I reside in Western Maryland, and we couldn't get it through our great cable company... Have no idea why. :bash: :bash: :bash:

ain't this a #@!#$%&* ????? :ohno::bash:



Webb officially out for season, Harbaugh says
Lardarius Webb will miss the rest of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, coach John Harbaugh officially announced Monday.

Webb injured his knee blocking on the punt return team in the third quarter of Sunday’s 31-7 win over the Chicago Bears.

“He’s going to be out. That’s obviously disappointing,” Harbaugh said. “He’s played so well and he’s such a likeable guy. He’s made a big impact on our team. Guys really respect him. We’re going to miss him.”

The Ravens are expected to sign a cornerback by Wednesday. Harbaugh said it could be a veteran or developmental player.

“We’re looking through all the possible options,” he said. “We want to bring in someone who can help us this week against Pittsburgh. That’s our priority.”

Harbaugh wouldn’t rule out the possibility of re-signing Chris McAlister, who played for the Ravens from 1999 to 2008.

“We’re open to bringing anybody back that can play and can help us,” he said. “Obviously, he would be an option and there are other options out there as well.”

What CBs are available?


The Ravens are looking to upgrade their secondary after losing Lardarius Webb for the season. Here's a list of some veteran cornerbacks who are currently free agents:

Fakhir Brown, 32: Nine-year NFL journeyman played for UFL’s Florida Tuskers this season.

Jason Craft, 33: Nickel back for Rams last season.

Jason David, 27: Member of Colts’ Super Bowl team who lasted only six days with Lions this season.

Jamar Fletcher, 30: Former Dolphins first-round pick has played for five teams in eight seasons.

Eric Green, 27: Played four seasons with Cardinals before bouncing around to the Dolphins and 49ers this season.

Corey Ivy, 32: Former Ravens nickel back has had stints with Browns and Steelers this season.

Brian Kelly, 33: Longtime Buccaneers cornerback last played in 2008 with the Lions.

Michael Lehan, 30: Played for Browns, Dolphins and Saints in his seven-year career.

Chris McAlister, 32: Three-time Pro Bowl defender for Ravens who played two games for New Orleans this season

R.W. McQuarters, 33: Former 49ers first-round pick played for New York Giants from 2006 to 2008.

Deltha O’Neal, 32: Two-time Pro Bowl selection played for Patriots in 2008 before getting cut by Texans in September.

Patrick Surtain, 33: Three-time Pro Bowl defender hasn’t played since getting cut by Chiefs in the offseason.

Jason Webster, 32: Started for 49ers, Falcons and Bills in injury-filled career.







i think we should give either deltha o'neal or patrick surtain a look.....

Ravens can clinch playoff spot at Pittsburgh (with some help)
The Ravens can clinch a playoff berth Sunday by winning at Pittsburgh and receiving some help.

Here’s the two scenarios (which first must include a Ravens win):

*A loss by Jacksonville coupled with a loss by either the New York Jets or Denver Broncos.

*Miami, N.Y. Jets and Denver all lose.

It’s possible that either scenario could occur. Jacksonville plays at New England (9-5). Denver goes to Philadelphia (10-4). Miami plays host to Houston (7-7). And the Jets are at Indianapolis (14-0).

What CBs are available?


The Ravens are looking to upgrade their secondary after losing Lardarius Webb for the season. Here's a list of some veteran cornerbacks who are currently free agents:

Fakhir Brown, 32: Nine-year NFL journeyman played for UFL’s Florida Tuskers this season.

Jason Craft, 33: Nickel back for Rams last season.

Jason David, 27: Member of Colts’ Super Bowl team who lasted only six days with Lions this season.

Jamar Fletcher, 30: Former Dolphins first-round pick has played for five teams in eight seasons.

Eric Green, 27: Played four seasons with Cardinals before bouncing around to the Dolphins and 49ers this season.

Corey Ivy, 32: Former Ravens nickel back has had stints with Browns and Steelers this season.

Brian Kelly, 33: Longtime Buccaneers cornerback last played in 2008 with the Lions.

Michael Lehan, 30: Played for Browns, Dolphins and Saints in his seven-year career.

Chris McAlister, 32: Three-time Pro Bowl defender for Ravens who played two games for New Orleans this season

R.W. McQuarters, 33: Former 49ers first-round pick played for New York Giants from 2006 to 2008.

Deltha O’Neal, 32: Two-time Pro Bowl selection played for Patriots in 2008 before getting cut by Texans in September.

Patrick Surtain, 33: Three-time Pro Bowl defender hasn’t played since getting cut by Chiefs in the offseason.

Jason Webster, 32: Started for 49ers, Falcons and Bills in injury-filled career.







i think we should give either deltha o'neal or patrick surtain a look.....

:lol:
I was thinking the exact same thing. :lol:
:okay:

I reside in Western Maryland, and we couldn't get it through our great cable company... Have no idea why. :bash: :bash: :bash:

NFL might consider Western Maryland Steelers territory. I'm betting it was a regional, not national, broadcast.

Ravens can clinch playoff spot at Pittsburgh (with some help)
The Ravens can clinch a playoff berth Sunday by winning at Pittsburgh and receiving some help.

Here’s the two scenarios (which first must include a Ravens win):

*A loss by Jacksonville coupled with a loss by either the New York Jets or Denver Broncos.

*Miami, N.Y. Jets and Denver all lose.

It’s possible that either scenario could occur. Jacksonville plays at New England (9-5). Denver goes to Philadelphia (10-4). Miami plays host to Houston (7-7). And the Jets are at Indianapolis (14-0).

Another possibilty...the Ravens could still win the division. Unlikely, but it could happen. I think that would possibly give them a home playoff game, depending on how things finish in the end.

The loss of Webb is HUGE. This guy has been very consistent at CB and a good kick returner. What scares me the most is that we are going to see a lot of Walker a.k.a Mr. Pass Interference. I hope this guy can have a fast recovery and be 100% healthy for the start of next season.

Can anybody say Christmas calister. (At least that's what an announcer called him during a game a few years ago, seemed fitting for the season:)).
He seemed to play pretty well for the Saints (makes me wonder why he was released). There are off-the-field issues though... so I don't know how it would work out, but he's gotta be better than Walker or fair catch Carr and prob. Foxworth as well.

The Ravens picked up Corey Ivy today. I didn't think they would sign Chris McAlister, as I think there were irreconcilable problems between him and Harbaugh. And isn't it strange that the Saints didn't keep him?

^^^^about a year ago, i read in an article somewhere that he (c-mac) has "multiple" personalities. as you guys know, that kind of thing doesn't fit well into a lockerroom-type atmosphere.

Ivy? :ohno: ... really? Now I have to worry about him, too; worrying about Walker is more than enough.

Good. I don't want McAlister anywhere near this team.

I think from here on the Redskins should just go all out Harlem Globetrotter mode, I mean like just try every goofy-ass gadget play in the book; flea flickers, option plays, fake punts, the works! I mean, what the hell right? What have they got to lose? They'll most likely lose big time, but hey, it'll be fun to watch!

^^ :lol:

I think from here on the Redskins should just go all out Harlem Globetrotter mode, I mean like just try every goofy-ass gadget play in the book; flea flickers, option plays, fake punts, the works! I mean, what the hell right? What have they got to lose? They'll most likely lose big time, but hey, it'll be fun to watch!

That fake field goal was not fun at all to watch. Now, if the kicker would have thrown a pie instead of the football ... that would have been funny.

RIP George Michael, one of the best sports reporters ever! Washington area sports certainly would not have been the same without him...

Wow. His "Sports Machine" show used to be on up here in Baltimore a few years back. It was always great to watch. I loved the format.

^^yeah, he was an excellent sportscaster. one of the best i've probably ever seen.

What in the world is wrong with the ravens? :? :dunno:
They are giving the game away with all of these childish penalties! Stupid!! Just Stupid!
Look at all of the touchdowns they had to give up because of them. Not to mention the dropped pass in the enzone. stupid. They should be winning this game. Stupid.
What's with Mason? Drops another one. And now he's limping. Another penalty too. Stupid. STUPID!!!
Way to go, Ravens. Way to go. I mean, you let the world think that you guys are going to get beat hands down this time. Then you show that you are actually playing better and have made many more great offensive plays than the steelers. THEN, you give the game away with the stupid, childish antics/penalties. You act like the game isn't important. :no:
What is wrong? Why is this not being stopped? Why isn't Harbough taking them to the wood shed? WTF?:wtf:
The ravens will lose this game. You can't keep letting the steerlers have more and more chances like this without paying for it in the end.
Dumb. Stupid. Spoiled brat millionares. Control your tempers! Play with control. And it's not funny. It's not ok getting charged with a penalty and then laughing about it. Stupid. The way they are acting, they SHOULD lose. And that's a shame because the fans deserve better. The players on the ravens team that are playing good and with repectable sportsmanship deserve better. :no:
Rediculous. Dumb. Stupid. There is no excuse for this type of tolerated behavior.

Sickening. Because of a few dumb players/plays the game is lost. The fans of the steelers probably think that they just beat the ravens. they are wrong if they do. the ravens just beat the ravens. and their playoff chances just became nearly impossible now. way to go, morons. way to go. now go back in the locker room and pout and blame everyone else other than yourselves. then go back to your cushy big mansions and sit on your butts and cry to your family and friends. while i turn off the tv in total disgust and type this bs.
These games mean alot more to me and real fans apparrently, than it does to the spoiled brat millionares who commited those stupid penalties that cost them the game.and once again, i'll have to go to work and listen to a bunch of bandwagon steerler "fans" how "they" whooped the ravens. Not a single one of them have ever been to pittsburgh let alone have lived there or were born there or have family or friends there. Here, I'm surrounded with people who follow the steelers, cowboys and giants and packers and colts and panthers and falcons. Not one other raven fan is there. I am the only one. Sure would have been nice to have gone to work this week and to silently have been proud of "my" ravens. Nope. Instead, i'll hear "I told-ya-so's". Wish there were some ravens fans here where i lived and worked.
ya know, i wonder how many stupid "mistakes" these guys would commit if they were fired from the team and made to work in a "real" job getting paid "real" money and dealing with "real" worries that all of us here do? my point? just that we, (the fans), are mostly made up of hard-working citizens who work in regular mundane jobs, worry about the bills, health insurance, taxes and if we are going to have our low-paying (but appreciated) jobs this time next year. If I were given the opportunity to play in any professional sport such as the NFL, I would be so humbled, happy and appreciative that it would show it every game all of the time in every action/play and every word and with the greatest sense of honor that could be shown to the team, owner, League and mostly the fans.
I would totally focus my tallents in a positive way for the team.
Are we human? Yes. Do we sometimes make mistakes? Yep. Does that mean when we have these important "jobs" in the NFL and any other professional sport, that when we make these "mistakes" that we should act insensitive and indifferent toward the importance of our actions/mistakes that we made that are obviously are on a bigger scale of felt consequence by the fans and teammates and owners than our own selfish feelings? Nope. Bottem line: a wake up call that is totally effective in changing their attitudes and actions on the field is needed. Something that has been said or done is obviously not working. :no:
:rant: That's the end of my rant for the day. Sorry. :D I feel better now, though.

I feel your pain and love your rant Steven... I couldn't have said it any better. We have a decent chance for the playoffs because of other teams losses, but we have to win in Oakland. The Ravens performance against "playoff" caliber teams this year will not get us far though (probably wouldn't win a game). Hardball needs to get these penalties under control... my heart can't take too many more seasons like this one.

On a brighter note... almost every game we played this year was pretty exciting and the Ravens were in just about every game till the end. The only problem is that the excitement didn't go our way when it counted so we ended up losing a lot of close games... Is it too early to start saying GO O's??? (don't worry... I'll start saying GO RAVENS around June):)

Re: Steve's rant...couldn't have said it better. Now, I'm going to say something that might be unpopular. Just like Steve said, the biggest problem has been the undisciplined play, especially by the defense. And who has been the leader of the defense all these years? Ray Lewis. I like his enthusiasm, but if he were the leader everyone thinks he is, he would have these guys under control, not playing like a bunch of banshees.

For years, people said that Cal Ripken, as good as he was, had a negative influence on the O's and needed to retire. That may or may not have been so, but it is time for a new face for the Ravens D. Mattison needs to take control and show who's boss next season.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/standings/_/type/expanded/group/2


next week, we control our own destiny!!:okay:






5. NY Jets 8-7
6. Baltimore 8-7
_______________
7. Pittsburgh 8-7
8. Denver 8-7
9. Houston 8-7
10. through 12. (who cares.....lol)

....unbelievable that with a win over Oakland, they still make the playoffs! The Ravens seem to be trying their best NOT to make the playoffs. The way the NFL is now, it's amazing how a single play anytime during the season can have such huge repercussions. There are many, but I'm thinking of that missed field goal against the Vikings.

^^^^.....or clayton's drop against the pats.

the good thing is that the jets play cincinnati. the bengals are battling new england for that 3rd spot. should the jets lose and we win, we move back up in that 5th spot and we would play new england in the wildcard game.

