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Enjoy And Employ: Ravens' Top Ten Offseason Stories

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:39:00 EDT

EVENTFUL OFFSEASON DESPITE CHAMPIONSHIP By Joe Platania, PressBoxOnline.

The Caw: Pure Purple Power And Other Random Endorsements

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:01:43 EDT

Joe Flacco has had some strange endorsements, but he’s not alone.

Lardarius Webb On His Way Back

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:19:03 EDT

Webb is rehabbing his ACL, hoping to lead his team back to the Super Bowl while playing at a Pro Bowl level.

Eisenberg's Offseason Analysis

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:20:30 EDT

Suggs is the ring leader. Doss has a huge opportunity. Smith vs. Graham. More...

CSN: Ravens Building Another Championship Team

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:28:53 EDT

Brent Harris talks about the Ravens roster and the building of another championship team.

CSN: Suggs 'Ecstatic' To Play With Dumervil

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:09:46 EDT

Terrell Suggs talks to media about the upcoming season.

CSN: Rice Ready To Take On Larger Leadership Role

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:00:18 EDT

Ray Rice talks to Brent Harris about the leadership of the team.

Bryant McKinnie Is Ravens' New Old-Timer

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:30:25 EDT

With Ray Lewis and Ed Reed gone, tackle Bryant McKinnie, 33, is the team's oldest player.

Late For Work 6/18: Ray Lewis Most Overrated Raven Of All Time?

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:10:20 EDT

More overrated and underrated players. Who's really in charge at the Ravens? Ravens' best rivalries.

NFLN: Ravens Most Underrated/Overrated Players

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:00:00 EDT

Find out which Baltimore Ravens are selected as the team's most underrated and overrated players of all time.

Leach says decision coming within two weeks

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:20:41 EDT

Last week, the Ravens cut fullback Vonta Leach. By the end of the month, he plans to have a new team. “I know I can play in this league and I’ve got some teams that are courting me,” Leach recently said, via the Greenville (N.C.) Daily Reflector. “In the next two weeks, I know where…

What They're Saying About The 2013 Season: TSN

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:24:00 EDT

RAVENS RANK HIGH LEAGUEWIDE, BUT TABBED TO FALL SHORT By Joe Platania For many years -- when print journalism had more relevance and impact -- one of the must-have periodicals to read was The Sporting News.

No big-name wide receiver to replace Anquan Boldin? For Ravens, probably not...

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:09:17 EDT

Freshly shorn and removed of his dreads, Ravens #1 wide-out Torrey Smith is probably relieved to hear the Ravens are not shopping for a premier wide receiver at this time. Ravens brass isn’t “planning to pursue” a veteran wide receiver, including Brandon Lloyd and Austin Collie, according to The Baltimore sun. The report notes the Ravens could change course and decide to explore the market later, but right now the focus is on evaluating the current receivers on the roster and giving them an opportunity to prove themselves. “The Ravens' hope is that at least a few of their receivers grow into expanded roles after the offseason trade of three-time Pro Bowler Anquan Boldin to the San Francisco 49ers,” wrote Aaron Wilson. Nobody's saying it out loud, of course, but I think the real plan is to expand the use of tight ends and H-Backs in the evolving Ravens offense. I checked in with the lovely Sarah Ellison at Ravens.com for her take on the receivers situation going into late June. "The receiver market is thin at this point, with Lloyd and Collie leading the group. It also includes Randy Moss, Chaz Schilens, Chad Johnson, Laurent Robinson, Deion Branch, Jabar Gaffney and Mike Sims-Walker. This may be an indication that the young receivers are accomplishing their offseason objective." “Our goal is for Ozzie to feel comfortable enough with us that he doesn’t have to go bring in a veteran,” Smith said last month. “It’s on us to go out there and make it happen, and for him to trust us and believe in us.” Without the ability to see the receivers in action, some fans feel anxious about replacing Boldin with an unproven receiver. By all accounts, however, the young players have had a solid offseason even though no one stood out as the clear frontrunner. Overall, the group is characterized by its better-than-average speed. Jacoby Jones is the current No. 2, but will be pushed especially by Tandon Doss and Deonte Thompson. Doss and Thompson both had impressive minicamps, but are different players. Doss has good hands and route-running ability but generally doesn’t “wow.” He seemed to run with the first team the most during camp and appeared to get the most catches. Thompson is the fastest and is a finisher. He is no slouch at running routes either. He’s had the most media buzz during the workouts. You also can’t forget about David Reed, who makes plays after the catch but needs to stay healthy, and LaQuan Williams, who also adds value on special teams. I appreciate Ellison's faith in the current roster at WR. Something seems to be missing, though, besides Anquan's big plays. Big possession receiver, big downfield blocker...the two things that made Boldin indispensable. I still think the Ravens are looking at the fullback/H-Back hybrid as an answer...along with a bigger role for their two and three-tight end sets. ...

