Ray Lewis is arguably the best in his craft when it comes to middle linebackers in the NFL. He has dominated the league since he was drafted by the Ravens in the first round back in 1996.

Many linebackers over the years have come and gone through the Ravens organization( Ed Hartwell, Bart Scott) and rode “Ray Ray’s” coat tails to success, but over the last two seasons, the Ravens feel like they have a versatile trio-each capable of doing different things- to supplement their All-Pro linebacker.

And with training camp less than a week away, all three of those linebackers-third year men in Tavares Gooden and Jameel McClain, as well as second-year veteran Dannell Ellerbe, feel good about the moves the Ravens did in the off-season and are ready to go prepare themselves for the upcoming 2010 year.

“We’ve made a lot of key additions,”  Ellerbe, who made the squad last year after signing as a rookie free agent out of Georgia, told Rex Snider on his “Curing Cancer One Call at a Time Marathon” on Saturday.  “We feel like we’re a Super Bowl contender. We have a lot of great guys.”

Jameel McClain, who saw time at both inside and outside linebacker over the last two seasons, says that while the team has some new faces, every single player added to this team has the ability to “Play Like a Raven” already ingrained in them.

“Being so close is hard, because everyone on this team is a competitor and everyone on this team works hard. We just want to go beyond. We want to be playing football until you can’t play football anymore,” McClain also told Snider Saturday night.

And while Gooden, Ellerbe, and McClain all have different skill sets, their desire to get beyond the second or third round of the AFC Playoffs-all the way to the Super Bowl-is consistent among these three, as well as the whole team.

“We had a lot of great guys last year… it just didnt go in our favor,” Ellerbe said.” A lot of people are putting pressure on us to win it, and that’s what we try and go out and do every year…win a Super Bowl.”

McClain agreed with his fellow teammate.

“There is a new attitude that,’ It’s time to get it done’. It’s time to get there. It’s time to take our game to the next step.”

And Gooden, the only one of the three to get drafted, said the only way they can prepare themselves to grind it out for a Super Bowl run is to fight it out in the intense, scorching heat next week at training camp at McDaniel College.

And if the team can become a more cohesive team quicker than any other team in the league, they’re one step ahead of the rest of the NFL-and one step closer-to another Super Bowl title that has eluded this franchise since the start of the decade, he says.

“You’ve got to make it smart and competitive at the same time. That way, you guys gel. The team that gels the fastest and can keep it together is the team that usually wins the Super Bowl,” Gooden said to Snider. “And I really feel like we have a plan for this off-season where we’re going to go in there and be smart this camp because we have a complete team this year.”

And that is exactly what Ellerbe, who started three games last year for the Ravens and registered 41 tackles and recorded one interception, McClain (30 tackles), and Gooden all have been doing by seeing more game action on Sundays.

They have contributed and become just another piece of the puzzle known as the Ravens defense, which very few teams in the league have been able to solve.

And with all these three, they attribute their success to the man they play next to, or behind, in Ray Lewis.

“Everybody in the NFL respects Ray Lewis for what’s he’s  done…and what he’s accomplished,” McClain said, “but he is a good man in general and such a great teacher.  He’ll take the information and make it easier for you to process.”

“It’s his motivational skills and his knowledge of the game. And if you could see how someone like that works, and you see how he got to the pedestal that he’s at, it’s only common sense that you would want to walk in those same footsteps,” McClain continued.

Ellerbe said that it has been guidance from a guy like Lewis that turned him from a dazed and confused rookie out of Georgia to an NFL linebacker capable of starting in the league.

“Last year, I came in blind and didn’t know what to do. It was just going with the flow. This year, I know how everything’s mapped out.”

Really, if you look at the entire Ravens team as a whole, these three, along with the entire linebacker corps, are a testament to how much depth the Ravens have at every position.

“We have three-deep at every position, so its going to be tough for teams to come into M&T Bank Stadium and get wins,” Gooden said. “And Im talking, we need to win every home game. That should be a top priority. When teams come into Baltimore, they should fear us.”

McClain said his versatility has been a great asset to Coach Greg Mattison and Rex Ryan over the last two years.

I’m just trying to put myself in a perfect position out here,” McClain said. “Mainly it’s a lot of linebacker specific and making sure I have the knowledge of the defense in a lot of positions so I’ll be able to go wherever I’m told to go whenever I’m called.”

For years, the Ravens defense has been known for its ability to create mismatches through substitutions. Now Gooden said with the additions of Anquan Boldin, Donte Stallworth, Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson in the off-season, the Ravens offense may be taking a page out of their book.

“On offense, it’s tough for another defense to withstand all that firepower. And I really think Boldin and Stallworth are going to add to it. We’re going to catch them on their heels. They’re going to be tired.  It’s going to be fun…that’s all I’m going to say,” replied Gooden.

“I know Cam has some packages and some plays to feature some of these guys. How can you prepare to defend 10-11 different guys? People are going to have to really worry about our offense this year.”

And while opposing offensive coordinators now also have to worry and focus on Ray Lewis’ backups, these same three players aren’t about to let that success go to their head.

“I think at the end of the day you always have to improve yourself because the game changes and your body changes too,” McClain said. “With me understanding more of this game, it’s just understanding a defense.”

Ellerbe agreed.

“I know I’m right there ready to go, but there’s always something to learn. You never perfect at what you do. I’m just going to study as much as I can, and try and get more offensive recognition down.

For Gooden, his situation last year was much different than McClain or Ellerbe because more was expected out of him.  Both he and the Ravens knew the potential was there. His problem was just being healthy on the field, which he was able to do for the first time last year after the Ravens drafted him in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

“You can’t do anything when it comes down to injury. That’s just all God’s will,” Gooden said to Snider.

“There was a little bit of pressure last year. I went out there and competed with people for a job, and I ended up winning the job. It’s going to be the same thing every year. I know I have the physical capabiltiies to do what a lot of linebackers in the NFL can’t do.”

Gooden responded with 47 tackles in 12 starts next to Ray Lewis.

And when Ozzie Newsome and Eric DeCosta both saw their Raven youngsters producing last fall, and said “Hey…let’s make sure this keeps happening.”

So, in order for that to remain “status quo”, Newsome in the offseason went out and signed Cory Redding away from the Lions, once the highest-paid lineman in the NFL.

And then they drafted Arthur Jones in the fifth round out of Syracuse, who had day-one talent, and Terrence aka “Mount” Cody out of Alabama to make sure that their D-line collapses the pocket and allows these linebackers to roam free.

These three linebackers thank Newsome every day for those moves, and they are ready to respond even more by their play on the field.

“When you’ve got a big guy like Haloti [Ngata] that eat up one or two lineman…you get to make plays,” Ellerbe said. “Football is a lot harder when you have to get off lineman to make plays. It easier when you get to roam free.”

Keep them off me,” Gooden said in the off-season. “That was one of the things I struggled with.”

“Those bigger guys are going to help me out tremendously, at a standpoint of keeping those offensive guards off me and letting me run around and show off the 4.4 speed.”

McClain had previous experience with one of these three lineman in particular in Arthur Jones, who McClain played with at Syracuse. And when the Ravens came to him in March asking about his potential, McClain had nothing but good things to say about his former Orange teammate, who is now clad in purple with him.

“I have a personal experience with Arthur… and I know this guy is a force to be reckoned with,” McClain said.

Gooden meanwhile is most happy to see the immovable object known only as the 360 lb-plus Mount Cody, who could take up two, maybe even three defensive lineman, on a single play just to hold in place.

“When you have Big Cody taking up a least two people, that’s two extra guys who arent able to come off to the linebackers and make a play because of his size and his athleticism. I cant wait to get into trianing camp and see how these guys hold up in pads also,” Gooden said, hearing the anticipation in his voice.

These three players actually seem to be excited to be going to training camp next week in a way. But don’t get your hopes up. They all said next week is going to be start of a grind and a living hell, but it’s the necessary work they have to put in to earn the Super Bowl title at the end of the road.

McClain said he has just been thinking about other things to get his mind off the July and August heat at McDaniel. One thing in particular has really cooled his mind.

“I’ve been thinking about it the last three weeks. The only thing I can think about is the Best Western,” McClain said, referring to the hotel the Ravens stay at on Route 140 off McDaniel’s campus. I don’t know how I’m going to get by, but I’m going to get by… You get to see the fans and the fans get to see you practice, but man…that Best Western.”

WNST thanks Raven linebackers Dannell Ellerbe, Tavares Gooden, and Jameel McClain for their appearances during Rex Snider’s “Curing Cancer-One Call At A Time” Marathon on Saturday benefiting Harbor Hospital’s Cancer Center.

WNST and You helped raise over 11,000 dollars for Harbor Hospital. The telethon ended Saturday, but there is still chances to give. Follow the link here if you feel the need to help those in need.

WNST-We’ll Never Stop Taking Cancer Head On!

Happy Tuesday!

It’s another one of those “I THINK it’s a Happy” days today, as season allergies hit me like 6 tons of bricks last night. I have to get healthy before tomorrow night, because “The Luckiest Dang Gal on the Face of the Planet” and I are supposed to go see Alicia Keys at 1st Mariner Arena.

I can’t miss that.

I need your remedy ideas. What will get me healthy again? I’ve been taking the Benadryl Allergy stuff at night, but it makes me drowsy-so I can’t do it during the day. Or at least not when I’m working.

I need ideas. Apparently blood spinning won’t help me, but I’m willing to give it a try. Hell, I’m willing to try anything if it will make me feel better. So far I’ve tried this….

And while it’s made me feel better…I’m not totally certain it’s working.

Let’s see what everyone has to say…

1. WNST.net’s Glenn Clark says Ravens added veteran DL Cory Redding with 2 year deal

This appears to be a good acquisition.

Although nothing is guaranteed, Redding has a (mostly) solid track record-and we have reason to believe he might well be BETTER than Dwan Edwards. That being said, Edwards CERTAINLY had a better 2009 season than Redding did.

It appears as though Redding will slide in at Edwards’ position, possibly rotating out for Trevor Pryce in obvious passing situations.

I still expect the Ravens to pursue pass rush help in the NFL Draft-either at DE or OLB. BUT-I think this is a good addition for a team that needed D-Line help.

