Lets’ face it, when it comes to generating bad PR, the Orioles haven’t needed any help for a long time; but whether deserved or not, with a helping hand from NBC, Steve Bisciotti, the Ravens and Roger Goodell, the O’s are unfairly taking the brunt of the criticism for the fallout from Schedule-Gate 2013.

It’s a topic that’s been discussed ad nauseum for the better part of the last couple of weeks, and now that it’s been resolved (or at least decided) I’m going to take one last lick at this dead horse before we put it to bed…until the beginning of September that is, when we’re sure to dig it back up and beat it to death all over again.

For now, it’s time for Ravens fans to let go of the “woe is us” and realize that this couldn’t have worked out any better for the team.

In the Harbaugh era, and to some degree before it, there are two giant hammers that the Ravens have wielded consistently. The Ravens have been near impossible to beat at home, and are undefeated when they’ve had extra rest or opportunity to prepare for an opponent. There’s no need to swing both of those hammers at the same time, and all Schedule-Gate has done is prevented the Ravens from having to.

I get that fans want to celebrate the team’s Super Bowl win with the whole world watching; but what’s best for the team? It’s kind of laughable that those who consider themselves fans of the Ravens suddenly seem to be more interested in having center stage for themselves for one night in September, than they are in giving the Ravens their best opportunity at winning enough games to possibly make another Super Bowl run.

The Harbaugh era Ravens are 5-0 in opening games and 14-0 when having 10 or more days to prepare for an opponent (including openers). It’s probably also worth mentioning that 4 of those 5 opening game wins have been at home (so much for the “NFL is out to get us” angle). Now that it’s decided that the Ravens will open on the road, there are only 3 games that should be up for consideration for the NFL’s showcase. Not coincidentally, those games happen to be the Ravens 3 toughest looking road games as well (Pittsburgh, Cincinnati or Denver). Since there’s no avoiding having to play those games anyway, doing it in the first week of the season is ideal.

It’s better to get Peyton Manning and Wes Welker in the first game of the year, when they’re still trying to figure one another out, and probably more ideal to get in and out of Denver before the frost settles in. While it by no means insures the Ravens will win; it seems to give them their best chance to win. In fact, if we can get over our hurt feelings for long enough to think about the good of the team, ideally the Ravens would open in Denver, and then on the back of 10 days rest head to either Pittsburgh or Cincinnati, and then return to Baltimore for the home opener.

It’s also worth mentioning that opening on Thursday night has not always precluded teams from having to play another Thursday game in the same season. Given that the Ravens are defending Super Bowl champions, it would seem likely that they’ll get their maximum 5 prime time games, and that there’s a real possibility that they’ll have another Thursday game. Opening on Thursday, on the road would not only prevent the Ravens from having to be ready for Thursday night on 3 days rest, but would also virtually insure that if they did get a 2^nd Thursday game it would be in Baltimore, with another (likely tough) opponent having to prepare and travel on short rest.

So if we’re keeping score at home, the NFL played the role of bully on behalf of NBC, and tried to impose themselves on the Orioles. The Orioles held their ground and as a result are stuck with a September 5^th game that is sure to be a dog attendance-wise because it’s going up against the Ravens opener. The Ravens by opening on the road against a tough opponent will have a likely better chance to win a tough road game than they would otherwise, and may still get a Thursday home game with significant, inherent advantages built in. Someone remind me again why everyone is so mad at the Orioles over this. Oh yeah…it’s because we miss out on the chance to scream “look at us” to the football world while pounding our chests, right?

Sign me up, 10 times out of 10, for the schedule formula that gives the Ravens the best shot at being a playoff team, or a division winner, or a home playoff game host, or a bye week possessor. Frankly I’m shocked that Ravens fans are having such trouble grasping this one. I thought better of most of you.

Lastly, if the locker room somehow sees this as a slight, as fans clearly have, then it facilitates the mentality that has seemed to serve them so well lately. It’s Baltimore against the world as usual. If that works, so be it. But the Ravens are the winners in this mess; it’s just that some folks’ sensitivity won’t allow them to see it.