Ravens | Happy with Bryant McKinnie's conditioning

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:08:11 EDT

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said OT Bryant McKinnie did well during offseason workouts ...

Juan Castillo Brings Energy, Passion

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:58:03 EDT

The run game coordinator has an infectious personality that has rubbed off on the offensive linemen.

RAVE-TV Earns Regional Emmy Award

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:27:28 EDT

The Baltimore Ravens’ broadcasting team, RAVE-TV, was honored over the weekend with its 21st regional Emmy Award. RAVE-TV won the award for outstanding achievement in sports feature programming fo...

Harbaugh hails McKinnie’s conditioning

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:23:21 EDT

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he’s encouraged by the shape Bryant McKinnie is in these days. Since that shape’s not as much “round” as it was in past years, that’s reasonable. McKinnie said last week he was in the best shape he’s been in in years, and Harbaugh has noticed. “Bryant did a really good…

2013 Ravens Training Camp Practices

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:55:00 EDT

The Baltimore Ravens' 2013 training camp, connected by Verizon, will feature for the second-consecutive year free individual practices to be held at M&T Bank Stadium, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial St...

Trimmer Pernell McPhee Enjoying New Role

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:05:58 EDT

Pernell McPhee envisions more of a pass-rushing role at outside linebacker.

Arthur Brown getting healthier before challenging for starting job

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:45:18 EDT

With the Ravens losing a pair of inside linebackers this offseason, plenty of people have looked to second-round pick Arthur Brown as a starter from the start of his career. An operation to repair a sports hernia hasn’t done much to throw that off track. Brown did miss some time during offseason work, but he’s…

CSN: Ray Rice: 'Joe Flacco Is Our Leader'

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:58:32 EDT

The Ravens RB talks with Brent Harris during the team's 3-day mini camp.

Late For Work 6/17: Ravens Not Pursuing Veteran Receiver For Now

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:03:35 EDT

Woodley won’t take back Flacco comments. Harbaugh vs. Tomlin. Schlereth: Ravens won’t make playoffs.

Ray Rice is ready to lead the Ravens

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:22:06 EDT

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has told quarterback Joe Flacco that it’s time for him to fill the leadership void created by the retirement of Ray Lewis. Running back Ray Rice doesn’t need to be told that it’s time to step up. “A leadership role is something I definitely don’t mind taking upon now, because I…

