Aaron Wilson's Blog

Condolences to Ted Patterson

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 20:53:31 GMT

I just wanted to extend my deepest condolences to Ted Patterson, a veteran Baltimore broadcaster whose wife, Diana, recently passed away after a long illness.
Funeral arrangements include a viewing this Friday at Mitchell-Wiedefeld Funeral Home at 6500 York Road on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
There will be a funeral mass at St. Pius at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Again, my deepest sympathies to the Patterson family during this difficult time.

Boller steps up his game

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 21:26:57 GMT

Boller taking in the scene

'Game-time' decisions

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:04:40 GMT

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle didn't practice today, but he and Ravens coach Brian Billick both said he will play Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

Rolle is slated to make his first start since the second game of the season, missing three games with an undisclosed illness, but returning in a 22-3 win over the St. Louis Rams in nickel situations.

"He'll be fine," Billick said. "He's been through two good days.

Middle linebacker Ray Lewis (knee) and center Mike Flynn (knee) both did not participate in practice.

Billick expressed confidence Thursday that Lewis would play but described him today as a "game-time decision."

Flynn said earlier this week that he expects to play after missing one game.

Injured tight ends Todd Heap (hamstring) and Daniel Wilcox (foot) missed their third straight practice this week, and neither is expected to play Sunday.

Offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden was limited in drills as he tries to come back from a hyperextended toe injury has kept him out since the season-opener in Cincinnati.

Offensive tackle Adam Terry, who sprained his left ankle two weeks ago in San Francisco and missed the win at home over the Rams, moved around well and there's a growing possibility he could play against Buffalo.

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Ravens practice update

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 16:03:05 GMT

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair was absent from practice for the second consecutive day due to a tight back.

The 35-year-old three-time Pro Bowl passer has been dealing with a groin injury, but this unexpected development is apparently unrelated.

Ravens coach Brian Billick said Thursday that he wasn't concerned about the injury yet, saying that McNair had slept on it wrong.
If McNair can't go, then backup Kyle Boller would get his second start of the season.

Meanwhile, offensive tackle Adam Terry (sprained ankle) and tight end Daniel Wilcox (sprained toe) didn't practice.
Center Mike Flynn (sprained medial collateral ligament) was at practice along with cornerback Samari Rolle (illness).
Wide receiver Derrick Mason (illness) practiced again, as did tight end Todd Heap (hamstring).

For more information and analysis, go to www.ravens.scout.com or https://secure.scout.com/a.z?s=118&p=12.

Ups and downs

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 18:39:27 GMT

OWINGS MILLS -- Not surprisingly, Baltimore Ravens All-Pro offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden (turf toe), quarterback Steve McNair (groin pull), linebacker Ray Lewis (strained triceps) and tight end Daniel Wilcox (sprained ankle) were not present during the portion of practice open to the media today.

However, the Ravens weren't expected to not have cornerbacks Samari Rolle (foot) and David Pittman (undisclosed) and safety Ed Reed (ankle) not practice.

Chris McAlister and Corey Ivy lined up at cornerback with Dawan Landry and Gerome Sapp manning the two safety spots.

Linebacker Gary Stills (chest) returned to practice.

Backup quarterback Kyle Boller ran the first-team offense with McNair sidelined.

Wide receiver Mark Clayton (toe) and wide receiver Demetrius Williams (chest) practiced along with tight end Todd heap (elbow) and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (knee).

Updates on J.O., Anderson, Pryce

Sat, 08 Sep 2007 17:01:51 GMT

Following practice, Ravens coach Brian Billick said when asked about J.O., replied: "We're going forward," with no real indication.
Minutes later, Ogden said: "I feel okay. Do I feel great? No. Do I feel better than I've been feeling? Yes. So, probably game-time. You have to refer these questions to Brian. I'm not equipped to answer all questions right now about my toe.
"I don't begrudge you guys at all. Don't begrudge me for not answering>"
Running back Mike Anderson will miss the game for personal reasons, according to Billick.
"Mike has got some personal things he has to attend to," Billick said. "It will make it tough for him to go Monday night."
Trevor Pryce said his back is fine.
"Put in the paper that I'm okay," he said. "The coaches tell me I'm all right, I'll be all right."

For more information and analysis, go to www.ravens.scout.com or sign up with the Insiders at https://secure.scout.com/a.z?s=118&p=12.

Present and accounted for ...

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 23:48:00 GMT

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens tight end Daniel Wilcox returned to practice Tuesday performing individual drills without incident.

Wilcox was limited Monday with a lingering sprained ankle prior to going inside to work with trainer Bill Tessendorf.

Everyone else was present and accounted for with no apparent setbacks for offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden's heavily-taped left hyperextended left big toe, along with wide receiver Mark Clayton (sprained ankle), cornerback Samari Rolle (sprained ankle), linebacker Antwan Barnes (sprained ankle) and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (knee).

Earlier in the day, the Ravens took their team picture and held their kickoff luncheon at M&T Bank Stadium.

"It feels like it's time to play," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "We're all very, very excited about that, and I know you are, too. I'm a lot more insightful, and at 13-3, I'm a lot more intelligent than last year when I was the village idiot at 6-10."