The Ravens schedule in 2012 has been among the toughest.  The Rams tied the Ravens with the fourth strongest schedule and the Browns, Broncos, and Giants were the only teams with stronger schedules.

The Bengals will line up against the Ravens with a lot to prove.  They have vastly improved after a three and five start and the defense has led the charge.

The Ravens’ offensive line played very well last week against the Giants but the Bengals have pass rushing threats at the defensive tackle position where as the Giants do not.  Therefore, look out for the matchup between Marshal Yanda and Atkins, it will be a great one to watch!

If the Ravens beat the Bengals, they would need help from the Dolphins who would have to beat the Patriots in Fox Borough for the Ravens to claim the third seed in the AFC.  Unfortunately, this wont happen so the Ravens will most likely host Andrew Luck and Chick Pagano in the wild card round.  Many are predicting a Ravens victory but the Colts are a very good team.  The Ravens would have to lean on the run game seeing as the Colts rank 30th against the run.

If the Ravens beat the Colts and the Patriots beat the Bengals (which is likely), the Ravens would have to travel to Houston to play the Texans who have only beaten the Ravens once in their history which was earlier this season.  The Ravens season might just end there and if they get past the Texans, the Ravens would host  a rematch of the AFC Championship game from last season.

The Patriots and Texans are arguably the best two teams in the NFL.  The Ravens would have to beat both of them to reach the Super Bowl.  But with Ray Lewis coming back for the playoffs and the defense getting healthier, anything is possible.

The Ravens are heading to Cincinnati for a football game on Sunday.

And they’re going to try and win.

As they should.

There will be plenty of people this week who suggest that John Harbaugh should rest the bulk of his starting 22 for the upcoming season finale against the Bengals.  Those folks will say “No way New England is losing to Miami” or “There’s no reason to risk a starter in a game that doesn’t matter” or “The number one goal is to be healthy for playoffs.”

Those are also the same folks who strolled into M&T Bank with a smirk on their face back on December 2 when Charlie Batch led the Steelers to town and said to anyone who would listen, “We’re not going to lose to Charlie Batch, obviously.”

Full disclosure: I was one of those people…but I didn’t have a smirk on my face as I walked into the stadium.

But I won’t be one of those goofs this week who recommends that the Ravens lay down in Cincinnati.  John Harbaugh hasn’t had the greatest December of his coaching career, but he’s getting this one right.  He must direct the Ravens to head to the Queen City fully intent on winning the game and, perhaps, securing the number three seed in the AFC.

To do anything else other than put your best AVAILABLE team on the field would make zero sense.

The word “available” above is in ALL CAPS for a reason.  Harbaugh shouldn’t play anyone who wouldn’t normally play in the game.  In other words, you simply put the 53 men out there who are healthy enough to play in an NFL game.  If Anquan Boldin’s shoulder is sore and he can’t practice Thursday and Friday, you sit him out of the Cincy game.  But if he practices and can play, he suits up and plays.

Saying “they should rest the guys who are banged up” is silly, because you’d be telling about 15 players not to play on Sunday. At this time of the season, nearly every starter or 35-snap a game back-up has an ailment that could use a couple of weeks of rest.  But, as the saying goes, there’s no rest for the weary.

So, Harbaugh should treat this game just like he plans for an early October contest.  The 53 players who can go, go.

Why?

Because as far as the Ravens go, the most important thing for them in the upcoming post-season can be summed up in two words.  ”Home Field”.  I’ve paid attention to the Ravens this season and they’re nothing if not completely mysterious on the road.  At home, they’re a threat to beat anyone.  Away, they’re liable to stink it up worse than the Rolling Stones did at the 12/12/12 concert for Sandy relief.

