Often football commentators like to describe a matchup of a high-powered offense (Green Bay, New England) against an elite defense (Baltimore, New York Jets) as “the unstoppable force meets the immovable object“. When the Jaguars’ offense takes the field against the Ravens defense on Monday night it WILL NOT be one of those matchups. Instead, the Football Outsiders (FO) #32 ranked offense (the imminently stoppable force) will face off against FOs #1 ranked defense (the immovable object) and I’d expect total domination to ensue.
In order to appreciate this perspective its beneficial to put these rankings in context, we’ll begin with the Ravens defense. The Baltimore defense has allowed almost 30% less offense against a hypothetical average opponent than an average NFL defense. The second ranked defense (New York Jets) has only allowed ~15% less offense given the same circumstances. This difference of ~15% between #1 and #2 is equal to the difference between the #2 and #12 ranked defenses.
The Ravens Defense has been playing at its early 2000 levels this season.
Meanwhile the Jaguars offense has particularly poor. The Gabbert led Jags have gained almost 30% less yards against a hypothetical league average defense than an average offense. Combining these statistics we should expect the Ravens defense to be truly dominant on Monday night limiting the Jags to 60% less yards than an average NFL offense would accumulate against an average NFL defense. With potential domination appropriately captured lets move to the bullets: READ MORE >>>
Due to the lockout putting teams on a tight deadline to make signings, NFL free agency this year is pretty much impossible to follow. Here at BSR, we’ll try to help you out with our Free Agent Tracker. Here we track the comings and goings of Ravens free agents, meaning you can keep up with who leaves Baltimore, and who will be a new face in the purple and black.
Currently, you’ll see a few “2011 Team” spaces left blank. As players agree to contracts and sign those contracts, we’ll update that space.
***Additionally, you’ll see Casey Rabach’s name crossed out. This is because he failed his physical after agreeing to a contract, and therefore will not be playing with the Ravens this season.***
Fans in Baltimore have been campaigning for Asomugha to wear purple all offseason. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem that the Ravens cap room will allow for that. The Jets appear to be the clear cut winner for Asomugha in a secondary that will be far and away the best in the NFL. Asomugha and Darrell Revis? It’s almost unfathomable. This clearly upsets Ravens fans, especially with the number of former Ravens that the Jets have grabbed over the years.
It wasn’t until I listened to ESPN’s Colin Cowherd this morning that I felt okay with the Ravens current offseason status. It’s strange to think the Cowherd is my voice of reason, but hear me out. The Jets have an average quarterback, an average running game and they overspent for a good receiver, Santonio Holmes. On defense, their pass rush is weak but that corners are already solid. Add Asomugha and the secondary becomes the best in the league. Cowherd argues, and I agree, that good secondaries don’t win championships, good offenses and pass rushes do. Cowherd thinks that Rex Ryan has fallen in love with Asomugha and that the Jets are going to do everything in their power to bring him to New York. Even if that means backloading their franchise quarterback’s contract and ignoring their offensive struggles from last season. ”This is an offense that got worse in the last 48 hours,” Cowherd said on his show today. READ MORE >>>
As Friday’s free agency-mageddon looms, the Ravens have been linked to several unrestricted free agent players, and have already begun making some post-lockout roster moves. By cutting Todd Heap, Derrick Mason, Willis McGahee, and Kelly Gregg, the team freed up about $18 million of salary cap space to give them a bit of financial flexibility.
Already, Ozzie Newsome and Co. have cut a deal with versatile offensive lineman Marshal Yanda, as they try to retain some of the key pieces of last year’s 12-4 playoff team. While shoring up the rest of the offensive line is a concern, the Ravens must work to bolster what could be considered “trouble” positions; specifically cornerback, strong safety, wide receiver, and running back.
