By Jeff Pilson, on September 5th, 2010 Position: Cornerback
Height/Weight: 5′ 10″/182 lbs
Age: 27/Experience: 6
College: Boise State
Analysis: Chris Carr was signed by the Baltimore Ravens prior to the 2009 season to add depth in the secondary and to be the primary punt returner, a role he excelled in during his time with the Tennessee Titans. Carr performance with the Ravens in 2009 was a disappointment. Early in the season he was tentative in the return game and soft in coverage. As the season progressed Carr was more decisive returning kicks, but contributed few big plays. Carr also saw more time at corner as the season wore on. Injuries to Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb ultimately forced Carr into the starting line-up on defense. Carr turned in his best defensive performance in the play-off win at New England, but he left fans craving for better play after an up and down year. READ MORE >>>
By Jeff Pilson, on September 4th, 2010 The Baltimore Ravens trimmed their roster to 53 players today, and now the wait for the Monday night opener with the New York Jets begins in earnest. Heading into training camp there were relatively few positions unsettled for the Ravens, but that does not mean that the final roster moves did not contain some surprises. It started with the trade of Antwan Barnes, announced earlier today, and then continued with the cuts of a few players that seemed like they would be part of the final 53. Most surprising of the cuts were K Shayne Graham, and WR Demetrius Williams. READ MORE >>>
By Jeff Pilson, on September 4th, 2010 The Baltimore Ravens pulled off another late pre-season trade sending LB Antwan Barnes to the Philadelphia Eagles for an undisclosed conditional draft pick. The move is surprising as Barnes has looked good in pre-season and the Ravens have need of pass rushers, Barnes specialty, coming off last season where they failed to generate consistent pressure. There are several scenarios that could explain the Ravens thinking: 1) Perhaps they feel confident that a rejuvenated Terrell Suggs, an improved Paul Kruger and the addition of Cory Redding will bolster therush enough, making Barnes expendable, 2) or the Ravens feel like Jameel McClain is better at OLB, making Barnes redundant, 3) or the Ravens believe that Sergio Kindle is closer to returning than we have been lead to believe. READ MORE >>>
By Jeff Pilson, on September 4th, 2010 Position: Safety
Height/Weight: 6″/210 lbs
Age: 27/Experience: 5
College: Georgia Tech
Analysis: In 2009, Dawan Landry made a strong comeback from the spinal cord contusion that sidelined him for all but 2 games of the 2008 season. Landry did take a few weeks to knock the rust off, but by the end of ’09 his level of play had risen to match his early career. Landry was tied for the team lead in picks last year with four and passes defended with eleven. He also was 2nd on the team in tackles with 82. Landry is most valuable as a run stuffing safety. He is a physical presence who likes to hit. Landry’s range in pass coverage is average, but he is an intelligent, disciplined player who is rarely out of position. READ MORE >>>
By Jeff Pilson, on September 2nd, 2010 Within its’ linebacking corp the Maryland Terrapins posses perhaps their most talented group. The only other group that rivals the linebackers in talent is the stable of running backs. Maryland linebackers have a great combo of size, experience and athleticism, as well as an impressive group of underclassmen destined to provide strong play at the position for years to come. The unit will shine for the Terps again this year. The question is will the deficiencies in the secondary and on the line be to great for the linebackers to overcome? READ MORE >>>
By Jeff Pilson, on September 1st, 2010 Position: Cornerback
Height/Weight: 6’1″/182 lbs.
Age: 25/Experience: 2
College: Washburn
Analysis: It is beginning to look like the Ravens scored a significant coup when they signed Cary Williams late in the 2009, after he was released by the Tennessee Titans. Williams looks to be developing into a player that can be a factor in the Ravens secondary. Williams is definitely the biggest corner the Ravens have. Williams’ size allows him to cover both slot receivers as well as receivers lined up on the outside of formations. Williams displays a knack for special teams play and is improving at being a physical man-to man corner. READ MORE >>>
By Jeff Pilson, on August 28th, 2010 As we know, week 3 pre-season games are typically a teams only real tune up heading into the regular season. Many starters will participate for at least a half, if not three quarters of the game. It is a team’s chance to fine tune things, build game stamina and hopefully establish consistency and tempo in . . . → Read More: Pre-season Week 3: Giants v. Ravens
By Jeff Pilson, on August 25th, 2010 Position:Cornerback
Height/Weight: 5’10″/194 lbs.