Baltimore Ravens: Why the Ravens Will Shock Everyone in 2013

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 02:28:11 EDT

The Sky Is FallingIt took one day of NFL free agency for Baltimore Ravens fans to realize that their Super Bowl victory was already a thing of the past.The Ravens lost Paul Kruger and Dannell Ellerbe to the free agent market and Anquan Boldin was traded for a sixth-round pick. The Ravens’ lone signing of the day was Chris Canty, which didn’t exactly make for a balanced equation.Over the course of the offseason the Ravens have lost even more key contributors from their championship squad, with the latest release of Vonta Leach making it an unprecedented nine starters lost (plus Paul Kruger, their pass-rush specialist).No defending Super Bowl champion had ever shed more than five players, but the Ravens are used to roster turnover; they lost eight starters in 2011 and six in 2012, according to via NFL.com.On the other hand, this year was a little different with future Hall of Famers like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed leaving Baltimore. Veteran leaders like Anquan Boldin and Matt Birk, who embodied the Ravens’ blue-collar philosophy, were no longer wearing purple, and the sky was falling in Baltimore. Or so it seemed. In Oz We TrustWhile many outsiders take a quick glance at the names the Ravens have lost and assume they will be a much worse football team in 2013, they are overlooking the fact that Ozzie Newsome has done a fantastic job of picking up the pieces and building another great team.This is a team that should once again make the playoffs and be in the mix for another ring when the Wild Card round begins.Ozzie has faced an offseason full of questions, and he has addressed all but one. The Anquan Boldin trade left a huge void in the Ravens’ offense as Joe Flacco lost his No. 1 receiver in targets, receptions and yards.Boldin was even more crucial during Flacco’s historic playoff stretch, hauling in 22 catches for 380 yards and four scores.Torrey Smith has the talent and work ethic to develop into a No. 1 receiver, but after that, the depth chart is wide open. Baltimore still has time to analyze their needs, and they are hopeful that one of their many young receivers establishes himself and definitively grabs that second starting spot.While Jacoby Jones is currently listed as No. 2, he has shown throughout his career that he is really a third option, and the Ravens would prefer to keep his offensive reps down so he can pick up where he left off as a Pro Bowl returner. They also have the cap room to sign a veteran wideout who gets cut before the season if they so desire, so the Ravens aren’t lacking for options. The most likely answer is that it will take a collective effort to replace Boldin’s production.Torrey Smith and Dennis Pitta are primed for breakout years, and Smith’s goal is to break the 1,000-yard plateau for the first time in his short career, via BaltimoreRavens.com. Ed Dickson is also poised to be an integral part of the offense as the Ravens will use more two-TE formations to exploit the abilities of their tight ends to make plays down the field. While the loss of All-Pro fullback Leach will affect the running game, the emergence of Bernard Pierce should counteract the damage.Pierce was third in the league in Good Blocking Yards Per Attempt (GBYPA), averaging 9.7 yards per carry when the blocking held up and provided the intended running lanes, via ESPN.com (Insider required). Expect Pierce to eat into Rice’s workload, keeping the workhorse fresh for the home straight. The offensive line should also be a strong point this year, as last year’s postseason group is back (minus Birk) and will have the whole season to gel as opposed to the revolving door that was the Ravens’ O-line last season. The line was dominant during the postseason and should be effective keeping Flacco upright and paving the way for Rice and Pierce.Ultimately, the success of the offense rests on the broad shoulders of Joe Flacco, as Caldwell will open it up and let Flacco run the no-huddle more frequently. With Dickson and Pitta on the field, the Ravens offense is more versatile with the option to split Pitta out wide, where he is a matchup nightmare against smaller corners or slower linebackers.Bucky Brooks wrote a wonderful piece outlining some of the wrinkles Jim Caldwell could add, and I expect to see a lot of these plans this season, via NFL.com. While the offense is still a work in progress, Ozzie has done a masterful job of constructing what could be a......

Why the Baltimore Ravens' Loss of Vonta Leach Might Not Be As Bad As You Think

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:16:03 EDT

It's never easy to cut a three-time first-team All-Pro. But the Baltimore Ravens did just that on Tuesday when they cut Vonta Leach, the NFL's best fullback.According to The Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson, the Ravens saved $3 million in cap space by cutting Leach. Baltimore still is charged $1.33 million in dead money (meaning money that is not allowed to be spent by the team).Saving $3 million is a big deal, especially considering how close the Ravens are to a Super Bowl. The last thing you want is for your team to be on the verge of the playoffs, incur a big injury and not have enough cap space to sign a suitable replacement.Besides, the Ravens will need all the cap space they can get when the 2014 offseason begins. Next year, the Ravens will have to negotiate with 14 unrestricted free agents, nine of whom started at least three games last season.Leach spent two years with the Ravens. In 2011, he helped their rushing attack finish 10th. In 2012, the rushing attack finished the year ranked 11th.Though he was most noted for his bruising blocking, Leach averaged 4.9 yards per touch (21 carries, 36 receptions, 279 total yards) and scored one touchdown in his time in Baltimore.Leach is obviously very good. But with the opportunity to save $3 million, and considering they just drafted FCS first-team All-American fullback Kyle Juszczyk (yous-check), the Ravens probably made the right decision.Juszczyk can play H-back (a player who is like a tight end and a fullback, who is often in motion before the snap) as well as fullback, which will help diversify Baltimore's offense.Last year, the Ravens threw the ball on 55.8 percent of their offensive plays. Joe Flacco will be throwing even more now, as he's entering the prime of his career. Therefore, having a pure fullback on the roster isn't one of Baltimore's high priorities.To be clear, Leach is playing at a very high level. You cannot be named the best player at your position for three years running then suddenly fall off. Quite honestly, money made the Ravens make this decision.After his knowledge of the Ravens' plans, Leach tweeted the following, thanking the organization and fans:However, this may not be goodbye after all.Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said Tuesday, via Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com, "There could be an opportunity for him to return to the Ravens once he explores the free agent market, and we could re-visit this before or during training camp."So you're saying there's a possibility the Ravens re-sign Leach after he explores free agency at a reduced price?A brilliant, yet typical Newsome maneuver.Read more Baltimore Ravens news on BleacherReport.com

This Week In Baltimore Football History: June 17-23

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 21:36:00 EDT

NEW PLAYOFF PLAN; ARTHUR BROWN IS BORN By Joe Platania 1966 -- The Baltimore Colts traded a 1968 fifth-round draft pick to the Cleveland Browns for punter David Lee, who went on to hold down that job in Baltimore for the next 13 seasons.