In Sunday's game the Ravens did everything possible to assure that loss. It was a team effort, from the foolish penalties to a poor unprofessional performance on the field and bad judgement by the coaching staff. This is a "Jekyll and Hyde" team. Which one will be on the field this Sunday?

This team doesn't deserve to be in the post season, but the fans deserve it. In last Sunday's game the team gave their fans the finger.

^^this is a team that we cannot take lightly. i just took a look at their wins, and most of their wins are against teams that are playoff contenders (steelers, eagles, broncos, and bengals). stay tuned!!

they are not going to win it all. i'd be suprised if they beat Oakland. Didn't they,(Oakland), beat the stealers?

^^yep. they beat 'em in pittsburgh too!:ohno:

Yep. So let's not just count our chickens before they hatch just yet. :nuts:

Well, here's the question:

"Will the Ravens win today and seal their playoff spot?"

I sure hope they do, but I would not hold my breath. :D

Well, here's the question:

"Will the Ravens win today and seal their playoff spot?"

I sure hope they do, but I would not hold my breath. :D


It depends on which Ravens team shows up. I think they win, but not cover the 10.5 point spread. The Jets win as well. If this happens the Ravens have to play New England. I'd rather play the Bengals again, we have a better chance against them. The Ravens have a tough time playing against top notch QBs, although we had Rothlesberger beat last week - we defeated ourselves. Lets hope we see a more discipled and focused team today. We'll worry about next week, next week.

14 to 13 Ravens going into the 4th quarter. Let's see if they can cash in on the interception. A touchdown would be nice.

TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!
Well, can we just add at least one more for good measure? And maybe even add a field goal too. :lol:

I'm at a bar with friends watching the game. The Ravens sure know how to give us a heart attack, don't they?

LOL

We've got the ball! Oh my goodness! Russell fumbled!

Congrats, Ravens! Congrats!

Congrads to the Ravens!

The Commentators on NBC "Football Night in America", Dungy, et al, believe the Ravens have a shot at New England with Welker aparently out. They have to take Randy Moss out of the game and see what else the Patriots have. We gotta run the ball. Flacco can't seem to react quickly, he's holding the ball to long, If he does that stuff Saturday, he's going down. He needs to size up the field quickly and release the ball.

Lets keep our fingers crossed. Any guesses as to the line in that game. I think the Patriots +9.

I think the Pats +13.
But have no fear, underdog is here! ;)

I think the Pats +13.
But have no fear, underdog is here! ;)

The point spread may drop due to Welker's injury. The papers are playing it up as a major problem for the Pats, since in Blitz situations Brady is a ble ot go to Welker. The Ravens blitz a lot (although they seemed to be backing off this season) so Brady will have to try to hit Edelman (I believe Welker's replacement), who played well yesterday. They will need to keep Moss out of the game, much as Mason was kept out yesterday.

I was afraid this game was going to be played Saturday, but since its Sunday the Ravens, hopefully, will be able to prepare for this changing scenario.

Gotta come down on the line to Pats +7.

UPDATE: According to the NY Post and Daily News the line is Pats +4.

Ok, so I'll go ahead a change my point spread in favor of Baltimore +3. :D

The Pats are beatable...not the juggernaut they once were. But when they play, they have 12 men on offense...the 11 players plus the officials whistling anyone that gets close to Brady, plus they are playing at home. They only had a 10-6 record.

The Pats are beatable...not the juggernaut they once were. But when they play, they have 12 men on offense...the 11 players plus the officials whistling anyone that gets close to Brady, plus they are playing at home. They only had a 10-6 record.

I agree the Pats are beatable. But all six of their losses were on the road, they have a long string of victories at home going back to last season. Yes, in the last game vs the Ravens Brady was overly protected by the refs. Lets hope its a fairer group this time.

Flacco needs to be more decisive on blitz situations, or when chased out of the pocket. He holds onto the ball and seems confused. Recall that play Sunday when he went over the line of scrimage a threw incomplete, resulting in a penalty. He had room to run and get closer for the field goal, instead the penalty resulted in a Cundruff missed 37 FG (bad snap). There is a lot to analyze and it needs to be done instantaneously. That's what a professional QB must do. But Flacco seem to be getting more tentative as the season goes on.

man, Raiders beat themselves Sunday, they really had a good chance to win that game if they could have cut back on stupid mistakes and penalties

man, Raiders beat themselves Sunday, they really had a good chance to win that game if they could have cut back on stupid mistakes and penalties


What do you think of the new 'Skins coach???

man, Raiders beat themselves Sunday, they really had a good chance to win that game if they could have cut back on stupid mistakes and penalties

Yeah, that's been the Ravens storyline this year with at least 5 of their loses, too.

man, Raiders beat themselves Sunday, they really had a good chance to win that game if they could have cut back on stupid mistakes and penaltiesI hate to say this, but aren't you a Redskins fan? In your statement, it sounds like you wanted the Raiders to beat us. I was under the impression that Redskins and Ravens fans root for each other until the end. What ever happened to pulling for each other?

Yeah, I guess not everybody thinks that way, sadly.
Although if that wasn't the intent of that statement, it sure can be very easily interpreted that way.

Yeah, I guess not everybody thinks that way, sadly.
Although if that wasn't the intent of that statement, it sure can be very easily interpreted that way.Sure it could.

hey I'm just being objective. But to be honest, I could never root for an AFC team, or the cowgirls. My favorite teams are the Redskins, the Giants and the 49ers, in that order.

I loved the Baltimore Colts. Now I love the Baltimore Ravens, despite what ever division they are in. AFC or NFC does not matter to me. I guess the NFC has more relevance to you since the skins are in the NFC and the other NFC teams can really effect the skins chances of making the playoffs more so than the AFC. So, as for your, "watch time", of teams, I'm sure the NFC takes precedence. As for "other teams" I may root for? Well, I love the city of San Francisco. So, I guess, when it comes to the NFC, I'd have to say between two teams, San Francisco and any other team, (other than the Ravens of course), I'd hope the 49ers would win. :D
As for the Dallas "cowgirls"? LOVE the CowGIRLS!:drool::lol: NOT the Cowboys. :lol:
Oh, and btw, the city of Baltimore and it's NFL Teams loves to play the Giants @ Superbowls! ;) :lol:

Not so much that *other* New York team I would imagine...*cough*superbowl III*cough* ;)

nyj-24, cin-14

rex ryan has these boys playing serious football!:okay:

Not so much that *other* New York team I would imagine...*cough*superbowl III*cough* ;)

yeah, not the jets. not the "lucky call". not the them. no. giants baby. giants. :lol:

GO RAVENS!!!

Ravens 24 - Pats 20

^^i'll say we win.....17-14.

Congrats to the Ravens!!! I hope they kick the Colts ASS!!

RAVENS WIN!!!!!!!
Look out INDY.
Because these RAVENS are new and improved! :lol:

bal-33, n.e.-14

here we come, indy!!!!!

guys, 24 points in the 1st quarter??? are we serious??????



ray rice?? the man is sick! 0:15 into the game, the company i had in my living room (roughly 20-23 people) went belligerent over his 83-yard run!! great job on offense, great job on defense. i was especially impressed with our defense.



i think harbaugh should've challenged that punt return when carr lost the ball in the sun, but thank god that 1 play didn't make or break us....

Ravens on Yahoo News: Rice, Ravens run past Patriots 33-14 (http://news.yahoo.com/video/sports-15749645/17553603).

I haven't been able to find anything out about Heap's condition. Looked bad, but he walked off the field on his own. Will he play next week?

They are also mum on Flacco's condition. He has a bruised hip that is effecting his ability to step into his throws. The Ravens and Flacco are denying its a problem, but he only threw 10 times and completed 4, for 34 yds. I think they are concealing the extent of Flacco's injury. He has been tentative or inaccurate on his throws for the past several games. We have to make big plays to beat Manning & Co.

I haven't been able to find anything out about Heap's condition. Looked bad, but he walked off the field on his own. Will he play next week?

They are also mum on Flacco's condition. He has a bruised hip that is effecting his ability to step into his throws. The Ravens and Flacco are denying its a problem, but he only threw 10 times and completed 4, for 34 yds.He only threw 10 times based on what Rice and the rest of the team was doing, so as a result, he didn't have to throw much. I don't know a great deal about the game, but I imagine if I was on a team that scored twenty-four points in the first quarter, I wouldn't be asking my quarterback to excessively throw the ball. We would've gotten 31 points before halftime, but Flacco threw the interception in the first half.

They way he's been playing, I want him to keep handing the ball off too.

look at what the ravens made Jack Bauer do!

1saoxdrRYko

I feel such an overwhelming sense of pride. ^^
:lol:
Let's hope he makes another foolish bet this week. :hilarious
Where, if he loses, he must wear the same dress on his next episode. :lol:

Purpletown, USA


http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo170/DELsoul99/1-15-10/DPP_810.jpg

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo170/DELsoul99/1-15-10/DPP_811.jpg

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo170/DELsoul99/1-15-10/DPP_812.jpg

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo170/DELsoul99/1-15-10/DPP_815.jpg

GO RAVENS...BEAT INDY:bash::cheers:

Beautiful. I love that first one, too. Simply beautiful. :yes:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=50238437#post50238437

Ravens fans should be here talking pre-game SMACK!!!

By Rick Reilly
ESPN The Magazine

Hey, Baltimore fans, this might make you spit out your crab cakes.

You realize who's been calling the first play of Ravens' games lately? Like the one that went for an 83-yard touchdown against the Patriots?

If you said head coach John Harbaugh, you'd be wrong.

Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron? Wrong again.

QB Joe Flacco? Strike three.

The guy who's been calling the first play lately isn't a guy at all. It's a 14-year-old Baltimore kid. His name is Matthew Costello, he's got an inoperable brain tumor and he's on a lucky streak.

"You gotta meet this kid," says Cameron.

This all started when Matt, a third baseman and pitcher for Loyola Blakefield Middle School, was hit in the eye with a pitch that tipped off his bat. He ended up with double vision. A few dozen doctors later, they found a malignant tumor. Now his days are mostly going to chemo sessions and wondering if he's ever going to get back to playing any of the three sports he loves.

Cameron's son, Danny -- Matthew's classmate -- told his dad about him, how he lives for the Ravens. Next thing you know, Cam Cameron was driving through the biggest snowstorm to hit Baltimore in years -- getting stuck three times -- with a Flacco-signed football, a signed hat and glad tidings for Matthew.

Why? Maybe because Cameron survived serious melanoma cancer at age 28.

Matthew's dad is a morning news anchor at WMAR in Baltimore and he was on the air, live, when his phone spit out this befuddling text from his wife, Donna: Cam Cameron is on his way.

"I'm like, 'What?'" Jamie Costello recalls. "'In a driving snowstorm?'"

Yep. Cameron talked with Matt for 20 minutes, and then, as he was leaving, turned and said, "Hey, Matthew, whaddya wanna call for our first play Sunday?"

Mouth open. Eyes not blinking.

Seriously," Cameron said.

Since Matt played QB for the school team, he knew when it was time to audible. "Play-action pass," he said. "Be cool if you could get it to Todd Heap."

Sure enough, first snap against the Chicago Bears in Week 15 -- with the Ravens trying to make the playoffs -- Flacco fakes the handoff and drops back to pass. Only he bounces the ball off the turf for an incomplete pass. But later in that series Cameron looks at his play sheet. Scrawled on the side, he's written Matthew Costello. So he calls Matt's play again and it goes for a 14-yard touchdown to Heap, the tight end. Ravens win, 31-7.

End of story, right? Except, three weeks later, the night before the Ravens' playoff game with New England, Cameron calls again.

"OK, Matt, whaddya wanna do Sunday?"

"Run the ball," pronounced Matt. "Ray Rice. He's hot."

So, first play against the Patriots, Flacco hands to Rice. There's a hole and Rice is through it like he's being chased by a bear.

"And I'm thinking to myself, 'Don't tell me this is going to go all the way,'" Cameron remembers. It does -- 83 yards, untouched, for a touchdown. "The whole way, I'm thinking of Matthew," Cameron says.

Nobody knows any of this except Cameron's and Matt's families. Jamie Costello is in the press box, screaming like his underwear is on fire. He hadn't told anybody that his teenage son was the new brains behind the Ravens' offense, so every single person gives him the stink eye. There's no cheering in the press box, dude. Unless you're cheering for a kid who's trying to survive.

Ravens win, 33-14.

Says Cameron: "I just looked to the sky and said, 'Maybe there's something to this kid!'"

Oh, there's definitely something to this kid. Since the chemo took his brown hair (the family calls him "Barkley" now) and a whole mess of his white blood cells, he only leaves the house to go to the hospital. Instead, he listens to comedy on his MP3 player. It's a crazy thing to see a kid, fighting for his life, constantly laughing.

This month sometime, Matthew will gulp hard and find out if his tumor has shrunk enough to begin radiation. If not, it's back to the chemo, Frank Caliendo going through his brain, prayers going through everybody else's.

Cameron knows a little how the kid feels. Earlier this fall, he had another cancer scare -- this one prostate -- but a battery of tests turned up nothing.