They will either go into the post-season as the 3rd or 4th seed.  That means the maximum amount of home games they can play in the playoffs would be two.  They get a home game on either Jan. 5 or 6, then play on the road the following weekend if they win the opener in Baltimore.  Somehow, if the wild card teams win their games (which, if you check over the last five years, happens enough to never say never), the Ravens could wind up hosting the AFC title game.  Remember back in 2006 when the Colts beat the Ravens in Baltimore?  Guess who hosted the AFC championship game the following week when New England – the four seed – eliminated San Diego?  Right…the Colts.  Guess who went to the Super Bowl and won a couple of weeks after that?  Correct again, if you said “Colts”.

So — while the possibility still exists that your team could host the AFC title game, you go 100% in an effort to better your position on the chance you wind up getting the championship game in your building.

It’s that simple, really.

(Please see next page) 

Wow.

As Glenn Clark said on “The Nasty Purple Post-Game Show” following the Ravens 44-13 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, John Harbaugh and the Ravens staffers should just tell their players that every week in the first week of the season.

It’s the second straight year that the Ravens laid a whooping to an AFC North foe in their Week 1 opener, as the Ravens slaughtered the Pittsburgh Steelers 35-7 in front of their home crowd in 2011.

The Ravens wasted no time showing off their no-huddle, “sugar” offense, as quarterback Joe Flacco quickly found WR Torrey Smith on the first play of the game for a 52-yard gain to grab an early 3-0 lead, and never looked back.

The Ravens out-gained the Bengals 430-322 in total yards, and forced three Cincinnati turnovers as the visitors fell behind 24-13 in the third quarter and were forced to play catch-up.

Which they never did.

That’s when the Ravens pounced on Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, as Ravens safety Ed Reed did what he does best against the Cincinnati-grabbing his tenth career interception against the visiting team and helped make a comeback all but inevitable.

The Ravens move into sole place in the AFC North with a 1-0 record and travel to Philadelphia next week to take on the Eagles.

But how did the Ravens do Monday night? I rate how they did against the Bengals…

Quarterback: 5/5

Joe Flacco was without a doubt the player of the game for the Baltimore Ravens, as anointed by Glenn post-game on “The Nasty Purple Post Game Show”.

Flacco finished 21-of-29 for 299 yards and two touchdowns. He had perfect touch on his deep call, connecting on long throws to Smith and wide receiver Anquan Boldin for a 34-yard strike.

Often times, Bengals corners Leon Hall and Nate Clements-who have had success against Flacco in his young NFL career-had good coverage on the receiver, but the Ravens fifth-year QB couldn’t have put the ball in a better spot for his receiver to make the play, and not the DB.

He did have several passes that could have been intercepted by the Bengals, but they fell incomplete and were insignificant in the outcome of the game.

Also give credit to Flacco for trusting his offensive line, which included rookie OL Kelechi Osemele and Ramon Harewood making their first NFL starts, and tackle Michael Oher playing out of position, to keep him upright in the face of a sometimes threatening Bengals pass rush.

Running Back 5/5

A casual observer may look at Ravens RB Ray Rice’s yardage in the game and say, “The Bengals stopped Ray Rice.”

That was certainly not the case, as Rice finished with 68 yards rushing on just 10 carries.

Simply put-Joe Flacco and the Ravens receiving corps were the stars of the show.

The Ravens had the opportunity to showcase their no-huddle offense and its best, and continue to pass in it with success.

And if it ain’t broke…don’t fix it.

Rice had two touchdowns in short yardage near the goal line, and for a guy who has had those opportunities taken away from him over the last couple seasons, it’s good to see-as long as he has Vonta Leach in front of him.

Rice also added 25 yards through the air, including a big catch on a 4th-and-1 saving Joe Flacco from a drive-ending incompletion.

He capped that drive with his 30th overall touchdown, and Baltimore took a 10-0 lead with 6:08 left in the first and never looked back.

Receivers: 4/5

Hard to not give this unit a perfect score given what Joe Flacco did with the football.

But receiver Torrey Smith was almost a non-factor after his first quarter connection with the Ravens quarterback.

