By Mark Brennan, on August 31st, 2010 Ravens rookie DT Terrence Cody had knee surgery last Tuesday to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee. Cody, who had played well during his time on the field this preseason, will be sidelined for 2 weeks. His status for the Monday night opener vs. the Jets is up in the air according to Coach John Harbaugh.
“There’s a chance he could be back for the opener against the Jets or, for the bigger guys, sometimes it takes a little longer,” Harbaugh said. “The plus is we have a lot of depth on the defensive line right now. That’ll be day-to-day as we get closer to the game.”
I guess it could be worse but I’d be very surprised if Cody was back for week 1. Big guys like that tend to take more time to heal.
By Mark Brennan, on August 24th, 2010 Position: Running Back
Height/Weight: 6’0″/190 lbs.
Age: 23/Experience: Rookie
College: Memphis
Analysis: An undrafted free agent out of Memphis, RB Curtis Steele is doing his best to make a good impression with the Ravens coaching staff. In his two season at Memphis, Steele rushed for 2,462 yards and 22 touchdowns. At 6′/190 lbs, Steele isn’t the biggest of backs. He uses his speed and elusiveness to get to the outside to gain yardage. In the first two preseason games, Steele has shown some burst and, if anything, has shown some other teams around the league that he could be an asset. READ MORE >>>
By Mark Brennan, on August 11th, 2010 Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6’3″/310 lbs.
Age: 26 /Experience: 4 years
College: Auburn
Analysis: For years many Ravens fans clamored for GM Ozzie Newsome to address the offensive line. Newsome selected Auburn guard Ben Grubbs with the 29th overall pick of the 2007 draft. Grubbs was widely regarded as the best guard in the draft and filled a major need for the team.
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By Mark Brennan, on August 6th, 2010 Position: Offensive Tackle/ Guard
Height/Weight: 6’3″/315 lbs.
Age: 25 /Experience: 4
College: Iowa
Analysis:
When he was drafted out of Iowa in the 3rd round of the 2007 draft, you’d be hard pressed to find a Ravens fan who knew much about Marshal Yanda. Before long though, everyone knew who he was. Not only was he thrusted into the lineup as rookie, the team was forced to play him at RT for a few games due to injuries. We’d all like to forget the 2007 season. READ MORE >>>
By Mark Brennan, on June 8th, 2010 The NFL and the NFL Players Association released a joint statement regarding the Baltimore Ravens:
The NFL Management Council and the NFL Players Association have resolved a complaint by the Players Association against the Baltimore Ravens concerning violations of the Collective Bargaining Agreement’s off-season workout rules.
It was determined that the Ravens violated the rules concerning the intensity and tempo of drills conducted on the Club’s organized team activity days (“OTA days”) and the length of time spent by players at the Club’s facility on such days.
As a result, the Ravens will forfeit the final week of their off-season program (June 14-18, 2010). Ravens’ players are not permitted to be at the facility on those days, but will be paid for the sessions. The Club cannot reschedule the cancelled days.
So the Ravens lose their final OTA before training camp. On the surface it might sound like a big deal. And while it certainly isn’t good news, I don’t see it as a major issue. Anyone who follows the NFL closely knows that every team bends the rules when it comes to OTAs and what is allowed and prohibited. Most reports about this situation acknowledge that the most common reason for a reprimand like this stems from a player (or 2) voicing their complaints to the NFLPA. It’s pretty well known that John Harbaugh runs a very tight ship over in Owings Mills. Could he have gotten a little overzealous during some of these practices? I wouldn’t be shocked if that were the case.
The more pressing question (to me at least) is who decided to run to the NFLPA and tattle? There are already whispers about a big left (now right) tackle who happened to sign his tender today. Said tackle is represented by Drew Rosenhaus who is known to pull pretty much any stunt to get a contract for his client. Of course, it could be any of the players that participated in the OTA over the last few weeks.
Let’s hope that this doesn’t have any negative effect in the locker room. That’s the only real issue I see when it comes to this whole thing and you can bet Harbaugh is furious.
In the grand scheme of things this really shouldn’t have any impact on the team. To be honest, a few less practices means less chance that a player gets hurt. The Ravens will have plenty of opportunities to make up for this lost OTA during training camp. Let’s face it, training camp is probably too long as it is currently constructed. Come mid August, this story will be forgotten.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think it’s a bigger deal than I’m making it out to be or will it blow over come training camp?
