My pick: Ravens 20, Steelers 17

I tend to pick the Ravens at home. But I have little confidence in this pick. This game could be a blowout either way. I can’t say with certainty that the Ravens will bounce back offensively. The Steelers know them well, and will frustrate the hell out of them. This game could end up resting on Joe Flacco’s shoulders in the 4th quarter-and I’m just not certain I trust him to beat a team like Pittsburgh.

Drew’s pick: Ravens 24, Steelers 13

Drew went as far as to “guarantee” the Ravens would win. He noted that with a loss-the Ravens would fall to 3-3 at home this season with back to back losses; and he just doesn’t believe it will happen.

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

Best of Thursday’s WNST Blogs:

Glenn Clark says Ray Lewis (foot), Ed Reed (foot), Terrell Suggs (knee) didn’t practice on Thanksgiving

Nestor Aparicio ‘thankful’ for Billick, Marvin Lewis, Jim Schwartz, Rex Ryan, many former Ravens assistants

Drew Forrester ‘thankful’ for professionals in Ravens organization

And the rest of the world…..

The Official Site’s Ryan Mink says Ray Lewis hasn’t handled Ravens’ close losses well

The Official Site’s Sarah Ellison says Harbaugh not talking about “Suggs package”

Steelers Official Site says Steelers have won 16 of 26 regular season matchups in series, Ravens have won 5 of last 6 between teams at M&T Bank Stadium

Steelers Official Site’s Teresa Varley says Hines Ward, Mike Tomlin, etc spent Thanksgiving helping less privileged

Steelers Official Site’s Bob Labriola says Deshea Townsend will have big responsibility vs. Kelley Washington on 3rd down

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Chris Carr hasn’t given Ravens much in return game

The Sun’s Ken Murray says Flacco remains ‘confident’ through struggles

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Le’Ron McClain hopes Charles Ali signing will lead to more carries for him

The Sun’s Mike Preston says playoffs not out of question for Ravens

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Ravens need to force turnovers, get to Roethlisberger, get production from Lardarius Webb

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Ravens can’t start slow, have Flacco struggle, or let Santonio Holmes beat them

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Ravens should only consider bringing back Mark Clayton or Kelley Washington as 3rd receiver

The Sun remembers Ravens’ last win over Steelers-back in 2007

6 of 7 Sun analysts pick Ravens

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Ngata limited again in practice

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Derrick Mason thinks noise more important than towel-waving

The Sun’s Edward Lee says T-Sizzle remains ‘question mark’ for Sunday Night Football

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Frank Walker, Mark Clayton don’t think Corey Ivy helping Steelers too much with Ravens information

The AP’s Alan Robinson says Big Ben not concerned about latest concussion

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says James Harrison will cause problems for Jared Gaither, Ravens

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Terrell Suggs reports recovery ‘accelerated’ in hopes to play against Steelers

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ed Bouchette says Todd Bouman, Patrick Ramsey worked out for Pittsburgh as they consider adding one

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Scott Brown says Polamalu ‘unlikely’ to play Sunday in Baltimore

SI’s Peter King picks Steelers 22-17

SI’s Don Banks has Ravens 15th in power rankings

4 of 7 Sporting News analysts pick Ravens

NFL.com’s Gil Brandt thinks James Harrison-Jared Gaither could be special matchup

ESPN.com’s John Clayton says Ravens, Steelers at ‘crisis stage’

ESPN.com’s James Walker says Ravens, Steelers were rooting for Giants to beat Broncos (well…..)

ESPN.com’s James Walker says defense ‘back’ for Ravens

Here are the rest of The Comcast Morning Show Picks and Comment (without the comment):

NFL:
Colts/Texans: Me 31-28 Houston, Drew 30-24 Indianapolis
Redskins/Eagles: Me 23-13 Philadelphia, Drew 17-10 Philadelphia
Dolphins/Bills: Me 23-10 Miami, Drew 24-13 Miami
Seahawks/Rams: Me 24-10 Seattle, Drew 27-24 St. Louis
Buccaneers/Falcons: Me 20-16 Atlanta, Drew 31-13 Atlanta
Panthers/Jets: Me 28-20 Carolina, Drew 24-20 New York
Browns/Bengals: Me 34-6 Cincinnati, Drew 31-7 Cincinnati
Jaguars/49ers: Me 16-13 Jacksonville, Drew 24-10 San Francisco
Chiefs/Chargers: Me 31-24 San Diego, Drew 27-19 San Diego
Bears/Vikings: Me 26-16 Minnesota, Drew 40-17 Minnesota
Cardinals/Titans: Me 34-30 Arizona, Drew 28-24 Tennessee
Patriots/Saints: Me 26-17 New England, Drew 34-28 New Orleans

College Football:
Maryland/Boston College: Me 24-14 BC, Drew 30-24 BC
Navy/Hawaii: Me 27-26 Navy, Drew 38-31 Hawaii

College Basketball:
Towson/Dayton: Me 88-61 Dayton, Drew 84-67 Dayton
UMBC/JMU: Me 69-62 Madison, Drew 71-58 Madison
Morgan State/Appalachian State: Me 77-55 Morgan, Drew 80-64 Morgan
Coppin State/USC: Me 80-58 USC, Drew 91-70 USC

Talk to you shortly.