Billick described the defending AFC North champions as a "very special group, a mature group with great chemistry and great talent."

In a nationally televised Monday night season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, Billick will find out if his forecast is accurate.

The Ravens have Wednesday off.

For more information and analysis go to www.ravensscout.com or join Ravens Insider by clicking here.

Barnes on the mend

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 18:15:28 GMT

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens rookie outside linebacker Antwan Barnes returned to practice, but was limited in some drills. With a nagging, right high ankle sprain, he's likely to be a game-time decision Friday against the Atlanta Falcons.

Meanwhile, tight end Daniel Wilcox wasn't at practice during the portion that's open to the media. Wilcox, who has been hampered for weeks with a sprained left ankle.

Not practicing: cornerback Samari Rolle (sprained ankle) and wide receiver Mark Clayton (sprained ankle). Safety Ed Reed (thigh contusion) attended practice.

Former Ravens wide receiver Qadry Ismail attended practice, and coach Brian Billick said he looked like he could still play. Ismail would probably make a better fourth receiver than Clarence Moore or Devard Darling, but I don't think he has any more eligibility left.

Ravens' roster moves

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 17:15:45 GMT

Ogden passes physical, activated

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens All-Pro offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden passed his physical and was activated from the physically unable to perform list after missing training camp with a turf toe injury.

Ogden, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, practiced Tuesday for the first time since last season. It wasn't immediately known if he will play Friday against the Atlanta Falcons.
Ogden waved to the media as cameras recorded his every move.

Ogden played in a playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts in January after missing the last two regular-season games, but needed a pain-killer to get through it and aggravated his injured left big toe.

Ogden pondered retirement, but decided in April to return for at least one more season .

The Ravens open the season against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 10. If Ogden is unavailable, rookie Jared Gaither would start in his place at left tackle.

Meanwhile, the Ravens cut former starting right guard Keydrick Vincent.

"They said they were going with younger players and wanted to give me a chance to start somewhere else," Vincent said in a telephone interview. "Ozzie Newsome said they had tried to trade me, but nothing worked out. I'm going to go home and weigh my options."
Vincent, 29, was due to make $1.6 million this season and had been demoted from the starting lineup at right guard and shifted to the left side behind Jason Brown.
If Vincent had been on the team after the final roster cutdown this weekend, as a vested veteran, his salary for the year would have been guaranteed.

In one other roster move, the Ravens placed second-year running back P.J. Daniels (hamstring) on injured reserve, ending his season.
Not practicing: cornerback Samari Rolle (sprained ankle), wide receiver Mark Clayton (ankle), linebacker Antwan Barnes (sprained ankle) and safety Ed Reed (thigh contusion).
Barnes stood on the sidelines during special-teams drills.
Linebackers Dan Cody (knee surgery) and Mike Smith (shoulder surgery) remain on the physically unable to perform list.

For more information and analysis, go to www.ravens.scout.com or https://secure.scout.com/a.z?s=118&p=12.

Trimming the roster down

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 17:59:39 GMT

OWINGS MILLS -- Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (knee) returned to practice along with tight end Daniel Wilcox (sprained ankle), linebacker Prescott Burgess (concussion, shoulder) and defensive end Trevor Pryce (back spasms).

Not practicing during the portion open to the media: safety Ed Reed (thigh bruise), cornerback Samari Rolle (sprained ankle), wide receiver Mark Clayton (sprained ankle), running back P.J. Daniels (hamstring) and linebacker Antwan Barnes (sprained ankle) and offensive tackle Steve Edwards (torn meniscus).

Rolle ran sprints on his own in the end zone.

Not seen at practice and unaccounted for were: quarterback Drew Olson, cornerback Terrell Maze, safety Bobby Blackshire, long snapper Nick Leeson, running back Greg Pruitt Jr and punter Brendan Carney.

The Ravens have until Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET to cut their roster down to a league-mandated limit of 75 players.

They have two NFL Europa exemptions for Olson and kicker Rhys Lloyd. Three players remain on the physically unable to perform list: offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden (turf toe) and linebackers Dan Cody (knee surgery) and Mike Smith (shoulder surgery).

For more information and analysis, go to www.ravens.scout.com or click here.

5 THINGS TO WATCH

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 20:40:53 GMT

1. As the Baltimore Ravens take on the Washington Redskins on Saturday night at FedEx Field, expect to see the starters for the majority of the first half in their last extended workload until the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Traditionally, the third preseason game tends to be the most important one for the first-team. All week, the team has talked about eliminating the miscues that led to a 13-12 loss to the New York Giants, including 11 penalties, a turnover and some overly aggressive behavior between snaps. Have the Ravens learned their lesson or is it still not out of their system?

2. New franchise running back Willis McGahee has only demonstrated flashes of promise since arriving at training camp, mostly on one 16-yard run against the Philadelphia Eagles. Although it was limited action and obviously hard to get into a rhythm, gaining just six yards on three carries against the Giants was a definite step backward. The run blocking needs to be better, and McGahee has to take decisive action like backup Mike Anderson does when there isn't much room to operate.

