got a new cheer or dance or comic routine that you’d like to share; maybe you have an entertaining tailgate video.

Remember, no walls...no guidelines...the only thing we ask is that you be entertaining.

Send in those vids!

BLEED PURPLE, have a great summer and stay tuned...

Brandon Marshall to Ravens is just something to talk about

2009-06-16T06:48:00.002-04:00

According to Mike Florio from ProFootballTalk.com, “rumors are flying in some circles that [Brandon] Marshall could land in Baltimore.

Bonnie Raitt’s request was just answered…

Just give us something to talk about!

Look do the math…given that the trading bar was set last year when the Cowboys gave up a first and a third (draft picks) to the Lions for Roy Williams, one would think that the price for Marshall would be about the same unless the market drops significantly on the Broncos’ Pro Bowler given the looming legal troubles stemming from a domestic dispute with Marshall’s former girlfriend.

Marshall has averaged 103 catches and nearly 1,300 yards over the past 2 seasons and he’s just 25. These numbers suggest the Ravens would not only have to cough up some big time picks for Marshall, they would also have to pay a guy with character concerns a hefty contract.

Meanwhile the Ravens have invited a slew of young free agent receivers in to their rookie camp this week.

Might the Ravens have extended these invitations to light a fire under the current group of receivers? Might they have thrown their name into the Marshall ring with the sole purpose of sending a message and nothing more?

Given the emphasis on character under John Harbaugh, maybe the discussions circling the Ravens and Marshall are nothing more than offseason filler.

Hey, it worked today in this blog entry, right?

Maybe?

Frank Walker loves Baltimore...does B'more love him back?

2009-06-09T18:44:00.002-04:00

Frank Walker was one of my whipping boys last year during summer camp, the preseason and well into the 2008 campaign. Yet somewhere along the line, it clicked for Walker and he became a valuable contributor to the Ravens defense. If you can refrain from parking your objectivity at the door and revisit his play during the later part of the season and into the playoffs, you would see a player who slowly but surely meshed with Rex Ryan’s defense.

Perhaps you made the same mistake that I did – you let the demonstrative antics and after the play yapping of Walker distract you. After all, how could someone as regularly beaten as Walker talk trash with and hock loogies towards opponents?

Some folks within the organization think Walker is half nuts and the truth is, they like it that way. Sometimes you just need someone to stir the pot a bit and Walker seems more than happy to oblige.

It remains to be seen if Walker will make the 53 man roster come September. The competition in the defensive backfield promises to be fierce and players on the bubble like Derrick Martin might surprise and knock out Walker and his $2 million plus salary hence saving the team $1.6 million in valuable cap space.

But don’t expect Walker to go down without a fight and some signature trash talking. He genuinely likes his situation in Baltimore.

Last year during the Holiday Season, members of the entire Ravens organization received greeting cards from Walker with a $2 bill inserted in each card. When they questioned Walker about the somewhat curious gift, Walker told the deuce recipients that he used to do the same in Green Bay, only there he passed out $1 bills.

Why $2 in Baltimore?

Walker said, “Twice the money, for twice the organization.”

The absurdity of the NFL's inactive list

2009-06-09T10:36:00.002-04:00

No less than ninety minutes prior to the start of any NFL football game, head coaches are forced to make some of the most senseless decisions in the sport. And all those decisions revolve around the absurdity of the 8 man inactive list.

What exactly does the inactive list accomplish?

Well let's see...

All teams pay all 53 men on their roster even if they are inactive so there's no salary savings there. Might some teams cut back on travel expenditures by forcing the inactive players to stay home?

I tend to think not.

What if a player wakes up on Sunday in his hotel room and the previous night's dinner isn't sitting so well? What if during pre-game warm-ups the starting safety pulls a hamstring and the fourth safety on the depth charts was left behind at home? Wouldn't coaches want to take their inactive player choices right up to the wire just in case the unexpected happens?

Of course they would and as a result, the probable inactives are likely to travel with the team and sleep and eat on the company's dime.

So if the teams pay them, feed them, transport them why can't they play them?

What possible logical explanation is there?

I'm sitting here scratching my head wondering...

The reduction of 53 to 45 players on game day penalizes a team that has scouted well and has built its roster from the bottom up. The team that has depth on its roster and has spent the time, energy and intellect to select and develop such depth is penalized.

It also puts starters at risk.

Think about a game that is a blowout. The Baltimore Ravens who are thin at safety decide to remove Ed Reed from the game to avoid an unnecessary injury in a 27-0 game against the arch-rival Steelers. They would really like to take out Dawan Landry as well but since they only had 3 safeties on the active roster that day. Landry has to stay out on the field and at risk while an inactive safety stands on the sidelines and observes in street clothes.

An unnecessary injury hurts the game and it robs the fans of seeing teams at their best.

The inactive list also prevents scouts from evaluating some players, something that can potentially hurt the team and the player. A solid performance by the player could elevate his status in the future either with his current team or as a future free agent. It might also help the teams gain a clear glimpse of regularly inactive players in real game conditions. The performances might validate or invalidate a team's opinion of a player which ultimately helps them to strengthen their roster.

The Ravens are continually on the lookout for NFL players who might not be productive with their current teams but could be productive with the team chemistry, infrastructure and coaching staff employed by the Ravens. Watching those players on other teams could help Ozzie Newsome and Eric DeCosta augment the Ravens roster in the future in a fiscally responsible way. The inactive list robs them and their peers of that opportunity.

I'm still scatching...

So, I Googled this inactive list topic several ways and came up with nothing meaningful that could keep me from shaking my head in disbelief while seeking a smidgen of logical reasoning for the inactive list. The empty search led me to the controversial grounds of speculation.