Although, my first choice of people to steal from Seattle would probably have been this guy….

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pt03oU6RHI[/youtube]

Damn.

2. Seattle Times’ Danny O’Neil says Redding struggled to start season in Seattle last year, but was one of Seahawks’ ‘better linemen’ down the stretch

I’ve heard a few people say something along the lines of “are we sure Redding was always giving his all in Detroit?”

For the record, I’m not.

That being said, I’m not sure I expect someone playing for the Lions to always give it everything he has on every play. I also know that things were VERY awkward in Seattle a season ago, with Jim Mora finally taking over, struggling, and going on to be fired.

It’s REALLY hard to judge what happened last season there.

I’m certainly willing to give Redding the benefit of the doubt, especially knowing that he’s coming to a MUCH better system. In talking with Redding yesterday, you could certainly sense the excitement he had about playing alongside the likes of Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, etc. If you missed Redding on “The Bob Haynie Show” With “Hoops” & Mark Suchy yesterday-check it out in the Audio Vault at WNST.net.

(Edit from GMC: That makes back to back times that the Ravens have acquired a player and I was the first reporter in town to talk to the player, after Anquan Boldin a few weeks back. I don’t say that to brag or boast. I say that because I hope you’ll continue to turn to us for Ravens information-as well as information on all local sports.)

3. National Football Post’s Aaron Wilson says Ravens receive no compensatory picks in NFL Draft

Which we knew was coming. Unfortunately-for all of the players they lost (Jason Brown, Kyle Boller, Bart Scott, etc.); they also signed their own free agents (Domonique Foxworth, Matt Birk, LJ Smith, etc.).

The Ravens will still look to acquire 3rd or 4th round picks between now and when the Draft starts about a month from now.

I’ll look to acquire Olivia Munn’s phone number myself. I just can’t guarantee that either of us will be successful, but I probably have more faith in Ozzie Newsome and company. (Thanks Busted Coverage.)

4. Philadelphia Daily News’ Bernard Fernandez says Zbikowski would consider boxing return if NFL has work stoppage

I had never thought about this.

First of all, I GENUINELY don’t believe there will be a work stoppage in the NFL. I really don’t. I think this will get worked out.

BUT-should there be a work stoppage, I just can’t see Tom Zbikowski REALLY use the time to step inside a ring; unless his relationship with the Ravens is somehow damaged between now and then.

Just because they might have to step away for a short time doesn’t mean they won’t ever have to play football again. While I doubt Tom Zbikowski WOULD be injured in a boxing ring, he’d certainly be putting himself at risk.

It would be pretty freaking cool, though.

5. The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Bisciotti currently AGAINST changes to OT rules

In fairness, I don’t necessarily think that the new OT rules are perfect, but I DO think they’re a better option than the current system.

Really, I’m fine with just about any system (really, I am) as long as games don’t end in ties. As we all know, tying is like kissing your sister.

Which is only okay if your sister looks like Angie Quesada…

6. Carroll County Times says former managers Johnny Oates, Ray Miller elected to Orioles Hall of Fame

Johnny Oates is clearly getting in because he was a great guy who sadly met his demise due to a brain tumor. He ABSOLUTELY did not do enough as a manager or player to warrant consideration for the honor.

Ray Miller was a very good pitching coach and not a good manager. I guess someone had to get in this year.

And apparently this guy didn’t get a whole heck of a lot of consideration….

7. The Sun’s Dan Connolly says Bordick will try to teach Birds’ minor leaguers ‘little things’

Like…which town has groupies you might want to stay away from? (Edit from GMC: I’m looking at you, Pawtucket.)

It’s great to have Mike Bordick back with the organization. I’d like to see even MORE former players involved with the organization somehow. Bordick is a guy who can certainly bring a quality perspective on defense, bunting, timely hitting, moving runners over, etc.

All of those things are really good for young ballplayers. Or veteran ballplayers for that matter. Like the ones playing in Baltimore for example.

8. Washington Post’s Dave Sheinin says O’s ‘full of hope’ this season

I think we should play a game: “Who’s going to write this story tomorrow?”

I’ll say Stan McNeal from the Sporting News. But it wouldn’t surprise me if it was someone from USA Today…or CBSSports.com…or wherever.

Here’s my only question. What side of the hill does Mr. “Hope” throw from? Does he have a win-loss record better than Jeremy Guthrie’s?

If so, I’ll take him.

9. Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Jordan Williams, Sean Mosley will be ‘most integral’ parts for 2010-11 Terrapins

And the team is going to NEED scoring from Adrian Bowie and/or Cliff Tucker.

And they’re going to need Dino Gregory to develop into a more all-around power forward.

And they’re going to need James Padgett and Ashton Pankey to be able to give them some minutes up front off the bench.

And they’re going to need the freshmen guards (Terrell Stoglin, P’Shon Howard, Mychal Parker) to give them SOME sort of contribution. Parker is clearly the most likely to do that, but Stoglin could end up working into the rotation as the point guard of the future.

Of course, we’re some 7 months even from Midnight Madness. Maybe we should calm down a bit.

10. Inside Lacrosse says Terps 4th in poll, Hopkins falls out of Top 10

It is definitely WEIRD to see the Blue Jays outside the Top 10, but you have to beat SOMEONE of note to be considered a top-tier team. (Edit from GMC: I’m terribly afraid that win will come against Maryland.)

What’s also weird is that no other local team (with MAYBE the exception of Loyola) is even a threat to get NEAR the Top 10.

Let’s step it up boys. It’s about time this town is recognized for something besides selling X-Boxes that were once evidence in a major trial on eBay.

And finally, I leave you with this.

For whatever reason, my Facebook and Twitter feeds were taken up by comments on “Dancing With The Stars” last night. You people do know that wrestling airs on Mondays, don’t you???

Here’s Chad Ochocinco…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw781NxOge4[/youtube]

And Here’s Erin Andrews…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2PX87DJRps[/youtube]

If I see your testicles lying around, I’ll try to return them to you.

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983…

-G

Happy Tuesday!

It’s a happy Tuesday for me (DESPITE staying up until 3am just to see Andy Roddick collapse again in the 5th set) because we had a great night at Hill Field House last night watching Morgan State paste UMES. The Morgan State band is always one of the highlights of a trip to see the Bears, and last night was no different. I didn’t get any new video of the band, but their highlight last night was a version of “Lollipop” by Lil’ Wayne. Thanks to the guy who filmed them doing it during football season….

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46SHhjrf1LE[/youtube]

Let’s see what everyone has to say….

1. Pro Football Talk/NBC Sports’ Mike Florio reports former Patriots DC Dean Pees to become new Ravens LB Coach

Pees has a track record as a capable coach, even if his stint as Pats DC wasn’t as successful as fans in New England had hoped for. I think Pees would be a very nice addition to this Ravens staff, whether or not he is just taking the job in hopes of getting the old “Ray Lewis rub” that a number of coaches have gotten.

Pees’ link to John Harbaugh is via Miami (Ohio) University, where Harbaugh played CB under Pees as defensive coordinator. So far, I have found no link between either coach and Wally Szczerbiak, but I wish there was….

2. WNST.net’s Glenn Clark says Vic Fangio could still have future with Ravens even if Pees hired to coach LB’s

I saw a lot of comments yesterday like “It’s a shame Vic Fangio had to learn he was getting fired this way”, but I just don’t know that we can assume that. Fangio came to this team in an undefined defensive assistant role, and I think it is safe to think that he might stay on in a defensive assistant role, with a focus on quality control.

For a team that struggled with small situations last year (need we relive the timeout disasters, review mistakes and the loss of 5 yards on a ball spot blunder), maybe having a single coach focused directly on quality control would be a good idea.

Remember, this is just me speculating. But Fangio is a Harbaugh guy, and I just don’t see him being given his walking papers to make way for Dean Pees. Something tells me this was worked out beforehand.

3. Chicago Tribune’s Vaughn McClure says Hue Jackson won’t interview with Bears

According to information obtained by WNST this morning, we expect Jackson to accept the Offensive Coordinator job with the Raiders.

And why not?

The Raiders have JaMarcus Russell, Chaz Schilens and Al Davis!

Best of luck to Hue Jackson. I’m just not certain this is a great move for him.

I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Drew’s speculation surrounding Al Saunders moving into Jackson’s role ended up being accurate, either.

4. Ravens Official Site’s Mike Duffy says team would be best to keep Derrick Mason

I understand Duff’s thought process here. With a likely uncapped year, the “Final 8″ rules will really hurt Ozzie Newsome’s pursuit of a legitimate playmaker at WR. With that in mind, Mason is a known commodity who has constantly put up numbers and been a reliable target right here in Charm City.

It makes sense.

Problem is, Derrick has to be willing to accept that he’s not getting the typical “big money” deal that many #1 wideouts would get. He also has to be willing to accept that the team wants to upgrade at WR, bringing in a new #1 threat that will likely take away from the number of times Joe Flacco goes to Mason.

I don’t necessarily think bringing back Derrick Mason would be a bad idea. In fact, I think the Ravens could be well served to have him for another season as they try to push towards a Super Bowl. But I don’t think it will be as easy as saying “we want you back.”

5. ESPN.com’s James Walker says losing Bart Scott, Jason Brown, Jim Leonhard and Marques Douglas could land Ravens multiple compensatory NFL Draft picks

Which makes the preparation the Ravens did last week in Orlando and this week at the Senior Bowl all the more important. This team is going to have to find some NFL-ready players in April’s Draft, as they will be hard pressed to keep all of the guys facing free agency, and they are a bit handcuffed by the Final 8 rules.

I couldn’t help but notice that Kyle Boller wasn’t on that list. He’s not an impact player per se, but isn’t he worth something?!?!?

6. Morgan State Official Site says Reggie Holmes, Troy Smith combined for 40 as Bears pasted UMES at Hill Field House

Just an overwhelming performance from Todd Bozeman’s crew last night. Troy Smith has really come on for them, responding after an incident in December that Todd Bozeman would only describe as a “transgression” postgame.

I guess you have to consider the fact that UMES was the opponent, but Frankie Allen has made improvements in Princess Anne, and the Hawks were coming off a win at Coppin State on Saturday. They had absolutely NOTHING to offer against Morgan last night.

