Week 4 is the first week that byes take place in the NFL, so this is a great time to take short stock of each of the clubs through three weeks. And by short, I mean one line on each team — some stats, some observations and some conjecture.

First up, the AFC teams by division. Records are through Week 3:

AFC East

New York Jets (2-1): Despite crippled Revis Island on defense, brash Jets are only team in AFC East with perfect division record (2-0).

New England Patriots (2-1): QB Tom Brady (8 TD, 109.1 passer rating) is back to form as Patriots have AFC’s highest point total (90) and highest TD total (12) so far.

Miami Dolphins (2-1): Even with deep threat WR Brandon Marshall and RB Ronnie Brown, Dolphins have same amount of TDs (5) as Buffalo, Cincinnati and Baltimore.

Buffalo Bills (0-3): Another lost year for Bills, which have scored fourth-least points (47) in AFC and have given up most points (87) on defense in the conference.

AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0): The question for head coach Mike Tomlin is if the Steelers are 4-0 after a win over Baltimore in Week 4, why change QBs to Ben Roethlisberger?

Cincinnati Bengals (2-1): Bengals, despite record, have struggled on offense as QB Carson Palmer (12th rated AFC passer at 71.3) hasn’t found rhythm with T.O.cho Show.

Baltimore Ravens (2-1): Defense, led by MLB Ray Lewis, continues to carry a team expected to score much more in 2010 (44 points; 2nd-lowest in AFC), despite breakout game by WR Anquan Boldin (3 TDs) last week.

Cleveland Browns (0-3): Browns are led by Peyton … not Manning, but RB Hillis (220 yards, 3 TDs) as Browns gave popular AFC Super Bowl pick Ravens much trouble in Week 3.

AFC South

Houston Texans (2-1): Texans got over the hump of beating the Colts, but Houston is not the best team in state of Texas after bad loss to Cowboys.

Tennessee Titans (2-1): Titans defense has allowed fourth-fewest points in the AFC (42), and the Tennessee offense has RB Chris Johnson (4 TDs), but continuing issues at quarterback.

Indianapolis Colts (2-1): Despite loss to Houston, Colts still have potent passing attack with QB Peyton Manning and are arguably still best club in the AFC.

Jacksonville Jagaurs (1-2): Jaguars have worst scoring differential in AFC (-43), and Jack Del Rio could be the AFC’s first fired coach.

AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs (3-0): Most surprising number for unbeaten Chiefs is that defense has allowed least points in the AFC (38), and in weak AFC West, KC might have enough to win the division.

San Diego Chargers (1-2): Special teams burned for two scores at Seattle, and Chargers QB Philip Rivers (AFC-high 4 INTs) is missing a suddenly resurgent RB LaDainian Tomlinson, now with the Jets.

Denver Broncos (1-2): Broncos getting decent offensive production from QB Kyle Orton, but overall have a minus point differential (-4; 61 PF, 65 PA).

Oakland Raiders (1-2): High-priced K Sebastian Janikowski could have made Raiders a 2-1 team with made kicks at Arizona, but Raiders need more than 3s (4 TDs, tied for lowest in AFC with JAX) to be competitive in up-for-grabs division.

Now for the NFC:

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles (2-1): The Eagles have gone from a transitional season with QB Kevin Kolb to division title hopes with QB Michael Vick, who might be a legit NFL MVP candidate down the road.

Washington Redskins (1-2): Opening victory over Dallas doesn’t look as good after defense was shredded in last two weeks and Cowboys’ struggles.

New York Giants (1-2): A minus-30 scoring differential (55 PF, 85 PA) is third-worst in NFC, and head coach Tom Coughlin is starting to feel the heat.

Dallas Cowboys (1-2): Cowboys avoided 0-3 start in Week 3 with big win over Houston, and Dallas has the personnel to rebound in a wide-open NFC East race.

NFC North

Chicago Bears (3-0): Most unlikely last remaining 3-0 team in NFC gives head coach Lovie Smith some breathing room as O-line tries to keep QB Jay Cutler upright in Mike Martz offensive system.

Green Bay Packers (2-1): Despite mental miscues in Week 3 loss at Chicago, popular Super Bowl XLV NFC pick has plenty of offensive weapons for QB Aaron Rodgers, but need run game to be re-established after Ryan Grant injury.

Minnesota Vikings (1-2): QB Brett Favre looks very old right now, and Vikings best chance to win is to get away from pass-first mindset to get the ball into Adrian Peterson’s hopefully sure hands more often.

Detroit Lions (0-3): Injury to QB Matthew Stafford put dent into head coach Jim Schwartz’s immediate rebuilding plans, and Lions don’t get a break in Week 4 against Packers.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons (2-1): Falcons posted most-impressive win of Week 3 as they marched out of New Orleans with a OT win, and Atlanta has NFC best-tying +31 point differential.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1): AFter 2-0 start, Bucs ran into Steelers’ buzzsaw in Week 3, and Tampa Bay is staring at possible 2-3 record with games vs. Cincinnati and New Orleans after bye week.

New Orleans Saints (2-1): Saints run defense was exposed in loss to Falcons, and defending Super Bowl champs need fast starts in order to avoid same fate against strong run teams going forward.

Carolina Panthers (0-3): Winless Panthers have least TDs in NFC (3), and head coach John Fox may be running out of rope with owner Jerry Richardson.

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks (2-1): Head coach Pete Carroll sidestepped Southern California mess and he has put Seattle in early position to make headway in weak NFC West.

Arizona Cardinals (2-1): Despite record, Cards have minus-29 point differential (48 PF, 77 PA) and would be 1-2 if Oakland made a field goal or two in Week 3.

St. Louis Rams (1-2): Rookie QB Sam Bradford will have to grow up in a hurry, but the shame is that the Rams can’t play Washington every week.

San Francisco 49ers (0-3): Head coach Mike Singletary used the next-to-last bullet in his gun after firing offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye, and the last one might be used by 49ers ownership at end of the season if disappointments continue.

For up-to-date Tweets on the NFL and the Ravens, please follow me on Twitter (@BlogAndTackle). For more national NFL stories, please visit my personal site at BlogAndTackle.net.

Well, it’s the morning after the first inexcusable loss of the Ravens season and as I peered out over the rooftops to the east, early today, I saw the sun start starting to rise.

Yep, my old friend, Harry Lentz, has been proven right, again.