Watching the Steelers and Jets reminded me of what a team looks like when they play up to their talent. The Steelers are not the most talented team in the AFC, but when it counts they don’t waste an inch of their ability. It isn’t that they don’t make mistakes, every team does and will. They aren’t fazed by the moment, whether they are down by 14 *ahem* or ahead by 20. Talent will get you to 12 wins in the regular season, but it won’t get you to the Super Bowl. Pittsburgh is the team that Baltimore could be if Baltimore had that same attitude. Right now the Ravens are a lot like Mike Tyson in the early 1990’s. Incredibly fearsome and a great hitter- but the moment someone refuses to be intimidating and hits back, it is an entirely different fight. Ravens fans can’t stand the Steelers, and for good reason (I will let Zach and the others take that one on the next time it’s Steelers Week). The Ravens could learn a lot from their AFC rivals- maybe that’s what gets under their skin most of all.
But before the Ravens can turn their luck around, they will need to take care of what is sure to be a contentious offseason. Not only do they have to negotiate around an uncertain labor future, but they have a host of unrestricted free agents to sign. They won’t be able to sign all of them, so how should they prioritize them? Assuming there is a season next year, here is one perspective: READ MORE >>>
Assuming there is football at all next season, the Ravens roster could look very different. Baltimore enters the offseason with 17 unrestricted free agents and nine restricted. Assuming that defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is Baltimore’s number one offseason priority, who is number two?
Among the 17 unrestricted free agents are seven 2010 starters; the previously mentioned Ngata, Chris Carr, Dawan Landry, Josh Wilson, Chris Chester, Marshall Yanda, Le’Ron McClain, Billy Cundiff and Sam Koch.
It’s clear that the Ravens are keen on keeping Ngata, as well they should. John Harbaugh mentioned it in his press conference on Monday. “It’s priority number one,” Harbaugh said.
Dawan Landry is one tough cookie. He can hit the crap out of some guys. What concerns me is his inability to make form tackles. Last night wasn’t the first time that someone made him look awful. Remember Atlanta? Just watch the first 45 seconds of this highlight…..
The Baltimore Ravens suffered three key injuries in their 17-10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fullback Le’Ron McClain left the game with a sprained ankle, offensive lineman Michael Oher left with a sprained knee in a similar looking injury and safety Dawan Landry left the game with a concussion.
None of them returned to game after their injuries, but early reports are positive for next week against the Steelers.
According to a post game tweet from Aaron Wilson, McClain is day-to-day after having his ankle taped.
Michael Oher tweeted to his followers that he was fine, but then deleted the comments, probably because they violate the NFL’s social media rules for tweeting during games. Wilson copied the tweet on his twitter stream, it read “‘I’m good people have to thank the man above for this one! Will be ready for pitt next week!” Wilson talked to Oher after the game and he confirmed that the injury was not serious.
Dawan Landry’s concussion seems to be a small injury as well. Landry remained on the sideline after being hit by Bucs’ running back Carnell Williams. Landry said he didn’t remember the hit, but that he’s “fine for next week,” Harbaugh said he got “dinged” in his post game comments.
Hopefully we’ll get a more up to date update on the injuries when John Harbaugh speaks to media later today.
UPDATE: John Harbaugh addressed the media in his Monday Press conference and didn’t really clear up the injury report. Jamison Hensley quoted the Ravens head coach on Ravens Insider.
“We’ll have to take a look at them, see how they respond over the next few days and see where they’re at,” Harbaugh said. “That’s all you’re getting.”
The Ravens put together a solid victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home. Both teams entered at 7-3, but the Ravens proved to be the more proven of the two. Here are my thoughts on Baltimore’s 17-10 victory over the Bucs.
Flacco/Mason back “on the same page” – The term John Harbaugh used in his Monday press conference after the Joe Flacco/Derrick Mason spat a week ago was “on the same page.” This week Flacco targeted Mason 12 times in the first half and connected with him on a 10 yard touchdown reception in the 2nd quarter. In fact, the first pass from Flacco was thrown to Mason. Derrick caught a franchise high seven passes in the first half. I guess they’re okay. By the way, I completely predicted that one, let’s ignore my other prediction.
McClain, Oher and Landry banged up – Ravens fullback Le’Ron McClain, offensive lineman Michael Oher and safety Dawan Landry were banged up in this one. McClain and Oher were escorted to the locker room after they had their legs rolled up on by defenders. Scary plays, but both did not seem too serious, John Harbaugh had to tell Oher to get down when he was attempting to limp off the field with a sprained knee and McClain left with an ankle sprain. Similarly, Buccaneer Cody Grimm was hurt in the same type of injury. Dawan Landry suffered a concussion, but remained on the sideline.