The Bears return to action Saturday evening at Norfolk State, as they continue their quest for a perfect season in MEAC play. If you missed Todd Bozeman with Drew Forrester on “The Comcast Morning Show” this morning, check out the Audio Vault at WNST.net.

7. The AP says Quinston Reggins scored 14, but Coppin State fell to Delaware State at CSPEC

This was one of the Eagles’ best chances to make sure they got a win in conference play this season. They will be fighting to get a victory the rest of the way. They return to action Saturday afternoon at North Carolina A&T.

8. Maryland Official Site previews tonight’s ACC tilt with Miami at Comcast Center

It’s WAAAY too easy to say that the Terps shouldn’t lose to the ‘Canes tonight. We all know the Terps shouldn’t lose to the ‘Canes tonight. But there is certainly a danger to how well the Terrapins have been playing recently, as they need to remain focused. Frank Haith has had good success against Gary Williams, but usually with a more veteran team.

If I had to guess, I’d say 81-70 Maryland.

9. D1scourse’s Patrick Stevens says Jordan Williams excelling because he takes pride in playing with ‘back to basket’

I’m running out of adjectives to use to describe Jordan Williams-and his career is 18 games old.

As he progresses, this team can continue to go far this season. If he continues to improve during ACC play-the Sweet 16 aspirations this team had before the season could be very legitimate. If he levels off, this team will likely end up back on the NCAA Tournament bubble.

10. Frederick News-Post’s Stan Goldberg remembers former Maryland AD Jim Kehoe

I wish I had gotten to know Jim Kehoe before he passed away. He certainly did a tremendous job as Athletic Director at Maryland, and he was honored with a moment of silence before Saturday night’s win over NC State.

I’d like to add more here, I am just forced to admit that I don’t know a whole lot more about Jim than what you can read in Stan’s story.

11. The Sun’s Dan Connolly and Jeff Zrebiec say Jeremy Guthrie doesn’t think anything changes for him with Kevin Millwood joining staff

And other than not starting on Opening Day, he’s right. He will still have high expectations this season, and he will have to perform better than he did a season ago to remain a mainstay in an Orioles rotation with a lot of young pitchers coming up.

Here’s a more important question. When the Birds decided NOT to persue FA pitcher Brad Penny this offseason, were they aware he was dating Karina Smirnoff???

12. ESPN.com’s Eric Karabell says O’s lineup full of fantasy “sleepers”

He’s exactly right. This team is full of “sleepers.” If they all turn out to be rock stars, this team will be in good shape. If they turn out to be sleep-ing, they’ll be in trouble. But a lineup with Brian Roberts, Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Miguel Tejada, Garrett Atkins, Matt Wieters, Nolan Reimold, Luke Scott and Cesar Izturis looks on paper like it might be credible.

At least if someone in that group turns out to be a power hitter.

And finally, I leave you with this.

I have NO IDEA how I missed this, but thank God it was directed back to me. Back when Bruce Springsteen was honored by the Kennedy Center, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder did a version of the Boss’ outstanding tune “My City of Ruins”….

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvMFdAtsRTg[/youtube]

WOW.

Apparently you can buy the song on iTunes to help some sort of charity. Maybe Haiti. Maybe cancer. I should’ve done more research here. Go buy the tune.

Talk to you tonight from College Park.

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983…..

-G

Honorable Mention-Women’s College Basketball: Miami @ Maryland (Thursday 7pm Comcast Center), Duke @ Maryland (Sunday 8pm from Comcast Center live on Comcast SportsNet locally/Fox Sports Net nationally); Boxing: Steve Luevano vs. Juan Manuel Lopez (Saturday 9:45pm from New York live on HBO); High School Basketball: Carver @ Perry Hall (Tuesday 5:15pm), C. Milton Wright @ Aberdeen (Tuesday 6:45pm), Edgewood @ Havre de Grace (Tuesday 6:45pm)

10-Jeff Dunham (Thursday 7:30pm Verizon Center), Cheap Trick (Saturday 8pm Rams Head Live), Cheech & Chong (Saturday 8pm Meyerhoff Symphony Hall), George Strait and Reba McEntire (Friday 7:30pm 1st Mariner Arena)

Yeah, so, these guys are pretty funny……

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndaXQeRPO0g[/youtube]

And these guys are ABSOLUTELY one of the most underrated bands in American history….

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th370QmFtk8[/youtube]

And while I have NO interest in seeing Reba, I’ve needed an excuse to post this little piece of SNL brilliance in a blog….

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rg85BxArn7M[/youtube]

9-Maryland State Cheer & Dance Championship (Saturday 8am 1st Mariner Arena)

Look, if the people involved in this competition looked like this, this would be Number 1 on the list…

But since I’m PRETTY sure the people are involved are going to look more like this…..

…..so only Ray Bachman will be excited.

And NOT because he’s a pedophile-his girl coaches cheerleaders, so he’s sorta been forced into their world.

You guys are sick.

8-College Football: East West Shrine Game (Saturday 3pm from Orlando live on ESPN2)

OH MY GOD IT’S NFL DRAFT SEASON!!!!!!!!!

Maybe you guys aren’t as big of Draft nerds as I am, but you should be. I mean, what if Blair White completely goes off on Saturday? Could he be a Baltimore Raven next season? Holy crap I’m excited.

Maybe even more excited than when we stopped near Columbus for food Friday on the way to Indianapolis and I managed to find this……

Wow.

7-Golf: Bob Hope Classic (Wednesday-Friday 3pm, Saturday & Sunday 4pm from La Quinta, CA live on Golf Channel)

Oh, Bob Hope…..

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgUlWIq3b3w[/youtube]

Wait, did I just put Golf on this list? GOLF? There better be a Tiger Woods whore picture coming….

HEY! Here’s Loredana Jolie!!!!

Everything is better now.

6-NBA: Mavericks @ Wizards (Wednesday 7pm from Verizon Center live on Comcast SportsNet), Heat @ Wizards (Friday 7pm from Verizon Center live on Comcast SportsNet), Clippers @ Wizards (Sunday 1pm from Verizon Center live on Comcast SportsNet)

Since the ‘Zards stink, I have an idea of how they can still make our WNST bus trip to DC entertaining. I think Flip Saunders just channel WWE Champion Sheamus and put Mark Cuban THROUGH A TABLE……

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMotWBNkb3c[/youtube]

Of course, it’s not quite as good as when the Dudley Boyz used to put 80 year old women through tables…..

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jgt95pDXuM[/youtube]

5-NHL: Red Wings @ Capitals (Tuesday 7pm from Verizon Center live on Comcast SportsNet), Capitals @ Penguins (Thursday 7:30pm from Pittsburgh live on Comcast SportsNet and NHL Network), Coyotes @ Capitals (Saturday 7pm from Verizon Center live on Comcast SportsNet)

Ugh. I don’t even root for the Caps and I feel bad for them for having to go to Pittsburgh. What an awful place.

I mean seriously, what the hell is THIS?!?!?!

Have you heard the story about how people have gone to see the movie Avatar and then gone into depression because our world isn’t like Pandora? Pittsburgh is a lot like that. People go there and immediately don’t want to kill themselves anymore because they realize life isn’t so bad.

And since we’re talking about Avatar, here’s a picture of Zoe Saldana. Don’t say I never did anything for you.

4-Soccer: Team USA vs. Honduras (Saturday 9pm from Carson, CA live on Fox Soccer Channel), Baltimore Blast @ Milwaukee Wave (Saturday 7pm streamed live on B2liveTV.com)

Can things get worse for the Red, White & Blue? First Charlie Davies, then Oguchi Onyewu, now Clint Dempsey? Who the hell is gonna be left to play? Soccer Dog?!?!?

3-Tennis: Australian Open (Tuesday 3am & 9pm, Wednesday 3am & 11pm, Thursday & Friday 3am & 9pm, Saturday 3am & 10pm, Sunday 3am & 7pm, Monday 3:30am & 9pm live on ESPN2; Tuesday-Monday 7pm live on Tennis Channel. All tennis from Melbourne, AUS)

Thank god Andy Roddick is still around, because I was about ready to give up after Maria Sharapova was eliminated.

Of course, my all time favorite Australian Open eye candy remains former champion Mary Pierce…..

And no, it’s NOT just because she was engaged to Roberto Alomar….

2-College Basketball: Longwood @ Maryland (Tuesday 8pm from Comcast Center live on Comcast SportsNet PLUS), NC State @ Maryland (Saturday 6pm from Comcast Center live on ESPN2); Northeastern @ Towson (Wednesday 7pm Towson Center), George Mason @ Towson (Saturday 4pm from Towson Center live on MASN); New Hampshire @ UMBC (Thursday 7pm RAC Arena), Boston U @ UMBC (Sunday 1pm RAC Arena); Delaware State @ Morgan State (Saturday 4pm Hill Field House), UMES @ Morgan State (Monday 7:30pm Hill Field House); UMES @ Coppin State (Saturday 4pm Coppin State Physical Education Complex), Delaware State @ Coppin State (Monday 7:30pm Coppin State Physical Education Complex)

Heh. You said “Longwood.”

Oh, North Carolina State. Remember when your fans were SO EXCITED to see Sidney Lowe replace Herb Sendek? How’s that worked out for you???

You know, other than no longer having a coach who looked like he was from Whoville……

1-NFL Playoffs: AFC Championship Game: Jets @ Colts (Sunday 3:30pm from Indianapolis live on CBS), NFC Championship Game: Vikings @ Saints (Sunday 6:40pm from New Orleans live on FOX)

Unlike the rest of Charm City, I’m really NOT rooting for Rex Ryan, Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard, etc. You see, they play in New York-and that’s where the Yankees play. That being said, I would never……EVER…..root for the Colts. Ever. So I’ll be rooting for both teams to lose.

In the NFC, I actually really still dig Brett Favre, so it’s hard to root against him. BUT, Heather Rothstein roots for the Saints…..

So…..WHO DAT?!?!?!?

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983……

-G

The day was January 1, 2000. The Baltimore Ravens were wrapping up the first non-losing season in franchise history and entered Week 17 with a glimmer of hope that they would make the postseason for the first time. For perhaps the first time (other than those first few games when just having a team was worth celebrating), Baltimore was truly embracing the Ravens. Still, Baltimore was predominantly a baseball town back then. Cal Ripken still manned the hot corner for the Orioles, a team which was stacked with big-name talent and had fans hoping that the brief, two-year absence from the playoffs was about to end.