"My three boys and I talk about Matthew all the time," he says. "Anytime we're going through something a little tough, we say, 'How do you think Matthew's doing?'"

As for Matthew's dad, he can't find the words. "I used to worship Brooks Robinson," Jamie says. "But Cam Cameron is higher than that now for me."

The Ravens play Super Bowl-favorite Indianapolis on Saturday, on the road. Cam is planning the Matthew call for Friday night.

So, Matthew, whaddya wanna do?

"I haven't decided yet," he says. Smart. The Colts could be reading.

Not that he doesn't have a game plan.

"When I get better, I wanna do what Coach Cam did for me. I wanna make some kid feel the way Coach made me feel."

Funny, right? How a kid with double vision can see so clearly?

9 yards in the second quarter... you gotta be kidding me! PATHETIC!!!!

yep. it's over. balmur's season is done. ca put. fee nay. toast. defense is not reading fast enough. flacco is sub par at best. calling wrong plays. penalties are starting to mount up. sound familiar? :lol:

INDIANAPOLIS - Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is causing more heartache for Baltimore fans these days than Bob Irsay.

The Ravens were once again outdone by the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player, who threw two touchdowns in the top-seeded Colts' 20-3 win in an AFC divisional playoff game.

The sixth-seeded Ravens (10-8) failed to score a touchdown against Indianapolis for a third straight time and failed to stop Manning enough in the red zone.

The Colts (15-2) stopped their run of choking in the playoffs as a high seed -- they had been 0-3 after first-round byes -- and advance to play the winner of today's San Diego Chargers- New York Jets game in next Sunday's AFC championship game.

Manning has now beaten the Ravens eight straight times, including twice in the playoffs. He stopped their Super Bowl run in January 2007 despite not having a stellar game. And he did it again Saturday in more Manning-like fashion.

His decisive blow came in the final two minutes of the first half, when he threw both of his touchdown passes to take a commanding a 17-3 halftime lead. Manning completed XX of XX passes for XX yards against a Ravens secondary that had lost two starting cornerbacks during the regular season.

Ravens safety Ed Reed nearly turned the game around twice in the third quarter. But his first interception ended with him fumbling and his second one was negated by Corey Ivy's pass interference penalty.

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco didn't look injured like last Sunday, but he still didn't look like himself. He finished XX of XX for XX yards.

By the end of the night, it was another painful reunion with the Colts, who were moved from Baltimore on March 28, 1984 by Irsay.

Unlike their wild-card victory at New England, the Ravens were playing catch-up from the opening series.

Starting with a 20-yard completion on the first play, Manning connected on four of first six passes for 45 yards, which led to former Ravens kicker Matt Stover's 44-yard field goal.

The Ravens responded with a 15-play, 87-yard drive (which took up 7 minutes, 47 seconds of clock) that ended like most of their drives have against the Colts -- a field goal on the scoreboard and a look of frustration on their faces.

The Ravens' three plays inside the Colts' 10-yard line: a Willis McGahee 2-yard gain, a drop by fullback Le'Ron McClain at the 5 and an incompletion to wide receiver Mark Clayton. Flacco's last pass was thrown into double coverage and was dropped by Indianapolis safety Antoine Bethea, who would have had a sure touchdown because there was no one between him and the end zone.

Billy Cundiff's 25-yard field goal tied the game at 3 in the first quarter.

Indianapolis then assumed control toward the end of the first half, scoring two touchdowns in the final two minutes.

The key play was the Colts deciding not to kick a 52-yard field goal and converting a fourth down-and-four with a short pass to running back Joseph Addai. Five plays later, Manning found a wide-open Austin Collie for a 10-yard touchdown with two minutes left in the second quarter.

Collie beat Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth to the left side of the end zone. The rookie wide receiver was so wide open that he had enough time to turn around and make the catch.

The Colts showed no confidence in the Ravens offense when they called a timeout after the first play by the Ravens after the kickoff. Flacco was rushed into throwing an incompletion on second down, and running back Ray Rice dropped a third-down pass. The Ravens' hurry-up offense managed four yards and took 17 seconds off the clock.

Getting the ball back at its own 36 with 1:26 remaining in the first half, the Colts marched down the field with help from the Ravens.

Foxworth interfered with Reggie Wayne to stop the Indianapolis wide receiver from running past him on a double move (the 13-yard penalty moved the Colts to the Ravens' 14 and was flagged by an officiating crew that had called the fewest pass interference penalties in the NFL).

Two plays later, Ray Lewis broke up a pass in the end zone by throwing his shoulder into Austin Collie's head, but the Ravens middle linebacker was called for unnecessary roughness. Referee Carl Cheffers explained that it was "a blow to a defenseless receiver." Lewis could be heard responding, "That's football." (the seven-yard penalty moved the Colts to the Ravens' 7).

Manning eventually threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Wayne, who beat Corey Ivy to the inside and extended the ball across the goal line before Lewis delivered a hit.

The Ravens headed off the field trailing 17-3 -- matching their largest halftime deficit of the season.

In the third quarter, it looked like the Ravens defense would get the team back into the game. Reed picked off Manning and returned it 38 yards deep into Colts' territory. But wide receiver Pierre Garcon punched the ball out from behind at the Indianapolis 28-yard line.

After getting the ball back, Reed again intercepted Manning and brought it back to the Colts' 6. But Ivy was called for interfering with tight end Dallas Clark to negate the turnover. It was the second pass interference flag by an officiating crew that called five of them in 15 regular-season games.

Escaping those two interceptions by Reed, the Colts settled for a 33-yard field goal by Stover to increase their lead to 20-3.
Copyright © 2010, The Baltimore Sun

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bal-ravens-colts0116,0,1901874.story

Clunk.

Pitchers and catchers report soon.

Clunk.

Pitchers and catchers report soon.


I wouldn't get my hopes up for that this year...:bash:

Clunk.

Pitchers and catchers report soon.

^^

:lol::lol::lol:
Thank you. i was needing a good laugh this morning. :lol::lol::lol:

It was a disappointing loss to indy, but at least we knocked the patriots and steelers out of contention. That's no small accomplishment! :applause: :applause::applause::applause:

yeah, we have alot to be thank for. we have no reason to hold our heads down.

at this point, i really believe that derrick mason's gonna' retire [he's our all-time leading receiver (i believe he has 4,975 yards)]. it's been rumored that ed reed is also thinking about hanging up the cleats for good.

^^Yeah, they didn't do too bad at all. Better than I had thought that they would do. :nuts: As for the retirements of reed and mason. At least one of them will retire, I'm sure. Then, how long, until, ray .... lewis, ... re...tires...? :runaway:
1 more year? Two? 3 more years?

^^i'd say ray-ray gives us about 3 years..

For the entire season, I faithfully watched the Ravens...didn't miss a single game. Then, this Saturday night, I had a cousin in from Colorado and we went to a concert (planned a month ago) and I missed the only game (live, that is, I did DVR it) all year. At least Savoy Brown (the band we saw) played much better than the Ravens!

^^so you're the reason we got blown out! you're the reason flacco made those stupid throws! you're the reason ray-ray made that bone-headed play by coming in with the crown of his helmet! you're the reason pierre garçon stripped the ball from ed reed! you're the reason corey ivy caused the pass interference that denied us ed reed's second interception!

gosh dangit, micrip!! how could you??? lol:lol::lol:

:lol:^^ Too funny. :D

:rofl::wallbash:^^so you're the reason we got blown out! you're the reason flacco made those stupid throws! you're the reason ray-ray made that bone-headed play by coming in with the crown of his helmet! you're the reason pierre garçon stripped the ball from ed reed! you're the reason corey ivy caused the pass interference that denied us ed reed's second interception!

gosh dangit, micrip!! how could you??? lol:lol::lol:

:lol::rofl:

All I gotta say is that it was a good season. Could've been better, should've been better, but still good.

Some positives:
Lardarius Webb looks like the shutout CB that we desperately need. Unfortunately, he won't be back until the beginning of next season and it'll probably take him a bit of time to get on full speed.
Flacco keeps developing. It was obvious that he was hurting at the end of the season but that doesn't excuse him, entirely, for the poor performances. At times, it looked like he was making some good throws and then horrible ones. All in all, he is progressing.
Ellerbe played well and will continue to get better.
How good is Oher, eh?
Our running game - blazing!!
There are many more because we have a lot of talent in this team...

Some negatives:
Penalties.
The possible retirement of Mason and Reed. We need Mason for another season. He could be a good mentor for a young wide receiver. Hopefully we could get one through the draft and one through free agency (Vincent Jackson?). Keep Kelly Washington and get rid of Clayton. Reed also needs to play for another season and truly mentor Zbikowski, he is a good player and could do a good job replacing reed after next season.
Our secondary was inconsistent. Walker better not be back next season. Webb and Foxworth should start next year. Foxworth has shown signs of improvement and could be decent next year.
And we have to improve in 2 minute drills.

I saw Kelly Gregg yesterday and talked to him for a little bit. I told him that all in all, they did well and did not disappoint us. They murdered the Pats and kept the Steelers our of the playoffs, that's always good. I wanted a super bowl but guess what he said, so did they. (He's got a hot wife, by the way. )

^^the chargers are not gonna' let vincent jackson get away. the man's 6'7 and he's too good of a wide reciever. i just don't see that ever happening.:ohno:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=50636791&posted=1#post50636791

:lol:^^ Too funny. :D.

Kind of seems like trolling, dude.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=50636791&posted=1#post50636791new_balto, i took a look at that link, and i have to agree with TampaMike on this. was that gigantic post really necessary? it's not that serious...

Kind of seems like trolling, dude.

I'm not sure I fit that bill; I did a little research to make sure:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/John_Bauer_1915.jpg/642px-John_Bauer_1915.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll)

new_balto, i took a look at that link, and i have to agree with TampaMike on this. was that gigantic post really necessary? it's not that serious...

You're right; it's not :horse::badnews::cripes:. As a former colt fan, I'll be happier after tomorrow night :cheer::tiasd::rofl:.Glo Jets Glo:goodbye:

Kind of seems like trolling, dude.
I'm not sure I fit that bill; I did a little research to make sure:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/John_Bauer_1915.jpg/642px-John_Bauer_1915.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll)

In addition to my earlier response, I feel that to be a successful troll, you would have to be inconspicuous, sort of like a spy or a lurker:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fe/WhiteHouseTheThreeBillyGoatsGruff2003.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Billy_Goats_Gruff)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/34/Border_Patrol_in_Montana.jpg/800px-Border_Patrol_in_Montana.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrol)

Both examples include 'trol' in its name and they both are on the lookout for something.

In cyber terms then, a troll would be someone on the internet who sits in the background and is on the lookout for something - akin to a cybernet patrol.

I, for one, am not on the bunco squad. I speak openly and don't report forumers to the moderators.

congrats to the nawlins' saints on their very first superbowl visit!! tonight, i bet those fans down there are gonna' get drunk and party on bourbon street until the sun comes up like it's mardi gras!!! lol:lol:

kegs of beer, anyone?? lol

...it's gonna be one heck of a party! The actual Mardi Gras is not too long after the Super Bowl. If the Saints win (and I'm hoping they do...no city needs it more) they may not sober up there until Memorial Day!:cheers:

^^yep!! drunk as all-be-damned waving their fleur-de-lis flags all over the place....

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/H%C3%A9raldique_meuble_Fleur_de_lys_liss%C3%A9e.svg/180px-H%C3%A9raldique_meuble_Fleur_de_lys_liss%C3%A9e.svg.png

Ravens hire Zorn as QB coach

Ex-Redskins head coach, former NFL QB will continue Flacco's education
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bal-sp.ravens31jan31,0,1264910.story

By Jamison Hensley | jamison.hensley@baltsun.com (jamison.hensley@baltsun.com)
January 31, 2010

The Ravens named Jim Zorn as their quarterbacks coach Saturday, the most intriguing and high-profile hire by coach John Harbaugh.

Zorn, 56, was fired by the Washington Redskins (http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/sports/football/washington-redskins-ORSPT000226.topic) on Jan. 4 after a disastrous second season as their head coach. The Ravens, though, were overwhelmed by his experience: 11 seasons as an NFL (http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/sports/football/nfl-ORSPT000007.topic) quarterback, 11 seasons as a respected NFL quarterbacks coach and a familiarity with their offense.

"That's a great resume for us," Harbaugh said.

Zorn's primary goal is to continue the development of Joe Flacco (http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/sports/football/joe-flacco-PESPT0000012410.topic) into an elite, franchise quarterback. Zorn becomes only the second quarterbacks coach for Flacco, replacing Hue Jackson (who joined the Oakland Raiders (http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/sports/football/oakland-raiders-ORSPT000053.topic) as their offensive coordinator Tuesday).

"Joe Flacco is a really good young QB, so I'm definitely excited about working with him," Zorn told The Washington Post (http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/arts-culture/mass-media/newspapers/the-washington-post-ORCRP016752.topic). "Whether it's a perfect fit, well, that'll be a good question to answer as I go along here. I hope it is. I believe it's going to be a great situation."