Tight end Ed Dickson was almost irrelevant in his first regular season action since spraining his shoulder in preseason, but had good coverage on him all game.

Anquan Boldin may have been the benefactor of a good call from the NFL’s replacement refs, as his 34-yard touchdown pass that put the Ravens up 17-3 with 12:34 remaining in the 2nd quarter appeared to have touched the ground.

But replays-which are shown to officials on all scoring plays now in 2012-showed no conclusive evidence to overturn the call, so the touchdown stood for the Ravens.

Dennis Pitta had a career-high 73 yards and a touchdown-in his first game since breaking his hand in training camp. Imagine what he can do with Flacco once that injury is completely behind him…

Offensive Line: 4/5

This unit played well considering three-fifths of the unit was playing out of position. Michael Oher, the team’s right tackle from last season, was forced to return to left tackle given the conditioning concerns of Bryant McKinnie moving forward.

Oher allowed the Ravens to keep up the pace with their no-huddle offense, and on several plays made blocks way down the field, including a 3rd quarter outside screen to Ray Rice.

Also for Oher, there were no outlying concerns about Oher with false starts, holding calls, or just struggling with his man.

The Ravens also had Ramon Harewood starting at left guard in his first ever NFL start-a position he had never played until this preseason, and rookie second-round pick Kelechi Osemele started at right tackle.

Geno Atkins recorded two sacks for the Bengals, while Thomas Howard had the Bengals other quarterback grab. Both came early on in the game, and for a unit trying to be cohesive with each other, the unit did its part protecting Flacco.

Defensive Line: 2.5/5

This unit didn’t show up until the game was far out of reach for the Bengals, and they knew they could rush Bengals QB Andy Dalton.

It wasn’t until then that they started to rattle Dalton and force him to make mistakes.

The Bengals were able to churn out three long scoring drives of 76, 75, and 79 yards.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.

Both nose tackles Ma’ake Kemoeatu and Terrence Cody were blown off the ball to make plays, but Haloti Ngata‘s four tackles, pass deflections and two sacks bailed this unit out.

Linebackers: 3.5/5

Ray Lewis had 14 tackles Monday night.

Remember-he’s 37 years old. Maybe losing that weight and dropping to 235 pounds was a good idea for Lewis, who was able to keep up with the Bengals’ speedy receivers over the middle and was able to build up some speed to sack and force a fumble on Andy Dalton.

Linebacker Courtney Upshaw-in his regular season debut-shared a sack late in the game and also drew pressure on Dalton, forcing him to sail a ball high that safety Ed Reed came down with and returned for a touchdown that was the straw that broke the camel’s back for the Bengals.

Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe did not start, but saw more action against the Bengals receivers due to his speed. Jameel McClain was brought in on short yardage situations.

Secondary: 4/5

Not one of the Ravens defensive backs have to hang their head in shame after holding Dalton to 221 yards.

Lardarius Webb and Cary Williams didn’t allow WR A.J. Green to shift momentum back to the Bengals, and safety Bernard Pollard did an exceptional job patrolling the middle and containing TE Jermaine Gresham.

And Ed Reed continued to be himself against the Bengals, as he earned his seventh pick-six of his NFL career, and passed fellow Raven alum Rod Woodson for career interception return yardage.

Special Teams: 5/5

Rookie kicker Justin Tucker went 3-for-3 in his first taste of real NFL action. All you can ask for…

Sam Koch punted one of his two punts inside the 20 yard line.

Be sure to follow WNST on Twitter for your Ravens news! And give me a follow at @RyanChell87! WNST-We Never Stop Talking Baltimore Sports!

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis strolled into his post-game media press conference at M&T Bank Stadium on Monday night and didn’t look all that concerned about the battering his defense took in a 44-13 drubbing at the hands of the Ravens.

I must have watched a different game than he did from the sidelines.

“We weren’t bothered by the (Ravens) no-huddle, we just didn’t make any plays,” he claimed.

I guess that’s one way of trying to justify a game with no turnovers created, which the Bengals defense didn’t do on Monday night.