Meanwhile, college fans wondered if Gary Williams’ Terps would ever break through the almighty Sweet 16 barrier, while Ron Vanderlinden’s Terps had recently completed yet another bowl-less season.

The decade came to an end yesterday, and while none of the area teams has transformed into a superpower, the past ten years have certainly been memorable for area sports fans. There were ACC championships in football and basketball for the Terps, accomplishments unseen in the decade previous. Fans who dared not even entertain the thought of a national title for Maryland hoops woke up on April 1, 2002 supremely confident that their team was about to be crowned the best in the land – and thanks to a tenacious and unstoppable guard from Baltimore, they were.

The losing did not stop for the Orioles, not with Albert Belle, Miguel Tejada or Javy Lopez. Not with Chris Richard, Matt Riley or Jay Gibbons. Ripken retired and followed Eddie Murray into Cooperstown, bringing with him the thousands who used to pack Oriole Park. And when the Ravens’ record-setting defense led the Colts’ successors to the Super Bowl XXXV title, Baltimore’s status as a football town was returned and unchallenged for the remainder of the decade.

Today’s blog takes a look back at three of the most memorable moments of the decade for the Ravens, Orioles and Terps. Because the choice to include the Terps’ 64-52 title victory over Indiana or the Ravens’ 34-7 romp over the Giants would be too easy, I am limiting this to games that did not win a championship (including ACC titles). So without further ado, the Games of the Decade.

OUT NUMBER ONE – ORIOLES

Fittingly, the Orioles’ inclusion on this list was not a great individual achievment or jaw-dropping victory (though those happened over the past 10 years, believe it or not). Instead, the most recent game on our list is a look towards the future for a team desperately hoping that the next ten years outshines the last.

May 29, 2009: Orioles 7, Tigers 2.

The Birds didn’t help poor Dontrelle Willis’ anxiety issues as they battered the former Marlins’ phenom for an easy early-summer victory over a team that, at the time, looked destined for the American League Central crown. The win came in the midst of one of the hottest streaks of the year for the Orioles, but it wasn’t the win itself that puts this game on the list. It was the official arrival of Matt Wieters, the top-rated prospect in all of baseball and the player viewed by many Orioles fans as the savior of the franchise.

Wieters did not smash a window in the warehouse on his first at-bat. He didn’t even get a hit that night, or run away with the American League Rookie of the Year Award. But as the season progressed, it became more and more evident that this was not a young man who was going to wilt under the pressure. Catching a roster full of young pitching talent, he balanced his defensive duties with offensive progression and displayed a maturity that left Orioles fans cautiously optimistic for the next decade. Paired with the likes of Brad Bergesen and Nolan Reimold – who also starred that night – as well as Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman, Wieters ushered in new hope for the Orioles during the final season of an otherwise all-too forgettable decade.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pj7N-xn14R4[/youtube]

Runners Up: July 1, 2009: Orioles 11, Red Sox 10 in franchise’s biggest comeback. October 6, 2001: Red Sox 5, Orioles 1 in Cal Ripken’s finale. July 10, 2001: American League 4, National League 1 in Cal Ripken’s final All-Star Game. May 20, 2008: Orioles 12, Yankees 2 as Mussina fails to complete an inning. April 4, 2004: Orioles 7, Red Sox 2 as the Birds open the season with a win on national TV. May 27, 2009: Orioles 12, Blue Jays 10 as Nolan Reimold delivers a walk-off.

OUT NUMBER TWO – RAVENS

November 12, 2001: Ravens 16, Titans 10.

Before the Ravens and Steelers teamed up to create the best rivalry in today’s NFL, the Titans were the team Baltimore fans loved to hate. In another classic installment of that rivalry (the last before the realignment that left the teams in different divisions), the Ravens traveled to Tennessee for the first Monday Night Football game in team history. Remarkably, the event came in Week 9, not the traditional Week 1 showcase afforded the defending champions. Still, as Brian Billick was quick to point out afterwards, it was well worth the wait.

Although it had been the previous year’s version of the defense which set records, the 2001 Ravens were no slouch. So with the team leading 16-10 in the final seconds, the champs stepped up to provide one of the craziest and most thrilling Monday Night Football finishes in the 40-year history of the production.

After Jamie Sharper and Duane Starks stopped Kevin Dyson on the one yard line (did the poor guy ever actually SCORE a touchdown?), the Titans had to rush to the line and try to push their way across the plane with no time outs and the final seconds ticking off the clock. The late great Steve McNair took the handoff, pushed behind his center, and seemed to give his team the touchdown it needed as the clock hit triple zeroes. But even when it messed up, the Ravens defense in those days could do no wrong. Peter Boulware had tried to rush back onside for the final play, and in the process grabbed McNair’s head as he leapt back across the line. The contact resulted in encroachment, a dead ball which nullified the previous play and set up an untimed play from the half yard line.

The final play was the signature of the Baltimore Ravens defense of the first decade of the millennium. Unable and unwilling to give up even an inch, Tony Siragusa and Sam Adams forced their way through the Tennessee offensive line, and as Steve McNair tried to escape around the corner, it was Ray Lewis who put the final hit on the gritty Air McNair. The win was preserved, the defense’s reputation was intact, and the Ravens had made their presence felt in their first foray onto Monday Night Football.

I’m guessing that Brian Billick is still waiting for that check from ABC.

Honorable mention: November 23, 2003: Ravens 44, Seahawks 41 (OT) in the greatest comeback in team history. December 20, 2008: Ravens 33, Cowboys 24 as Baltimore closes Texas Stadium by keeping its playoff hopes alive. December 31, 2000: Ravens 21, Broncos 3 in Baltimore in the first playoff game since football returned to Baltimore. January 29, 2009: Ravens 13, Titans 10 as the Ravens set up an AFC Championship game showdown with the Steelers. November 26, 2006: Ravens 27, Steelers 0 in a game that will forever be known for Bart Scott’s bonecrushing hit on Ben Roethlisberger.

OUT NUMBER THREE – TERPS

March 24, 2002: Maryland 90, Connecticut 82

A little more than a week later, it would be all but a guarantee in many Terps fans’ minds that their team was finally going to win its first national championship. They were facing a fifth-seeded Indiana team that was no match for Juan Dixon and company. But more importantly, the Terps had already proven that they could withstand any test, something they did when they knocked out UConn at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse in the Elite Eight.

It was a slugfest, two teams which had played each other earlier in the season at the BB&T Classic (Maryland won that matchup 77-65). Although a battle with fellow-No. 1 seed Kansas awaited in the Final Four, it was the only time all tournament that the confidence of Maryland fans may have been shaken.

Fortunately, no one was shaking the confidence of Steve Blake and Juan Dixon. With the Terps down by three late in the fourth quarter, Dixon calmly received a pass deep beyond the three-point line at the top of the key and smoothly sunk the shot, tying the game. Maryland clawed its way to a three-point lead in the final minute, and with the shot clock winding down and less than 30 seconds on the clock, Steve Blake took his only shot of the game, a three-pointer that served as a dagger to the hearts of the Huskies. The bucket gave Maryland an 86-80 lead, and all but assured the Terps of their second consecutive Final Four appearance. This time, there was no stopping the Terps as they won Gary Williams his first national championship.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbe2uNaQ3o4[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq0Ez87a9eY[/youtube]

Honorable mention: February 17, 2002: Maryland 87, Duke 73 in a game that can be summed up in three words: OH HE STEAL! (and the only Honorable mention game that earns a YouTube post: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4YxXRRLbQc&feature=related[/youtube]

March 13, 2004: Maryland 85, NC State 82 as the Terps overcome a 19-point halftime deficit to propel themselves back to the ACC Championship game. February 25, 2007: Maryland 89, North Carolina 87 in yet another victory over #1 for Gary Williams and the Terps. February 9, 2000: Maryland 98, Duke 87 as the Terps invade Cameron–err…Dixon–Indoor Stadium and come out with a win, the first visiting team to do so in a season and a half. February 21, 2009: Maryland 88, North Carolina 85 (OT) as Greivis Vasquez puts together a triple-double in an upset that propelled the Terps back to the NCAA Tournament. October 11, 2001: Maryland 20, Georgia Tech 17 as Ralph Friedgen and the Terps officially announce their return to relevance. December 31, 2002: Maryland 30, Tennessee 3 as the Year of the Terp was capped by a dominant Peach Bowl victory. October 30, 2004: Maryland 20, Florida State 17 as the Terps finally beat the Noles in an otherwise forgettable campaign.

Happy New Year everyone. Here’s hoping for many more great memories for the Ravens, Terps AND Orioles in the next decade.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

….to no one in particular! So here’s a look back at the video that served as the official pump-up song for every championship team of 2000-01. Unfortunately, video of Art Modell dancing to this at the parade doesn’t appear to be on YouTube.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He82NBjJqf8[/youtube]

“Greetings” from the studios of AM 1570 WNST here at 1550 Hart Rd. in Towson, where I am stationed following a stop at 1 Winning Drive in Owings Mills earlier today. I apologize that I have missed a few “Live From” blogs due to injuries my girlfriend sustained in a horse riding accident last Friday, followed by a strange practice schedule today that lead to Nestor and I having to leave immediately following Ravens availability.

There were a lot of interesting things that came from today’s session at 1 Winning Drive. In the Audio Vault at WNST.net you can hear from John Harbaugh, Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Derrick Mason and Ray Lewis to find out their thoughts on Monday night’s loss to the Green Bay Packers and Sunday’s showdown with the Detroit Lions.

The news that Daunte Culpepper would start Sunday in place of Matthew Stafford is particularly interesting because: 1-It means there’s a team in the NFL that actually doesn’t think they need to lie about injuries for purposes of “competitive edge” and 2-Domonique Foxworth’s was absolutely correct in pointing out that Culpepper has played at a Pro Bowl level in this league, and isn’t that drastically different than Stafford. Foxworth was right to point out that switching from Stafford to a QB like Michael Vick would cause legitimate problems-as Vick would be a drastically different QB.