Zorn added: "But I'm not going to presume that I'm going to come in and all of a sudden Joe Flacco is just going to fall all over himself and say, 'Oh, this is great,' " Zorn said Saturday. "I've got to earn the right to speak into his life, to speak into his game, after I just see what's there."

Although he took heavy criticism as the Redskins' head coach, Zorn is a highly regarded mentor for young quarterbacks.

As the Detroit Lions (http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/sports/football/detroit-lions-ORSPT000041.topic)' quarterbacks coach in 1998, he was instrumental in helping rookie Charlie Batch (http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/sports/charlie-batch-PESPT000421.topic) adjust to the NFL. Batch's 88.3 passer rating that season ranks as the fourth-highest rookie mark in NFL history.

As the Seattle Seahawks (http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/sports/football/seattle-seahawks-ORSPT000058.topic)' quarterbacks coach from 2001 to 2007, Zorn was pivotal in the growth of Matt Hasselbeck (http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/sports/matt-hasselbeck-PESPT003051.topic), who went to three Pro Bowls and set 12 franchise records while working with Zorn.

"I am excited to hear about the addition of Coach Zorn to our staff," Flacco said in a statement released by his representatives. "The amount of success that coach Zorn has achieved on the field both as a player and coach is going to be a huge asset to me personally, and to us as an organization."

Zorn's handling of quarterbacks comes from personal experience. An undrafted rookie, he became the charismatic leader of the expansion Seahawks for their first 7 1/2 seasons.

Throwing to his favorite target, Steve Largent (http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/politics/steve-largent-PEPLT003775.topic), Zorn was named the NFC (http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/sports/football/national-football-conference-EVSPR00003532.topic) Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1976 and became the second player inducted into the team's Ring of Honor.

"Jim played successfully in the league for a long time," Harbaugh said, "and certainly understands what an NFL quarterback goes through."

When Jackson left the Ravens on Tuesday, Zorn immediately expressed interest in the job at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

He is looking to repair his reputation after becoming the latest coach to fail in revitalizing the Redskins under owner Daniel Snyder. With Zorn, Washington finished last in the NFC East twice and lost 18 of its past 24 games.

The Redskins struggled last season because of numerous injuries and the inability of Zorn's West Coast offense to reach the end zone consistently. After Washington didn't score more than 17 points in its first eight games in 2009, the front office stripped Zorn of the play-calling duties and gave them to Sherm Lewis, who came out of retirement.

Zorn was initially hired by the Redskins as their offensive coordinator in January 2008, but he was promoted to head coach a couple of weeks later by Snyder.

"I'm very excited about having a job, No. 1, and then having a job with another excellent organization," Zorn told the Post. "The Ravens were in the playoffs this year, and they're not losing too many guys, so I think it's just a really good situation."

He is still under contract with the Redskins for 2010 for about $2.4 million, according to the Post. It is believed the Redskins will be responsible for paying Zorn the remainder of his 2010 salary minus what he earns from the Ravens.

"I've gotten to know Jim the last couple of years," Harbaugh said. "He's a good, kind and decent man. He's an exciting addition to our staff."

Note: Troy Smith wants to play for the Browns, the Ravens backup quarterback recently told ESPN (http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/sports/espn-HOC792.topic) Radio's Cleveland affiliate. Smith, who grew up in Cleveland, has occasionally talked about his affection for the city since he was drafted by the Ravens in 2007. When asked about his desire to play for the Browns, Smith told ESPN Radio: "There is no doubt about it. It has always been a childhood dream of mine."

^^ Are we that bad-off that we have to go sifting through the Redskins garbage? They're better off bringing, no begging Billick back :bash::ohno::nuts::ohno::nuts::ohno::bash:. And since the Ravens won't give Smith a chance, let him go to Cleveland and give them a ring.

Great people only pass through Smallimore to bigger and better destinations in practically all cases.

^^ Flacco's granny and your granny would do a better job blindfolded - guaranteed :ohno::lol::ohno::bash::ohno::lol::ohno::bash::ohno::lol::ohno:.

^^ Are we that bad-off that we have to go sifting through the Redskins garbage? They're better off bringing, no begging Billick back :bash::ohno::nuts::ohno::nuts::ohno::bash:. And since the Ravens won't give Smith a chance, let him go to Cleveland and give them a ring.

Great people only pass through Smallimore to bigger and better destinations in practically all cases.

He actually is one of the better quaterback coaches. He just sucks as a head coach...

^^ Well, let's hope so. :)

Lots of guys couldn't hack it in the big chair but are great position coaches. Cam Cameron is another example.

So, who's gonna win the ProBowl? :D AFC? NFC?

^^ I say the AFC, 41-34. Ray rice rushes for 42 yards and Matt Schaub gets MVP honors. :D

Another Redskin in the Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Russ Grimm for being selected to the 2010 National Football League Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio! Root 'em out, hogs!

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AJgux-H7UdI/SWfojJ3UmhI/AAAAAAAAAl0/clKZLXiM0UI/s1600/GrimmWas_182x250.JPG

My fearless Superbowl prediction: Indianapolis Colts over the New Orleans Saints 42-35

MVP: Peyton Manning

^^:lol:
Congrats, Saints! You guys are thee BEST!!! :applause:
:yes::okay::dance::)

My fearless Superbowl prediction: Indianapolis Colts over the New Orleans Saints 42-35

MVP: Peyton Manning

not quite the outcome

Somebody in New Orleans must've done some kind of voodoo black magic

^^ And apparently, it worked. Well deserved victory by the saints. I, kinda, wanted the colts to win because I thought they were the better team but I'm happy NO won. I think it was Bill cowher who said " My brains thinks the Colts are going to win but my heart wants the Saints to win." It describes my feeling towards this game, sort of.

with mardi gras only 9 days away, it's really gonna' be really crazy now! pass the grey goose & the patron! they're gonna' party like hell tonight on bourbon street...

^^ And apparently, it worked. Well deserved victory by the saints. I, kinda, wanted the colts to win because I thought they were the better team but I'm happy NO won. I think it was Bill cowher who said " My brains thinks the Colts are going to win but my heart wants the Saints to win." It describes my feeling towards this game, sort of.

Yes, there's no better picture than the look of defeat on the face of Payton Manning and the Colts. Just too bad the Ravens couldn't put it there.

I'm very happy for the Saints.

Yes, even though I picked the Colts to win, my heart was with the Saints so congratulations to the New Orleans Saints! Who dat! Good to see the Vince Lombardi trophy back in the NFC :)

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bal-sp.ravens20feb20,0,5594871.story

Mason says he wants to return

February 20, 2010
E-mail Print Share Text Size bal-sp.ravens20feb20

The news of the week wasn't that the Ravens signed wide receiver Donte' Stallworth to a one-year, second-chance contract, but that veteran Derrick Mason wants to come back to the Ravens for two more seasons.

That's what the receiver told the Ravens' Web reporter this week, while at the same time saying there was a "high possibility" he would go elsewhere to play.

As an unrestricted free agent, Mason has that right. And in a free-agent pool diminished by the new rules of an uncapped season, he will be one of the more attractive receivers, even at age 36. Mason showed in 2009 that he can still play and still make a difference. Despite the rap that he lacks great speed, Mason averaged 15.8 yards per catch on 22 third-down receptions in 2009.

The Ravens don't want to lose that production, especially with no obvious replacement in sight. But will they be willing to pay Mason enough to keep him in a year when the collective bargaining agreement roof is figuratively falling, when they would like to extend the contract of Haloti Ngata, who is not a free agent, and a host of restricted free agents?

Only general manager Ozzie Newsome, who makes the decisions, and owner Steve Bisciotti, who pays the checks, know the answer. But unless Mason feels insulted by the team's offer, his biggest value appears to be with the Ravens.

Mason, who retired for three weeks last summer, said he would like to make a decision quickly so he can participate in the offseason program. All the better for the Ravens. Their receiving corps will be in flux for much of the offseason while the roster shakes out.

How much can we read into the signing of Stallworth? Not a lot. He gets a chance to re-establish himself in the NFL, and that's the best motivation you can have. It worked well for Kelley Washington last season. Washington signed with the Ravens after spending two years as a special teams ace in New England. He became a reliable third-down target, and remains the biggest receiver on the roster at 6 feet 3 and 217 pounds. (Stallworth is listed at 6-0 and 200.)

Washington could be the odd man out in the shake-up despite a solid season when he could have been used more. If Stallworth reclaims his career, will he be the No. 2 receiver or the No. 3? He would have to beat out Mark Clayton to be the No. 2, or his former University of Tennessee teammate Washington to be the No. 3.

The process is about upgrading the team at wide receiver. That starts by retaining Mason, and Stallworth aside, it involves bringing in more people. It's only getting started.

He also mentions a high possibility of him playing somewhere else; that to me sounds like a man asking for money. I'd love it if he comes back, though! add another WR via free agency or draft and then we'll be on our way.

BALTIMORE (AP)
The Baltimore Ravens couldn't pass up the opportunity to add a talented pass catcher to their roster: three-time Pro Bowl standout Anquan Boldin.
Baltimore obtained Boldin from the Arizona Cardinals on Friday for a third- and fourth-round pick in the 2010 draft. The 29-year-old Boldin has amassed at least 1,000 yards receiving in five of his seven seasons, including 1,024 yards on 84 catches last season.

Boldin received a new four-year, $28 million deal with Baltimore in which $10 million is guaranteed. He was to set to earn $3 million next season, the last of the four-year, $22.5 million deal he signed with Arizona after the 2005 season.

``The Ravens just got better,'' coach John Harbaugh said. ``Anquan is a significant addition for us. He fits the personality of our team with the hard-nosed, physical way he plays. We love the way he competes. Our fans will enjoy watching him compete and his teammates will be excited to have him with us.''

Baltimore's top priority this offseason was to bolster a wide receiving corps that last season featured Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton, Kelley Washington and Demetrius Williams. Mason was the lone receiver with 1,000 yards, and running back Ray Rice led the team with 78 receptions.

Mason and Washington are unrestricted free agents, but with the addition of Boldin and free agent Donte' Stallworth, who was signed last month, Baltimore appears to have improved its wideout situation regardless of whether Mason and Washington return.

The 6-foot-1, 217-pound Boldin was the Cardinals' No. 2 receiver behind Larry Fitzgerald. Boldin is a physical player capable of making a crushing block or a difficult catch, but his one shortcoming has been injuries. He has had one injury-free season since 2003 and last season missed both of Arizona's playoff games with ankle and knee injuries.

But the Ravens couldn't be happier to have him.

``Anquan is a player who makes the tough catches and he is outstanding getting yards after catches,'' Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. ``He will also help the running game with his blocking skills. He's a very tough competitor and, with the way he plays with passion, he will fit right in with the foundation we have for our team.''

Boldin was delighted with the news.

``I'm definitely excited. For me, I've been hoping for this for a year since I first heard that the Ravens might be interested in me,'' he said. ``The Ravens play a certain way. They play as hard and as physical as any team in the league, and I want to add to that. I think I play the way they play.''

The trade of Boldin has grown ever more likely since the opening of Arizona's training camp in 2008, when he accused the Cardinals' management of lying to him by promising a new contract during that offseason.

He went on to demand a trade, but the Cardinals didn't find anything to their liking a year ago.

The Ravens were always the front-runner, Arizona general manager Rod Graves said.

``We did have several teams approach us over the weekend and express interest during the combine,'' Graves said, ``but Baltimore certainly was much further ahead from a contractual standpoint with Anquan and his agent and the compensation we felt was fair for us. We felt the timing of it was good.''

Arizona wasn't prepared to offer Boldin the kind of contract he wanted because of his age and injury concerns. He switched agents and kept quiet about a trade demand last season but said his opinion about the situation had not changed.

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said it was critical Boldin get a new contract as part of any trade.

``Mutually for both parties it was a good deal,'' Whisenhunt said. ``I am sad to see Anquan go just because of the great respect I have for the way he played the game, certainly for the contributions that he's made to our ball club since I've been here. But I am also pleased that Anquan gets something that he's excited about, something that he's worked hard to get.''

Boldin never let his contract situation affect his effort. He remained a team leader in the Arizona locker room was one of the Cardinals' toughest and hardest-working players.

The presence of Steve Breaston and emergence of Early Doucet, who has a Boldin-like playing style, made the trade even more likely.

Boldin hold the Cardinals franchise record for receptions at 586. His 7,520 yards receiving rank third and his 44 touchdowns rank fifth in team history.

When Boldin went on his training camp tirade against the management in training camp two seasons ago, he said he would never re-sign with Arizona. He did, however, seem to soften that stance somewhat after replacing agent Drew Rosenhaus with Tom Condon.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Baltimore-Ravens-trade-for-Arizona-Cardinals-Pro-Bowl-WR-Anquan-Boldin-030510

^^yes!! we're on our way!!!:okay:

Boldin is a beast to say the least..

yeah, he is (if he can stay healthy)..

Mason has been signed to a two year $8m deal:)... looks like it's gonna be Boldin... Mason... Stallworth... and Clayton... I can Definitely live with that:cheers:

^^ This is definetely good news! I'm so pumped for the 2010 season to begin.