-G

4:40- INJURY REPORT – Ravens:

DID NOT PARTICIPATE-
LB Ray Lewis (foot)
TE LJ Smith (illness)
S Ed Reed (foot)
C Matt Birk (neck)
LB Terrell Suggs (knee)

LIMITED-
TE Todd Heap (ribs)
DT Haloti Ngata (ankle)

FULL-
LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder)

Steelers:

DID NOT PARTICIPATE:
QB Charlie Batch (wrist)
LB James Farrior (non-injury)
WR Hines Ward (non-injury)
OL Chris Kemoeatu (knee)
S Troy Polamalu (knee)

LIMITED:
DE Travis Kirschke (calf)

FULL:
QB Ben Roethlisberger (head)

2:04-Most of the chatter around here at 1 Winning Drive today was regarding the great rivalry between the Ravens and Steelers. Here are some highlights:

John Harbaugh:
-”After being in (this rivalry) for 3 games, I feel like I’ve been in it for a lifetime.”
-”(These are) two teams that believe in playing physically. (It’s) fun to be a part of this rivalry, (to) go up against a team that you respect.”

Ray Lewis:
-When he sees the Steelers logo he thinks “here we go again.”
-Says rivalry is based around “respect” due to the great “legacy” the Steelers have.

Ray Rice:
-Rivalry “very intesnse…..buckle your chin straps and let’s go.”
-He got a “chill” before facing Pittsburgh for the first time last season, and still thinks he’ll get “butterflies” before Sunday’s game.
-Black and gold, purple and black “not a good mix.”

Mike Tomlin:
-Rivalry “always provides fireworks.”

Hines Ward:
-”It would mean a great deal” to beat the Ravens 4 straight times.
-”You have to play in it” to understand it.
-”I would like to hit them just as much as they would like to hit me.”
-”You will come out of this game hurt.”
-Games in Baltimore are “always going to come down to the wire.”
-“When I go across the middle, those guys aren’t going to try to tackle me softly, they’re gonna try to rip my head off.”
-Considers it an “honor” to have been voted the Dirtiest Player in the NFL by other players in a Sporting News magazine poll; thinks Ravens players probably voted for him “3 or 4 times” in the poll.
-Says trash talking in rivalry has a lot to do with the “respect factor” between the teams; but knows trash talking won’t be the same without T-Sizzle playing.
-Described rivalry as “all out war…..pure hatred.”

2:00-Sorry I’ve been slow to update. Please remember to follow us on Twitter (@WNST) for the quickest updates possible.

A quick update from practice: Ray Lewis and Ed Reed were not seen out on the indoor field. However, both are usually late arrivals; so this does not mean they definitely didn’t practice. Given Ray Lewis’ ankle injury, I wouldn’t be stunned if he didn’t practice. Terrell Suggs (knee) has not returned to practice, I do not expect him to return in time for Sunday night’s game.

12:56-Hear from the following NOW in the Audio Vault at WNST.net:

Coach John Harbaugh
QB Joe Flacco
RB Ray Rice
WR Derrick Mason
OT Michael Oher
LB Ray Lewis
LB Jarret Johnson
LB/DE Paul Kruger

11:06-Greetings from 1 Winning Drive-where the Baltimore Ravens are preparing for a big Sunday Night Football showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. We are scheduled to hear from John Harbaugh, Joe Flacco, Ray Lewis, Derrick Mason, Ray Rice and other players today; the Steelers are making Mike Tomlin and Hines Ward available via conference call.

The Ravens will be incorporating 2 new players on their active roster; FB Charles Ali and CB Cary Williams. They replaced Matt Lawrence and Fabian Washington, who were each placed on IR yesterday. Ali will don #38 in Purple (most famously worn by Mike Anderson); Cary Williams will don #29 (most recently worn by Derrick Martin).

Talk to you shortly.

-G

Didn’t quite get everything in today, sorry about that. Have to get out to 1 Winning Drive to hear from John Harbaugh and company…..

For the record; I’ll say Maryland 68, Wisconsin 62 today. But I’m not exactly comfortable.