Regardless of how bad any Baltimore football fan feels, we can all count on the sobering reality of another Monday greeting us with the accustomed reminder that it’s time to go back to work.

Hmmm …. do you think that might be the resounding message at 1 Winning Drive, as well? No doubt, you can count on this reality, as strongly as Harry Lentz’s daily prediction on sunrises.

With yesterday’s ugly loss squarely in the rear view, it’s time for all of us who watch the games to complain about that stinker on the Ohio River. But, the Ravens braintrust is already working on improving their quarterback’s vulnerabilities, as well as preparing for the Cleveland Browns.

Speaking of work, Joe Flacco is going to draw as much attention as any one person in this entire world throughout Baltimore’s respective employment communities today. That’s right, MONDAY MORNINGS breed QUARTERBACKS and every slapdick with an opinion on football is going to breakdown Joe’s problems.

“He holds the ball too long”

“He doesn’t look comfortable”

“He stares at his receivers”

“He looks like Kyle Boller.”

Indeed, each of these phases and hundreds of others will be uttered as Ravens fans try to comprehend losing for the first time in 247 days.

That’s right, the last time the Ravens walked off a field as losers of a game that mattered was on January 16th, in Indianapolis. You remember that night, right?
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When Flacco digested last season’s playoff loss to the Colts, his passing statistics (20 for 35, 0 TD, 2 INT) must have weighed on his mind. Ironically, yesterday was statistically in the neighborhood (17 for 39, 1 TD, 4 INT) of that Colts loss.

Is there a reason for the similar results? Well, the true diagnostic answer to such a question really lays at the feet of Cam Cameron and his staff. However, a pattern of certain likened end-results is occuring.

Joe Flacco absolutely, positively struggles against the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals.

There, I said it.

And, there must be an articulable reason, right?

Blame it on the COVER 2 DEFENSE. The Colts and Bengals comprise their own respective versions of tormenting Joe Flacco. But, these teams absolutely obstruct the middle of the field and routinely drop a couple defenders deep on the Ravens.

And, so long as they can apply significant pressure by routinely rushing their front four, such successes will continue.

In his brief NFL career, Joe Flacco has faced the Colts and Bengals EIGHT times. The Ravens have won TWO of those games. And, both wins came against an injury-riddled Bengals team that went 4-11, in 2008.

In these same 8 games, Flacco has thrown 4 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, while completing 162 of 268 passes.

Have things worsened?

It certainly looks like it. Perhaps, the Colts and Bengals have found a way to further complicate this book they’ve developed on Flacco and the Ravens. That’s what they’re expected to do.

In his last 16 quarters against the Colts and Bengals, Joe Flacco has thrown just ONE touchdown, while slinging NINE interceptions. He can’t beat Peyton Manning and Carson Palmer with such performances.

The Colts and Bengals have found Flacco’s glaring weakness …..
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He has problems making a play and fitting the ball in a very tiny window. Thus, the safeties are splitting the field, while linebackers fall back and the cornerbacks stay underneath and do everything possible to hinder any routes to the middle.

The Colts and Bengals are not employing any ORGANIZED CHAOS schemes. They’re simply doing what works …..

Is yesterday’s loss lying squarely on the doorstep of Joe Flacco? Hell, no …..

There is plenty of blame to go around, especially in regard to the offensive line, as well as some harrowing special teams breakdowns. And, yes, officiating blunders breathed life into a rather lackluster Bengals offense.

But, Flacco will take the heat today. It comes with the territory and he knows it. The Monday Morning Quarterbacks will make their voices heard late into the afternoon.

That said, it’s just the second week of the NFL season. A week from today, we’ll sit around and celebrate a beatdown of the Cleveland Browns in the home opener and everything will be fine, again.

It’s a “week to week” process, I suppose. This Ravens team can improve in many facets, and yesterday serves as proof of it.

But, be certain of one thing …..

Joe Flacco is still the key component to the future of the Baltimore Ravens. End of discussion …..

Well, we’ve been awaiting the arrival of this day for nearly five months. Through the celebration of Memorial Day, July 4th, family vacations and a return to another school year, this ONE DAY has occupied a place in the forefront of our minds. As I look back to mid-April, we’ve eagerly yearned for two things to happen ….

The Orioles SECOND win of the season

The release of the 2010 NFL schedules

And, when the Ravens slate of games was announced, we wasted no time in circling the first game of the season. Admittedly, it hasn’t always been so significant to get antsy about the season’s first opponent, right? More often than not, it’s just one of 16 contests.

Do you remember these season openers?

2001 – a lackluster win against the Bears to commemorate the Super Bowl championship

2005 – an absolute beatdown by the Colts; a game featuring embarrassing hometown cheers when Kyle Boller was injured

2007 – losing a Monday night opener to the Bengals, while being hyped as a pre-season Super Bowl favorite

2008 – needing late defensive help and luck to beat a less than powerful Chiefs team

Opening games are much easier to recall than most mid-season matchups, right? All teams are undefeated as they head into week #1 on the NFL slate. All teams have hope and optimism. But, 16 of those same teams will find themselves winless as week #2 approaches.

Is tonight’s matchup against the Jets especially significant as it regards the opening of another season? My mind says NO …. each game is important, with only divisional and December/January contests taking on additional significance. Yet, my heart says “HELL YES” it’s more important.

Why? Well, that’s easy …..
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Actually, there are a couple distinct reasons …..

The Baltimore Ravens, as an organization, are not known for rising to the occasion and beating highly touted opponents. And, Monday night matchups on the football world’s big stage haven’t yielded many wins, either.

As we know, the Jets advanced to the AFC Championship game, last year. The Ravens are 6-16 in matchups against teams that appeared in the AFC Championship game, the prior season. They’re not known for beating highly touted opponents.

As for Monday contests, the Ravens are 6-8, as the team enters its 15th year in existence. Not a stellar record, huh?

So, I think tonight’s game against the Jets is quite important. While the game does not represent more than a common victory over the Browns or Bucs in the win column, it can serve as an excellent springboard to start the season. The Ravens have an opportunity to beat a quality touted opponent …. and on the big stage.

If they’re gonna win, I see 3 distinct keys to making it happen …..

1) Force Mark Sanchez To Beat This Defense

I don’t think he can do it. In a pressured situation, I don’t think Sanchez can deliver a victory with his arm. His rookie season proved to be full of both mental and executional errors. And, if his portion on HBO’s Hard Knocks was an indicator for his ability to concentrate and comprehend, I’d suggest the Jets are in trouble.