^^wow! flacco now has all the tools in place. there's no reason why we shouldn't make it to the super bowl. none!!

^^wow! flacco now has all the tools in place. there's no reason why we shouldn't make it to the super bowl. none!!

except maybe injuries:ohno:........... OK......... I'll shut up now:runaway:

except maybe injuries:ohno:........... OK......... I'll shut up now:runaway:LOL. Yes, don't jinx the man!!! But all jokes aside, I really think we could accomplished alot next year.

Associated Press


WASHINGTON -- Not content with just one aging, opinionated running back, the Redskins added a second one Friday night when they signed Larry Johnson to a three-year, incentive-laden contract.



Johnson agreed to a deal with a base value of $3.5 million, but he could make as much as $12 million if he meets certain incentives.

Johnson joins Clinton Portis in what should make for an intriguing backfield dynamic under new Redskins coach Mike Shanahan. Johnson is 30, Portis is 28 -- although Portis' body has been battered by 50 percent more carries. Both have been to two Pro Bowls. Both need to show some sort of resurgence rather than a steady decline toward retirement.

And both have been known to get in trouble for saying too much.

Johnson ended his season with the Cincinnati Bengals after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs in November. His six-plus years in Kansas City were marred by off-the-field problems, including two suspensions in his last 12 months with the team. The final straw came when he posted a gay slur on his Twitter account, insulted followers and questioned the competence of head coach Todd Haley.

Johnson's most productive years were 2005 and 2006, when he had back-to-back 1,750-yard seasons. He has 6,219 yards and 55 touchdowns on 1,421 carries over eight NFL seasons, plus 154 catches for 1,373 yards and six TDs.


Shanahan and Redskins general manager Bruce Allen have said Portis will be the team's running back next season, but he ended 2009 on injured reserve with a concussion. He ran for a career-low 494 yards and didn't have the burst of speed from earlier in his career.

The flamboyant Portis hasn't shied from publicly criticizing coaches and teammates in years past, and he hasn't been a fan of the team's offseason workout program.

On Thursday, Shanahan guaranteed that Portis will be in attendance when the offseason workouts begin Monday. With Johnson and Portis both on the roster, the Redskins have insurance in case one or the other misbehaves or is unproductive.

"Competition is a great motivator," Johnson's agent, Peter Schaffer, said Friday.


Schaffer said Johnson also was motivated to return to the Washington area, where he grew up as a Redskins fan.

The Redskins have taken a different approach to free agency under Shanahan. Johnson is the fourth player signed in eight days, but none of the contracts have been blockbusters -- and he's by far the biggest name added to date.

"We are excited to bring in a running back that has had so much success in this league," Shanahan said in a statement released by the team. "Larry is a physical runner who will be a great addition to our backfield."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d816eb0cc&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

Now if only the 'Skins had a good QB...

Now if only the 'Skins had a good QB...

Campbell is a goner. Watch the 'Skins use there first pic on a qb.

Now if only the 'Skins had a good QB...

Welcome to the forum...:)

Now if only the 'Skins had a good QB...welcome aboard SSC!!:okay:

^^wow! flacco now has all the tools in place. there's no reason why we shouldn't make it to the super bowl. none!!

Sounds a bit like logic from a Redskins fan.

Why would the 'Skins get rid of Campbell? He's not great, but one of the biggest problems is that his O line sucks and that he's been yanked around from system to system for the past 8 or so seasons going back to college. He's a pro-style drop-back, 5-7 step drop, play-action style of QB who has a good arm. He wasn't meant to run Zorn's dinky west-coast offense. Shanahan is the coach now and had Elway and drafted Cutler, his system is more suited to Campbell's skillset than Zorn's.

Like I said, O line is a huge need, not to mention that by the time the 'Skins pick, the only QB worth taking high, Sam Bradford, will likely be gone.

The Redskins need so many things right now, I'd probably take the best player available or maybe trade down. This draft is deep, not top-heavy. I don't think there is a legit left tackle like Joe Thomas, Jake Long, Michael Oher, etc., but that's the most obvious direction for Washington at this point.

But it's likely that Gerald McCoy and Eric Berry will be around which will make things very tempting. We'll see what happens at the Pro Days as well to see who rises late.

Why would the 'Skins get rid of Campbell? He's not great, but one of the biggest problems is that his O line sucks and that he's been yanked around from system to system for the past 8 or so seasons going back to college. He's a pro-style drop-back, 5-7 step drop, play-action style of QB who has a good arm. He wasn't meant to run Zorn's dinky west-coast offense. Shanahan is the coach now and had Elway and drafted Cutler, his system is more suited to Campbell's skillset than Zorn's.

Like I said, O line is a huge need, not to mention that by the time the 'Skins pick, the only QB worth taking high, Sam Bradford, will likely be gone.

The Redskins need so many things right now, I'd probably take the best player available or maybe trade down. This draft is deep, not top-heavy. I don't think there is a legit left tackle like Joe Thomas, Jake Long, Michael Oher, etc., but that's the most obvious direction for Washington at this point.

But it's likely that Gerald McCoy and Eric Berry will be around which will make things very tempting. We'll see what happens at the Pro Days as well to see who rises late.

Everything I have read so far points to the 'Skins going after Bradford for their first pic...I dunno, we'll see come April.

The Redskins would be stupid to go after Bradford with the first. If he's available at 4, take him, but I wouldn't trade up to get him. Campbell will be proven good enough if he's given help, his receivers are showing some promise, but he needs better linemen, RB's and a better system.

Sounds a bit like logic from a Redskins fan.I actually agree with him here. The Ravens have a team on the field that is good enough to make the Super Bowl. In Baltimore, they're talking about making a Super Bowl run. In D.C., they're talking about just having a winning season, or even making the playoffs. This is truth.

Baltimore's defense needs to step up, especially in the secondary and adding a legit pass rusher on the D line. They will have a good team though.

Frank Herzog, "the voice of the Washington Redskins", retires Friday after 41 years in the business. We'll miss ya Mr. Herzog! One more time for old times' sake: "TOUCHDOWN WASHINGTON REDSKINS!!"

http://cdn.washingtonpost.com/media/podcast/music/touchdownwashingtonredskins.mp3
http://media.bonnint.net/wtop/2/254/25481.jpg

^^he was awesome!!! his voice is truly a "classic". he will surely be missed....

The 'Skins signed McNabb from Philly and Willy Parker from Pittsburgh

^^wow!! this is really gonna' work out for the redskins!! no offense against the eagles, but why would they trade a player of his caliber to a team that's in the division? he now has the chance to burn the eagles' wings not once, but twice/year! ya' throw mike shanahan in the mix, and you guys now have a really good offense.:)

larry johnson & willie parker in the backfield sounds good also...

I actually agree with him here. The Ravens have a team on the field that is good enough to make the Super Bowl. In Baltimore, they're talking about making a Super Bowl run. In D.C., they're talking about just having a winning season, or even making the playoffs. This is truth.

Well obviously. Just brings up bad memories.

^^wow!! this is really gonna' work out for the redskins!! no offense against the eagles, but why would they trade a player of his caliber to a team that's in the division? he now has the chance to burn the eagles' wings not once, but twice/year! ya' throw mike shanahan in the mix, and you guys now have a really good offense.:)

larry johnson & willie parker in the backfield sounds good also...

I think the Eagles got the best end of this deal. McNabb is prone to injury, and his play can be erratic. Remember the games against the Ravens, when McNabb was pulled in the second half as the Eagles were getting trounced.

The Eagles acquired a lot of draft picks in the early rounds. It looks like they are trying to build a young team that can dominate well into the future. The Redskins seem to be treading water all time. Can't seem to get it in gear.

I agree that the 'Skins need to put a higher premium on draft picks, but I don't think the Eagles got a great deal either. Kevin Kolb is a promising player, but by no means is it a given that he will be great, or even as good as McNabb has been recently. The Eagles are starting to have some holes though and some of their better players in the past years aren't on the team anymore, so they are being smart. They do a pretty good job in the draft usually as well. I think Campbell should have been given a shot though w/ Shanahan. Shanahan isn't looking to stay for ten years and rebuild, he wants to win as soon as possible. Personally, I think his priorities are different from the organization's, which I think will need two years or so to reload.

I agree that the 'Skins need to put a higher premium on draft picks, but I don't think the Eagles got a great deal either. Kevin Kolb is a promising player, but by no means is it a given that he will be great, or even as good as McNabb has been recently. The Eagles are starting to have some holes though and some of their better players in the past years aren't on the team anymore, so they are being smart. They do a pretty good job in the draft usually as well. I think Campbell should have been given a shot though w/ Shanahan. Shanahan isn't looking to stay for ten years and rebuild, he wants to win as soon as possible. Personally, I think his priorities are different from the organization's, which I think will need two years or so to reload.

If the 'Skins can improove the offensive line, we will compete for division title by next year provided we have a season...stay tuned.

Every Redskin fan's dream come true!

SyXNxwZmmNQ

Every Redskin fan's dream come true!


Unfortunately I have to disagree. Now those idiots get to gloat about having the so called "greatest stadium in the world." Every major event there always showcases that idiot Jerry Jones promoting his brand.

A lot worse than that crap hole they just blew up.

on paper, everything looks good for you guys....

Big Redskins fan here!
Hope fully this deal with mcnabb works.

I keep hearing rumors that Terrell Owens might be playing for the Redskins this season...please god, let it just be a rumor...

Whew! Just a rumor, thank god! I would rather the skins have a losing season than have that assclown on the team

Whew! Just a rumor, thank god! I would rather the skins have a losing season than have that assclown on the teamI agree. ALOT!

He's too old to still be a diva. I think a T.O and McNabb reunion is not as crazy as some think, it might actually work. Shannahan (sp?) is a coach with character, he should be able to tame T.O if he starts showings signs of his old self.

ASHBURN, Va. (AP)
Albert Haynesworth was absent again Friday when the Washington Redskins opened their second voluntary minicamp under new coach Mike Shanahan.

The two-time All-Pro defensive tackle remains unhappy with the Redskins' switch to a 3-4 defense and would prefer to be traded. He has also irked Shanahan by working with his own trainer and staying away from all of the team's voluntary offseason conditioning sessions.

Haynesworth, who has been paid $32 million of the $41 million guaranteed in the contract he signed with the Redskins last year, stayed away from the first minicamp last month in hopes the team would trade him, possibly for draft picks. However, on the second day of the NFL draft, Shanahan announced that "Haynesworth will not be traded.''

Haynesworth will be required to attend the mandatory minicamp next month.

One player who did return to the field was Rocky McIntosh. The linebacker skipped the first minicamp because he wants a long-term contract instead of the one-year tender he was offered as a restricted free agent.

McIntosh has yet to sign the tender, so he signed an injury protection agreement so that he can take part in the three days of minicamp practices.

Friday also marked the practice debut of No. 4 overall draft pick Trent Williams and the rest of the draft picks. While voluntary for the veterans, the minicamp is mandatory for the rookies.

Despite his newbie status, Williams lined up at left tackle with the starting offensive line.

As he did with the first minicamp, Shanahan is keeping his team under wraps. Reporters are barred from the Friday and Sunday sessions and will be allowed to watch only on Saturday

http://feeds.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Redskins-Haynesworth-misses-second-minicamp-050710

Haynesworth is a BUM!!!

^^agreed. he's a waste of god-given talent.:ohno:

Ed Reed wants a new contract
Posted by Jamison Hensley at 9:05 AM Baltimore Sun

Ed Reed isn’t retiring this season. In fact, it appears that he is looking to the future.

Reed has contacted the Ravens about a new contract, the Pro Bowl safety said in a Tuesday interview on 105.7 The Fan.

One of the most dominant safeties in NFL history, Reed has three years remaining on a six-year contract extension that he signed June 2006. He is scheduled to earn $6 million in 2010, $6.5 million in 2011 and $7.2 million in 2012.

“I’m not making it a big deal,” Reed said on The Norris and Davis Show. “[But] I think it needs to be taken care of.”

A Ravens spokesman said the team would not respond to Reed's comments.

Reed, who had contemplated retirement since the end of last season, said he told the Ravens that he will play this season. He recently estimated that he is 35 percent after having hip surgery.

The Ravens have a history of rewarding their star players with big contracts, but it could be risky to do so again with Reed considering his hip injury as well as his nerve impingement, which has caused him pain for the past couple of seasons.

“I’m not going to ask the Ravens about anything if I’m not going to play any much longer,” he said. “I appreciate the opportunity that the Ravens have given me. I’m not about to ask them for anything if I’m not going to be playing. My focus is to get myself back. I’m coming back for at least for one more year.”

It was four years ago when Reed signed a six-year contract extension worth $40 million (a deal that officially took effect in 2007). According to his agent, Reed received a $15 million signing bonus in the largest deal ever given to a safety at that time.

In his interview on 105.7 FM, Reed seemed to base his pursuit of a new deal on the fact that he has maintained his level of play while other safeties have not. He pointed out that Ken Hamlin (who signed a $38 million deal with Dallas in July 2008) and Roy Williams (the eighth overall pick in the 2002 draft – the same draft where Reed was selected 24th) have since moved on to other teams. Hamlin recently signed with the Ravens because of Reed’s uncertain status.