3. Quarterback Steve McNair forced an interception into heavy coverage of wideout Demetrius Williams last week, and he'll be without injured starter Mark Clayton (sprained ankle). That gives him an opportunity to build some timing with Williams and throw more to veteran Derrick Mason, who has one catch for 21 yards in two games.

4. This is an important night for second-year cornerback David Pittman as he'll audition with the starters since Samari Rolle is out with an ankle sprain. Team officials are extremely curious to see how this disappointing third-round draft pick from last year handles the pressure. Pittman, who drew complaints last season about his work ethic and study habits, has improved his attitude and drawn praise for his athleticism and coverage skills.

5. A few positional battles worth watching: Chris Chester steps back in at right guard as he tries to hold off rookie Ben Grubbs, Troy Smith vs. Drew Olson for the third-string quarterback job and B.J. Sams vs. rookie Yamon Figurs in the return game. Plus, will undersized running back Cory Ross, the team's preseason rushing leader, continue to impress as he tries to convince the coaching staff to keep five running backs?

For more information and analysis go to www.ravens.scout.com or https://secure.scout.com/a.z?s=118&p=12.

On the mend

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 22:07:28 GMT

OWINGS MILLS -- As the Baltimore Ravens practiced indoors for the third day in a row Thursday morning at their training complex, there were signs that tight end Daniel Wilcox and running back P.J. Daniels are close to returning from injuries.
Wilcox (sprained left ankle) and Daniels (hamstring) dressed out for the first time in weeks, but neither player is expected to play Saturday night against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field.

Wilcox hasn't practiced since Aug. 8 and Daniels got hurt prior to the preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Running back Cory Ross (illness) and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (swollen knee) returned to practice. Ngata isn't expected to play against the Redskins.

Meanwhile, cornerback Samari Rolle (sprained ankle), wide receiver Mark Clayton (sprained ankle) and offensive tackle Steve Edwards (knee) didn't practice.

Offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden (turf toe) and linebackers Dan Cody (knee surgery) and Mike Smith (shoulder surgery) remain on the physically unable to perform list.

The offensive line drew a few chuckles during their warmups as left guard Jason Brown fired out of his stance and yelled,"Redskins!" with feigned enthusiasm.

Movin' on up

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:35:11 GMT

OWINGS MILLS -- Cornerback David Pittman lined up with the first-string defense in preparation for Saturday night's start against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in place of injured starter Samari Rolle.
If it were a regular-season game, nickel back Corey Ivy would be starting. This is essentially an audition for Pittman, a disappointment last year after being drafted in the third round.

Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (swollen knee) didn't practice and is questionable for the Redskins game.
Also not practicing: Rolle (sprained right ankle), wide receiver Mark Clayton (sprained right ankle, tight end Daniel Wilcox (sprained left ankle), running back P.J. Daniels (hamstring) and offensive tackle Steve Edwards (knee).
Plus, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden (turf toe) and linebackers Dan Cody (knee surgery) and Mike Smith (shoulder surgery) remain on the physically unable to perform list.

Defensive tackle Atiyyah Ellison returned to practice after missing Tuesday for undisclosed reasons.

For more information and analysis, go to www.ravens.scout.com or https://secure.scout.com/a.z?s=118&p=12.

Five things to watch tonight

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 15:31:55 GMT

The defending AFC North champions will break out black uniforms for tonight's second preseason game against the New York Giants at M&T Bank Stadium, so here are five things to watch:

5 THINGS TO WATCH

1. As the Baltimore Ravens hit the midway point of the preseason tonight against the New York Giants at M&T Bank Stadium, the eyes of the nation will be focused on whether the Ravens' rejuvenated offense can duplicate last week's breakthrough at moving the football and scoring. Will Steve McNair and Willis McGahee continue to build chemistry in the backfield? Can the Ravens maintain their intensity and focus after a banner preseason opener?

2. The door has been cracked for rookie first-round draft pick Ben Grubbs at right guard where he'll start his first NFL game in the absence of Chris Chester. Although Chester is slated to potentially return from a sprained foot early this week, this represents a prime opportunity for Grubbs to prove to the coaching staff that he's worthy of future starting status.

3. The Ravens' base defensive philosophy is built around aggression and elaborate blitz packages. Even with a miniscule portion of their schemes unveiled last week, the NFL's top-ranked defense dominated the Philadelphia Eagles. Is Eli Manning in for a long night

4. How will new starting outside linebacker Jarret Johnson fare against tight end Jeremy Shockey in pass coverage? Johnson had a few issues last week against Eagles running back Brian Westbrook and didn't tackle as well as he normally does.

5. Will Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith rebound from last week's ugly start to his competition with Drew Olson for the third-string job? Could Olson, who clearly outshined the rookie last week, beat the odds and overtake Smith, who has pedigree, draft status and arm strength working in his favor?

For more insight and analysis go to www.ravens.scout.com or https://secure.scout.com/a.z?s=118&p=12

Ravens break camp, King Ugly crowned ...

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 02:09:42 GMT

Defending AFC North champions leave Westminster, preparing for Giants preseason game. Billick calls camp team's best ever, enthused about attendance.