From my vantage point, I saw a Bengals defense unprepared for the next play in front of them.  Time and time again, the Bengals failed to put any pressure on Joe Flacco and the 5th year quarterback picked them apart with ease, going early and often to a host of pass catchers, including Jacoby Jones and Anquan Boldin, who caught a 2nd quarter TD pass.

It all started off magically for the Ravens.  The season’s first offensive play for Baltimore was a 52-yard completion from Joe Flacco to Torrey Smith, a sign of things to come for the rest of the night.  The victim was Leon Hall, who took his fair share of humiliation on Monday along with the rest of the Cincinnati secondary.  Flacco looked polished, assertive and hungry, picking apart the Bengals with throws both across the middle and deep down the field.  It was, Lewis hopes, perhaps a case of opening night nerves for the visitors, but the Ravens offense moved the ball at will throughout most of the evening.

Interestingly enough, the Cincy offense rattled off three consecutive long drives in the second and third quarters, going for 76, 79 and 81 yards en route to collecting their 13 points.  It’s rare that a Ravens defense allows three drives of that nature, but Baltimore wasn’t exactly the ’85 Bears on Monday night, as they put little outside pressure on Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and didn’t stop the run with the kind of regularity we might have expected.

(Please see next page)

Glenn Clark’s List

1. Ray Rice having success and a role in this no/sugar-huddle offense.

2. Rattle Andy Dalton.

3. This has to be a coming out game for Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta in this offense.

Ryan’s List

1. Force Andy Dalton into mistakes-like they did last year in their two wins

2. Bobbie Williams and Marshal Yanda have to stop Geno Atkins and Domata Peko from making plays in the backfield

3. Cary Williams has to lock down his assignment on the other side of Lardarius Webb-AJ Green

Be sure to tune into 1570 AM WNST following the conclusion of Ravens-Bengals for “The Nasty Purple Post-Game Show” to see if these things came true! WNST-We Never Stop Talking Baltimore Sports!

The Ravens have made it a habit over the years to grab veteran offensive lineman late in free agency or training camp to not only bring experience, but to also have that key backup in case an injury should occur to solidify that same offensive line.

Last year, it was Andre Gurode, who started several games for the injured Ben Grubbs. In 2008, it was Willie Anderson who saw action at right tackle.

This season, with the team reeling from the loss of Grubbs at the left guard position to free agency-as well as Gurode’s dismissal, the Ravens felt like they needed to keep up with that tradition.

And they did just that at the beginning of June, signing former Bengals and Eagles guard Bobbie Williams to a two-year contract.

Williams is adjusting to the atmosphere in Owings Mills, but he’s confident that he’ll fit right in with training camp the first opportunity to do so.

“I’m just taking it all in,” Williams said after practice Saturday. “I’ve been rolling for a week. I came in when the young guys came in, and it was good that I did that so I could get that advantage and get things going. We’re just hitting all cylinders now.”

Williams had spent the last eight seasons with the Bengals, and the 35-year old has started 130 games in his 12-year NFL career.

The Ravens certainly felt like they made the right decision by bringing in a stable and dependable Williams in with the early shuffling of their offensive line in camp.

When he was signed on June 8th, Williams was at first expected to battle for the left guard position with Ravens 2nd round pick Kelechi Osemele and second-year man Jah Reid.

However, both started off training camp with back and calf injuries respectively, and Williams was told to line up and clear the way for newly-paid running back Ray Rice.

Coach Harbaugh earlier in the week said that Williams has already made them forget about Ben Grubbs, and Harbaugh attributed that to his tremendous work ethic.

Those were strong words according to Williams.

“I’m just appreciative that they respect me on that level. I don’t plan on letting anyone down, including myself, and the good Lord.”

Williams said that when he came in, he was told that a spot wasn’t going to be given to him. And despite it looking that way, he still wants to prove himself to Coach John Harbaugh and the coaching staff.