“If the negotiations continue and we can do some things in the process, I’m going to welcome it,” Reed said. “I’m not saying that I’m not going to call the Ravens again because we have to have some conversations. Right now, my focus is to get myself back to 110 percent and back to a 107-yard return against the Philadelphia Eagles.”

Reed said that he is still shooting to play in the season opener at the New York Jets, but he isn’t going to rush his recovery. He acknowledged that he could miss a portion of the regular season.

“I believe with the hip, it could be a realistic thing where it could be October, November and December,” Reed said. “We don’t know. It’s going to be dependent on how I feel and what have I done to get back into full-throttle game shape.”

Reed is a six-time Pro Bowl safety who was named the NFL’s defensive player of the year in 2004. He led the league in interceptions in 2004 and 2008, the same year when he set the NFL record with a 108-yard interception return against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Last season, Reed missed four games in December because of a hip injury. He returned to play the regular-season finale at Oakland and two playoff games, where he made two interceptions.

Sometime after the draft, Reed underwent hip surgery in Vail, Colo., where he said doctors needed to reconstruct his hip.

Reed said he is moving around now but he still can’t train.

“I have some quickness,” he said. “If we had to play the Super Bowl now, one game, I think I could go out there and smart it up a little bit, using the mind a little more than the body just to give our team something.”

Congratulations to Russ Grimm for being selected to be in the 2010 class of the Pro Football of Fame! ROOT 'EM OUT, ROOT 'EM OUT, ROOT 'EM OUT HOGS!!!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/06/AR2010020602909.html


http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0210/nfl_g_grimm_400.jpg

^^^^congrats, russ! you deserve it!!!:okay:

The Baltimore Ravens have sold out all eight regular-season games for the upcoming 2010 season.

Single-game tickets went on sale Friday morning and the team announced at 11:30 a.m. all seats “immediately sold out.”

Fewer than 1,000 tickets remain for each of the team’s two preseason games at M&T Bank Stadium. Those games are Aug. 12 against the Carolina Panthers and Aug. 28 versus the New York Giants.

The Ravens’ 2010 regular season begins Sept. 13 away against the New York Jets. The team will play its first regular-season home game Sept. 26 against the Cleveland Browns.

rsharrow@bizjournals.com or (410) 454-0537.
Twitter.com/rsharrow

Is anybody else getting tired of Ed Reed's drama? I love the guy, great football player and a true warrior but all this bullshit lately; its too much.

Is anybody else getting tired of Ed Reed's drama? I love the guy, great football player and a true warrior but all this bullshit lately; its too much.

I think at some point, all athletes have their diva moments. It could be as a result of many things; his career is probably in its final years, not being the highest paid, whatever. Ed Reed has played at an exceptional level, and imo, he deserves this moment. I doubt he'll drag it on and disrupt the locker room.

Ravens CB Foxworth out for the year

It's been a rough couple of weeks for the Baltimore Ravens -- and the bad news continues.

FoxworthBaltimore suffered the first major injury of training camp in the AFC North as No. 1 cornerback Domonique Foxworth has a torn ACL. According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Foxworth suffered the injury during a walk-through on Wednesday.

http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nfl/players/65/8511.jpg

The injury severely hampers an already thin secondary, as fellow cornerbacks Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb are trying to return from major knee surgeries. Safety Ed Reed also is rehabbing following offseason hip surgery.

Foxworth entered training camp as one of Baltimore's few healthy and proven cornerbacks. This is the third ACL tear for Baltimore's cornerbacks in less than a year. The injury typically takes about nine months to a year of rehab, which means Foxworth is done for the season.

Baltimore is considered by many to be a Super Bowl contender, but a recent string of bad luck has plagued the team. Foxworth's injury puts even more importance on Webb and Washington getting healthy before the start of the regular season.

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/15245/ravens-cb-foxworth-out-for-the-year

Tough break but whatever happens DO NOT bring back Frank Walker. Fabian Washington was activated from PUP list; that's a bit of good news.

:bash:Ravens CB Foxworth out for the year

It's been a rough couple of weeks for the Baltimore Ravens -- and the bad news continues.

FoxworthBaltimore suffered the first major injury of training camp in the AFC North as No. 1 cornerback Domonique Foxworth has a torn ACL. According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Foxworth suffered the injury during a walk-through on Wednesday.

http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nfl/players/65/8511.jpg

The injury severely hampers an already thin secondary, as fellow cornerbacks Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb are trying to return from major knee surgeries. Safety Ed Reed also is rehabbing following offseason hip surgery.

Foxworth entered training camp as one of Baltimore's few healthy and proven cornerbacks. This is the third ACL tear for Baltimore's cornerbacks in less than a year. The injury typically takes about nine months to a year of rehab, which means Foxworth is done for the season.

Baltimore is considered by many to be a Super Bowl contender, but a recent string of bad luck has plagued the team. Foxworth's injury puts even more importance on Webb and Washington getting healthy before the start of the regular season.

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/15245/ravens-cb-foxworth-out-for-the-yeardamn, damn, damn. why us?:ohno:

http://por-img.cimcontent.net/api/assets/bin-201008/50ce9254d30b011fd8c0c7ec3b5571ff.jpg

1. Baltimore Ravens

Why there’s hope: Baltimore could always play defense. Ever since the arrival of Ray Lewis, the unit has been varying levels of elite. Only in 2002 – when Ray-Ray missed all but five games due to a shoulder injury – did Baltimore fall outside the top six in total defense. And if the 35-year-old Lewis has lost a step, the AP sure hasn’t noticed, considering he earned his seventh All-Pro honors in 2009. There are of course stars all over this defense. Haloti Ngata is the best hole-clogger in football, Ed Reed is the best safety in football when healthy and Domonique Foxworth is turning into a star. But the reason the Ravens are my pick has nothing to do with Baltimore’s defense. The defense is always great. I like the Ravens because of what they’ve become on offense. Ray Rice is the best dual-threat back in football. He’ll be running behind what is quickly becoming the best offensive line in football (and they’re young). And most important to any Super Bowl run, Baltimore has finally found its franchise QB. Joe Flacco, who’s been above-average in his first two seasons with virtually zero weapons, is sure to take a huge step with the additions of Anquan Boldin, Donte’ Stallworth and Ed Dickson. As long as this team can learn a modicum of discipline (the Ravens led the NFL in penalties in 2010), there is no reason Flacco won’t be spending a weekend in February in Disney World.


Why there’s doubt: If Ed Reed is healthy, there is none. I’ll say it: The Ravens will win the Super Bowl XLV in Dallas. Write that down. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

http://www.comcast.net/slideshow/sports-exemplaryx2010/11/

I’ll say it: The Ravens will win the Super Bowl XLV in Dallas. Write that down. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

http://www.comcast.net/slideshow/sports-exemplaryx2010/11/^^^^wow!!!!! strong statement!!! let's just hope this is true...

http://por-img.cimcontent.net/api/assets/bin-201008/50ce9254d30b011fd8c0c7ec3b5571ff.jpg

1. Baltimore Ravens

Why there’s hope: Baltimore could always play defense. Ever since the arrival of Ray Lewis, the unit has been varying levels of elite. Only in 2002 – when Ray-Ray missed all but five games due to a shoulder injury – did Baltimore fall outside the top six in total defense. And if the 35-year-old Lewis has lost a step, the AP sure hasn’t noticed, considering he earned his seventh All-Pro honors in 2009. There are of course stars all over this defense. Haloti Ngata is the best hole-clogger in football, Ed Reed is the best safety in football when healthy and Domonique Foxworth is turning into a star. But the reason the Ravens are my pick has nothing to do with Baltimore’s defense. The defense is always great. I like the Ravens because of what they’ve become on offense. Ray Rice is the best dual-threat back in football. He’ll be running behind what is quickly becoming the best offensive line in football (and they’re young). And most important to any Super Bowl run, Baltimore has finally found its franchise QB. Joe Flacco, who’s been above-average in his first two seasons with virtually zero weapons, is sure to take a huge step with the additions of Anquan Boldin, Donte’ Stallworth and Ed Dickson. As long as this team can learn a modicum of discipline (the Ravens led the NFL in penalties in 2010), there is no reason Flacco won’t be spending a weekend in February in Disney World.


Why there’s doubt: If Ed Reed is healthy, there is none. I’ll say it: The Ravens will win the Super Bowl XLV in Dallas. Write that down. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

http://www.comcast.net/slideshow/sports-exemplaryx2010/11/

Dang. Pretty confident posting there. :D Go Ravens!!! :yes::banana:

Domonique Foxworth is turning into a star?

Forbes: Ravens 8th most valuable NFL team
Baltimore Business Journal - by Ryan Sharrow Staff
Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 6:35pm EDT

The Baltimore Ravens’ value fell 1 percent in the past year to $1.07 billion, but the team still climbed three spots on Forbes Magazine’s latest ranking of NFL team valuations.

The Ravens are the eighth most valuable team in the NFL, up from No. 11 on last year’s list. Forbes uses measures like stadium deals, team enterprise value (its equity plus debt) and revenue multiples to determine its numbers.

The Ravens were directly ahead of the Chicago Bears ($1.06 billion) and immediately behind the Philadelphia Eagles ($1.17 billion).

Forbes estimates the Ravens had revenue of $255 million and operating income of $44.9 million last season, which ended with a 20-3 playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The magazine said the team brought in $61 million in gate receipts last season and spent $138 million on players.

Major corporate sponsors include M&T Bank, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Verizon Communications, MillerCoors, Coca-Cola and AirTran.

Forbes said despite the recession, the Ravens raised ticket prices last year and fans still remained loyal.

Owner Steve Bisciotti acquired the club in 2004 for $600 million.

Overall, NFL team values dropped 2 percent to average of $1.02 billion, according to Forbes. In total, 21 of the NFL’s 32 teams saw valuations drop, marking the first average decline since Forbes began compiling the list in 1998.

“Team values slipped because the bad economy has reduced demand (there are fewer people with the cash to buy a team, and borrowing has become more difficult) and less nonbroadcasting revenue for many teams,” Forbes wrote. The NFL’s profitability, however, has never been stronger due to long-term TV contracts.

The Dallas Cowboys, fresh off their inaugural season playing in a new $1.6 billion stadium, remain the most valuable team in the league. The team value increased 9 percent to $1.8 billion.

The Jacksonville Jaguars were last with an estimated worth of $725 million


Click here to see the entire report.

Top 10 team rankings:
Dallas Cowboys — $1.8 billion
Washington Redskins— $1.55 billion
New England Patriots — $1.36 billion
New York Giants — $1.18 billion
Houston Texans — $1.17 billion
New York Jets — $1.14 billion
Philadelphia Eagles — $1.12 billion
Baltimore Ravens— $1.07 billion
Chicago Bears — $1.06 billion
Denver Broncos — $1.05 billion

Forbes: Ravens 8th most valuable NFL team
Baltimore Business Journal - by Ryan Sharrow Staff
Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 6:35pm EDT

The Baltimore Ravens’ value fell 1 percent in the past year to $1.07 billion, but the team still climbed three spots on Forbes Magazine’s latest ranking of NFL team valuations.

The Ravens are the eighth most valuable team in the NFL, up from No. 11 on last year’s list. Forbes uses measures like stadium deals, team enterprise value (its equity plus debt) and revenue multiples to determine its numbers.

The Ravens were directly ahead of the Chicago Bears ($1.06 billion) and immediately behind the Philadelphia Eagles ($1.17 billion).

Forbes estimates the Ravens had revenue of $255 million and operating income of $44.9 million last season, which ended with a 20-3 playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The magazine said the team brought in $61 million in gate receipts last season and spent $138 million on players.

Major corporate sponsors include M&T Bank, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Verizon Communications, MillerCoors, Coca-Cola and AirTran.

Forbes said despite the recession, the Ravens raised ticket prices last year and fans still remained loyal.

Owner Steve Bisciotti acquired the club in 2004 for $600 million.

Overall, NFL team values dropped 2 percent to average of $1.02 billion, according to Forbes. In total, 21 of the NFL’s 32 teams saw valuations drop, marking the first average decline since Forbes began compiling the list in 1998.

“Team values slipped because the bad economy has reduced demand (there are fewer people with the cash to buy a team, and borrowing has become more difficult) and less nonbroadcasting revenue for many teams,” Forbes wrote. The NFL’s profitability, however, has never been stronger due to long-term TV contracts.

The Dallas Cowboys, fresh off their inaugural season playing in a new $1.6 billion stadium, remain the most valuable team in the league. The team value increased 9 percent to $1.8 billion.

The Jacksonville Jaguars were last with an estimated worth of $725 million


Click here to see the entire report.

Top 10 team rankings:
Dallas Cowboys — $1.8 billion
Washington Redskins— $1.55 billion
New England Patriots — $1.36 billion
New York Giants — $1.18 billion
Houston Texans — $1.17 billion
New York Jets — $1.14 billion
Philadelphia Eagles — $1.12 billion
Baltimore Ravens— $1.07 billion
Chicago Bears — $1.06 billion
Denver Broncos — $1.05 billionThis is very good news! Considering the fact that we've only been around since 1996, they have made great strides since then. There are still some teams who have never even been to a Super Bowl. Most of the teams in the league don't even have one ONE Super Bowl trophy. We should feel fortunate to have such a team!