Sanchez looks beyond confused or lost. In fact, he looks disinterested and easily distracted. While he boasts and walks around Manhattan with a 5th Avenue sense of style, he doesn’t carry the same confidence onto the football field. The guy cannot win a BIG GAME …..
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Force him to try. I will bet the house he’ll fail.

If a game is on the line, I don’t want to face Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. Heck, I don’t want to face Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees or Philip Rivers, either. But, I’ll take my chances facing Mark Sanchez. I would bet against him every time.
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2) Come Out FIRING !!!!

The entire football world knows and expects the product known as RAVENS FOOTBALL. It’s quite predictable; relentlessly pursue on defense and establish a methodical, conservative running game. The Ravens’ storied offensive approach is contrary to the Mannings, Brees’ and Bradys of the world. Heck, it’s contrary to Roethlisberger – if he really needs to make a play.

I want to see the Ravens testing the Jets on the first possession. I’m not saying abandon the run, I’m just hoping the emphasis of the gameplan doesn’t rest on Ray Rice’s shoulders. Test the UNTESTED Jets secondary …..

Antonio Cromartie was kicked out of San Diego – good cornerbacks aren’t shown the door so easily.

Kyle Wilson has NEVER seen a play in the NFL’s regular season.

Darrelle Revis hasn’t played a minute of “fullspeed” football in nearly 8 months.

Jim Leonhard is a prototypical part-time player.

TEST THEM.

Will Joe Flacco throw a couple picks if he’s so aggressive? Probably. That just puts the ball back in the hands of this guy …..
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I will take my chances against Mark Sanchez every single time. He’s NEVER really won an NFL game. I’ve said this a hundred times over the last few months …. “the Jets advanced to the AFC Championship game in spite of Sanchez, rather than because of him.”

He is not beating the Ravens defense.
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3) Ask Yourself, “What Would Bill Belichick Do?”

After the dust and hype from tonight’s contest settles, one team will be undefeated and the other will be winless. That’s the promise of the NFL’s first week. When tomorrow morning arrives, we’ll have a distinct winner and loser.

In fact, when tomorrow morning arrives, John Harbaugh and his staff will have their minds squarely on the Cincinnati Bengals. And, Rex Ryan’s team will be focusing on the New England Patriots. Then again, Rex might be finishing up a fresh helping of humble pie, too.

Make no mistake about it, as I sit here writing this blog, Bill Belichick is probably holed up in some dark room, obsessing over Hard Knocks footage, as well as last year’s AFC Championship game tape. He’ll be watching and rewinding tonight’s game, too.

Is that Belichick’s strategy? No, it’s his preparation. His strategy to pick apart an opponent’s defensive vulnerabilities and eventually clamp down on them by throwing for touchdown after touchdown after touchdown.

While they don’t always achieve such a dominance, the Belichick & Brady combination seek to beat an opponent to a point of certain victory. They’ll stick their foot on the throat of competition and never lift off, until the final whistle blows.

That’s what they did to the Bengals, yesterday. And, it’s exactly what they’ll plan to do against the Jets, next week.

I’m hoping John Harbaugh, Joe Flacco, Cam Cameron, Ray Lewis, Greg Mattison and every other member of the Ravens has the same relentless desire to crush the opponent in tonight’s game. Come out fast and don’t let off …..

What would Bill Belichick do?

That’s right, he’ll command each and every assault in his arsenal. He’ll pour it on. He’ll test and likely victimize the overhyped Jets defensive secondary.

And, aside from anything else, he knows this kid will never bring his team from behind to beat the Patriots …..
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Hate him or not, do what Bill Belichick would do …..

Beat the Jets beyond submission. While Rex Ryan had a great hand in building the Ravens defense, he’s asserted himself as ENEMY #1 on the football field. Let him feel the pain of humiliation.

Rex’s ego is probably bigger than ever. He has guaranteed the Jets go to the Super Bowl.

Tonight, the Ravens can take a first step in ensuring Rex’s promise – albeit from the seats and watching the game as fans.

Over the past couple days, I’ve predicted the respective finishes in the AFC/NFC divisions. Today, it’s time to paint my picture of Super Bowl 45. Admittedly, it will be tough to pick against the Ravens making a trip to Dallas, in early February. After all, they’re a consensus favorite among MANY notable sports personalities.

What do predictions yield the Ravens? NOTHING …..

Predictions are quite simply as worthless as the time it takes to express them. But, it’s still fun to forecast the prospective future of the upcoming National Football League season.

As I review my AFC picks, I’m considering the division winners, which include the Dolphins, Ravens, Colts and Chargers. My wildcards are the Patriots and Texans. I foresee the Ravens and Dolphins meeting for the AFC crown and I’ll predict a big hometown win at M&T Bank Stadium on a chilly, overcast January day.

When I look back at my NFC selections, I can choose from the Cowboys, Packers, Saints and 49ers, as division champs. The wildcards are the Falcons and Vikings. While it will be an exciting season in the NFC, I’m picking the Saints to represent their conference, once again. I believe they’ll hand the 49ers a pretty sound beating on the same field where the 2010 season began, last night.

So, my prediction for Super Bowl 45 is …..
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And, my pick?

Ravens 27

Saints 20

Well, we’ve finally reached that point, right? The National Football League kicks off its season tomorrow night. So, the training camp perspectives can now be translated into your outlook for the AFC, NFC and ultimately, the Super Bowl winner.

It’s easy to sit back and forecast the Ravens to hoist the Lombardi Trophy into the Dallas night, on February 6th. That’s what our hearts say – regardless, of whatever cautionary measures our minds consider. You wanna pick the Ravens, because it feels good to do so …..

Of course, choosing Joe Flacco and company is a logical consideration, as well. This team identified vulnerabilities during the offseason, and they did their best to address current injury-related weaknesses over the past month. Overall, it appears to be a very stellar squad.

This Ravens team is much more lethal on the offensive side of the ball, specifically in the passing game. And, the defense appears to be primed for another strong campaign, even when considering the woes in the secondary. As for special teams play, management chose the leg that boots the ball deeper on kickoffs, and that makes me happy.

Am I picking the Ravens? You’re damned right I’m picking them. I’m rewarding my heart and my mind. And, like I said, it’s a logical proposition. As for my overall views, I’ll spend the next few days dishing on them. Today, I’m providing my picks for the AFC:

AFC EAST
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1) Miami Dolphins (11-5) – I’ve just got a feeling this team finally reaches its potential. Much of the hope will rest upon Ronnie Brown’s health and I’m suspecting he’ll finally stay on his feet for an entire season. Combined with Ricky Williams in the backfield and the addition of Brandon Marshall in the passing game, I think the Dolphins realize that next step.