It was also interesting that Derrick Mason made the point to let Roger Goodell know “you can fine me if you want to” before calling Walt Anderon’s crew “ridiculous” for their flag-happy officiating of the Monday Night Football contest at Lambeau Field. Mason admitted he should have “kept his composure and moved on” after getting hit with the offensive pass interference flag in the 2nd half; but his initial comments will almost certainly earn him that fine from the New York office-to go along with the cringe I saw on the face of at least one Ravens staffer.

But the MOST interesting thing that came from today’s session for me was the semi-arrogant answer John Harbaugh gave to a question and follow up regarding the presence of his brother (Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh) and his father (former Western Michigan and Western Kentucky coach Jack Harbaugh) on the sidelines Monday night at Lambeau Field.

Let’s start with the initial question-which was asked by Jerry Coleman (full disclosure)…”John, we know it was an emotional game for you, how ’bout Jim? It seems like he was losing it out there.” John’s response (after chuckling) was “Yeah, we gotta get Coach Harbaugh under control-but it’s the other one, right? One time I turned around and we were having a debate about the two minute time management situation out there that the officials handled a certain way and I looked back and there’s Jim there screaming at the officials. I’m like ‘you can’t be out here’, you know, back up!”

He then asked Senior VP Kevin Byrne if the team had heard from the league about Jim Harbaugh’s outburst, and Byrne responded that they had not. John confirmed that they expected to hear from the league.

Our own Nestor Aparicio quickly followed up by saying “Why are they down there and what role do they serve as far as being on the field versus watching the game upstairs?”

Harbaugh responded “Cause I want them there. They’re coaches. If you go back to the Championship Game and the run we had last year-the Dallas game when Jim was down there. Every now and then I’ll go back and say ‘what do you think?’ Jim has grabbed Cam on a thing here or there, my dad’s grabbed me on a thing here or there; so it’s a good thing.”

Maybe.

There’s no arguing that Jack Harbaugh’s cry of “What’s Our Name?” was an emotional rallying point for the 2008 Baltimore Ravens as they marched to the AFC Championship Game in John Harbaugh’s first season as head coach. The ’08 Ravens were a particularly emotional team, including a very emotional defensive coordinator in Rex Ryan, and a very emotional LB in Bart Scott. They were a group that fed off any emotional edge they could get. The ’09 edition does not appear to feed similarly off emotional rallying points.

The more troubling part is that the ’09 edition has appeared to suffer from something no coaching staff can afford to suffer from-a lack of attention to detail. This is the same staff that failed to notice a loss of 5 yards on a spot after a Mark Clayton catch in a Week 5 loss to the Bengals, called for a challenge AND a timeout in the waning moments of a Week 11 loss to the Colts, and failed to call timeout before the 2 minute warning in a Week 13 loss to the Packers amongst other things.

While John Harbaugh was chatting with his brother Jim before the 2 minute warning Monday night, was quality control man Vic Fangio trying to let him know he needed to call timeout? While Jim was yelling at the officials, could John have stopped by to chat with Joe Flacco about the strategy that would use on their ensuing drive? (You remember, the drive that appeared more like a 2-hour drill than a 2-minute drill.)

I don’t have a problem with John Harbaugh keeping his family on the sideline at games. He should ABSOLUTELY have two veteran, experienced coaches on the sideline if they’re available……just as soon as he gives them a contract and officially adds them to his staff. Until then, those guys SHOULD NOT be involved in coaching situations. The people who know this roster best are the people who coach these players on a day-to-day basis. If I were Cam Cameron and Jim Harbaugh came to me to offer “advice”, I would probably look back at him and say “Thanks, but I’m not really thinking about Toby Gerhart’s potential NFL Draft future.”

The worst part is the fact that Harbs responded so matter-of-factly, as if no one should question him about the semi “frat party” atmosphere that was created on the sideline Monday while the team was suffering a loss that could be potentially crushing in the race for the final AFC Wild Card spot. It makes it seem like he doesn’t realize that fans are getting tired of his lapses in attention to detail.

With no offense to John, I’d like to have my dad and my grandmother sit with me every time I blog. My dad was a very good writer before deciding to get a real job and work for a living, my grandmother was a journalism professor at Morgan State for nearly 50 years. Sadly, neither would be appropriate-as I have a JOB to do.

Jack and Jim Harbaugh would be VERY qualified coaches to patrol the Ravens sideline with John Harbaugh. And if he wants to have them there in the future-John should do the right thing and give them a contract. I’ve heard a rumor Jim might be interested in new work….

-G

Congratulations to Adam Jones for winning a Gold Glove award. It really doesn’t matter if he was the most “deserving” CF in the American League, as the award clearly often goes to the player who had the most “WOW” moments or has the best reputation. Either of those honors is just as good as being the best statistical defender.

Let’s see what everyone else has to say….

Best of Tuesday’s WNST Blogs:

Drew Forrester says Nugent was 2/6 this season with Buccaneers, Cundiff made field goal for Browns against Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium

Luke Jones thinks Harbaugh needs to let McGahee, Kruger, Demetrius Williams play

Derek Arnold says Oher, Gaither, Birk, Grubbs, Chester all struggled against Cincy

Drew Forrester humorously quips Ravens could cut Frank Walker, sign Elizabeth Lambert

Tom Clayton picks Terps 4th in ACC

Drew Forrester thinks Markakis should have won Gold Glove as well

Chris Bonetti says Adam Jones first Oriole to win Gold Glove since Mike Mussina

Drew Forrester sticking with Merton From Indianapolis despite some in Baltimore wanting him gone

RAVENS:

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Ray Rice’s 3rd down conversion in 4th quarter team’s only pickup in 10 tries

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Dwan Edwards listed ahead of Trevor Pryce on depth chart

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Flacco hoping to bounce back in Cleveland from tough performance in Cincinnati

The Official Site’s Ryan Mink says team reportedly tried out kickers Mike Nugent, Billy Cundiff

The Official Site’s Sarah Ellison says Ed Reed’s injury major topic of conversation

The Official Site says Ngata thinks Fabian Washington has best reflexes, Kelley Washington thinks Mark Clayton has best reflexes

Browns Official Site’s Matt Florjancic says Browns 15-13 all time on Monday Night Football

Browns Official Site says LB Eric Barton placed on IR

The Sun’s Mike Preston thought Lardarius Webb ‘outstanding’ against Bengals

The Sun’s Kevin Van Valkenburg talks long snapping with Katula

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Tavares Gooden ‘learned a lot’ from Bart Scott

The Sun’s Kevin Cowherd says Ravens need wake-up call from Ray Lewis

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Ravens held kicking tryouts after bad misses from Hauschka against Vikings, Bengals

The Sun’s Ken Murray says Kamerion Wimbley only Brown playing well right now

The Sun’s Kevin Van Valkenburg says fans hoping to see Mattison fired ‘delusional’

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Nugent tried out for Ravens for 2nd time

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Pro Football Weekly honored Ngata, Grubbs

The Sun’s Ron Fritz says Mangini expected to name Quinn as starter after Derek Anderson’s struggles against Bears

The Sun’s Ron Fritz compares Hauschka to Matt Stover

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Domonique Foxworth has been Ravens’ ‘biggest disappointment’

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Harbs still thinks Hauschka ‘best option’

Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Tony Grossi says Brady Quinn ‘likely’ to start Monday night at Cleveland Browns Stadium

Akron Beacon Journal’s Marla Ridenour says Trusnik will play more with Barton on IR

The AP says Steve McNair’s widow authorized to sell his restaurant

Sporting News’ Michael Tunison says Ray Rice ‘criminally underused’

SI’s Jim Trotter thinks Steelers will sweep Ravens

SI’s Don Banks says 52’s tackle of Sproles in San Diego best defensive play of year

SI’s Peter King names Oher to All-Pro team for first half of season

USA Today has Ravens 13th in power rankings

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco has Ravens 15th in power rankings

Fox Sports’ Adam Schein says Ravens far from looking like ‘best team in NFL’ as they did after Week 3

Fox Sports’ Adrian Hasenmayer has Ravens 11th in power rankings

Fanhouse’s Josh Alper has Ravens 14th in power rankings

ESPN.com has Ravens 14th in power rankings

ESPN.com’s James Walker says ‘talent’ reason why Ravens still in top half of power rankings

ESPN.com’s James Walker says Flacco, Ravens secondary struggling right now

ORIOLES:

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says Adam Jones honored with first Gold Glove award

The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec says Jones first Birds OF to win Gold Glove since Paul Blair

The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec says Birds signed former Rays catcher Michel Hernandez

The Sun’s Dean Jones Jr. says Eddie Gamboa, Josh Perrault each tossed scoreless inning for Phoenix Desert Dogs in Arizona Fall League play

Examiner Jay Trucker says Jones joins Ichiro, Torii Hunter as American League Gold Glove winners

Carroll County Times’ Bob Blubaugh says O’s have now won 59 total Gold Gloves, second most in American League to Yankees

TERRAPINS FOOTBALL:

The AP’s David Ginsburg says Fridge reported Jamarr Robinson ‘will play’ whether or not he starts

The Diamondback’s Eric Detweiler thinks Chris Turner deserves to play Saturday despite not practicing this week according to James Franklin

The Diamondback’s Michael Katz says Wujciak happy to wear camo uniforms

The Diamondback’s Eric Detweiler says Chris Turner still ‘questionable’ for game against Hokies

Washington Post’s Eric Prisbell says Demetrius Hartsfield may return Saturday

Washington Post’s Mark Viera says Darren Evans returned to practice Monday

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Friedgen prepared to pull Danny O’Brien’s redshirt if necessary

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Da’Rel Scott returned to practice, ‘unlikely’ for Saturday

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Terps had to pay $76,500 to get pry Don Brown, James Franklin away from UMass, Kansas State respectively

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Wujciak’s return against Wolfpack longest TD return for Terps since Randall Jones in 2000 against Wake Forest

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says C.J. Brown ‘unlikely’ to see field against VT

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Ben Pooler has played well in Hartsfield’s absence

Richmond Times Dispatch’s Darryl Slater says Nosal giving Va Tech ‘boost’ on O-Line

ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich says Terps could still technically make Orange Bowl

ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich says Terps paying Ralph $1,877,095 for 2-7 record

ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich says Terps assistants making $1,817,490 this season

Terrapin Times’ Mark Clem says Devin Burns planning early arrival in College Park (must subscribe)

Terrapin Times’ Mike Ashley says Friedgen using ‘gamesmanship’ at QB with Frank Beamer (must subscribe)

Terrapin Times’ Claire Knudsen says Herbert Law gave Terps glimpse of future in JV game (must subscribe)

Turtle Sports Report’s Matt Owings says Porzel solid in limited action against NC State

TERRAPINS BASKETBALL:

The Diamondback’s Greg Schimmel says Vasquez, Terps won’t be underdogs much this season

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens has Terps 23rd in first poll

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens and Barker Davis say Vasquez 2nd team All-American

ESPN.com’s Andy Katz says Terps ‘believe they can make NCAA Tournament’

Turtle Sports Report’s Ethan Rothstein doesn’t expect to see much of Steve Goins this season

TERRAPINS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Tianna Hawkins, Jackie Nared each had double-double as Terps posted exhibition win over Catholic University

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of win

The Official Site says Frese wanted Dara Taylor, Terps to work on ‘communication’

The Diamondback’s Jonas Shaffer says Tchatchouang scored 16 for Terps in win

Washington Post’s Camille Powell says Dara Taylor finished with 7 assists and just 1 turnover in win

TERRAPINS LACROSSE:

Inside Lacrosse’s Geoff Shannon says Georgetown Prep attackman Dobyns committed to Maryland

NAVY FOOTBALL:

Annapolis Capital’s Bill Wagner says Niumatalolo concerned about ‘letdown’ against Delaware after win over Notre Dame

Annapolis Capital’s Bill Wagner says Joe Buckley’s miss in South Bend may be affecting him moving forward

Washington Post’s Camille Powell says after last win over Fighting Irish, Mids BARELY held on to beat North Texas

Washington Post’s Camille Powell says Ricky Dobbs ‘feels good’ after beating Irish

Washington Post’s Camille Powell says Niumatalolo ‘hopeful’ Marcus Curry can play against Blue Hens

Go Mids updates season for Midshipmen opponents

NAVY BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Mids will be on TV 5 times this season between CBS College Sports and MASN

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens expects Romeo Garcia to be ‘breakout player’ for Navy

TOWSON FOOTBALL:

The Official Site previews Saturday’s showdown with Villanova at Unitas Stadium

HORSE RACING:

The Sun’s Sandra McKee says Maryland Racing Commission approved 150 days of racing, expects bigger purses from slots revenue

Thoroughbred Times’ John Scheinman says Laurel Park approved for 58 days of live racing in Winter meet

SWIMMING:

The AP says Michael Phelps qualified for 200 meter medley final at Stockholm World Cup event

The Sun says Baltimore’s Elizabeth Pelton finished 8th in women’s 200 backstroke

SOME QUICK THOUGHTS:

-Not surprised the Ravens are sticking with Steve Hauschka. They still think he can kick, but he has to prove it every time he goes out there.

Talk to you from Owings Mills.

-G

The sheer volume of opining, panicking, and lamenting jamming the airwaves, flooding inboxes, and littering message boards since 4:30 p.m. on Sunday has been impossible to escape if you’re a Ravens fan.

And it’s understandable with Sunday’s game clearly being one of the Ravens’ worst performances in recent memory.

Of course, the venting is part of the cathartic process of being a fan after a loss, but it ultimately does nothing to address the problem—or problems—and leaves you feeling helpless in the Ravens’ plight with a 4-4 record and two games behind Cincinnati and Pittsburgh in the AFC North.

Ultimately, “it is what it is” for us observers.

In reality, the frustration and second-guessing displayed by us all is falling on deaf ears, and for the most part, that’s a good thing. Who hasn’t made a bold proclamation—or several hundred—to their buddies but later felt relief that no one was really listening?

After all, I was convinced Peyton Manning would be the next Heath Shuler while Ryan Leaf would be the next John Elway, and we all know how that turned out.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMe0Rz1frdE&feature=PlayList&p=C6E7EEFE0DCA91CA&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=25[/youtube]

So now that we’ve acknowledged our limitations and past gaffes in evaluating the NFL and its players, this is your chance to prove yourself once and for all.

The phone rings, and John Harbaugh is on the line asking for your astute opinion on the state of the Ravens. He doesn’t have time for personal attacks or whining; Harbaugh is looking for answers.

He’s willing to take three REALISTIC suggestions and implement them beginning in Cleveland on Monday night.

And the key word is REALISTIC.

Larry Bird and Kevin McHale are not—wait a second, wrong rant—Chris McAlister and Michael McCrary are not walking through that door. And if they did, their knees would be completely shot.

Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard say hello to the Charm City, but they’re perfectly content with Rex Ryan in the Big Apple. And the former defensive coordinator sends his regards, but his hands are too full with a rookie quarterback and the New York media to worry about the Ravens’ defensive woes.

Those Jets have long since taken off and aren’t coming back.

And like most of your kids’ Halloween candy, the deadline is long gone, so please spare us the trade proposals.

No matter how great they sound.

I don’t want to hear about officiating conspiracies either. It’s a defeatist attitude, and you’ll hear the same complaints in 31 other NFL cities. Well, maybe not Pittsburgh.

Lastly, the Colts are more likely to return to Baltimore than Matt Stover is to play for the Ravens—at least until Adam Vinatieri returns from injury in a few weeks (How’d you like that middle-of-the-road remark? And no, I don’t think it will happen anyway).

So now that I’ve squashed 75 percent of the irrational suggestions running through our frustrated minds over the past 48 hours, you have THREE suggestions to offer to Harbaugh for the rest of the season.

And remember, Baltimore is counting on you.

No pressure, right?

I’ll go first.

1. A Nightmare on Russell Street

Yes, I know Paul Kruger does not play special teams.

I fully understand.

Harbaugh wants his reserves to be versatile, and it’s the perfect rationale when a team does not have any glaring deficiencies. However, the defense has struggled to pressure the quarterback from its base front, and Greg Mattison is reluctant to blitz due to a weak secondary—another issue entirely.

It’s clear Kruger is too small to take every snap as a defensive end in a 3-4 alignment and does not have the skill set to play as a stand-up linebacker at this point.

But this is the same player Jon Gruden described as playing like “Freddy Kruger” on draft day last spring.

Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens’ esteemed scouting department used a second-round selection on the defensive end from Utah, so it’s difficult to believe he cannot contribute to the pass rush in some form.

And don’t tell me it would be catastrophic to the team’s flexibility on special teams and other areas. This is the same team that carried two kickers on its roster for years. It’s not as though Danny Kight, J.R. Jenkins, or Wade Richey were contributing in more than one area during their days in Baltimore.

If we look at this from a different perspective, how many special teams players are consistently on the active 45-man roster on Sundays and fail to make any impact on offense or defense?  David Tyree, Prescott Burgess, and Demetrius Williams immediately come to mind.

In other words, there HAS to be a place for Kruger on a defense needing more pressure on the quarterback.

If even the threat of Kruger diverts a little attention away from a Terrell Suggs or a Trevor Pryce, it’s well worth it.

Let’s find out if the rookie can play.

2. Lost in Westminster

Speaking of Demetrius Williams, yes, he is still on the 53-man roster despite rumors of his abduction in Westminster back in August.

After a promising rookie season and two injury-riddled seasons in 2007 and 2008, Williams entered training camp as the team’s No. 3 receiver. Following the emergence of Kelley Washington and a nagging hamstring and knee that slowed him during the summer, the 6-foot-2 receiver has completely disappeared in Cam Cameron’s offense with the lone exception of a 17-yard catch in Minnesota.

But it became apparent during Sunday’s loss that Williams needs to have a presence in this offense.  With Joe Flacco trying to throw deep jump-balls to Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton, wouldn’t it make more sense to send Williams (the only receiver with both size and speed on the roster) on one or two of those patterns?

Yes, a stiff breeze is as likely to injure the wideout as a strong safety, but keeping him healthy on the sideline serves no purpose to this football team either.

Williams is and should be the No. 4 receiver on the roster, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be an option in the passing game, at the very least providing a bigger target in the vertical passing game.

If the coaching staff has no confidence in Williams, he should either be inactive every week (opening the door for Kruger) or off the roster entirely.

3. Waiting on Willis

Remember when Willis McGahee led the NFL in touchdowns after the first three weeks of the season with six?

It seems like an eternity ago.

It was clear Ray Rice had supplanted McGahee as the starting tailback heading into the season, but the veteran was entering the season healthy and revitalized after a rocky relationship with Harbaugh in 2008. McGahee was still figuring to be a major part of the running game.

Since carrying the ball 25 times in the first two weeks, McGahee has received 22 carries in the six games since. Unacceptable.

Rice is clearly having a tremendous season, but is it really what’s best for the team?

In the same way that Flacco could lead the league in passing yards if he threw on every down, is Rice producing such a large portion of the yards and being the only force in the backfield what’s best for the Ravens’ offense presently and moving forward?

With Rice putting up 732 total yards in the last five games, I’ll remind you that the Ravens are 1-4 during that stretch.

McGahee’s return to the game plan would serve two purpose for the Baltimore offense.

First, it would provide the Ravens with a legitimate threat to run between the tackles, something Rice does not provide. The 5-foot-8 back is more effective running from spread-out formations and getting into open space.

Two, it would improve the likelihood of Rice’s smaller frame holding up for the entire 16-game schedule. Though Rice carried the ball 380 times for Rutgers in 2007, that same durability cannot be guaranteed at the pro level. When you have another legitimate option at tailback, why take the risk in finding out?

McGahee needs to be more involved. No excuses.

***

If you’re sitting there thinking I didn’t address the secondary, kicker, or coaching questions, you’re absolutely right.

To be perfectly honestly, I’m not sure how to address the secondary at this point.

Do you blitz more, leaving your defense more susceptible to the big play, or play with more help in pass coverage, hoping for your front four to reach the quarterback eventually? Is rookie Lardarius Webb a better option than Fabian Washington?

As for the kicking job, would Mike Nugent or Billy Cundiff really be any better than Steve Hauschka?