^^+1.
Has the scrimmage been played against Redskins?

RIP Ralph Campbell, aka "Grampa Hogette"...thanks for rootin' for them HOGS all these years...

http://www.tbd.com/articles/2010/08/redskins-fan-ralph-campbell-aka-grandpa-hogette-remembered--6535.html

http://images.tbd.com/sports/ralph-campbell-grandpa-hogette0830_296.jpg

^^yep, r.i.p. mr campbell.:okay:

ravens/redskins fans.......


are you ready for some football!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OH YES!! SMASH THE JETS!!

flacco sucked today. i dunno' what to say. he'll be fine though....

flacco sucked today. i dunno' what to say. he'll be fine though....

I am concerned since they built the offense around Flacco, got him some good receivers. He has to get the ball to one of them, but yesterday his timing was way off. Of course four throwing interceptions on crucial drives doesn't help. They better figure this out quickly.

Flacco is starting to look like the Mark Clayton of QBs. He'll put up great numbers one game, and the next, well, completely different story. I'm not giving up on Flacco after one really, really, really bad game but the guy's gotta show me some emotion at least, get pissed off, throw your helmet to the ground, something! Before half time, you could see how frustrated Anquan was, I even said "he's gonna punch Flacco in the locker room, and he (Flacco) will come out and play like he knows, like he should" And he did, but for one drive only. It wasn't entirely his fault but if he doesn't want to throw the ball away every time because the receivers couldn't get open, stand up to Cam and insist on running the ball, Rice did a good job on limited opportunities. It was a weird game, unravens-like. Also, does anyone feel a little bit sabotaged by T.J's performance? Haha.

Luckily, we have the Browns coming this week so that should be easier. If Flacco struggles again, as bad as he did...

Big ups to our D, though!

I am concerned since they built the offense around Flacco, got him some good receivers. He has to get the ball to one of them, but yesterday his timing was way off. Of course four throwing interceptions on crucial drives doesn't help. They better figure this out quickly.yeah, the ravens have invested alot of $$$$ into helping flacco.

however, to play devil's advocate, some of those calls we got (the one against suggs and the tripping against ray) were silly, stupid, ass-backwards, and everything negative!:ohno:

Found this slide show on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10277/1092441-66.stm?cmpid=relatedarticle.

go ravens!!! stomp the bils!!

bal-34, buff-31....overtime. whew!!! a win's a win.....i guess.

The coaching staff has a lot to mull over during the bye. The defense is really slipping. This game was a gift. The defense seemed to let the Bills go down the field at will, as they did late in last week's game as well.

Also Flacco needs to release the ball faster. This has been a constant problem. This is his third season, he should have mastered this by now.

Lets keep our fingers crossed for a better second half of the season. Hopefully some of these problems can be worked out. The Ravens should not be struggling with Buffalo. They played NE better than they did the Bills.

^^yeah, that game scared me. :(

shanahan's a nutcake.....lol. what kind of message are you sending your team when you pull your starting quarterback with 2:00 left in the game? shanahan doesn't realize it, but he's just created a quarterback controversy. that's the last thing you want on any team.

pulling a quarterback is one thing, but with two minutes left in the game?? that's the first time i've ever seen something like that. i saw the whole game, and it was was one of those games where the lead changes went back & forth, which clearly shows that your starter wasn't all that ineffective. both quarterbacks made good/bad throws and I'm not saying its a question of who's better, but I can bet u that as we speak, shanahan is regretting the way he handled this ordeal. quarterback had a lot of time to throw.

the media's gonna' take this situation and run with it because that's what they do. they don't care who they offend, who they hurt, or what they say. they're a bunch of snakes in a sharkpit.

bal-26
mia-10
another day @ the office.....lol. let's get ready for atlanta of thursday night!!!!!!:okay:






we won the game, but we still have serious issues we need to address:

1) offensive line

2) flacco needs to spread the ball around more. we have 4 pro-bowl WR's and a pro-bowl TE. there's no excuse.

3) our secondary needs to be tweaked a bit. fabian washington's becoming a major target for teams to pick on.

if these issues aren't addressed by thursday, it's going to be a long night for us down in atlanta..

^^ You need to add red-zone efficiency. We need more touchdowns and not field goals. Flacco struggles against the cover-2, but it looks like he's starting to figure it out, so that's encouraging.

Also, Matt Ryan Vs. Joe Flacco should be a lot more interesting than Sanchez Vs. Stafford was.

^^^^if ya' ask me, mark sanchez is overrated. i thought he was overrated when he was playing @ usc...

shanahan's a nutcake.....lol. what kind of message are you sending your team when you pull your starting quarterback with 2:00 left in the game? shanahan doesn't realize it, but he's just created a quarterback controversy. that's the last thing you want on any team.

pulling a quarterback is one thing, but with two minutes left in the game?? that's the first time i've ever seen something like that. i saw the whole game, and it was was one of those games where the lead changes went back & forth, which clearly shows that your starter wasn't all that ineffective. both quarterbacks made good/bad throws and I'm not saying its a question of who's better, but I can bet u that as we speak, shanahan is regretting the way he handled this ordeal. quarterback had a lot of time to throw.

the media's gonna' take this situation and run with it because that's what they do. they don't care who they offend, who they hurt, or what they say. they're a bunch of snakes in a sharkpit.

There's really no QB controversy, at least this year. Grossman has no chance in starting.

^^^^i hear what you're saying, but one question: what in the world was shanahan thinking?????

^^^^i hear what you're saying, but one question: what in the world was shanahan thinking?????

I don't think he was thinking at all. Maybe the oxygen level inside the dome was low. Who knows? Whatever the reason, you don't call your starting QB fat in public!

I don't think he was thinking at all. Maybe the oxygen level inside the dome was low. Who knows? Whatever the reason, you don't call your starting QB fat in public!

He didn't call him fat. That part was blown WAY out of proportion.

He didn't call him fat. That part was blown WAY out of proportion.Mike Shanahan said "Donovan McNabb is not in shape enough to run our two-minute offense with no timeouts". If that's not calling him fat, then I don't know what is. McNabb was good enough to get your team 25 points and keep them in the game, but he's not good enough to finish it? Perhaps I am missing something here. LOL

Mike Shanahan said "Donovan McNabb is not in shape enough to run our two-minute offense with no timeouts". If that's not calling him fat, then I don't know what is. McNabb was good enough to get your team 25 points and keep them in the game, but he's not good enough to finish it? Perhaps I am missing something here. LOLhe's not callin' him "fat"..........just "unphysically fit". lol

the only thing I have to say about the situation is if a coach ever pulls that crap with any of his players, he'd better back it up with a darn good reason. in this case, I heard atleast 3 reasons why shanahan did what he did, and none of 'em sound valid.

I can't believe we lost that game last night to Atlanta. We had it in our hands, and blew it at the last minute.

The D is not as good as it used to be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :ohno::bash:

Mike Shanahan said "Donovan McNabb is not in shape enough to run our two-minute offense with no timeouts". If that's not calling him fat, then I don't know what is. McNabb was good enough to get your team 25 points and keep them in the game, but he's not good enough to finish it? Perhaps I am missing something here. LOL

He said he wasn't in shape enough to run the 2 minute offense because of his injured hamstring, which makes perfect sense if you've followed the team.

If you can't run up the field during the drill, then you probably won't be that effective.

I didn't agree with the benching, but Shanahan had a legitimate excuse...he just did a poor job of explaining it. He's struggled with the media in DC a bit this season--it's a lot more intense than Denver.

The D is not as good as it used to be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :ohno::bash:No worries. the pats mopped the floor with the steelers tonight, so the atlanta loss doesn't hurt as bad now.:okay:

The D is not as good as it used to be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :ohno::bash:partaining to the falcons final drive, i wouldn't come down on the defense so hard, balmurfan. jenkins bobbled the ball on that out-of-bounds catch (blown call #1) and roddy white pushed off to get open and we didn't get a flag on that play either (blown call #2). we should've won that game and should be sitting proudly @ 7-2. he even admitted it the morning after the game.


Roddy White: "I pushed him down"
November 12, 2010
Baltimore Sun
Atlanta wide receiver Roddy White acknowledged that he shoved Ravens cornerback Josh Wilson to the ground to get open for the game-winning touchdown Thursday night.

When Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan rolled out to elude pressure, White made contact with Wilson with his right hand, sending him to the ground. White easily caught the pass and scored the 33-yard touchdown.

"Yeah, you've got to do whatever you've got to do to win," White said. "It was one-on-one coverage with one guy. But he was kind of flat-footed, and he tried to grab me, so I just pushed him down."




way to go, refs!!!!!!!!! ya' gotta' love 'em!!!:ohno:

78 MILLION FOR MCNABB!

^^ Maybe now we can afford a gym membership or buying a treadmill, I mean, that weight has got to go, right?! :lol:

5 years, eh? Seems like 2 more than they should've offered him.

partaining to the falcons final drive, i wouldn't come down on the defense so hard, balmurfan. jenkins bobbled the ball on that out-of-bounds catch (blown call #1) and roddy white pushed off to get open and we didn't get a flag on that play either (blown call #2). we should've won that game and should be sitting proudly @ 7-2. he even admitted it the morning after the game.


way to go, refs!!!!!!!!! ya' gotta' love 'em!!!:ohno:

And that face mask penalty against Suggs.

No worries. the pats mopped the floor with the steelers tonight, so the atlanta loss doesn't hurt as bad now.:okay:

...and right now the Ravens own the tiebreaker. What will be key is beating the Steelers in Baltimore next month. Gonna be one of the best Sunday night games of the year! They should light the skyline up for that one, so the city looks good on national TV.

The saying "A team will go as far as their quarterback will take them" is so true. This theory proved to be correct in the Steelers/Ravens game last night. Unfortunately, we ended up on the short end of the stick.

The Ravens always come up short against the Steelers it seems. The Ravens might make the wild card, but it does not look good for them to go all the way. And that's a shame. They needed that win last night. Suggs played great. Ben was not the reason the Steelers won the game. Flacco's sack/fumble by troy p. and his last little toss at the end of the game is the reason for the Steelers' win. And until he becomes comfortable in and near the pocket, he will continue to give games away. IMHO. they should have run the ball more at the end of the game. But that's me.

heartbreaking.... we will have a 2 game lead for the wild card over colts and raiders and chargers.

heartbreaking.... we will have a 2 game lead for the wild card over colts and raiders and chargers.We will need that two-game lead, too. Have you seen the rest of our schedule? We could easily lose three of our next four. It's not l ooking pretty at this point.

Monday, 12/13/10, at Houston, 8:30 P.M.
Sunday, 12/19/10, vs. New Orleans, 1 P.M.
Sunday, 12/26/10, at Cleveland, 1 P.M.
Sunday, 1/2/10, vs. Cincinnati, 1 P.M.

Flacco lost the game. His fear of overthrowing the ball and bad mechanics on the throw, caused him to throw it short. Dickson, had he caught it, had the first down and more. Not to say Joe played a bad game, on the contrary he played a solid game but he's our quarterback and he needs to make that throw. Is Cam Cameron on the way out? What's the excuse for such mediocre performances by our offense (with all the weapons we have)?

On the bright side, our defense (except for horrendous tackling on the winning TD play) played very well. Our pass rush was very consistent and like nothing I've seen all season long. And big up to T-sizzle! Dude played a great game.

^^ Suggs was a beast, for sure.

I wonder if Mike Preston, the reporter who does the report card on the Ravens after each game, was watching the same game I was. He gave Flacco an "A". In fairness, the offensive line didn't give him a heck of a lot of protection. And some of the coaching decisions left a bit to be desired. The passing game should have been much more aggressive in the 2nd half. And on 4th and 2, I would have sent Cundiff out for a 47 yard FG attempt. It was a high-risk proposition, but less risky, in my opinion, of going for the 1st down with such little time remaining.

The reporters blamed part of the problem on the fact that the Ravens didn't have a fullback, so they never established the running game.

I wonder if Mike Preston, the reporter who does the report card on the Ravens after each game, was watching the same game I was. He gave Flacco an "A". In fairness, the offensive line didn't give him a heck of a lot of protection. And some of the coaching decisions left a bit to be desired. The passing game should have been much more aggressive in the 2nd half. And on 4th and 2, I would have sent Cundiff out for a 47 yard FG attempt. It was a high-risk proposition, but less risky, in my opinion, of going for the 1st down with such little time remaining.

The reporters blamed part of the problem on the fact that the Ravens didn't have a fullback, so they never established the running game.

The playing calling was bad as it was in the Patriot game.

When the Ravens were on the Steeler's 5-yeard line they should have run on first down, and maybe second also. Instead they decided to pass on all three downs. We needed a TD here to put the Steelers away.

The Ravens should have been concentrating on protecting the ball and their lead within the last three minutes. Instead again they call a pass and Flacco was stripped.