If you recall, they were that one team NOBODY wanted to play for a substantial stretch of the 2009 season. That said, they started the season poorly and seemed to be climbing uphill through December. This year, it’s a different story. They’ll finish 11-5 and win the AFC East.

2) New England Patriots (10-6)

3) New York Jets (10-6)

4) Buffalo Bills (3-13)
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AFC NORTH
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1) Baltimore Ravens (12-4) – Yeah, I’m drinking the purple kool-aid and it’s for good reason; they’re a solid freakin’ team. When I attended the Ravens ’09 season ending press conference, during the first week of February, I distinctly recall Steve Bisciotti’s words. He said the organization was committed to building around Joe Flacco, and he obviously wasn’t kidding.

Here we stand a mere seven months later and Ozzie Newsome has added receivers Anquan Boldin, Donte’ Stallworth and TJ Houshmandzadeh, as well as rookie tight ends Ed Dickson and Vince Pitta as legitimate options for Flacco’s arm. The defense, while still primarily intact will continue to play at a level Ray Lewis demands of himself. They’ll be fine and this will be a very enjoyable season.

2) Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)

3) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8)

4) Cleveland Browns (5-11)
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AFC SOUTH
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1) Indianapolis Colts (11-5) – I would like nothing more than to predict doom and gloom for the Colts. But, they’ve still got a superior passing game with Peyton Manning continuing to make good receivers look great. This will be the season of a new favorite target for Manning, as Pierre Garcon will supplant Reggie Wayne as his favorite deep target.

I realize everyone is smitten with the Houston Texans passing game, as well. But, Matt Schaub and his stable of receiving targets will not be enough to overtake the Colts.

2) Houston Texans (10-6)

3) Tennessee Titans (10-6)

4) Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10)
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AFC WEST
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1) San Diego Chargers (11-5) – Not a hard decision, huh? The Chargers, minus Vince Jackson and LaDanian Tomlinson are fairly intact as the unit that dominated the AFC WEST, last season. I think rookie Ryan Matthews is an upgrade over LT and the recently acquired Patrick Crayton should provide some support to the receiving corps.

Philip Rivers is really coming into his own as an elite NFL quarterback and in a similar fashion to Peyton Manning, his arm and intellect will make his targets look better than they would in a lesser system.

2) Kansas City Chiefs (8-8)

3) Oakland Raiders (7-9)

4) Denver Broncos (6-10)

Well, this is how I see the AFC shaping up. Tomorrow, I’ll give my predictions for the NFC and on Friday, I’ll post my postseason scenarios for both conferences, as well as pick my Super Bowl winner.

10. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

Beltway Joe is my guy. We often talk about young QB’s gaining experience by repetitions in pressure packed games. I don’t believe any 25 or under QB in the league right now has had the kind of on the job training as Flacco. He has already won 3 road playoff games in two seasons under center, and has been at least among the final four in the AFC both times. His completion percentage, yards, and touchdowns all rose from his rookie to sophomore campaigns, while his INT’s remained the same despite significantly more attempts. He might have the biggest arm in the league- I dare you do find me someone who throws the out pattern better than him. With Boldin, Stallworth, and a pair of young pass catching TE’s in Pitta and Dickson, Flacco has the weapons to lead Baltimore even deeper in the postseason.

9. Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings

Why only 9th after the season he had last year and the weapons on the Minnesota offense? Health and desperation. Brett Favre is tough as nails, but at some point all of these surgeries and injuries are going to cost him valuable regular season starts, which could cost Minnesota a trip to January. Also, I think Favre’s urgency to win another title erodes his decision making abilities in big spots. Letting the game come to him was never a strong suit of his, but I’m less and less convinced he can win a title every day.

8. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

Say what you want about his style, backwards hat, and too cool for school smile…Tony Romo can play. The back to back wins over Philadelphia in Week 17 and Wild Card weekend took away the biggest bullet that anti-Romo guys had in their arsenal. “He chokes in the big spot” was erased by his play down the stretch in wins over New Orleans and Washington, along with his picking apart of the Philly defense. He has show over the years an uncanny ability to slide within the pocket, doesn’t need a “true” #1 WR to put up big numbers, and has matured in his decision making when the game is on the line. If Dallas is to play a home Super Bowl, it is because, not in spite, of Tony Romo.

7. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

It took a full season for Aaron and I to see eye to eye. I didn’t like the hype machine centered around him and the Packers big pre-season numbers, was embarrassed for him when he let Jared Allen abuse him on Monday Night Football, and was loving it when his INT to lose the game in Tampa put the Packers at 4-4. Things started to change after that. The yards, touchdowns, and wins started piling up week after week. His performance on Wild Card weekend in Arizona sealed it for me that this guy could play. Can Green Bay win a Super Bowl with that style playing in the cold, snow, and wind of Lambeau? I’ve always thought it was more conducive to dome and warm weather teams (St. Louis, New Orleans, Arizona), but Green Bay has a chance because Rodgers can go point for point with anyone if he gets time in the pocket.

6. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

I realize that the “numbers” are better on Phil’s resume than #5 or #4 on my list, but I’m beginning to wonder if all that regular season dominance will ever translate into a Super Bowl trip. There seems to be a new excuse every year in San Diego. Whether it be the incompetence of Norv Turner, injuries to Tomlinson and Gates, simply running into a better team like Pittsburgh or New England, or the hottest defense in NY…this team and QB can’t finish the job. I was convinced that Rivers would win the MVP last year and get San Diego to a Super Bowl, but the guy came up small in January. I know he is tough and plays through injures, but if he wants to be a Top 5 guy in the league and crack the Top 2 of the Class of ’04, he needs to play in the Big Game.

5. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Can’t stand the guy, but respect the player. If it wasn’t for one great drive vs. Arizona a few years ago he would be so many spots down this list. But that drive did happen and Ben does have two rings on his fingers. If the Steelers can get through his four game suspension at 2-2, plenty of fans will peg them as a sleeper in the AFC. More interesting to me than the team is how the city responds to him when he returns. Not many two time Super Bowl winning stars get booed in their home stadium, but Pittsburgh and Ben might be the exception to the rule. The relationship in Pittsburgh might be irreparable, but if I need to win a title, there aren’t many guys I’d rather have.