If you needed a pick-me-up on a Monday we have just the cure, Ed Reed’s interception and lateral to Dawan Landry which was returned for a touchdown in yesterday’s 37-13 win over the Panthers. Landry told Aaron Wilson after the game “It felt good. It made us feel like we were in high school again.”
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 >>>
For a great part of the season past, mention of the Ravens secondary would draw scorn, derision and many a curse word. Because the defense was a work in progress for much of the season, many of those sentiments seemed deserved at the time. Yet as the play of the defensive unit improved, so did the performance of the defensive backfield, peaking with a great performance against the New England Patriots in the wild card round (if you thought the peak was the home game against the Chicago Bears, remember-Jay Cutler at that time was a pick waiting to happen). That said, here’s the positional review of the Ravens cornerbacks and safeties. READ MORE >>>
The Baltimore Ravens. A team that on defense can’t stop the run or pressure a QB, has a kicker that can’t make a clutch field goals, and an offense that is stuck making up for all of their holes.
Here are my thoughts from the Ravens 17-7 loss to the Bengals.
Secondary woes yet again – Different week, same weakness. Domonique Foxworth might be the best cornerback on the team, but he gives too much room to good wide receivers and can’t tackle. Fabian Washington missed an interception in the first quarter and he was called for pass interference on a crucial 4th and 2. Dawan Landry was called for pass interference on a play that overturned a fumble in the first quarter. Ed Reed missed a couple tackles as well.
No pressure up front - I knew it would be a long day without Haloti Ngata, but Trevor Pryce, Kelly Gregg, and Terrell Suggs were virtually non-existent in this week’s loss. Carson Palmer was far too comfortable in the pocket. He was practically camping out during his first touchdown pass to Andre Caldwell. Let’s not forget that Cedric Benson rushed for 117 yards, his second 100+ yard game against the Ravens this season.
Defense killed Offense - Or something like that. In the first quarter the Ravens offense was on the field just 4 minutes 11 seconds. In the first half that total was just 8:26 compared the Bengals 21:34. It evened out a little more by the end of the game, but all day the Ravens offense was trying to make up for the D being on the field too long. They used 2 timeouts in the first quarter, and Joe Flacco forced two interceptions (could have been at least 2 more) while trying to make big plays. Flacco has thrown seven picks this season, two have been caught by the Bengals’ Johnathan Josesph. Baltimore’s offense converted one of their ten third downs.
Hauschka chokes again - Now listen. I’m in no way saying that the kicker blew the game. What I’m saying is that he’s had two pressure kicks and he’s missed both of them. You can’t miss a 38 yard field goal when you’re team is trying to drive back from a deficit. It’s alarming to me that Steve Hauschka missed a 44 yarder inside against the Vikings and now a 38 yarder in 50 degree weather against the Bengals.
Webb continues to impress – Lardarius Webb broke a return for 33 yards, but his role on defense was particularly important. He threw a big hit on Cedric Benson in the 2nd quarter, broke up a pass to Laveranues Coles, and played receivers close when Washington went down. While Chris Carr looked shaky, Webb looked solid in the secondary.
Ray Rice is a playmaker - He didn’t have enough time to show it today, but Ray Rice is the real deal. He scored the Ravens only touchdown and never gave up all day.
This isn’t a playoff team. In fact, I don’t see how they can win many more games at all if they play like this. The Ravens need to show up big next week, thankfully they play the Browns.
Now that Ravens’ training camp has wrapped up and we’re half way through the preseason, BSR decided to get the inside scoop on the team by an expert and fellow blogger.
We decided to ask Joe Barnes of EbonyBird.com to fill us in on the 2009 Ravens…
Image Courtesy of the Baltimore Sun
With training camp coming to a close, what are your expectations of the 2009 Ravens based on their camp performance?
I see a season similar to last year’s campaign. Joe Flacco looks solid, the defense looks solid, every position is pretty deep, and things are looking good. With that said, it is possible that the loss of Bart Scott dooms the defense, but when has the team not replaced a linebacker well? If you want a record, I’d say that looking at the schedule, anywhere from 9-7 to 12-4 seems possible, and most likely with playoffs.