As far as whether to go for a 47 yd FG, the argument is 50-50. There were strong winds against us. Flacco should have completed that pass though.

Cam Cameron is wasting Ray Rice's talent. Many argue that they go to the pass attack quickly because they can't establish the run, but how can you establish the run when you only give your RB 5-6 carries before you switch.

Gsol, to Flacco and Cameron's defense, it's clear that someone blew the block assignment that let Polomalu stripped the ball. But I do agree, they should've run the ball more and more as the game went on.

Hey hey...ho ho...Cam Cameron has got to go.

BRING ON THE O's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

....not so fast!!! You posted that before they won in OT, correct?

The defense was dragging, though. If not for the interception, this was going to end differently, I'm afraid.

....not so fast!!! You posted that before they won in OT, correct?

The defense was dragging, though. If not for the interception, this was going to end differently, I'm afraid.That game had me pulling strands of my long hair out. We do we insist on making all of our wins so complicated?

....not so fast!!! You posted that before they won in OT, correct?

The defense was dragging, though. If not for the interception, this was going to end differently, I'm afraid.

You are correct, but they don't deserve to win the way they play. I guess it's better to be lucky than good sometimes. We will more than likely get our @sses handed to us against the Saints! At least it won't be another embarrassment on national TV! :bash:

On the Texans tying TD drive, why didn't Harbaugh use the time outs to let the defense catch its breath? Ugly game. Sam Koch deserves as much praise as Wilson. A win is a win, I guess.

...excellent question. That one had me scratching my head too. And why did they pass instead of run on 3rd and 2? Sometimes you have to wonder who's in overall charge on the sidelines.^^

^^i've been wondering about that for some time now. you think maybe harbaugh is overriding cam's decisions? hmmmm..

ravens rock!!!!!!!!!!! the saints go down, 30-24!!!!!:okay:

defeating the defending super bowl champs........priceless!!!!!:okay:

Looks like the Ravens are in the playoffs!

....not only looks like it...they are!!:banana:

A couple notes from today's game...

Flacco only the 3rd QB to reach playoffs in his first 3 seasons

Ravens have not allowed a 3rd quarter TD for 24 consecutive games, an NFL record

Flacco has now passed for more than 10,000 yards, the 6th* QB to do so in his first 3 seasons.

*I think that's the number they said during the game...

As a Redskins fan, I am glad to see the Ravens make it to the playoffs. I hope they can get another ring. However, I think New England is to strong.

Just about fell asleep today, but a win's a win.

^^playoff-bound!!!!:okay:

ok, with only one week left in the regular season, here's the afc standings...

1. Pats
2. Steelers
3. Chiefs
4. Colts
5. Ravens
6. Jets
____________________________________
7. chargers
8. Jaguars

in the 1st round, 5 plays 4, which means we'd get indianapolis first round.


if the steelers lose to cleveland next week, and we beat cincinnati next week, me move up to the #2 seed and get a bye. todd heap's hurt, so that bye would become very important.

A late X-mas present to all of us Ravens' fans would be a victory of the Browns over the Steelers next week [and a victory on our part]! Still, PLAYOFFS, BABY!

Harbaugh on Kindle: "He’s got a track record for making really poor decisions"
Baltimore Sun
December 27, 2010

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said the team is disappointed in Sergio Kindle after the rookie linebacker was arrested for drunken driving this week.

“He’s got a track record for making really poor decisions,” Harbaugh said Monday. “He knows that. That’s a problem.”

Kindle had twice the legal limit of alcohol in his blood and he failed all of the sobriety tests given by a police officer when he was charged with drunken driving this week in Howard County, according to court papers filed Monday.

Kindle's blood alcohol content measured .17 percent, far above the legal limit of .08 percent, according to the charging document.

This isn’t Kindle’s first off-the-field incident. At the University of Texas, he was arrested for driving while intoxicated in July of 2007. Two years later, he had a one-car accident in 2009 where he damaged a building and left the scene of the accident.

Harbaugh met with Kindle on Monday morning to discuss the matter.

“If he wants to achieve things in football and life, you’ve got to make good decisions and you’ve to do the right things,” Harbaugh said. “You’ve got to earn that trust. He’s not off to a good start in college or the NFL right now.”

Harbaugh added, “But he’s a good person and he’s got a good heart, I believe. He’s fully capable of achieving all of his goals. We’ll just have to see how it plays out. Really, it’s on his shoulders. He’s the one who’s got to make those choices.”

I read in the paper that as a wild card, the Ravens are on the road for the entire playoffs.

But if they wind up facing the Jets at some point, wouldn't that game be played in Baltimore because the Ravens beat them head to head and are seeded higher?

^^precisely.:yes:

on an even better note micrip, if pittsburgh loses on sunday & we win, we'll move up to the #2 seed which also means a bye in the first round. todd heap is still hurt, so, as far as him nurturing his injury, any bye we get in the first round would be appreciated.....lol. this way, we'll have everyone ready to go round 2.

Cleveland has beaten some good teams, so it's not out of the realm of possibility. On any given Sunday, as they say...

But the Ravens have to beat Cincy first.

^^ Or Indy has to lose and the Jags win. That way, if we don't win the division, we go to Jacksonville rather than Indy. In fact, Indy wouldn't even make it to the playoffs if this situation develops.

^^truth be told, i'd rather face kansas city 1st round (if the event happens where we don't win the division). jacksonville has that good defense, and so does indy.

Well, none of my favorite teams made the playoffs so that means it's gonna be a *yawn* very boring playoffs...but I'll ry to muster up enough interest to make my uncanny superbowl predictions! This year I say the Superbowl will be:

New England Patriots vs. New Orleans Saints

Results: Patriots win 31-25

Well, none of my favorite teams made the playoffs so that means it's gonna be a *yawn* very boring playoffs...but I'll ry to muster up enough interest to make my uncanny superbowl predictions! This year I say the Superbowl will be:

New England Patriots vs. New Orleans Saints

Results: Patriots win 31-25saints won't make it. at this point, it's kinda' complicated in the nfc, so i'll pass on that prediction.....lol.

ravens over chiefs this sunday! this is a guarantee..

ravens over chiefs this sunday! this is a guarantee..

The Ravens are favorite by 2 1/2. I like those odds. I think the Ravens win this one; but its the end of the line. They will likely face the Steelers in Pitts, can't see them winning there - not the way they have been playing lately.

ravens over chiefs this sunday! this is a guarantee..Let's go out to Kansas City and get a win! Yeah!

Let's also root for the JETS to beat the COLTS tomorrow. I believe the RAVENS would get a home game if they were to meet the JETS in the AFC championship game, in spite of what the media has been saying.

Let's also root for the JETS to beat the COLTS tomorrow. I believe the RAVENS would get a home game if they were to meet the JETS in the AFC championship game, in spite of what the media has been saying.

It would be nice to have a home game with the Jets. I think both teams will win tomorrow (Colts have some serious injury problems with Dallas Clark out and Reggie Wayne playing with a bad knee). BTW the NY Times picks the Colts to win. The Ravens should win this one easily, but nothing has been easy for them this season.

If both teams win, they still have to get by the Steelers and the Patriots - no easy task.

If the Ravens win they would have to face the Steelers again. I'd rather play them than NE. The Jets have done well against NE, but playing for all the marbles puts added pressure on a team, NE is experienced in this situation. But remember the Ravens took care of Brady & Co. last year (but that was sans Welker).

Lets just cheer the Ravens on, keep our fingers crossed. Maybe they can take it up a notch and make it all the way to Dallas.

go jets!! also, the 7-9 seahawks upset the defending super bowl champions saints 41-36!!!!

It would be a travesty if a team with a losing record were to reach the Super Bowl. There is already talk as to how playoff teams are to be seeded. Won-lost record, not division winner, should be the determining factor. At least the stronger teams would have home field advantage that way.

^^if ya' ask me, i wouldn't suggest to not change one thing! the nfl were the ones who wanted to create 6 divisions to begin with, and now that you have a division (the nfc west.....san fran., ariz., sea., and st. louis) where all the teams suck and can make the playoffs with only 7-8 wins, they wanna' change it again?? i wouldn't change anything.

yesterday, the seattle seahawks proved they belonged here. helluva' game. that run by marshawn lynch........priceless!

it would be a travesty if the Seahawks even reached the Superbowl, it would make a mockery of the Superbowl and the entire NFL playoff system. Time to switch to a seeding system next season!

it would be a travesty if the Seahawks even reached the Superbowl, it would make a mockery of the Superbowl and the entire NFL playoff system. Time to switch to a seeding system next season!travesty?? are you kiddin' me?? i don't care if you're 7-9, 13-3, or 14-2. once the playoffs starts, it's anyone's chance to win the super bowl.....even the seattle seahawks!!!!

they shouldn't change the playoff system @ all. changing it would be pointless. it's perfect the way it currently is....

great win by the ravens today.......baltimore-30, kansas city-7.
http://media.kansascity.com/smedia/2011/01/09/14/ravensrice.standalone.prod_affiliate.81.jpg

Ravens steamroll the Chiefs out of the playoffs
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

The sting of playoff disappointment was beyond anything the Chiefs could imagine. After three miserable seasons, they climbed back on to the postseason stage but were never able to seriously threaten the Baltimore Ravens.

They were in no mood to contemplate what was obvious from their 30-7 first-round playoff loss to Baltimore Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium: Even on their best day, the Chiefs wouldn’t have been able to compete with the Ravens.

“I can’t answer that question,’’ running back Thomas Jones said. “Baltimore played a great game. We did the things that get you beat.’’

The Chiefs were willing to blame a lot of factors, including a season-high five turnovers and their inability to get the Baltimore offense off the field in key situations.

The truth is that they never had a chance. They were overwhelmed by one of the league’s better teams. Baltimore dominated time of possession and ran 78 plays to Kansas City’s 40.

The Chiefs couldn’t handle Baltimore’s physical defense, were eventually steamrolled by the Ravens pass rush and they never pressured Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco into making any mistakes.

It was a bad time for the Chiefs to play a bad game but they’ve played similarly against lesser opponents several times over the season’s last half. Together, those games illustrate just how far the Chiefs have to go until they even the playing field against the league’s better teams.

Things were so bad in the second half the Ravens were toying with the Chiefs. They had a 15-play, 80-yard drive in the fourth quarter when the verdict had long been turned in. Baltimore’s Terrell Suggs, Willis McGahee and Josh Wilson took turns showboating for the dwindling crowd of Chiefs fans.

Chiefs coach Todd Haley tried to argue with the notion but his heart didn’t seem in it.

“That’s not fair for me to say,’’ Haley said. “The score would indicate we got dominated and it is what it is but at the same time I think our guys understand we need to go out and do things more efficiently in the future against a team like that, an experienced team that has played in a bunch of these games.

“If we’d had, there’s no way for me to say how the game would have went but I know we would have felt a little better about ourselves.’’

The Chiefs, who won 10 games over the previous three seasons, had a dramatic turnaround this season, winning their first AFC West championship in seven years. But some of that unraveled over the final two games.

They were blown out at home in the previous week’s game against Oakland and now take two such games into their off-season preparations.

Even though the Ravens were dominating the game, the Chiefs found a way to take a 7-3 lead in the second quarter on the strength of a Tamba Hali sack and strip and a long Jamaal Charles touchdown run.

They were on the move again, having crossed the 50-yard line and threatening to extend their lead. But Charles fumbled, the Ravens recovered and the Chiefs were never a factor after that.

“We had an early turnover that was killer because we had the lead and we were moving across the 50, I believe,’’ Haley said. “We moved into their territory and we turned the ball over. I don’t think points came out of it but that’s just a momentum-changer. If you get points there, now you put yourself in a position where you can succeed.’’

“We just did too many things that get you beat. We were doing some good things. The game was going about the way playoff games go.’’

The Ravens hounded quarterback Matt Cassel into a second straight miserable game. He was sacked three times and intercepted three times, but he wasn’t willing to concede Baltimore was too good for the Chiefs.

“I don’t feel they’re such a superior team to us that we didn’t have an opportunity in this game,’’ he said. “We go into half (losing) 10-7 and the game’s in reach. In the second half, just a lot of bad football on our part.’’

The Ravens had something to do with that. They played five road playoff games over the previous two seasons, winning three. So a trip to Arrowhead was no big thing for Baltimore.

That’s just one more advantage the Ravens had over the Chiefs.

“Hindsight is 20-20. Looking back on it, no,’’ Chiefs said Jon McGraw said when asked whether in retrospect it was fair to expect Kansas City to compete with a more talented, more experienced team.

“We have to realize this is a young football team and we still have a lot of growing to do. But midway through the third quarter it looked that way. It looked like it was going to be a tight ball game.

“On our best day, we could play with anybody. Today obviously wasn’t that.’’

To reach Adam Teicher, call 816-234-4875 or send e-mail to ateicher@kcstar.com.

Posted on Sun, Jan. 09, 2011 03:02 PM

This is hilarious! Check out what Joe Theismann said that got everybody ROFL on the NFL network! :lol:

Wz-I2xZDF0Y

Pit-31, Bal-24. We gave that game away..