4. Eli Manning, New York Giants

Look at the talent levels, production, off the field issues, and past performances in the biggest games and tell me why you would put anyone else in this spot. Eli is no longer Peyton’s younger brother or the QB that got hot for a Super Bowl run. Lost in the Giants wretched finish to 2009 was Manning’s ascension to the top of the rung of NFL stars. Over 4,000 yards behind an aging offensive line, non-existent running game, and a slew of neophyte receivers was quite impressive. He had to come out of his play action comfort zone and operate out of the shotgun more than ever because of the opponent lighting the scoreboard up on his porous defense. Eli is now not just the leader of the Giants, he’s the best player on the field for them.

3. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

His Super Bowl victory launched him into the #1 or #2 spots for some fans in our poll, but it simply inducted him into the club on my list. He’s no longer a distant third after the untouchable 1-2 of Manning-Brady (or Brady-Manning for some). I now look at the Big Three on this list as 1-2-3. They are all elite, can all lead a team to a championship, and all give defensive coordinators nightmares. Brees ability to release the ball quickly and keep seemingly every single WR on his roster involved in the offense is superb. He revived a fan base, helped revive a city, and is carving out a plaque in Canton as each game passes.

2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Don’t sleep on Brady. 28 TDs and nearly 4,400 yards the first year back from major knee reconstruction surgery is incredible. The Patriots have become flawed in almost every area outside of Brady. The shine has come off the pretty car the Pats had become prior to their Super Bowl loss to the Giants. Last year’s playoff beat down in their building at the hands of Baltimore was a shock to the football community, but Brady and New England shouldn’t be counted out. If knee injuries truly take two years to come back to full strength, watch out for Brady in 2010. If I need to win a Super Bowl I still want a guy that has more than anyone else on this list.

1. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

The best I have ever seen. Over 4,000 yards in 10 of the last 11 seasons. Mark him down for 11-13 wins a season. I have never seen an athlete take over a game mentally they way Peyton does. He dissects defenses as if he is watching film of their previous games in his head as the play happens. I know his loss to Brees in the Super Bowl makes these Top 3 very close, but when I add in durability, making those around him better, smarts, will to win, work ethic, and consistency, there isn’t anyone better for my money. If I absolutely need to win, Peyton is my guy.

Agree with Flacco at 10? Who would you have put at #1? Leave a comment and let me know!

I wanna take this opportunity to express my humble gratitude to Brad Bergesen. Thanks to his efficient disposal of the Cleveland Indians, last night, I was able to switch the channel at 10pm.

That’s right, you can toss me in the same boat with MILLIONS of football fans, who settled on the edges of our seats as 9:59pm came and went. Of course, we were locked into HBO for the debut of this summer’s hottest reality show …..
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What more could a sofa-jock ask for on a Wednesday night?

A two hitter for the Orioles and their new Grand Poobah of the diamond, Buck Showalter …..

A countdown of less than 24 hours before seeing Anquan Boldin on the receiving end of a Joe Flacco laser …..

And, Rex Ryan being HIMSELF – in more possible ways than most of us imagined – in front of a nationwide crowd …..

I honestly don’t know where to start; I have so many things to say. But, lets just do the normal thing and start at the beginning of what’s bound to be the likely undoing of the 2010 version of the J-E-T-S …. JETS.

While I give my thoughts from the beginning, I’ll need to borrow some dialogue from the entire first episode of Hard Knocks to really provide an accurate perspective.

And, in doing so, I’ll suggest that I was a little surprised that Rexy kept the conversation so G-rated when he addressed the collective crowd awaiting the Jets’ arrival, at their Training Camp home, in Cortland, New York.

In fact, I can vividly envision him saying “What the FU#@ is going on everybody? …. Did anyone bring me a FU#@ing cheesesteak, umm I mean salad?

Should we expect anything different?
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Aside from the bird-flipping image of Rex Ryan at a mixed martial arts event, last year, I thought we would see a guy who has become a little more polished, in 2010. Evidently, not.

Yes, we witnessed the slimmer version of Rex Ryan. But, he was still the hammy, and at times, self indulgent guy we’ve come to adore. I don’t dislike him, regardless of where he is coaching. He had a significant hand in making the Baltimore Ravens a WINNER over the last decade.

But, I was a little surprised at the needless vulgarity during the show. Don’t misunderstand my message, I know the content is supposed to be reality-based and in that spirit, coaches use the f-bomb on the field.

I’m a guy. I was a cop. I hang around Nestor. I’m fully aware of the conspicuous presence of the word describing “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge” in our everyday conversations.

But, was it necessary to include that language in casual conversations from last night’s first episode? I don’t think so. When you hear it a couple times, while the team is practicing, it seems like a natural fit. Beyond those circumstances, such language just cheapens the appeal.

And, it forces a parent (or uncle) to send a 12 year old packing.

Hey, I didn’t know what Rex or one of his cronies might say next. Thus, the kid has to call it a night.

If you think I’m being a prude, fine. But, I’ll bet Roger Goodell will set aside a few moments to call Woody Johnson, this morning. Heck, that phone might’ve been ringing, last night.

Alas, the sophmoric language wasn’t the only perplexing observation from last night’s season debut. A few other perculiar incidents caused me to raise an eyebrow, while thinking “is this the best they can do?”

I honestly didn’t laugh at the incidental f-bombs. But, I absolutely got a good chuckle when the Jets rolled out Joe Namath, in a pair of striped bermuda’s pulled up to the bottom of his man boobs …..
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And, why did he bring Snooki from Jersey Shore?

Seriously, Joe Namath? I didn’t understand the objective in bringing in a guy who played the game in a different era. Is he really familiar with Brian Scottenheimer’s offense? I suppose I can see the symbolic tie to having Broadway Joe show up and pose for a few photos, while guaranteeing the Jets will win the Super Bowl …..

It worked 40 years ago, right?

But, today’s players don’t know about the NFL’s history. And, they certainly don’t care. Just look at the Ravens and Colts rivalry.

Throughout last night’s episode, one thing became very, very clear to me. Rex Ryan does not believe he can win WITHOUT Darelle Revis, who continues to be a no-show at camp. I don’t care what Rex says publicly, he’s obviously worried.

If we counted the half dozen words most often uttered, last night, the list would include …. the, a, I, and, if, Revis. And, probably in that order. Okay, if the list grew a little longer, we might be able to include FU#@, too.