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

Best of Tuesday’s WNST Blogs:

Glenn Clark says Terps must shake off loss to Cincinnati, prove they can beat good teams away from Comcast Center before ACC play begins

Derek Arnold says Jared Gaither, Michael Oher ‘Played like Ravens’ in loss to Indianapolis

Bob Haynie says Ravens need to ‘defend home turf’ Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium

Glenn Clark says Ravens signed Cary Williams from Titans practice squad

Glenn Clark says FB Charles Ali takes Matt Lawrence’s roster spot

Thyrl Nelson doesn’t particularly like Flacco, Ray Rice as fantasy plays against Pittsburgh

Ed Frankovic offers thoughts from Capitals owner Leonsis on passing of Pollin

RAVENS:

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Fabian Washington, Matt Lawrence placed on IR

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Harbaugh believes Reed’s fumble ‘not reason (Ravens) lost’ to Colts

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Flacco ‘struggling’ to find receivers not named Derrick Mason, Ray Rice

The Official Site says Ray Rice, VanDeSteeg, Paul Kruger say Ngata, McKinney could put away most turkey on Thanksgiving

Steelers Official Site’s Bob Labriola says Tomlin reported Roethlisberger ‘symptom-free’ after head injury in loss to Chiefs

Steelers Official Site’s Teresa Varley says Tomlin knows turnovers, special teams play killing Steelers despite ranking very high in AFC in offense, defense

Steelers Official Site says team signed Rocky Boiman, Corey Ivy

The Sun’s Mike Preston throws some blame towards Ngata for unnecessary roughness penalty in loss to Indy

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says other teams around AFC helping Ravens stay in Wild Card picture

The Sun’s Kevin Van Valkenburg says Mason having ‘up and down’ season-similar to rest of team

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Grubbs not even aware he had been honored by Pro Football Weekly

The Sun says Big Ben will play as long as he continues to pass concussion tests this week

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says former kicker Hauschka tried out for Falcons

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says death of former Ravens hopeful Tony Fein ruled accidental

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ed Bouchette says Polamalu ‘not likely’ to play Sunday

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Scott Brown says Dennis Dixon will back up Roethlisberger Sunday night

USA Today has Ravens 14th in power rankings

5 of 8 USA Today analysts pick Steelers

USA Today’s Pete O’Brien picks Steelers 17-16

NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks says Ravens playoff chances hinge on health of Terrell Suggs

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco has Ravens 17th in power rankings

Fox Sports’ Adrian Hasenmayer has Ravens 8th in power rankings

TERRAPINS BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Greivis Vasquez scored 19, but Terps fell to Cincinnati in semifinals of Maui Invitational

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of loss

The AP says Gary Williams knew Terps were hurt by Cincy’s Yancy Gates inside

The AP says Terps will face Wisconsin in 3rd place game today at 4:30

The Diamondback’s Eric Detweiler says former Maryland target Lance Stephenson chipped in 11 points, 8 rebounds for Cats

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Mick Cronin wanted Bearcats to get inside to Yancy Gates

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Landon Milbourne struggling in Maui

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says James Padgett played well in loss

Cincinnati Enquirer’s Bill Koch says Deonta Vaughn tallied double double for Bearcats in win over Terps

TERRAPINS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL:

The AP says Kizer scored 20 as Terps topped Samford

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of win

The Diamondback’s Jonas Shaffer says Frese pleased with how Terps bounced back from first loss of season

Washington Post’s Camille Powell says Terps shook off loss to Mississippi State with big performance in win over Bulldogs

TERRAPINS FOOTBALL:

The Sun’s Laura Smitherman and Don Markus say Martin O’Malley doesn’t want public funds spent on buyout for Fridge

The Sun’s Jeff Barker wonders how Byrd Stadium fans will react to Friedgen Saturday

The Sun’s Matt Bracken says Archbishop Carroll LB prospect Attaochu interested in Terps

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says associate AD Brian Ullmann claimed school hasn’t asked for public funds

Washington Post’s Eric Prisbell says Gloria Friedgen, Debbie Yow attended Ralph’s Tuesday press conference

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Friedgen wouldn’t talk about future Tuesday, only Boston College game

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Chris Turner, Kenny Tate ‘questionable’ for Saturday’s game against BC

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Ralph would prefer not to play Danny O’Brien Saturday

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Terrell Skinner will play in East-West Shrine Game; Travis Ivey, Cory Jackson will play in “Texas vs. The Nation” all-star game in El Paso

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says James Franklin expects both Chris Turner, Jamarr Robinson to be available Saturday

ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich says Dave Shinskie, Maryland QB’s likely to combine for a number of turnovers Saturday

NAVY FOOTBALL:

The Official Site says John Dowd named Academic All-American by ESPN The Magazine

Annapolis Capital’s Bill Wagner says Niumatalolo trying to keep Mids focused on football during Thanksgiving trip to Hawaii

Annapolis Capital’s Bill Wagner says former Navy assistant Jeff Monken appears poised to accept Georgia Southern job

Washington Post’s Camille Powell says game at Aloha Stadium allows 5 Hawaii natives on Navy team to play at home

NAVY BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Chris Harris, Jordan Sugars combined for 61 points as Mids topped Towson at Alumni Hall