What if a small market team like the Bengals (whose owner Mike Brown makes Jack Luskin look like a spendthrift) fought for the 45 man roster because he knows that his scouting department is a relative skeleton crew at best and they can't compete with the talent evaluators employed by teams like the Ravens, Patriots and Colts? Might the small-market, poor mouthed teams whine a bit to try and offset their unwillingness to invest in a deeper scouting department and tilt the rosters in their favor to create a more equitable game day distribution of talent?

Like I said, this is speculation on my part but the absurdity of the inactive list begs for it because its existence is hardly the offspring of logical reasoning.

And now for some reason, I'm thinking back to that old Tootsie Roll Pop commercial in which the little boy asks around town, "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop?"

"The world may never know", concludes the commercial when the boy fails to discover the answer after several attempts.

Perhaps the same is true when we ask, "Why is there an inactive list in the NFL?"

Ravens building from the bottom up

2009-06-02T08:35:00.003-04:00

It’s only natural to focus upon the stars and the newly acquired free agents and draft picks when attending a Ravens mini-camp. It’s also quite natural to pay attention to the players recovering from injuries and those who have opted to skip the voluntary camps. Despite the mini-camp label of “voluntary”, fans, the media and probably the coaches frown upon such players. Somewhere in the corner of all our minds, to some degree we label them as “me guys” who do not totally buying into the concept of team.

But today, my focus during mini-camp practices will be in part upon the guys who will shape the bottom of the team’s roster, providing depth and insurance in the event of injury. Strength at the bottom of the roster helps a team later in the season after injuries, wear and tear and the rookie wall affect performances.

Admittedly it is difficult to draw conclusions from these practices primarily because there is no hitting. Yet these organized team activities help to build continuity and cohesiveness offensively, defensively and on special teams.

There are many questions that need to be answered as the Ravens work to get ready for the regular season. Some questions may never be answered this season yet the circumstances that generate the curiosity bear watching.

In no particular order, these are some of the intriguing topics we’ll focus on today and throughout training camp…

* Edgar Jones, a former high school basketball star…can Cam Cameron shape his athleticism the way he once did with Antonio Gates in San Diego? With injuries at tight end, he’ll get his fair share of reps.

* Can UDFA FB Jason Cook make the squad as a back up to Le’Ron McClain? If he can might that free up McClain to be the featured back more regularly?

* Derrick Martin had a solid training camp prior to his labrum injury last year during the preseason game against the Vikings. Can he pick up where he left off and if so, how does that impact Frank Walker’s future in Baltimore?

* Can Cedric Peerman or Jalen Parmele provide competent depth at running back?

* The battle for the No. 3 WR slot promises to be fierce. Kelley Washington and Marcus Smith are strong, physical players who are solid special teams contributors. Demetrius Williams provides the most potential as a pass catcher but has difficult staying healthy. Will his added bulk make a difference?

* Who will fill the ample shoes of Matt Stover? Can Graham Gano or Steve Hauschka step up or will the Ravens have to bring back Stover or some undetermined veteran?

* Bart Scott is gone. Who can assume his role alongside Ray Lewis? Will it be Tavares Gooden, Jameel McClain, Prescott Burgess, rookie Jason Phillips or could Dannell Ellerbe surprise?

The answers to these questions might not be all that riveting to casual observers but those who have studied the NFL know that the best teams are built from the bottom up.

The 2009 Ravens are officially under construction.

Cleveland is for crybabies, King James included

2009-06-01T21:57:00.006-04:00

Unless you are in search of a staph infection or you are visiting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland isn’t exactly a resort destination of choice for travelers. Maybe it’s the weather, maybe it’s the smell of industry, maybe it’s the ecological wonderland called Lake Erie or maybe it has something to do with the world’s largest collection of crybabies, aka Cleveland sports fans.

This is the town whose fans hurl beer bottles on to the field to protest what they believe is poor officiating – a town with such an inferiority complex they can’t even come up with a logo on the helmets of the town’s football team. Perhaps there’s nothing in Cleveland worthy of inspiring a logo.

Whining is the city’s pastime and the decades of fruitless pursuits of a professional championship of any kind has left the citizens of Cleveland feeling like the ugly red-headed step-children that they collectively are.

And given their foul odor and mood that permeates from the Mistake by the Lake, it’s hard not to root against all things Cleveland.

And that’s why the Cavaliers loss to the Magic on Saturday night was so heart-warming.

After the exhilarating loss the poster boy of Wail Away, USA, LeBron James walked off in a huff like a broken-hearted school girl without congratulating his opponent.

“One thing about me you gotta understand; it is hard for me to congratulate somebody after just losing to him," James said. "I'm a winner; that's not being a poor sport or anything like that. If somebody beats you up, you are not going to congratulate them [for] beating you up. That doesn't make sense to me, I'm a competitor and that is what I do. It doesn't make sense to me to go over and shake somebody's hand."

So the Cleveland Plain Dealer posted a blog and poll asking if James acted in an unsportsmanlike way. You've gotta love this response:

“What a stupid article and pole! Why don't you do a pole to see if [Indians’ manager] ERIC WEDGE should be FIRED!”

Note the spelling of pole.

Then there was this gem:

“I think it's far worse to cry like little girls to the media about the foul situation in between every game of the series like Howard and Van Gundy did. Honestly, I'm glad Lebron just walked off the court. Screw those guys.”

James gets more calls than Heidi Fleiss yet grimaces like a 3 year old who just had his lollipop taken away when he doesn’t get the call.

Welcome to Cleveland!