“I came in with the attitude to work-period. And it ain’t going to leave. I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but it ain’t going to leave till February…let’s just put it that way.”

Williams remembers Coach Harbaugh from Harbaugh’s time as a special teams coach with the Eagles-who drafted Williams in the 2nd round of 2000 NFL Draft-and said that he has always been “a player’s coach.”

And the way Williams talks about offensive line Coach Andy Moeller-you would think they have been around each other for a lifetime-not two months.

“I’m used to the coaching staff and the guys around me. It’s a great group and I’m not just saying that.” And Coach Moeller man-I think the world of him. He’s a real teacher of the game. I truly respect him and his knowledge of the game. And that’s very key.”

He may have that familiarity with his coaches, but many are certain that the Ravens brought Williams in given his time with their AFC North rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals.

That kind of insight into an opposing locker room’s scheme could do wonders for a defensive coordinator, and the fact that he knows the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers blitz packages from seeing them 4 times a year the past eight seasons, that can only be added bonus.

“That might have played a little part of it knowing the division,” Williams laughed.”

But Williams said it could also be the exact opposite. The Ravens knew who he was from having to get past him to sack Carson Palmer or Andy Dalton for nearly a decade, and they wanted that kind of “lunch pail” attitude on their line.

To “Play like a Raven”, as the theme points out.

“I also know what kind of team this is, Williams said. “I know that the Baltimore Ravens are a tough, blue collar, hard-working team and they felt I could contribute to that and that I have some of those same qualities. They said, ‘Hey, we know this guy can play here’.”

And with a newly-paid running back in Ray Rice in the backfield and with an offense that lives and dies by his yardage, Williams says he’s the perfect guy to clear those holes for Rice.

“It’s what I’ve always been known to do. I’ve always been that hard-nosed, dependable guy that will get down and dirty and likes contact. I like to be physical. I like to get my hands on people.”

He said all it takes for him to get to that level is getting comfortable with the guys lining up next to him at left tackle and center.

“I’ve got to get familiar with my center. And then my left tackle. I’ve been leaning heavily on Matt Birk and Michael Oher. I sit next to Marshal Yanda in meetings and I’ve asked him some things.”

But obviously, with left tackle Bryant McKinnie not in camp so far-but yet announcing he would report Monday for his first practice-he may have to start all over again with that level of comfort with those playing next to him.

But Williams says that’s no problem at all. McKinnie’s addition to this offensive line finally-much like his own signing by the Ravens-only improves their chances of success.

“Whatever we have, we’re working with that and we’re doing a pretty good job. If another piece is added like I was added, it makes us even better.”

And even if things remain as they are, Williams is still confident that this team can do some special things this season. It’s one of the reasons he signed with the Ravens in the first place.

“That’s just the nature of the game. You learn the ropes and you learn to make do with what you had. You learn to make that work. And you go out there and solidify that.”

And the chance to win a ring? Any way I can help with that, I’m there.”

Thanks to Bobbie Williams for chatting with me after practice today! WNST-We Never Stop Talking Baltimore Sports!

#1 – What’s going to happen with Ray Rice?

 Not only has Ray Rice been one of the best pound-for-pound bargains in all of football during his time as a Raven, but unlike many other running backs in similar situations last season Rice played things quiet and trusted that the team would take care of him. Whether or not they do remains to be seen, and whether or not they should is debatable. Running backs come and go quickly in the NFL, but by most accounts Rice has been “special” and is perhaps worth the risk. Either way expect him to play in 2012, but history hasn’t been kind to players who hold out of camp. A bad season for Rice under the franchise tag could be disastrous for him and for the Ravens.

#2 – Who’s playing on the offensive line?

This question is actually a myriad of different questions. Who fills Ben Grubbs spot at LG? How much does Matt Birk have left in the tank? Can we pencil in Bryant McKinnie at LT? Are Michael Oher and Marshal Yanda still the right side? And where do Kelechi Osemele, Jah Reid, Gino Gradkowski and Ramon Harewood fit into the picture? The answers to all of these questions could represent the beginning or the end of any offensive hopes the Ravens will have in 2012?