Washington Examiner’s Kevin Dunleavy says Romeo Garcia dished out 9 assists for Mids in win

TOWSON BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says RaShawn Polk’s 19 not enough as Tigers fell to Midshipmen

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of loss

The AP says Jarrel Smith added 15 points in loss for Tigers

MORGAN BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Reggie Holmes tallied 34 points as Bears won stunner at Arkansas

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of win

Arkansas Official Site says Rotnei Clarke’s 26 not enough as Razorbacks fell to Morgan in Fayetteville

The AP says Joe Davis scored 18 points for Razorbacks in win

Arkansas Democrat Gazette’s Bob Holt says Reggie Holmes’ big game against Hogs came just 2 days after tough performance in loss to Louisville

COPPIN BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Vince Goldsberry lead way with 18 as Eagles beat UMBC in Catonsville

The AP says Kareem Brown scored 17 points for Eagles in win

UMBC BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Chauncey Gilliam scored 20 points, but Retrievers fell to Coppin at RAC Arena

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of loss

LOYOLA BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Shane Walker tallied double double as Greyhounds topped Dartmouth

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of win

The AP says Brett Harvey chipped in 10 points for Hounds in win

HOPKINS FOOTBALL:

The Official Site says Mike Stoffel, Steve Levinson named Academic All-American by ESPN The Magazine

MT. ST. MARY’S BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s battle with Niagara at Knott Arena

The Official Site offers complete Mountaineers-Purple Eagles release (pdf)

COLLEGE OF NOTRE DAME BASKETBALL:

The Sun’s Mike Klingaman says cancellation of season ‘heartbreaking’ for Gators

ORIOLES:

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says Chris Ray thinks ‘offseason regimen’ will have him in better shape in 2010

MLB.com’s Lisa Winston says Birds ‘exercising patience’ organizationally (REALLY?)

The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec and Dan Connolly say former Nationals reliever Mike Hinckley signed minor league deal with O’s

The Sun says former bench coach Jauss gets same job with Mets

HORSE RACING:

Daily Racing Form’s Marty McGee says Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra back to work

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS:

Frederick News-Post’s Joshua R. Smith says Hagerstown fighters Jacob, Joey Kirwan; Myersville fighter Paul Mann looking to make mark in local MMA scene

BALTIMORE BULLETS:

The AP’s Joseph White says Bullets/Wizards owner Abe Pollin passed away from cancer at 85

SOME QUICK THOUGHTS:

-Welcome to Baltimore Charles Ali and Cary Williams. If one of you ends up making a contribution, it will be a very pleasant surprise.

Talk to you tomorrow.

-G

Honorable Mention: NHL: Capitals @ Thrashers (Thursday 7pm from Atlanta live on Comcast SportsNet), Capitals @ Islanders (Saturday 7pm from New York live on Comcast SportsNet), NASCAR Tums Fast Relief 500 (Sunday 1pm from Martinsville live on ABC), Preseason NBA: Wizards @ 76ers (Tuesday 7pm from Philadelphia live on Comcast SportsNet)

10-Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen available on Blu-Ray/DVD (Tuesday, wherever you like to purchase motion pictures), FIFA 10 available in stores (Tuesday-I’ll probably go to Best Buy to get mine)

Ah, FIFA Soccer. This reminds me of being in college, smoking a bowl, ordering a pizza, dominating as Luis Figo, and not going to any of my classes. WAIT. Did I say smoking a bowl? I meant…..enjoying a bowl of Cheerios. I don’t want to give anyone the wrong idea, here. You should NEVER smoke marijuana. It is both illegal AND completely uncool.

Some people didn’t think Transformers was all that good this time around. I guess they missed the part where Megan Fox was STILL in the cast…….

9-Maxwell (Friday 7:30pm First Mariner Arena), Sister Hazel (Friday 8pm Rams Head Live), Vertical Horizon (Friday 8pm Recher Theatre), Little Richard (Tuesday 8pm Rams Head On Stage), Paramore (Friday 4:30pm Merriweather Post Pavilion)

First of all, I WILL be going to see this man on Friday. I have told my date to bring an extra pair of panties, as hers will be sure to be off in his presence……

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXop4f3nkWM[/youtube]

That being said, I TOTALLY respect anyone who decides to go see Sister Hazel Friday night, because this song kicks more ass than Arthur Abraham when Jermain Taylor is in the same zip code……

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MMcLEdkY68[/youtube]

8-WWE “Bragging Rights” (Sunday 8pm from Pittsburgh live on Pay-Per-View), WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 hits stores (Tuesday wherever video games are available)

Do I know anything about this event? No. Do I think Kelly Kelly might somehow be involved? Who cares. Here’s a picture of her.