Rounding Up the Latest Offseason Buzz Surrounding the Baltimore Ravens

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:29:11 EDT

As the Baltimore Ravens return home to enjoy their summers and maintain their high levels of fitness and mental preparedness, the top decision-makers will be hard at work going over the roster.Ozzie Newsome and John Harbaugh aren't done making moves yet, and they have the cap room now to either acquire a player or re-sign someone. Expect something like that to happen soon.Meanwhile, Harbaugh and the rest of the coaching staff will have to go over what they learned from OTAs. Sure, these practices don't mean much, but the coaches were sure to note who was catching on to the playbook, who came in shape and who displayed the right attitude.With this in mind, here is a review of the latest buzz out of OTAs heading into the deadest period of the NFL year.Begin Slideshow...

The Caw: Taking The (Paintball) Field Against Ray Lewis

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 13:09:15 EDT

I'm not sure if Ray Lewis shot me or not, but somebody on his squad lit me up.

Watch Mink Play Ray Lewis In Paintball

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 12:57:00 EDT

Ryan Mink participates in Ray's Summer Days annual paintball tournament.

Ray Lewis Hosts Ray's Summer Days

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 12:52:07 EDT

Ray Lewis raised money for his foundation with paintball at his house.

Arthur Brown Working Back After Surgery

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 11:31:00 EDT

The rookie inside linebacker has been participating in practice after having sports hernia surgery.

Canty’s minicamp described as “dominant”

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 09:39:35 EDT

We’ve become numb to endless news from offseason workouts regarding how good a player looks. In fact, it’s only really news when someone looks like crap in no-contact drills — since it doesn’t bode well for his performance when it’s time to put on the pads. But one player is receiving very high praise for…

The Caw: New Motivational T-Shirts For 2013

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 09:21:00 EDT

John Harbaugh introduced T-shirts that read, 'Ability is God-given, prowess is earned.'

Jimmy Smith responding well to a bigger challenge

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 15:44:25 EDT

The Ravens have been willing to trust an organizational philosophy of “next man up.” But for it to work, the understudies have to perform when it’s time. Former first-rounder Jimmy Smith seems poised to take that step, earning favorable reviews as he competes for a starting cornerback job. “A lot of growth from Jimmy,” secondary…

John Harbaugh, Ravens Coaches Host Youth Football Camp

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:57:00 EDT

About 300 elementary and middle school kids learned football fundamentals, teamwork and safety.

Ravens Coaches Lead Youth Camp

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:48:53 EDT

The entire Ravens coaching staff put campers through a skills and safety practice.

Eisenberg: Suggs, Ngata Vital To New Defensive Recipe

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 09:58:00 EDT

The focus is on new players, but its Suggs and Ngata who must be at their best for everything to work.

AFC Playoff Predictions

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 08:05:29 EDT

Mark Schlereth discusses which AFC teams will make the playoffs.

Corey Graham thinks Ravens defense can be "great"...