Age: 30/Experience: 9 years
College: Central Florida
Analysis: The Ravens signed Travis Fisher as a free agent in the off-season to provide depth and experience in the defensive secondary. Entering his 9th season, Fisher has plenty of experience having played for the Rams, Lions and Seahawks. Fisher has been a starting defensive back as recently as 2008, but he has battled injuries regularly during his career. Those injuries seemed to have taken their toll on the former 2nd round pick, as his best days are behind him. Fisher has a good combo of size and speed and also brings the experience of playing in many different schemes and coverage types. READ MORE >>>
By Jeff Pilson, on August 21st, 2010
By Jeff Pilson, on August 21st, 2010 The semi-regular pre-season Battle of the Beltway resumes tonight as the Baltimore Ravens travel to face the despised Washington Redskins. Despised because for years their former owner (may he rest in piece) fought tooth and nail to keep an NFL team out of Baltimore. Despised because their fans have an air of superiority, when it comes to people in Baltimore, despite rooting for an inferior franchise. Despised because Dan Snyder had the gall to fire Baltimore’s favorite QB coach in Jim Zorn. Sound forced? That is the way I feel about the Redskins/Ravens/Baltimore/DC geographic rivalry. Sure there is some animosity between the cities,but the NFL schedule rarely allows for meaningful games between the two clubs. Creating buzz for a pre-season game between the ‘Skins and Ravens is just as difficult as doing so for the O’s/Nats games. READ MORE >>>
By Jeff Pilson, on August 19th, 2010 I must admit that I was a bit surprised by Tony Dungy’s comments about Rex Ryan’s language on HBO’s Hard Knocks series. Not that I disagree with Dungy, but I was surprised to hear him be so critical of Ryan’s language. Here is some of what Dungy had to say on the Dan Patrick Show:
“I’m disappointed with all the profanity,” Dungy said. “I think Rex can make his points without all that.”
Asked if he would hire a coach who talks the way Ryan does, Dungy answered, “I would not. I personally don’t want my players to be around that. I don’t want to be around that. . . . It’s hard for me to be around that, and if I were in charge, no, I wouldn’t hire someone like that. Now, I’ve been around ‘F’ bombs, so it’s not like it’s new. I just don’t think that has to be part of your every-minute, everyday vocabulary to get your point across.”
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By Jeff Pilson, on August 18th, 2010 Looking to rebound from a disastrous 2009 season the University of Maryland football team will need a lot of units to step up in order to bounce back. One of the deepest and most capable units for the Terps is their stable of running backs. The Maryland backs have varied skill sets. They have a home-run threat in Da’rel Scott, a more physical runner in Davin Meggett, an all-around gifted runner in DJ Adams, and the shifty Gary Douglas. With all this talent and a return to an option style attack the Maryland backfield will have plenty of opportunity to shine. The question is will they be able to carry the offense? READ MORE >>>
By Jeff Pilson, on August 16th, 2010 Position: Guard/Center
Height/Weight: 6’3″/315 lbs.
Age: 26/Experience: 5
College: Oklahoma
Analysis: Chris Chester has steadily improved since the Ravens drafted him in the 2nd round of the 2006 draft. Initially, Chester, who is another tight end turned o-lineman, did not have the size or bulk to keep up on the interior of the Ravens offensive line.
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By Jeff Pilson, on August 14th, 2010 Position: Defensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’3″/313 lbs.
Age: 24/Experience: Rookie
College: Syracuse
Analysis: Arthur Jones is a player that came froma football poor college program and his draft stock was hurt by a knee injury in his final year at Syracuse. Despite being surrounded by virtually no talent, Jones was a standout, equally gifted at playing the run and rushing the passer.
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By Jeff Pilson, on August 14th, 2010 Position: Guard/Tackle/Center
Height/Weight: 6’6″/315 lbs.
Age: 27/Experience: 3
College: Weber State
Analysis: What David Hale lacks in talent, he makes up for in versatility. Hale is the only Ravens offensive lineman that backs up the tackle, guard and center positions. Hale also puts in his time playing special teams as well.
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