Matt Stover | Baltimore Sports Report

FAN2FAN: Matt Stover in the Ring of Honor?

By Zach Wilt, on March 11th, 2009

Here at BSR we’re not trying to kid you and act like the media. We sit in the nosebleeds just like all the other die hards in Baltimore. We constantly give you our opinion, but now we want to hear from you. That is what FAN2FAN is all about.

Image Courtesy of the Baltimore Sun

Yesterday we asked you the fans what you think about adding the last original Raven, Matt Stover, to the Ring of Honor. Here were some of the comments we received.

@JoePolek absolutely! He has meant more to the Ravens success than anyone not named Ray Lewis.

@tws392000 I think that would be great, seeing as he was an original Raven (because he came over when the Browns moved)

@perrylimes Why not? Kickers need love too! I have to admit they are boring to watch. Field goals=pee pee break for me!

@jeffw171 of course! He carried that team for five games in 2000

Assuming the the Ravens and Stover part ways I think you absolutely have to put him in the Ring of Honor. He has made the most field goals (327) in the NFL since 1996, has 13 game winning field goals, had 36 consecutive field goals (3rd longest streak in NFL history), and of course he capped off his best season with 135 points in 2000 and a 34-7 Super Bowl victory.

What do you think? Should Stover be added to the ring of honor?

If you would like to have your comment featured on FAN2FAN check out Baltimore Sports Report on Twitter and stay tuned for FAN2FAN tweets.

Ravens free agency outlook

By Zach Wilt, on January 23rd, 2009

The Ravens have a number of free agents in the 2009 season and with the salary cap they aren’t going to be able to keep all of them. What do they do?

Sizzle

Offense

Kyle Boller [QB] – The Kyle Boller era in Baltimore has long since passed in Baltimore. Time to cut our losses.

Daniel Wilcox [TE] – The tightend position is interested because with Todd Heap’s season who knows what to expect for anyone else. If the price is right keeping Wilcox around, if not not a big deal.

Jason Brown [C] – This fourth year center is no doubt a leader on the offensive line. if its affordable for the Ravens they need to bring him back, but there are a lot of rumors that Brown is going to get big offers from other teams.

Lorenzo Neal [FB] – Despite only playing a few snaps early in the season, Lorenzo Neal, a 16 year seasoned veteran full back, proved to be quite a difference maker for Le’Ron McClain and Willis McGahee. Neal is old, 38, but he was quite a blocker and if the price is right I say bring him back.

Defense

Dwan Edwards [DT] – Edwards filled in when Kelly Gregg went down so he probably will not be needed when buddy lee returns. Cut him.

Terrell Suggs [OLB] – The best pass rusher the Ravens have and a very young talent at just 26. The Ravens franchised Suggs last year which resulted in him showing up for camp late, they might have no choice again this year, but Suggs has to be a Raven again next season.

Ray Lewis [MLB] – When you think Baltimore Ravens you think Ray Lewis. No matter his age, Ray he seems to get himself in better shape and motivates everyone around him. Bring him back.

Bart Scott [MLB] – Unfortunately the Ravens are in quite a situation with their three big-namelinebackers. All three are free agents and all three are going to want big contracts. Scott fits well in this defense but I’m not sure his role will be nearly as big some where else. Cut him.

Jameel McClain [LB] – The salary cap is probably going to play a role in brining McClain back. Obviously the Ravens are going to be hurting at linebacker and McClain did an adequete job, if they loss him though not a big loss.

Corey Ivy [CB] -Ivy has come along as a cornerback later in the year, but his coverage has always lacked. He seems to have most success as a nickelback, but can easily be replaced. Cut him.

Jim Leonhard [SS] -Leonhard was a fan favorite of this tattered defense. He was brought in for very little money but proved to be a great safety and probably the Ravens best return man. Bring him back.

Special Teams

Matt Stover [K] – The last original Raven, Stover has been in Baltimore since the beginning. He’s a veteran kicking, but the Ravens might be thinking he’s done since they brought in Steve Hauschka. You have to be loyal to Stover though. Keep him.

Sam Koch [P] -While punters are always over looked, Koch’s talents can not be replaced. He pins offenses deep in their territory. Bring him back.

The little things…

By Zach Wilt, on January 11th, 2009

If you’re a Ravens fan who sat on the edge of your seat during their victory over the Titans yesterday evening you have to like the little things that the Ravens did to defeat the top seeded Titans.

The Ravens discipline through rookie Head Coach John Harbaugh has shined through all year long. It really showed up against the Titans yesterday. With only 8 penalties for 40 yards the Ravens out matched the Titans with their 12 penalties for 89 yards. It should be noted that the Ravens had zero personal foul penalties while Tennessee recorded a couple.

John Harbaugh’s challenge of the completed pass to Bo Scaife backed up a Titans field goal chance from Baltimore’s 28 yard line to their 33. While it was simply 5 yards, this made the difference as Rob Bironas missed the 51 yard field goal early in the 3rd quarter. Smart challenge coach.

The controversial delay of game that was not called against the Ravens allowed for a deep pass from Joe Flacco to Todd Heap that would set up Matt Stover’s 43 yard game winning field goal. The call was very close, but went in the Ravens favor.

Finally, the Ravens really won this game because they won (yet again) the turnover battle. Jarrett Johnson forced a fumble on Lendale White on the Ravens 22 yard line which was recovered by Jim Leonhard. Then in the 4th quarter Alge Crumpler fumbled on the Ravens 13 yard line and turned the ball over again. The Titans fumbled 5 times and lost 2 of them. Kerry Collins also threw an inteception to Samari Rolle.

If the Ravens continue to do the little things right a trip to Tampa is in the works.