Is Mattison in over his head, or is the talent holding this defense back?

All are questions for which I don’t have a definitive answer.

Remember, you only get THREE realistic suggestions.

Maybe that isn’t enough to fix the Ravens, but that’s all you’re getting.

Make them count.

It was bad all around.

The offense was bad-scoring just 7 points and not even threatening to score in the game’s first 45 minutes.

The defense was bad-allowing another 100 yard rusher and letting the Bengals score on their first 3 possessions of the game.

The special teams were bad-missing a big field goal and being flagged for multiple costly penalties.

The coaching was REALLY bad-as no unit appeared prepared for what may have been the most important game of the season thus far.

The Ravens’ 17-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday was just a poor performance all around.

They’re not a bad team. Even in one of their worst games they still had a chance in the 4th quarter before a costly missed field goal kept them from closing the gap to one possession. But they have an uncanny ability to play like a bad team for long stretches on both sides of the football.

The first half was one of those stretches. Through three possessions for each team in Sunday’s game, the Bengals out-gained the Ravens offensively 228 yards to 41. The 17-0 scoring advantage they established would ultimately prove to be too much for the outmatched Ravens to overcome.

John Harbaugh will almost certainly tell us that he was “proud of his team” for their fight on Sunday, but don’t be fooled. A team that “fights” is no match for a team that is better than their opponent. The Bengals were flat out BETTER than the Ravens today. The Bengals have been better than the Ravens all season.

The season isn’t over, no matter how much some of us will want to think it is. The Ravens are likely dead in the AFC North race, now trailing the Bengals by 2 full games and a tiebreaker. But at 4-4, the Ravens are very much alive in the AFC playoff race, and have two games remaining with the Steelers-who will be in direct competition for a playoff spot. The Texans and Chargers appear to be the other teams they will be battling with in the race for a Wild Card spot.

If the Ravens want to seize a playoff spot, they must play better than they did Sunday. Games against the Colts, Steelers and Packers will not be easy games to win; and they cannot spot ANY of those teams a multi-score early lead. The Ravens spoke this week about a desire to start quicker, but failed to get started until there were less than 15 minutes remaining in the game.

The season isn’t over. The season is only halfway through. But 4-4 in the next 8 won’t be good enough. This team has shown signs of being an elite team, but must BECOME an elite team. And it won’t be via personnel change. Steve Hauschka’s head will be asked for on a silver platter-and there will be some heavy breathing on his seat on tonight’s charter back to BWI. But even a kicker change will not make this a better football team. Strategy and execution will be the only two things that will make this a better football team.

Hopefully it will come.

-G

4:11-At least I’ll have two names to put on my Tuesday Top 7. The other 5 spots are REALLY unknown…..

4:09-Cedric Benson goes over 100 yards twice……3 100 yard rushers in 4 games. Not so good.

4:07-THREE STRAIGHT SACKS?!?!?!?!? The awesome O-Line play this season has been non-existent today.

4:06-When did Robert Geathers and Brandon Johnson become Adalius Thomas and Bart Scott???

4:04-What was Joe trying to do there?!?!?!? Boy……

4:02-This is MAYBE the worst 2 minute offense I’ve ever seen. Did they think Hauschka MADE the field goal?

4:00-If this is their 2 minute drill, it is not very good.

3:55-Getting the ball back with this much time left on the clock only makes the Hauschka miss all the more painful…..

3:52-Did that commercial just say Wal-Mart was selling XBox 360 for 200 bucks with a 100 dollar gift card? Is that going on right now? I will go to Wal-Mart NOW……

3:50-Have you EVER seen a coach as emphatic in throwing a red flag as Harbs just was?

3:46-If I say now that neither Matt Stover NOR Chris McAlister is coming back to this team, can we avoid the phone calls tomorrow?

Wow. That’s a tough spot for Steve Hauschka-first FG try of the day…..and it could be costly not only for the game, but for his NFL career…..

3:45-Just when we were getting excited……

3:44-The Drew Forrester curse hits RIGHT before the incompletion and missed FG.

Thanks Drew.

3:43-A field goal IS okay here; but I get nervous about this team being forced to get another stop without giving up points.

3:41-HOW FREAKING HUGE WAS THAT?!?!?!?!?!?!

3:40-Jarret Johnson REALLY should have had that tackle. Another big 3rd down here…..

3:37-What a weapon Brian Leonard is…..big momentum shift for Cincinnati.

3:36-This is a HUGE 3rd and short. Really, HUGE.

Going back and forth with Princess Bride quotes with CP has almost been as fun as the game early on.

3:32-WHOA!!!!!! SOMETHING GOOD HAPPENED!

17-7 with 12:54 to play. This COULD get interesting?

3:28-Joe! Mark Clayton is 5’10″! If they run that route and he’s double-covered, you CAN’T throw that ball!

3:27-Hey! Some offense! Where has this been?!?!?

3:25-Penalties on Grubbs and Oher very shortly after the penalty on Jared Gaither. This team is not making it easy…..

3:22-The offensive line has had a great season. Not a great day.

At least credit Greg Mattison for making some adjustments after a disastrous start. The offense has not done the same.

3:20-Once again, I COMPLETELY agree with this decision by Marvin Lewis.

3:15-Jared Gaither should NOT have to hold Jonathan Fanene. However, holding is better than a sack.

3:13-Ed Reed is NOT this team’s punt returner. He is only a returner on the “safe” unit. There was no reason for the safe unit to be in there. Therefore, there was no reason for Ed Reed to be out there thinking he needed to do something.

3:05-That’s THREE floaters he’s thrown to Ochocinco like that for first downs.

CHALLENGE IT!

Good challenge by John Harbaugh…..2nd foot out of bounds.

3:03-Jameel McClain CERTAINLY stripped the ball before Cosby was down; but he must have been blown down with forward progress-which he should have been.

A Terrell Suggs sack! Wow!

3:01-Strange decision by Quan Cosby to return that one from inside the 10. Could have been a game-changing turnover.

Any turnover would be nice, really.

2:59-Keith Rivers won’t return. Chris Henry apparently out for the season. Ravens still losing 17-0.

2:58-Best offensive play of the game. By far.

Also, is that 3 straight drives without points for the Bengals now?

I’m trying to stay positive.

2:54-Why did that play work? Because there was pressure! Forced a bad throw! Where’s that been for 3 quarters???

2:52-How did Brian Leonard turn that into a first down?

Is there any particular reason for the extra booing towards Ray Lewis? Maybe just the hit on Ochocinco?

2:48-That was just an AWESOME play by Jonathan Joseph. And a reminder that a 5’10″ receiver is NOT a good target for a deep ball. Wow……

2:46-I’m back. Not because I want to be…..

2:31-There’s no reason to risk it here. I know we’d like to see Cam Cameron actually take a chance, but only bad could have happened from the 1 yard line. Maybe Tony Robbins can come in and speak at halftime.

2:29-Incredible play by Kyries Hebert and Rey Maualuga. Brilliant stuff.

2:25-I’m not totally certain, but I’m not sure you’re supposed to throw the ball off of your star running back when you’re trying to throw the ball away. But what would I know?

2:24-Are there other games on???

2:23-If they put points on the board here, they can at least make it a game….

2:21-Holy crap. The Bengals had scored on TEN STRAIGHT DRIVES under Carson Palmer before that? That’s REALLY amazing.

2:18-J.P. Foschi should not be embarrassing anyone. Unreal.

2:14-Did Todd Heap go horizontal a YARD before the first down marker? This has been disastrous for EVERYONE.

Add Matt Katula to the list.

2:12-What the Bengals did on coverage right there is remarkably similar to what the Ravens did on coverage last week against Eddie Royal. If you force a returner to stop and start again, you have a GREAT chance to bring them down.

2:09-If you think the officials have something against the Ravens, you clearly missed whatever Chris Carr was just doing there that somehow went uncalled. Maybe it was a mercy no-call. I’m not sure.

The Bengals didn’t need Shayne Graham to kick that. Billy Graham could have done it.

17-0? REALLY?

2:07-There’s no way Cedric Benson should be able to get 5 yards there. Just no way. Getting KILLED at the line of scrimmage.

2:04-Great observation by Carson Palmer. If Lardarius Webb is going to play off of Coles by 10 yards, just throw him the ball.

Carson Palmer isn’t just not getting sacked, he’s not even concerned. He’s sliding head-first. Jesus.

2:02-How freaking random is a Kelly Gregg/Shannon Miller story?

HOW LONG CAN THIS TEAM GIVE CARSON PALMER TO FIND A RECEIVER?!?!?!?!

(Editor’s note: Trevor Pryce was probably held there. Still.)

1:57-Chris Henry injured is the best thing the Ravens defense has done thus far today.

1:53-That’s what happens when you get pressure on a QB. The QB has to throw the ball away. Would be nice to see the Ravens defense do the same thing.

1:50-Nice to see Le’Ron McClain on the field. Apparently it was nice for the Bengals defense to see Le’Ron McClain on the field, too.

1:48-THANK YOU Brandon Johnson. THANK YOU. Looked like the same play that drew Frank Walker off-sides on an extra point.

1:45-What an OBVIOUS penalty on Matt Lawrence, who had actually played quite well.

The no-huddle is not as easy to run on the road……

1:42-I know losing Ngata hurts, but how in the hell is the offensive line of the Cincinnati Bengals just b-slapping the Ravens defense around like this? This is particularly reminiscent of the Vikings game…..

1:39-How in the HELL did Laveranues Coles get out of the grasp of Ed Reed? Reed has to make arm tackles because of his shoulder/neck injuries, and it hurt him there.

1:36-It’s less that they’re getting beat and more that they’re panicking in 1 on 1 situations. These corners just don’t trust their own abilities, and they get grabby when they’re in 1 on 1 situations. It makes a big statement to throw the ball deep on 4th and short. And not a statement that the Ravens should be allowing teams to make against them…..

1:35-Absolutely the right decision by Marvin Lewis to go for it here.

1:34-This doesn’t all fall on the secondary early on. As I said, the Ravens MUST get a pass rush to win this game. They’ve gotten next to nothing early on.

1:33-Not a good day for Domonique Foxworth……

1:32-How in God’s name does Chad Ochocinco come down with that AWFUL floater???? Unbelievable.