By Mark Brennan, on April 9th, 2010 The NFL Draft is quickly approaching. In fact, in just two weeks the festivities will begin up in New York City. The 2010 draft will be a primetime event with the first round being held on Thursday, April 22. The Ravens hold the 25th pick in the draft and will most likely have a variety of options to choose from in a very talented and deep draft. After the 2009 season ended most fans immediately began the annual “we need a #1 WR” drive. The front office obviously agreed. The signing of Donte Stallworth and, more importantly, the trade for Anquan Boldin has turned a glaring weakness into a, at minimum, and moderately strong unit. That’s not to say that the team won’t draft a WR but it certainly gives them a lot more flexibility and let’s them focus on other needs. As it stands right now, I believe the team’s biggest needs are as follows (in order): DL, CB, TE
Let’s take a look at a few players that could end up in purple this upcoming season. Of course, there’s a decent chance that none of the players listed below become a Raven but speculating on possible picks is half the fun.
TE Jermaine Gresham (Oklahoma):
Entering the 2009 season, Oklahoma was poised to make a serious run at a National Championship. Gresham was part of an offense that was expected to put up huge numbers. Unfortunately for both Gresham and Sooner fans, the injury bug hit him and the team (Sam Bradford missed most of the year with a shoulder injury) extremely hard. An All American in 2008, Gresham didn’t see a snap his entire senior season due to knee surgery performed in September. He possesses all the qualities a team looks for in a TE. At 6’ 5”/261 lbs Gresham possesses enough speed (4.66/40) and athleticism to present big time mismatches down the field. His blocking skills are considered pedestrian but that won’t prevent a team from taking him sometime in the 1st round of the draft. He is considered the top TE in the draft. The Ravens have needed an upgrade at TE for a few seasons now. The only proven TE on the roster is Todd Heap. And while he can still get the job done at times, his health is always a concern. Assuming his knee is 100%, the addition of Gresham could provide a down field threat at the TE spot that the Ravens sorely need.
CB Kyle Wilson (Boise State):
With the late season knee injuries to Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb, CB suddenly jumped up to the front of the line when it comes to the draft for the Ravens. While we all hope both Washington and Webb fully recover from their surgeries and get back on the field, the team must adjust accordingly and make sure they have some contingency plans. I don’t think anyone wants to see Frank Walker starting opposite Domonique Foxworth. And to be honest, Foxworth needs to up his game as well. But that’s a discussion for another day. Joe Haden (Florida) is regarded as the top CB in this year’s draft. Many had him going to Cleveland. However, the Browns recently dealt for CB Sheldon Brown so their need for a CB might have taken a back seat to about 10 other positions. Haden will most certainly be gone by the time the Ravens pick but him dropping could also have an effect on where Wilson will go. Wilson was a 4 year starter for the Broncos and has impressed both on the field and on the track. He has decent size (5’ 10”/194 Lbs) and ran 4.32/40 at his pro day last month. He didn’t run at the combine due to a hamstring injury but he did impress everyone when he put up 25 reps at 225 lbs. With ESPN’s wall to wall coverage of college football, Wilson and Boise State were on TV quite a bit last season and every time I saw them play, he was all over the field. I believe he’d be a very nice addition to the Ravens.
DE/OLB: Brandon Graham (Michigan):
After the season ended and before the Senior Bowl and Combine, Graham would’ve probably projected as a late first round pick. However, his performance at the Senior Bowl most likely propelled him into the middle of the first. He’s not overly impressive in stature but he just gets it done. At 6’ 2”/268 Lbs he played DE at Michigan but could transition to OLB in the NFL. If Terrell Suggs comes into camp in shape and ready to earn his paycheck, the addition of Graham could be just what the Ravens pass rush needs.
Some other players to keep an eye on:
DT: Dan Williams (Tennessee):
Big DT (6’ 2”/327 Lbs) that could eventually replace Kelly Gregg and provide immediate help with the loss of Dwan Edwards and Justin Bannan
S/CB: Earl Thomas (Texas):
Versatile DB who ran a very fast 4.37/40 at his pro day.
WR: Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech):
Huge WR (6’ 224 Lbs) that could drop due to broken foot suffered prior to the combine. Very raw with huge upside.