7-PGA Grand Slam of Golf (Tuesday & Wednesday from Southhampton, Bermuda-airing on TNT at 4pm Tuesday, 5pm Wednesday), PGA Frys.com Open (Thursday-Sunday 4pm from Scottsdale, AZ live on Golf Channel)

Boy, real star-studded affair at the Grand Slam, huh? I’m reasonably certain that if Stewart Cink is the most significant invite to your party, you’re not having a particularly good party. Of course, I would know a thing or two about bad parties, especially after I invited this power couple to my last one….

Too soon? Not relevant enough? You guys are so freaking judgmental. Bite me.

6-Horse Racing: De Francis Dash (Saturday-Racing begins at 1:10pm Laurel Park)

Apparently the last horse to win the De Francis Dash was named Benny the Bull. Which is funny, because that was the same name as my favorite character from NBA Jam…..

And because I have the mindspan of a ADD-riddled 12 year old, here’s a picture of Dennis Rodman in a wedding dress. God I can’t wait for HIS Hall of Fame speech……

5-Soccer: FIFA Under 17 World Cup: Team USA vs. Spain (Monday 2pm from Nigeria live on ESPNU), Albany vs. UMBC (Saturday 1pm UMBC Soccer Stadium), Maryland vs. Seton Hall (Tuesday 7:30pm Ludwig Field-College Park)

I was hoping there would be someone from the Free State on the American U17 squad seeing as how the state keeps stockpiling talent, but the closest is Alex Shinsky from York, PA. Which really doesn’t suck that much because this band is from York, PA….

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdEZEi7VaRo[/youtube]

I don’t have any idea what any of this has to do with soccer, but Live kicks ass. And so does America. Eff you Spain!

4-High School Football: Glen Burnie @ Severna Park (Friday 6:30pm), Dulaney @ Perry Hall (Friday 7pm), Bel Air vs. C. Milton Wright (Friday 7pm)

Am I getting predictable? Don’t care. As I reminder, if you’re headed out to any high school football games this week…..

3-NFL Week 7: New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sunday 1pm from London live on CBS), Minnesota Vikings @ Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday 1pm from Heinz Field live on FOX), Chicago Bears @ Cincinnati Bengals (Sunday 1pm from Paul Brown Stadium live on FOX), Arizona Cardinals @ New York Giants (Sunday 8:20pm from Giants Stadium live on NBC), Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins (Monday 8:30pm from FedEx Field live on ESPN)

I can’t confirm those as the games that will be on TV locally, but it certainly looks like it. Here’s a question for you Steve Hauschka detractors…..if for some reason Mike Tomlin were to cut drunk Jeff Reed, would you take him???

2-College Football: Wake Forest @ Navy (Saturday 3:30pm from Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium live on CBS College Sports), Maryland @ Duke (Saturday 1:30pm from Durham live on ESPN360), Towson @ Northeastern (Saturday 1pm from Boston-coverage on AM1570 WNST begins at 12:45pm), Boise State @ Hawaii (Saturday 11pm from Honolulu live on ESPN360)

Is there anything greater than going out to a bar, strolling in around 1:30, flipping on your TV and seeing that there is STILL live football being played somewhere in the world? I will be ALL IN on Broncos-Warriors Saturday night. Of course, if I was IN Hawaii, I might find myself distracted…….

1-Mixed Martial Arts: Shogun Fights (Saturday 7pm 1st Mariner Arena), UFC 104 (Saturday 10pm from Los Angeles live on Pay-Per-View)

You know why I’m MAKING SURE I don’t miss Shogun Fights Saturday night? Because I don’t want either of these men to kick my ass…..

…and I don’t even have a clue who the guy on the left is.

That being said, as I’ve mentioned before-the challenge is out there. If John Rallo puts on another event in the Spring, I want to fight. I’ll go to Ground Control for a couple months leading up to it (after Ravens season is over), and I’ll battle YOU Josh Hall….

or YOU Chris Bonetti…..

or even YOU Intern Super Jack……

So who’s got the balls? You’ve seen what these guns can do on The Comcast Morning Show, now let’s see what these guns can do in the octagon. If you’re a WNST employee (or somehow affiliated), and you want a piece of The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Radio Entertainment…..you just let me know.

(Editor’s note: You know, anyone besides Bachman. He’s way bigger than me….)

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983…..

-G

I’m not going to beat up Dave Trembley for pulling Brad Bergesen. There is no excuse for the fact that Jim Johnson and George Sherrill couldn’t get the job done in the 9th; and for the fact that the team couldn’t get a hit for most of the game.

It is much too easy to blame the manager when the team loses a bad game. Could Trembley have left Bergesen in the game to pitch the 9th? Sure he could have. Bergesen could have gotten into trouble and left the game rattled moving forward. But Trembley went to his reliable finishers, and they let him down. I’m not going to beat him up for that.

But there are PLENTY of other things to beat him up about-like the miserable lineups he manages to put together. Oscar Salazar hit a pinch hit 3 run homer on Tuesday night. Where was he in Wednesday’s lineup? I understand Ty Wigginton has a good history against Josh Beckett (and playing him paid off); but Salazar should have found his way in somehow.