Who were you impressed with?
I was most impressed with rookie Lardarius Webb. He was always buzzing around the field, whether it was rushing the quarterback, picking off a pass or making a tackle in between the trenches on a running play. At the beginning of camp, I thought that the secondary might not be good enough to survive against some QBs like Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Phillip Rivers, etc. but seeing the depth behind Fabian Washington and Dominique Foxworth, including Webb, has made me think otherwise.
Who were you disappointed with?
I was disappointed with Mark Clayton more than any other player. He just never was on the field. While I understand that they don’t want to risk an aggravation of the injury, it seems like he could be more involved with the team and have a bigger presence in camp. At least he was running routes the last week of camp, but it seems like he might not be in good enough shape, like McGahee last year, and Joe Flacco needs him to have a very good season this year.
What is the team’s biggest flaw?
For me, the team’s biggest flaw is the lack of speed with their top receivers. Flacco’s got an arm, we have all seen that, and Yamon Figurs, Jayson Foster and Justin Harper all have breakaway speed. The issue is getting them on the field enough to have them make an impact with their speed. Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton, Demetrius Williams and Kelley Washington will probably get most of the time on gameday, and none of them have exceptional speed. Mason is great on cutbacks, Clayton great with mid-distance passes, but none could beat a safety 40 yards deep. It’s not a huge flaw, but it’s important for the offense to figure out how to get the speedsters on the field.
What is their strongest point?
The strong point of the team is the defense, in general. The line is great, led by Haloti Ngata. Rookie Paul Kruger looks good enough to start for a lot of teams at DE, but the Ravens’ line is good enough that he’s just depth. The linebackers should be one of the best groups in the league, yet again. And the secondary, led by Ed Reed and strengthened by the return of Dawan Landry and signing of Domonique Foxworth looks to be great as always. This defense is just too good.
The Ravens have had quite an eventful off season this year. But should we be worried about their future? In my mind there are a lot of question marks the Ravens face going into 2009. In Ozzie we trust though, right.
Looking to the list above I can tell you two losses that I’m not worried about. Both of them went to the Jets. Bart Scott was way over paid in New York and Jim Leonhard was a good fill in for Dawan Landry, but is nothing more than that. Don’t worry about these two Baltimore. Players like this come and go in this town, they get their big deals (and good for them) but you won’t hear their names again.
They are the Jamie Sharpers, the Duane Starks, the Ed Hartwells, and Adalius Thomases. Highly paid, but they’re system guys. You take them out of the Ravens’ system and you’ll see the kind of puzzle piece players that that they really are.
What I am worried about is Domonique Foxworth, a cornerback that Atlanta and Denver seemed to give up on and a guy the Ravens lovingly tossed 27 million dollars to. How is this guy going to do matched up one-on-one with Hines Ward twice a year? Because he certainly doesn’t seem to be the second coming of C-Mac.
The Ravens have also run Samari Rolle out of town. “Honestly, I don’t want to play in Baltimore anymore because I feel I’m not wanted,” Rolle said. The 32 year old cornerback has caught a lot of heat from some fans because he’s been burned a few times. I’ve always challenged that by wondering whether Ed Reed left him high and dry trying to make the play of the week. Though you’d never hear him say that. Last year he thought Fabian Washington came to replace him, now its Foxworth.
And what about Matt Birk? The Ravens obviously couldn’t afford to give a center $37.5 million dollars. But they were able to give a 32 year old 12 million over 3 years. I’m not saying that signing a 6 time Pro Bowler is a bad idea, but I’m just a little skeptical.
Finally, Mr. Baltimore, Ray Lewis, is back. Unfortunately for him, no star on his helmet. The length and terms of the deal have not been released yet, but Ozzie told the press that Ray can “retire as a Raven.” We’ve heard all kinds of rumors about the deal. Despite his history here, I just hope the Ravens didn’t break the bank on a 34 year old tattered linebacker.
So what do you think? Are you still following Ozzie blindly, or are you starting to feel a little uncomfortable like me?
Image courtesy of the 
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