#3 – Do they have enough at wide receiver?

Torrey Smith was a pleasant surprise last season, but whether he can refine his route running and improve his hands still remain to be seen. He’s now a proven field stretcher but will need to add to his game in order to be a bona fide playmaker. Anquan Boldin was worse than expected last season, but was also injured, He’ll need to be more like the Anquan Boldin of old to lead these Ravens forward on the offensive side of the ball. And beyond those two the questions are even bigger. Is Jacoby Jones a wide out or a just a special teamer? Will Tandon Doss be ready to play in 2012? Who is Tommy Streeter and if he’s any good, how did the Ravens get him so late? Before we start comparing Joe Flacco to the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, let’s make sure he has some weapons that he can rely on.

#4 – Are the tight ends good enough?

Ed Dickson is big and athletic enough but has struggled with his hands. Dennis Pitta has very good hands but may not be big or athletic enough to impose his will on defenders, as modern tight ends are prone to do. Until one or the other shows marked improvement the Ravens will hesitate to use the middle of the field in the passing game, where coincidentally the best offenses all seem to have fantastic weapons. And who is Lamont Bryant?

Lingering legends aside, Ray Rice might be the most popular and productive Raven today. One thing’s for sure…at $550K or so in the final season of his contract, Ray Rice is easily the Ravens best pound-for-pound bargain, and arguably the league’s best. One other thing that seems assured is that Rice is going to get paid. When, how much and where that happens however may not be as much of a foregone conclusion as it would seem.

This has been “the year of…” lots of things in the NFL, the year of the 5K quarterbacks, the year of the rookies, the year of the power forwards at tight end and the year of the disgruntled running back.

As running backs league wide from Chris Johnson to Frank Gore, from Matt Forte to Peyton Hillis have barked and in some cases dogged it (allegedly…and no pun intended) over their “contract to performance ratios”, Rice with arguably the strongest case of all has remained silent. Silent about the contract that is, on the field he has been anything but silent or dogged.

It’s been a running topic of conversation all season on the MobTown Sports Beat and everyone seems assured that Rice will be taken care of by the Ravens and some have speculated that there’s no reason Rice shouldn’t feel confident that the team will take care of him.

It’s all but 100% (in my mind at least) that Rice will be back next season, but under what circumstances and for how long are still debatable.

If you subscribe to the school of WWBBD (What would Bill Bellichick do?) the answer is to franchise Rice. Given Adrian Peterson’s new contract, the franchise tag will be a big number, but only for one season. Whether Rice would maintain his decorum for another season under similar (albeit more lucrative) circumstances to this one would remain to be seen as well.

In addition to Peterson’s contract, his injury will also likely factor heavily into the Ravens impending decision of whether to franchise Rice or to pay him long term money. Peterson’s injury is a not so subtle reminder of just how quickly a running back in particular can see his season (or even his career) ended. Having all of your eggs in that proverbial basket is a high-risk high reward proposition (as we learned in 2001 with Jamal Lewis’ injury).

The value of NFL running backs is on the decline, but the pay scale on the top end of the position is still rising. There are lots of Pro Bowl caliber and highly compensated running backs in the NFL watching the playoffs from home this season, and most of the league’s most productive offenses have plug and play backfields and use the running game as an afterthought for little more than window dressing it would seem at times.

Only one running back went in the first round of the last NFL draft and while still promising, Mark Ingram has done little to make teams sorry for passing on him. DeMarco Murray, taken on the second day of the draft was the league’s best rookie at the position.

One year prior, Ryan Matthews, CJ Spiller and Jahvid Best all went in the first round and all were summarily outperformed by undrafted rookies LaGarrette Blount and Chris Ivory. An undrafted practice squad player from one season earlier led the league in rushing last season and the Packers marched through the Super Bowl after losing their bell-cow in Ryan Grant and replacing him with little known and lightly regarded James Starks.