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

Best of Wednesday’s WNST Blogs:

Drew Forrester says ‘jealousy’ of Red Sox made Tuesday’s comeback win even better

Nestor Aparicio can’t take much more Trembley

Luke Jones says Berken, Hill have to ‘prove themselves’ in upcoming starts

Marco Romanell says Tillman, Patton could be headed to Birds ‘sooner than later’

Tom Clayton says Jones, Sherrill deserve to be All-Stars

Lawson Lambert thinks Reimold deserves to be Rookie of the Year

Ed Frankovic says Caps sign former Flyer Knuble

ORIOLES:

The Official Site’s Brian Eller says Johnson, Sherrill can’t hold lead in 9th as Sox beat Birds in 11

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of loss

The Official Site’s Brian Eller says Guthrie takes ball tonight for Birds in Los Angeles vs. Lackey, Angels

The Official Site’s Brian Eller says Uehara to miss 3-5 weeks with partial elbow tear

The Official Site’s Brian Eller says Jones sat out Wednesday’s finale as ‘precautionary’ measure

The Official Site’s Brian Eller says Birds partnering with Baltimore City schools

Red Sox Official Site’s Jeff Seidel says Youkilis, Baldelli provided heroics for Sox in 9th

Angels Official Site’s Lyle Spencer says tonight’s game vs. Birds first of 10 straight at Angel Stadium for Halos

The Sun’s Dan Connolly says Birds couldn’t finish off win after Bergesen’s stellar start

The Sun’s Dan Connolly says Wigginton continued mastery of Beckett with homer

The Sun’s Kevin Cowherd says Birds go through emotional swing with Tuesday’s comeback, Wednesday’s loss

The Sun’s Dan Connolly says Tuesday’s comeback still resonated at OPACY Wednesday

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says David Hernandez will take Uehara’s roster spot ‘indefinitely’

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says loss to Red Sox resembled “Mother’s Day Massacre”

Carroll County Times’ Josh Land says nearly 30,000 at Camden Yards saw Birds drop finale to BoSox

Carroll County Times’ Josh Land says Uehara may not pitch again for 2 months

The AP says Baez took loss in finale

The AP’s David Ginsburg says Trembley reports surgery ‘not required’ for Uehara

Boston Globe’s Amalie Benjamin says Varitek, Beckett thought BoSox got ‘character’ win after bad loss

Boston Herald’s Steve Buckley says Lugo hero for Red Sox in victory

Providence Journal’s Joe McDonald says Papelbon finished off win with 20th save

Sporting News’ Stan McNeal says Markakis deserves to be All-Star

ORIOLES MINOR LEAGUES:

Bowie Baysox Official Site says Valido homered in win over Akron

Delmarva Shorebirds Official Site says Allar took loss as Shorebirds fell to Hickory

Aberdeen Ironbirds Official Site says Erbe lost rehab start to Oneonta

The Sun’s Dean Jones Jr. says Michael Abreu, Jonathan Tucker, Perrault, Oullette all named Eastern League All-Stars

The Sun’s Dean Jones Jr. says Wilfredo Perez got win in relief for Baysox

RAVENS:

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Steelers coach Tomlin called out Oher at Rookie Symposium

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Rice, McGahee lead backfield competition

The Official Site’s Geoff Peckham says ESPN thinks Mason, Gregg ‘underrated’

The Sun’s Kevin Van Valkenburg says Ravens installing grass at M&T Bank Stadium before AC Milan-Chelsea match

ESPN The Magazine’s Anna K. Clemons says Ravens 29th best franchise in all of sports

ESPN.com’s James Walker says players think Reed better ‘all-around’ safety than Polamalu

ESPN.com’s James Walker says Ravens have 2 weeks to get Suggs’ deal done

TERRAPINS FOOTBALL:

The Sun’s Matt Bracken says Matt Robinson following in footsteps of Atholton coach Kyle Schmitt with commitment to Terps

The Diamondback’s Jakob Engelke says Terps featured on ESPN Wednesday

Terrapin Times’ Mark Clem says Virginia TE prospect Josh Lovell still high on Terps (must subscribe)

Terrapin Times’ Mark Clem breaks down secondary with Don Brown (must subscribe)

Terrapin Times’ Mark Clem says DT commit Andre Monroe chose Terps over New Mexico (must subscribe)

Terrapin Times’ Keith Cavanaugh says Suitland DB commit Jeremiah Johnson ‘lifelong Terps fan’ (must subscribe)

TERRAPINS BASKETBALL:

The Diamondback’s Aaron Kraut says Vasquez spouting off again

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Terps staff ‘satisfied’ with roster even without Stephenson

Fox Sports’ Jeff Goodman says Vasquez expects to win ACC regular season and Tournament titles

TOWSON FOOTBALL:

Examiner Matthew Schlissel says home opener vs. Coastal Carolina Tigers’ only night game of season

HOPKINS LACROSSE:

Inside Lacrosse’s Jon Brand says former Jay Rabil helping producers of film “Crooked Arrows”

NAVY FOOTBALL:

The Official Site says Slotback Chris Hill ‘most looking forward to’ Ohio State game

The Official Site says Niumatalolo announces class of ‘09

Go Mids’ Adam Nettina says Park City prospects interested in Naval Academy (must subscribe)

GOLF:

The AP says Tiger played with Cowboys QB Romo in Pro-Am Wednesday

Frederick News-Post’s Greg Swatek says House minority leader Boehner played in same group as Tiger, Romo

Frederick News-Post’s Greg Swatek says Lucas Glover hoping to build on U.S. Open win at AT&T National

Washington Post’s Barry Svrluga says following AT&T National, U.S. Open next big event at Congressional

Washington Post’s Thomas Boswell says Glover trying to avoid failures of former U.S. Open champs like Steve Jones, Michael Campbell

Washington Post’s Tracee Hamilton says Barnes hasn’t had chance to settle down since strong finish at Open

Washington Times’ Barker Davis says defending champ Anthony Kim brings ‘love-hate’ relationship with putter into AT&T National

Washington Times’ Ben Goessling says Romo hit at Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am

Washington Times’ Ryan O’Halloran says Caps coach Boudreau also played Pro-Am

Washington Times’ Barker Davis says Mahan, Furyk have next best odds (behind Tiger) to win AT&T National

Washington Examiner’s Craig Stouffer says Fairfax golfer Steve Marino expects big crowds at Congressional

Washington Examiner’s Rick Snider says Jessica Simpson also amongst highlights at AT&T National

Washington Examiner’s Kevin Dunleavy says PGA Tour Commissioner Finchem reports ‘no positive tests’ since drug testing policy began about a year ago

HORSE RACING:

Daily Racing Form’s Marty McGee says Borel no longer rider for Mine That Bird

Thoroughbred Times’ Ed DeRosa says Woolley, owners looking for jockey to commit to Derby champ through Breeders’ Cup

SWIMMING:

The Sun says Phelps not happy about swimsuit ruling

SOME QUICK THOUGHTS:

-I’ll take Tiger Woods to win the golf tournament this weekend. Mostly because he’s playing in it. If he wasn’t playing in it, I doubt I’d bother to pick a winner; because no one would care.

Talk to you this weekend.

-G

I’m okay with the idea that Baltimore fans should be “over” the Colts moving to Indianapolis. We have a team (a GREAT team), a new stadium (a GREAT stadium), and a new history to continue for years to come. I really am okay with the idea that those factors should lead Maryland fans to have gotten “over” the Colts leaving. Kind of.can’t believe 25 years have passed since Colts left town

First of all; there is NO getting over the feelings that happened 25 years ago for Colts fans. The empty feeling will never be forgotten; and those emotions have to be respected. If someone says, “I can’t forgive the Colts”; that should be understood. Frankly, I don’t think I’ll ever feel good for the Colts; nor do I want them to have any level of success. I know they won a Super Bowl; but I hope they never do again.

And if getting “over” the Colts’ departure means being okay with the fact that the history and records of the Colts are now part of Indianapolis folklore; I will then NEVER be “over” the Colts. Forget it. It is an embarrassment that John Unitas is part of Indianapolis Colts history; and is almost unforgiveable.

But that being said; I am not seething today thinking about yesterday’s 25th anniversary of the Colts’ departure. Then again; I was barely alive when they left. But my childhood was certainly loaded with the venom of my friends and family discussing their love for the Colts and their sadness for the move.

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

Best of Sunday’s WNST Blogs:

Nestor Aparicio

Drew Forrester says charity golf event May 21st at Mountain Branch

Vince Fiduccia doesn’t want to see Preakness depart like Colts did

Glenn Clark says Scott heating up in Spring Training while Pie continues to struggle

Nestor Aparicio still looking for next Baltimore media star

ORIOLES:says Uehara threw one perfect inning before rains came in win over Mets

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of win

The Official Site says Roberts dealing with back spasms

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says Wieters officially sent down

The Sun’s Ray Frager says Angel, Manfra told to leave radio broadcast before game could re-start

The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec says Hammock added homer in win

The Sun’s Dean Jones Jr. says Shorebirds offering deals to get fans to get baseball fans to Salisbury

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says Simon gets another stab at rotation tonight vs. Oliver Perez

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says Mora added RBI single in win