After watching last night’s show, I’ll imagine Darrelle Revis and his agent have decided to dig their heels a little deeper into the figurative mud, this morning. He’s got ‘em …. and he knows it.

But, this is probably Rex’s BIGGEST FLAW (as you’ll see in a few moments) …..

He simply cannot hide from blunt honesty. He’s a horrible liar and that’s what makes him so appealing. He tells the truth in the most brutal way possible. Even when he tries to be a little sheepish, he still concedes to the temptation of telling it like it is.

Rex Ryan’s hopes are tied to his disgruntled cornerback – period.
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As a Ravens fan, I would love to see Darrelle Revis anywhere but the Meadowlands, on September 13th. But, that will never happen. Rex Ryan let that cat outta the bag, last night.

In consideration of everything I’ve mentioned already, my final and most poignant observation really didn’t dawn upon my noggin’ until after the premiere ended ….

Throughout Hard Knocks’ 50+ minutes of staged reality, we saw the most familiar trait of Rex Ryan several times. He loves the spotlight, and he equally loves to walk around like he’s got the biggest “WOODY” in the locker room.

That’s him.

He flashes his “WOODY”. He brags about his “WOODY”. And, he certainly makes sure everybody knows what he thinks about his own “WOODY.”

That said, his decision to bring in the Hard Knocks crew and embrace them with his unadulterated vulgarity and brutal honesty are evidence that he also thinks with his “WOODY” at some of the most crucial times.

This Hard Knocks & New York Jets marriage was a horribly stupid idea. Watch and see …..

About 15 minutes after last night’s debut ended, it dawned on me …..

Rex Ryan has most likley likely committed the CARDINAL SIN for leaders who are preparing their troops for battle …..

He is allowing the ENEMIES to get a good look at the infrastructure of his 2010 product. And, aside from all the bravado and swagger, his primary enemies are smarter than him – ON and OFF the football field …..
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Why would Rex ever give these guys an edge? Why would he ever take a chance? His ego and pride won’t allow him to do it any other way.

The New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins will finish ahead of the New York Jets, this season. They’re already hard at work in finding a way. And, as we all know, Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick always find a way.

Meanwhile, Rex Ryan is chasing Darrelle Revis around and trying to entertain the camera.

Some guys are just smarter than others. Some guys just think with their heads …..

Others think with their “WOODY” …..

With all the talk lately about the injuries and issues concerning the back end of the Ravens defense, Ravens corner back Fabian Washington said that things are all good.

Washington, entering his third season with the Ravens, is actively participating in camp and said that the team is doing its best in camp to learn how to best execute their offense and defense.

“The defense is playing good, and the offense is looking amazing at practice,” Washington told Thyrl Nelson after practice on Tuesday. “We’re just going to go out and control what we can control. We can’t control injuries at this point in the game. The next person just has to step up and do their best.”

Washington mentioned the injuries. But the way Washington talked about the issue; some would forget that Washington is one of those injury concerns, as he is one of two starting corners from last year coming off season-ending ACL tears.

Washington said the knee, which he tore in the 17-15 loss in Week 11 to the Colts, is holding up very well in camp.

“I’m holding up pretty good. I’m out here practicing once a day, going full speed in most of the drills. My knee is holding up in practice. I feel like all the hard work I did in the off-season is starting to pay off.”

Most ACL tears take more than a year to heal. But both he and Lardarius Webb are expected to be ready far ahead of schedule and ready to go in Week 1.

But with those injury concerns, including another ACL tear by starting corne rback Domonique Foxworth last week, the Ravens have stuck the infamous red jersey on Washington at times, just to make sure Washington is upright throughout the rest of camp going into the regular season.

“They tried to keep me safe,” Washington said. “We’ve had some misfortunes at the corner back position the last few years. We’re trying to stay safe and healthy as possible.”

If anything, the best way to get back into football shape-both physically and getting adapted to the speed of the game-has been being thrown out their against an up and coming Ravens offense on the fields at McDaniel.

Washington feels like with the added receivers GM Ozzie Newsome went out and got this year, like Anquan Boldin, the Ravens should be able to score some points this year.

“You’ll see that in the preseason, definitely come Week 1,” Washington said.  “We’ve got some exciting guys. Everybody knows what Anquan can do. He’s been doing that years and years now.”

Washington, even on one good knee, is still one of the fastest guys on the team. But one guy right now who he has lined up against-in receiver Donte Stallworth-has really tired Washington out at times.

“We’ve got guys like Donte who are straight burners. The guy can run…I’ve seen it. I feel like if anybody can push me deep and  get me stretching my hamstring, he can run. He’s been doing that on a daily basis.”

Washington said that if something should happen to him or one of the other corners, he does feel like the guys around and behind him should still play well and the Ravens will be fine because of the hard work he and his teammate have put in so far.

“I think all of us are going to have to step up, like myself and Chris Carr. Lardarius is working his butt off on the side tyring to get healthy and be ready for Week1. We’ve got guys like Prince Miller coming along. Travis Fisher has been playing some good football. We just need to gel, come together and play our best ball.”

When the Ravens reached out to ex-Cincinnati Bengals and 2005 Pro Bowl kicker Shayne Graham in the off-season, it may have meant the end of the line for 2009 kicker Billy Cundiff, who came on in the final two months of last year and really stabilized the kicking game after a slow start by Steve Hauschka last year.

But the Ravens were not ready to give up on Cundiff just yet, and had actually committed to their incumbent kicker before the arrival of Graham going into the 2010 season.

Cundiff was 12-of-17 from field goal range in his 1.5 months of service, and with a small kicking market, Cundiff signed his one-year restricted free agent tender to stay with the team.

Cundiff actually started off his Ravens career very well, kicking a season-high five field goals in the Ravens’ 17-15 loss to the Colts.

He did however miss a field goal in that game that turned out to be the deciding points in the game.

But quarterback Joe Flacco also threw a late interception that sealed the win for Indy.

He did however redeem himself a week later by kicking the game-winning field goal in overtime to beat the Steelers, 20-17 at M&T Bank Stadium.

At that particular time, the Ravens had seen at least some ounce of consistency with Cundiff, while they could not put any faith in second-year man Steve Hauschka, who was 9-of-13 in his field goal tries.

Ironically, Cundiff  only connected on 70% of his field goal attempts for the Ravens( Hauschka hit 69%), but added with his time earlier in the year with Cleveland as an injury replacement for Phil Dawson(6-for-6), that helped bring his numbers up closer to a respectable 80%.