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 01:05:23 EDT

Full mandatory minicamp is now completed for the Ravens... what do Ravens fans take away from it? Cornerback Corey Graham suggests they take away an assessment of the 2013 Ravens defense as being potentially "great"... The defense ended minicamp walking tall with back-to-back days in which it bested the offense in 11-on-11 drills. By the end of the three highly competitive days, the Ravens’ defensive swagger was apparent. Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs was whooping, rookie safety Matt Elam was posing and the defensive front was scuffling with offensive linemen. “The defense did really well. We started to come together,” cornerback Corey Graham said. “We got potential to be a great defense if everything comes together and we continue to work as hard as we possibly can.” Graham said standing in the defensive backfield and looking at the front seven, the talent is “unbelievable.” “With all the different guys we got on the D-line, the rotation we could possibly have up there, the new guys at linebacker and the speed we got on the defensive backs, it can be an unbelievable defense out there,” Graham said. “We see it. We definitely see it. We will continue to work as hard as we possibly can to make it happen.” The Ravens defense fell below its usual high standards last year. After ranking in the top 10 each of the previous nine seasons, Baltimore’s defense slid to 17th last year in average yards allowed per game (350.9). As Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees said, “We were good in the playoffs – good enough – but we weren’t good enough in the season for us to be the kind of defense that we want to be.” And so came the farewells and goodbyes. Ray Lewis retired. Ed Reed, Paul Kruger, Dannell Ellerbe and Cary Williams took lucrative free-agent contracts elsewhere. Baltimore cut Bernard Pollard and didn’t re-sign nose tackle Ma’ake Kemoeatu. The Ravens restructured their defensive backfield and front line, focusing on improving their unit straight down the middle. Now months later, the Ravens' defensive backfield is faster and the front seven is deeper and laden with experience and talent. Elam picked off a pass from quarterback Joe Flacco both Wednesday and Thursday. His latest came with an acrobatic play off a tip. Safety Michael Huff has been frequently around the ball. Suggs is slimmer and feeling a new passion to regain his Defensive Player of the Year form. He’s “ecstatic” to have a Pro Bowl pass rusher in Elvis Dumervil opposite him, which should give Baltimore a dangerous duo. On the line, veteran Chris Canty is towering over everyone at 6-foot-7, and regularly knifing into the backfield. Rookie Brandon Williams and Marcus Spears are stuffing the middle. That’s not even mentioning Haloti Ngata, who rehabbed his knee this week but is expected to be healthy by training camp. The depth and versatility in the front seven should allow the Ravens to give opponents many different looks. Pees shuffled the unit around throughout minicamp. “We are going to be a nice little solid front,” Suggs said, trying to be modest Wednesday. “I’m really looking forward to defense as a whole – just how special and how good we can be and really try to achieve some great things together.” Ravens Senior Defensive Assistant Steve Spagnuolo, who coached one of the league’s best defensive fronts in New York when the Giants won the Super Bowl in 2007, has also been impressed during his short time with the team. “I’m not as familiar with our offensive guys right now, but defensively, wow,” Spagnuolo said. “I had little visions of the Giants front that I happened to be privileged to be working with. They are good all the way around.” Spagnuolo was asked whether he thinks this year’s defense will be better than last year’s, a notion which is gaining traction with analysts. “I don’t make predictions like that, but I will say this, and maybe it was when the guys put the real football pants on the other day,” Spaguolo said. “This is as good as looking a football team that I’ve ever seen. I’m talking about physically and stout.” ...

Jimmy Smith A 'Different Guy' This Season

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:28:07 EDT

Jimmy Smith shed 10 pounds and is becoming more of a pro with his study habits and preparation.

Ravens | Not ruling out Vonta Leach return

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:33:41 EDT

Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome has not ruled out the possibility of re-signing free-agent ...

Cornerback Moe Lee Standing Out Among Undrafted Rookies

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:42:36 EDT

Utah cornerback Moe Lee has caught the eye of Secondary Coach Teryl Austin.

Ravens | Not looking to add WR

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:23:09 EDT

The Baltimore Ravens are not looking to sign a veteran free-agent wide receiver at this ...

Matt Elam Exactly What Ravens Expected, Maybe More

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:38:54 EDT

The rookie said he’s playing with confidence, and he's starting to make some big plays on the field.

Mailbag 6/14: Year Of Quarterback In Baltimore?

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:25:13 EDT

Plus, will the defensive line return to its 'glory days' of domination?

Byrne Identity: Inside First Team Meeting Of 2013

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:27:42 EDT

John Harbaugh addressed his new-look team, using a General George Patton quote to motivate.

Late For Work 6/14: Minicamp In Books, Here's What Stood Out

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:24:00 EDT

Who left a positive impression? Who's a concern? Impressive undrafted rookies. Flacco's full-blown addiction.

Ravens | Chris Canty healthy

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:21:20 EDT

Baltimore Ravens DT Chris Canty (knee) has been explosive at minicamp and is lighter than ...

Spagnuolo grateful for chance to get feet underneath him

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 07:18:02 EDT

After being kicked in the teeth and fired from his last two jobs, Steve Spagnuolo was thinking about taking a year off. But a round of visits to colleges and the conversations he had with coaches there lit the spark again, and then he found a familiar face to give him another chance. Now a…

Bryant McKinnie says he’s in his best shape in years

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:40:05 EDT

Ravens offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie hasn’t exactly been known for showing up to training camp in great shape. He’s generally been known for eating too much and working out too little. But McKinnie says things are different now. McKinnie, who was held out of the start of training camp last year because he wasn’t in…