1:30-How does Carson Palmer get a first down there? This defense REALLY misses Haloti Ngata today. Thankfully the offsetting penalties nullify, but wow.

1:26-That pass interference PARTICULARLY stings. The “Jim Leonhard was better than Dawan Landry” crowd will be having a field day. Fabian Washington REALLY should have had a pick the next week. I tried bringing up the lack of interceptions with Domonique Foxworth this week-but he really played it down.

1:23-Sam Koch had the space there to do something with that punt. Seen a lot of touchbacks from him recently-which is strange because he’s always been particularly sure-footed.

1:22-Thank God Derrick Mason was there to break up that pass to Leon Hall. Joe knows Leon Hall plays for the other team, right?

1:20-Joe Flacco-I love you. Mark Clayton (and Ray Rice for that matter) are NOT tall. Please throw the ball appropriately. You’re great otherwise.

1:17-Another nice return by Lardarius Webb. He’s really coming along early in his NFL career. His speed is a weapon the Ravens might want to consider finding a way to use offensively……maybe.

1:15-Carson Palmer had all day and Chris Carr just figured he’d watch Andre Caldwell score a TD-I guess. Just an awful first series for the Ravens defense. Wow.

1:10-Really no excuse for letting Carson Palmer get that ball to Ochocinco for a first down there on 3rd and 10. Just unacceptable. That ball was floated because of the pressure, but it should have been a sack or should have been broken up.

Benson running all over the place…..Cincinnati methodically moving the ball. Christ.

1:07-Pittsburgh Steelers fans (who REALLY believe they are the best fans in the world) could learn from the fans in the Queen City. Very impressed by how quiet they were while the Bengals had the ball. However, it was very evident there were a number of Ravens in Ohio by the noise on 3rd down.

1:05-Brian Leonard (Ray Rice’s college teammate at Rutgers) really hurt the Ravens in the first game, too. He’s just a really dangerous player.

How the hell did Cedric Benson get through that?

1:03-Steve Hauschka’s worst kick-off was his first one last week. This first one wasn’t great, either. Weird.

12:58-I was watching the FOX pre-game show instead of the CBS show, and I NEVER get sick of seeing entertainers travel to Iraq/Afghanistan to support our troops. It has been a long-time goal of mine to do a radio show live from the Middle East to support the USO. Was it a bit cheesy? Sure. But was it a great thing for Curt Menafee and company to do? Absolutely.

12:34-Today’s game can be seen live on CBS (WJZ 13 in Baltimore) with Dick Enberg and Dan Fouts on the call. The game can be heard nationally on Westwood One Radio (if for some reason you’re in an area that isn’t showing Ravens-Bengals on CBS) with Kevin Kugler and Mark Malone on the call.

If you want to get hyped for today’s game; head to the Audio Vault at WNST.net, where you can hear from Fouts (who joined Bob Haynie Friday), Malone (who joined Drew Forrester Friday), Bengals LB Coach Jeff Fitzgerald (Drew Friday), Ravens LB Prescott Burgess (Drew Friday), Bengals Play by Play Voice Brad Johansen (Drew Friday) and MORE!

12:17-Chinedum Ndukwe will start for Bengals in place of Roy Williams. Justin Bannan will start for Bengals in place of Haloti Ngata.

As much as the loss of Haloti Ngata will hurt the Ravens in trying to slow down Cedric Benson; it will also hurt them in pursuit of Bengals QB Carson Palmer. Ngata is very good at creating havoc in the backfield; and Justin Bannan will have to improve in pursuit of the Bengals QB. Brandon McKinney and the now-active Kelly Talavou will also get their chances in the D-Line rotation, and will have to work with Dwan Edwards, Trevor Pryce, and Terrell Suggs to get pressure up front.

12:07-As I mentioned in the title, today’s game is particularly crucial for the Ravens, as they CANNOT afford to fall 2 full games behind the Bengals in the AFC North….PLUS the Ravens would lose a tiebreaker to Cincy by virtue of a Bengals sweep. It would be more like the Ravens falling behind 2 and a half games in the division.

11:41-Ravens scratches:

DT Haloti Ngata
CB Frank Walker
RB Jalen Parmele
LB Antwan Barnes
OT Tony Moll
DE Paul Kruger
QB John Beck-3rd QB
OT Oniel Cousins

11:27-Greetings from my couch, where I have not made the trip to Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati (I had a wedding to attend, my apologies); but the Baltimore Ravens have-and I will hang out with you during the game. A number of WNST contributors will chime in on Twitter (@WNST); including Nestor Aparicio, Drew Forrester and Luke Jones.

Bengals scratches:

QB Jordan Palmer-3rd QB
S Roy Williams
FB Fui Vakapuna
LB Dan Skuta
OT Andre Smith
TE Chase Coffman
WR Jerome Simpson
DT Orien Harris

-G

Much like on Monday, only Purple links today. My intern was out this morning, so my productivity was particularly limited. Super Jack might have the bubbling personality of Joe Flacco some days, but he’s definitely helpful to have around. If you’re Jones-ing for information from yesterday’s Maryland basketball Media Day, please check out Patrick Stevens’ “D1SCOURSE” blog at WashingtonTimes.com Also, all of the audio from Media Day (including Gary Williams) is in the Audio Vault at WNST.net.

Here are our picks for Sunday’s game….

Drew: Vikings 29, Ravens 26 (OT)

Drew says Minnesota will get the ball first in overtime and take it right downfield for the winning score.

Me: Ravens 24, Vikings 13

This team is ALWAYS better up against the wall and when they have a chip on their shoulder. They’re going to rally around the criticism of Greg Mattison this week, and this defense is going to show up in a big way.

I think. I hope.

Let’s see what everyone else has to say….

Best of Thursday’s WNST Blogs:

Glenn Clark says Mattison has ‘great confidence’ in secondary

Nestor Aparicio says Stover concerned about being considered ‘traitor’ for signing with Indianapolis but never wanted to leave Baltimore

Mark Suchy says “The Band That Wouldn’t Die” brought back painful memories as Baltimore NFL fan

Rex Snider thinks Jim Irsay hypocritical for thoughts on Limbaugh after family’s history with Baltimore football

And from the rest of the world…..

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Matt Birk will be ‘enemy’ in native Minnesota

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Jarret Johnson, Haloti Ngata returned to practice Thursday

The Official Site’s Patrick Gleason says Ray Rice 2nd in NFL with 114.4 yards from scrimmage per game this season (only Tennessee’s Chris Johnson has more)

The Official Site says Cam Cameron believes getting Derrick Mason football his ‘responsibility’

The Official Site says Oher knows he has to ‘work hard’ against Vikes’ Jared Allen

The Official Site says Heap, Clayton, Oher hosting Halloween event at Dave & Buster’s in Arundel Mills Mall

Vikings Official Site’s Mike Wobschall says Percy Harvin limited in practice Thursday

Vikings Official Site’s Mike Wobschall says Ed Reed ‘game changer’ for Ravens

Vikings Official Site’s Mike Wobschall says Harbaugh knows slowing Peterson will take ‘team effort’

Vikings Official Site’s Mike Wobschall says Leslie Frazier thinks Benny Sapp fitting in ‘nicely’ in Minnesota

The AP’s Jon Krawczynski says 52, Favre share ‘respect’ for each other

The AP’s Jon Krawczynski says Vikings offense more than just Peterson

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Ravens must defend run, slow down Jared Allen, succeed on 3rd down

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Ravens can’t struggle in red zone; let Harvin, Reynaud break long returns; allow Favre to catch fire

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Ravens just 2-5 under Harbs in games decided by 6 points or less

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says fans can’t blame Billick for Flacco’s interceptions

The Sun’s Ken Murray says Favre has been ‘unpredictable’ historically against Ravens

The Sun’s Mike Preston says Ravens’ defense clearly misses Bart Scott

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Vikings TE Shiancoe ‘proud’ to represent Morgan State (who got a big win last night over Howard-Congratulations to Coach Hill-Eley)

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Vikes’ Loadholt, Tahi, Ray Edwards, Steve Hutchinson, Percy Harvin all limited in practice

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Edgar Jones (hamstring) practiced again Thursday

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Cam Cameron defended play-calling

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Cam Cameron ‘guaranteed’ Mason wouldn’t be shut out again

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Cameron thinks Demetrius Williams not getting playing time just because he’s “4th guy”

The Sun remembers Boller’s Christmas Day win over Vikings in ‘05

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Ravens will be ‘tested’ by A.P. after being gauged by Cedric Benson last week

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Jared Gaither didn’t practice again Thursday

Minneapolis Star-Tribune’s Sid Hartman says Leslie Frazier excited for Matt Birk-Pat Williams matchup

St. Paul Pioneer Press’ Sean Jensen says Pat Williams ‘doesn’t care’ about Birk, Baltimore

SI’s Peter King picks Vikings 30-23 (mea culpa for earlier mis-quote)

Fox Sports’ Adam Schein says Ravens will win Sunday, be tied with Bengals again atop AFC North come Monday

ESPN.com’s James Walker says Ravens trying to start new streak against “All Day”

ESPN.com’s James Walker says pass defense will be ‘difference’ for Ravens in AFC North success the rest of the season

Here are the rest of our Football picks for the weekend:

Towson/Delaware:

Drew 21-7 Delaware, Glenn 13-3 Delaware

Navy/SMU:

Drew 33-30 Navy, Glenn 28-20 Navy

Maryland/Virginia:

Drew 19-13 Virginia, Glenn 21-17 Virginia

Rest of our NFL picks:

Drew:
Chiefs 19-17
Texans 24-20
Steelers 34-13
Jaguars 24-10
Giants 27-17
Buccaneers 17-16
Packers 36-20
Eagles 34-10
Cardinals 30-27
Jets 20-13
Patriots 30-17
Falcons 27-21
Chargers 23-17

Glenn:
Redskins 16-7
Texans 31-20
Steelers 24-6
Jaguars 17-7
Saints 38-28
Panthers 20-6
Packers 35-23
Eagles 23-10
Cardinals 30-20
Jets 26-10
Patriots 19-10
Falcons 24-16
Chargers 26-21

Talk to you from Owings Mills.

-G