The Ravens were ready to go into this year with Cundiff as their starting kicker back in the beginning of the off-season.

“He’s proved he can make field goals under pressure situations,” head coach John Harbaugh told the Baltimore Sun back in January.

However, in that same off-season, Graham was not re-signed by the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals after being given the franchise tag last year.

The Ravens saw Graham as an upgrade, and the two sides spent months working things out. Finally, the two sides agreed to a one year deal, and with incentives could make Graham one of the higher paid kickers in the league.

That contract would make it look as if it’s Graham’s job to lose, but Cundiff was still invited to training camp this year to see if he could still earn the job.

Cundiff was grateful to the Ravens for giving him a chance. He’s been in situations before where a team didn’t even give him that much of a chance.

“For me personally, 2007 was the last time I was in a training camp. Before that, we’re looking at 2004 was the last year I finished a training camp.”

“It gives me a chance to go from start to finish, get some rhythm, have a chance to compete with Shayne here and  prove what I’m worth,” Cundiff told WNST’s Thyrl Nelson last week as camp started.

Cundiff said it’s up to the coaching staff and GM Ozzie Newsome to evaluate how he and Graham do in camp and the preseason games to see who is better suited for the team.

“It’s one of those things where I can lay it all on the line, and let Ozzie decide to go with me or not.”

And that is how Cundiff is maintaining the competition at this time. He can only focus on how he performs in camp, not how Graham does.

“At least for me, I’ll focus on what I can control, and go out and do my best.”

And that’s the thing with kickers. Most teams can only carry one on their roster, so the decision is simple for the Ravens: either Cundiff or Graham.

And for two kickers in Graham and Cundiff, both over 30 and having kicked in this league for a long time, are not about to give one another the edge in the job by helping the other with advice.

“I don’t think that kickers are giving each other tips. We know this is going to come down to big picture stuff. So I don’t think you’re going to see any guys sitting there helping each other out.”

But at the same time, Graham and Cundiff have been chatting and are handling this hurdle as best they can.

“We’re both professionals and have been around long enough, so we don’t have to try and get in each other’s heads. We’re just there to push each other to make each other better knowing that ultimately who’s here is here.”

Both kickers have kicked well so far in training camp, and that is only the beginning of the evaluation progress between these two.

“It’s going to be day-to-day, kick-to-kick, and then the preseason games obviously. It’s important-as you all know- that you’re able to go kick in game environments,” special teams coach Jerry Rosburg told our own Luke Jones Saturday.

This marks the second straight year that the Ravens have had a kicking competition in training camp. Last year pitted second year man Steve Hauschka, who was the team’s kickoff specialist the year before, and Graham Gano, the Lou Groza Award Winner from Florida State.

Think this team misses the consistency Matt Stover brought to the organization for those dozen-plus years?

Cundiff also realizes that he isn’t just trying out for the Ravens; he might be auditioning for another NFL kicking job if Baltimore doesn’t tab him as the starter.

“And if you play well enough, you’re trying out for 31 other teams as well,” Cundiff noted.

Tune into WNST and WNST.net for more news regarding the Ravens second straight kicking competition!

Baltimore Ravens Director of Player Personnel Eric DeCosta-along with the rest of the Ravens staff-has had a busy off-season.

And he may be just as anxious as the Baltimore Ravens fan-base out there to see how each piece of the puzzle that has been added to the Ravens roster this year fits into John Harbaugh’s grand scheme of things.

“This is a very good team that we’ve put together,” DeCosta told WNST’s own Rex Snider and Nestor Aparicio Saturday during WNST’s “Curing Cancer-One Call At a Time Marathon” benefiting Harbor Hospital. “And we’re just chomping at the bit to get this thing started.”

DeCosta, who has been with the organization since the team began play in Baltimore, has seen both the glory days of the Ravens in 2000 as well as the inability of the team to get over the hump in January, as the team has the last two years getting into the playoffs only to lose to the Steelers and the Colts.

Having been promoted last year from Director of College Scouting (a role he held previously from 2003-2008) to a more inclusive role as Player Personnel Director, DeCosta had a bigger role this off-season when it came to making choices that would be help the Ravens make that final push toward getting to the Super Bowl.

And DeCosta saw firsthand what this team needed: guys with talent who could make some big plays.

“I think what we wanted to do this off-season was to add some additional play-makers,” DeCosta said. “Play-makers come in all different shapes and sizes and positions.”

And finding more weapons and choices for quarterback Joe Flacco besides Derrick Mason, Todd Heap, and Ray Rice was the first need to address.

“We added the receivers that we wanted. Anquan Boldin was a huge priority for us.”

DeCosta was of course talking about the former Pro-Bowl wide receiver who was traded to the Ravens right before April’s draft for third-and-fourth round picks, a much better bargain for the Ravens than in years past, when Arizona was asking for Day-1 picks and more.

“Bringing in an Anquan Boldin, bringing in a Donte Stallworth, Dennis Pitta, Ed Dickson…those are guys in their own way who can make plays for you, whether it’s down the field or in the red zone.” I think clearly one of the issues we wanted to address was getting better inside the 20, and one of the ways to do that is with a big, strong receiver like Anquan Boldin.”

But DeCosta didn’t say that the receivers the team had last year weren’t capable of doing that job. DeCosta said the biggest issue last year was just getting healthy guys on the field, and they feel like by bringing in fresh legs in the draft, mostly at tight end behind Heap, should open things up for Flacco.

“And we think Dixon and Pitta both have the potential opposite Todd Heap to post some mismatch-problems down there in the red zone.  And hopefully we can be more effective down there. That was sort of a sore spot for us last year as we went back and looked at our whole team.”

“We moved the ball very well from the 20 to the 20, but we didn’t finish quite as much as we wanted to, and I think those guys are going to pave the way toward helping us this year.”

DeCosta said that Dixon and Pitta, selected one after the other in April’s draft, are very similar tight ends that if one doesn’t pan out, the other shouldn’t miss a beat.

“I think size wise they’re similar; both guys also run very well. I think Pitta’s probably a little more accomplished right  now cause of his running routes while Dixon’s probably a little more athletic. Both guys catch the ball well,but Pitta probably has slightly better hands than Dixon.”