Who else do you like in this draft? What position should the Ravens address in the first round?
By Mark Brennan, on March 9th, 2010 After completing a season in which they shared the ACC regular season title with Duke, Maryland swept the Blue Devils when it came to individual rewards.
Greivis Vasquez took home ACC Player of the Year while Gary Williams was honored as ACC Coach of the year.
The two share a special bond that has grown tighter and tighter over the years. Vasquez, who is known for his flare and competitiveness, embodies everything that Williams loves in a player. He wasn’t a 5 star McDonald’s All American coming out of high school. He was a skinny kid who not only had to deal with the challenges of learning to play ACC caliber basketball, but also had to deal with a language and cultural barrier. It was obvious from the start of his career that Vasquez yearned for the spotlight and wasn’t shy about it. He would make a spectacular play one possession and on the very next possession make a mistake that would send the fans into a frenzy. Four years later he is still making the spectacular plays and while he will still make that occasion “WTF!!!!!” play, the positive aspects of his game far outweigh the negative ones. Probably the most polarizing player I can remember to ever wear a Terps uniform, Greivis Vasquez’s journey from his freshman year to ACC Player of the Year hasn’t always been pretty. But what is undeniable is that he is the best player in the conference and he’s a Terp. Congratulations Greivis.
Gary Williams, like Vasquez, has dealt with his fair share of criticism in the last few years. And to be honest, I levied some of that criticism. And while I didn’t call for his head like some did, I wondered if his time at Maryland might be coming to an end sooner than later. Of course, I fell into the age-old trap when people want to run successful coaches out the door. That trap of course being the question “who would replace him and who would be more successful?”. The answer to that question is not easily found. I think many of us Maryland fans feel slighted by the media and other fans. So when an icon like Williams receives an honor like this, I think we as Terps fans appreciate it a little more than maybe some other program’s fans would. Gary Williams is a Terp. He resurrected this program from the ashes and brought it back not only to respectability but also to a National Championship. I feel a sense of pride when I see him coaching this team on the sidelines. He loves the University of Maryland and he shows it every night. I’m thrilled for him that he won this award.
Vasquez and Williams sharing ACC top honors. It just sounds right.
By Mark Brennan, on February 10th, 2010 The Ravens entered 2009 with high hopes. After losing in the AFC Championship game a year ago, many thought the team was primed to make a Super Bowl run. One big reason for that optimism was the thought that the offensive line had the makings of a top 5 unit in the NFL. The signing of center Matt Birk and the addition of first round pick Michael Oher seemed to be the final pieces to the puzzle. And while the unit perfect well enough in 2009, there definitely were some problem areas that I’m hopeful will be resolved before the start of the 2010 season. Let’s take a look at guys in the trenches.
LT Jared Gaither – Gaither possess the freakish size that every team dreams of for a left tackle. His 6′ 9″ frame allows him to use his long arms to keep defenders at bay. He is only 23 years old and has the potential to be a very good to great left tackle for a long time. The issues with Gaither don’t lie on the field but off of it. Dating back to his days at the University of Maryland, Gaither’s work ethic has been fairly weak. As a Terp he openly complained about switching sides and basically relied on his physical ability to get by. His decision to enter the supplemental draft instead of returning to MD raised some eyebrows. The fact that the Ravens got him by surrendering only a 5th round pick showed that many GMs had reservations about Gaither. Some say that his poor work ethic shows up in the numerous injuries he’s suffered since being in the league. He was quoted as saying his #1 goal this offseason is to work hard and get stronger. Let’s hope he means it. Gaither is a restricted free agent and will almost certainly be back with the team next year. There has been talk of moving him to right tackle and Michael Oher to the left side.
LG Ben Grubbs – 2009 was supposed to the year where Grubbs took the next step into elite LG status in the NFL. And while he played well at times, he was too inconsistent. I really believe the fact that he was a first round pick cloud people’s view of his play. If you watched him closely, he missed quite a few assignments during the season. On the flip side, he made some great blocks to spring some of the long runs by Ray Rice and Willis McGahee. Grubbs, like Gaither, still has alot of room for improvement. Both are very young and could become a dominant tandem on the left side.