“Dixon’s probably the guy who can catch the ball and run away from people.  And Pitta is more of a guy who on third-down can make a big play for you between the numbers, take a big hit and hold on. We think they complement each other very well, and also complement Todd Heap very well.”

DeCosta really said they aren’t overly impressed with either one over the other; in fact, the Ravens organization as a whole is just happy to have the two signed as early as possible and having them working to get better instead of arguing about money and numbers.

“Were excited both guys signed their contract early and they’ve been working really hard. And we look forward to those guys developing a nice report with Joe Flacco.”

While people were heralding the Ravens organization for adding a Pro Bowl caliber wide-out like Boldin, the Ravens also garnered some attention by reaching out to Donte Stallworth, who was recently reinstated by the NFL after being involved in a drunk-driving accident that left a man dead-with Stallworth at the wheel.

This was a move far beyond an organization that has valued the character and integrity of its players, but DeCosta said the Ravens did their homework on Stallworth and found that he was no different than any other player on their roster when it came to attitude, and that he has owned up to his mistakes.

I think he’s a contrite individual. He made a horrible mistake that he has to live with. We wanted to give him another chance.”

“We spoke to a lot of different people who knew Donte. We did our homework. We have a comfort level with him. We think he’s going to be a great addition to the team. Everything we’ve seen has been very, very impressive to this point. And hopefully this guy produces like we know he can.”

The other glaring need last year was the defensive secondary, especially when it comes to the corners and if All-Pro Ed Reed is going to come back healthy from hip and shoulder injuries.

What did DeCosta and Newsome do? They went out and signed former Pro Bowlers who were still available in corner back Walt Harris and safety Ken Hamlin. All-in-all, it’s about having some band aids-good ones-until guys like Lardarius Webb, Fabian Washington, and Haruki Nakamura can come back from their season-ending injuries from last year.

“Walt Harris impressed us in the OTAs that he was participating in, and also Kenny Hamlin is a guy I’ve always admired as a player. He’s had some really good seasons. I think a combination of all those guys, in conjunction with Lardarius coming back-who we were very high on-and Fabian Washington, I think we’ll have a solid group.”

“We think that we’ve got some young guys who can play, and we think the veteran presence we brought in post-June 1 will help us as well.”

And when it comes to Washington and Webb, DeCosta said that those two coming back this year from serious knee injuries can almost be considered signings on their own because most GMs and training staffs would have written both of them off for this year.

“I think its been reported that both guys are ahead of schedule, and that’s fair to say,” he said. “Both guys have worked extremely hard this off-season to put themselves in the position. I’ve never seen two players, quite honestly, who have worked as hard as those two to get on the field as early as possible.”

But maybe the move that was most-questioned before training camp starts is the most recent signing.

The Ravens recently reached out to former starting quarterback Marc Bulger, recently released by the Rams, and tabbed him to be the backup quarterback behind Joe Flacco.

This, with the Ravens already having former Heisman Winner Troy Smith and John Beck, who knows offensive coordinator Cam Cameron’s playbook like the back of his hand, already on the roster.

And if Bulger were to hit his incentives in his contract this year, he could make more than Flacco does this year.

DeCosta explained that this move was by far one of the most important moves the team addressed, because if something were to happen to Flacco, the rest of these additions would be flushed down the toilet in a quarterback-driven league such as the NFL.

“I think we called on memories of guys like Randall Cunningham who helped us back earlier this decade win some games, some important games. The backup quarterback position is easy to overlook, and we didnt want to do that.”

“We’ve spent a lot of time building this team, trying to put this team in a position to compete in January, helping them to win in February. I think just the idea of having a really, really good backup quarterback who can win games for you down the stretch- if he has to play-is something we wanted to do.”

And when evaluating Bulger, they looked at his intangibles and what he brings to the table just as if Flacco wasn’t on the roster.

“He is a guy we’ve always admired. I think part of his struggles over the last few years have been because the talent level wasn’t quite as good as he’s been accustomed to.  He’s a two-time Pro Bowl quarterback, very very accurate passer, and he’s thrown for a ton of yards”

“He knows our offense very well because its essentially the same offense he played in St. Louis. It’s the same terminology under Mike Martz. The Mike Martz offense is very similar to the Cam Cameron offense, so there is very little learning curve.”

And Bulger seemed just as happy to be in Baltimore-and out of St. Louis-as much as Eric DeCosta, Ozzie Newsome, and John Harbaugh were to have him here.

“I think he’s at the point in his career, having lost a lot of games over the last couple years that he just wants to win,” DeCosta noted. ” He wants to be in a culture where he has a chance to win  games, and I think Baltimore’s a good place for him.”

DeCosta was posed the question about the future of NFL football next year with the threat of a lockout between the owners and the players of the league. With no new collective bargaining agreement signed, the NFL did not renew its annual salary-cap, so teams were not restricted by the amount of money they could spend on free agents this year.

The Ravens appeared to be consistent players this off-season, so Aparicio and Snider posed this question to DeCosta: How did the cap-or lack thereof- affect the Ravens this year when it came to signing and acquiring players?

DeCosta’s response? It didn’t affect them at all. They just stuck to the same plan that was laid down from the top in owner Steve Bisciotti.

“We’ve tried to be responsible. We had a long time to really think about what our plans were going to be, and how we were going to handle the various situations. We’ve had a game-plan in place, and  many many meetings on regards to the cap on how we’re going to operate.”

“It hasn’t affected what we’ve done. It hasn’t changed the way we do things. We’re still responsible. We’ve made moves that we would have made if there were a cap, quite honestly.We haven’t done anything based on not having a cap…it really hasn’t impacted us too much.”

And now that the off-season is over and the influx of free agents is over( or so we think), DeCosta likes the overall product they have on the field projected.

“Ozzie, Steve, Dick Cass, John Harbaugh, and myself have met many times on how we’re going to do things. We’re confident we have a good approach,we put a good team on the field, and that we’ll be successful this fall.”

“We’ve made a lot of good moves in my opinion. Obviously I’m biased, but I think that this team is in a position to win. I think the players and coaches realize that, as well as our scouting staff.”

And DeCosta said that he hopes to now as soon as possible when the season kicks off Monday, September 13th against the Jets.

“I’d like to see us start fast. It’s going to be tough with a tough schedule, but I think this team is better than last year’s team. ”

WNST thanks Eric DeCosta and several other Ravens who brought their celebrity status onto our marathon benefiting Harbor Hospital. If you still would like to contribute to the Harbor Hospital Cancer Center, follow the link here .

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