C Matt Birk – When I read that the Ravens had actually signed Birk, I was floored. Most people thought there was no way he would leave the Vikings. He is a Minnesota native and had spent his entire career as Viking. But he felt somewhat slighted by the way the Vikings treated him during contract negotiations. That enabled the Ravens to enter in and make an offer after Jason Brown signed with the Rams. Birk provided the veteran leadership the Ravens offensive line needed. He is by far the oldest guy on the line. Birk was steady for most of the year but not spectacular. He is definitely not the player he once was but he did what was needed for the Ravens. He is a very smart player and knows what protections to call at the line of scrimmage.
RG Marshal Yanda – This guy is a mauler. He’s got the nasty streak that I love to see in an offensive lineman. After shredding his knee vs. the Colts in 2008, he worked his tail off to get back on the field in 2009. He was not 100% to start the season and was eased into the lineup as the season wore on. By the time the season was over he was playing at the highest level of any of the other lineman. With another offseason to get that knee even stronger, count on Yanda to provide stellar play at RG for years go to come.
RT Michael Oher – I was at a local watering hole during the 2009 draft. As it got closer and closer to the Ravens pick I kept wondering why Oher was still on the board. Of course, everyone wanted the team to draft a WR. Then Ozzie Newsome made the move to jump up a few spots and at that point I knew Oher would be a Raven. Of course people booed because it wasn’t the sexy WR pick. It was, however, a fantastic pick that filled an even bigger need for the team. Who was gonna play RT for this team? Willie Anderson? Adam Terry? Ozzie knew that keeping Joe Flacco upright and protected trump pretty much any other need. Oher was the immediate starter. His natural ability is unquestioned. He either held his own and or excelled for most of the season. He had some rough games along the way but certainly showed everyone why the team traded up for him. When Gaither went down with injuries, Oher was able to seamlessly transition to the left side. That shows a great amount of versatility. Hopefully Gaither and Oher can become a top tackle tandem and anchor this line for a decade.
C/G Chris Chester – Two years ago I was ready to throw in the towel with this guy. It seemed like Ozzie had missed on another 2nd round project. Chester had only played guard for a short time at Oklahoma and seemed too undersized and not strong enough to cut it in the NFL. But in 2008 when Yanda went down, Chester stepped in and played extremely well. It seems like he just needed a bit more time get stronger and get comfortable playing on the line. He can play both center and guard and is a valuable piece of this unit. I’ll always remember the two blocks he threw to spring McGahee’s long run in Dallas back in 08. That one play showed how far he had come. He continued to play well in 09 while accepting a diminished role once Yanda got back to 100%. Depth is key on the line and Chester provides it.
The Ravens offensive line is one of, if not the youngest in the NFL. It also has the potential to be one of the best. For the first quarter of the season it seemed like this line could be a dominant force. They were playing about as well as I’ve ever seen a Ravens offensive line play. Then Gaither went down in New England and that seemed to take some of their mojo away. They played fairly well for much of the season but certainly had some games (at Bengals) where they seemed a bit lost. Let’s hope they improve in the offseason and take that next step we were all hoping for in 2009.
By Mark Brennan, on January 30th, 2010 In a move that shouldn’t surprise anyone, the Ravens have hired Jim Zorn to be the team’s quarterbacks coach.
Zorn, who had the pleasure of working for what can only be described as a model franchise in the Redskins, will take over for Hue Jackson who is now the Raiders offensive coordinator. Before his gig in DC, Zorn was the quarterbacks coach in Seattle and tutored Matt Hasselbeck. Under Zorn, Hasselbeck enjoyed quite a bit of success and made numerous trips to the pro bowl. Of course, David Garrard is in the pro bowl this year so I’m not sure what that really means anymore. In any event, Hasselbeck did set a bunch of Seahawk records while being coached by Zorn. READ MORE >>>
By Mark Brennan, on January 17th, 2010 The Baltimore Ravens walked onto Lucas Oil Field last night with all the confidence in the world. They were coming off a huge win vs. the once invincible New England Patriots and seemed primed to give the Indianapolis Colts a very competitive game. In my opinion, the game was pretty much over at halftime. I got chastised for saying it at the time but deep down I know most people agreed. The season is over and once again the Colts were the team to knock the Ravens out of the playoffs. The Colts are the Ravens daddy just like the Yankees were Pedro’s daddy. 8 straight losses and counting. READ MORE >>>
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