Carroll County Times says O’s option Jim Miller to Norfolk

The AP says Wieters leaves team; but will return soon

RAVENS:says former NC State RB Andre Brown to work out with team

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson

Examiner Tony Wisniewski says Minor, Sabo amongst Birds’ worst 3B in history

Examiner Steve DeClue appreciates respect shown to Ravens by Tomlin

SI’s Peter King expects Ravens to focus on Corners, Receivers

NFL.com’s Pat Kirwan mocks DHB, Patrick Chung (Oregon) to Ravens

BLAST:says Blast end regular season with blowout loss at La Raza

The Official Site

The Sun says Wakefield scored only goals for Blast in loss at Monterrey

TERRAPINS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL:previews tonight’s Elite 8 showdown with Louisville

The Official Site

The Sun’s Rick Maese says St. Frances’ Angel McCoughtry leads Cardinals vs. Terps tonight

The Sun’s Rick Maese says Terps need another Final Four run to ‘validate era’

Washington Post’s Camille Powell says former Maryland assistant Walz on Louisville’s bench tonight

The AP says Walz will now have to try to slow down Coleman after originally recruiting her

The Diamondback’s Aaron Kraut says Frese, Walz also recruited Louisville star McCoughtry

Washington Post’s Camille Powell says Louisville players impressed by Coleman

Washington Times’ Mike Fratto picks Terps 75-72

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Coleman 60 points from Langhorne’s career record

ESPN.com’s Mechelle Voepel says Terps, Cardinals squaring off for Raleigh region title

TERRAPINS BASKETBALL:says Gary getting vindication in recent days

The Sun’s David Steele

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Goins remains ‘project’

TERRAPINS FOOTBALL:says former coach Lou Saban passes away

The AP’s John Kekis

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Saban spent one season in College Park

Terrapin Times’ Keith Cavanaugh says Ralph has Terps start hitting with “Oklahoma” drills (must subscribe)says Terps reaching out in community (must subscribe)says Terps fall to 8th in media poll after Virginia loss

Terrapin Times’ Mark Clem

TERRAPINS LACROSSE:

Inside Lacrosse

Inside Lacrosse’s Quint Kessenich says Terps ‘played best game of year’ in loss to Cavs

Inside Lacrosse’s Christian Swezey says Terps must bounce back from heartbreak vs. Navy Friday night

The Sun says ref told Cottle he made mistake on OT whistle

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Terps to protest loss, don’t expect anything overturned

The Diamondback’s Michael Katz says Starsia didn’t know if Cavs had energy to get winning shot off

The Diamondback’s Adi Joseph says teams struggled to stay hydrated during marathon game

The Diamondback’s Michael Katz says Cottle was proud of team’s ‘toughness’ in loss to Cavaliers

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens has Terps 6th in own poll

HOPKINS LACROSSE:says Jays fall out of Top 10 after loss to North Carolina

The Official Site

NAVY FOOTBALL:

The Official Site introduces fans to P/K Delahooke

Go Mids’ Adam Nettina says evolution of Fullbacks continues for Mids (must subscribe)

SOME QUICK THOUGHTS:

-Wanted to throw some props towards Brandon Friedland; who came into a Bases Loaded, no outs situation Friday night and pitched Loyola Blakefield out of the jam to get the win for the Dons over Archbishop Spalding. Thanks to Glenn from Timonium for letting me know about the feat.

-Maryland 82, Louisville 74. I haven’t picked against Toliver and Coleman yet, and I won’t start now.

Talk to you tomorrow.

-G

Please check out my Toliver vs. Dixon blog from last night. It was a great night at Comcast Center; and it has been a lot of fun attending women’s games while Kristi Toliver and Marissa Coleman have played there. REALLY special in fact.

Let’s see what everyone has to say….

Best of Tuesday’s WNST Blogs:

Chris Bonetti surprised to hear Terp women ‘eat kids’ (HUH?)

Glenn Clark wonders if Juan Dixon or Toliver had greater Maryland career

Drew Forrester wonders if fans will choose to buy Orioles tickets

Nestor Aparicio ate breakfast with John Harbaugh

Nestor Aparicio says PSL owners get first chance to buy AC Milan-Chelsea tickets

Thyrl Nelson would have rather Ravens want to play opener at Heinz Field

Bryan Powell says Gulls had just one goal lead late in win over York

Ed Frankovic says Caps fall to Maple Leafs in shootout north of the border

ORIOLES:

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says Uehara solid, but Birds falls to Nats

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of loss

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says Baines to enter Orioles Hall of Fame

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says Uehara shows no lingering effects from injury

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says Eaton, Baez, Hendrickson, Simon, Penn, Bass final candidates for rotation spots

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says loss to Nationals 7th straight in Spring Training for O’s

The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec says Birds playing intrasquad game today with Sherrill, Bass, Pauley, Liz, Hill, Walker, Waters, McCrory, Mickolio all pitching (anybody else available?)

The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec says Pauley now out of mix for rotation

The Sun says former Oriole/Brooks Robinson mentor George Kell passes away

The Sun’s Dean Jones Jr. says Simon, Wieters continue strong Grapefruit League play

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says Baines hit .301 in parts of 7 seasons during Orioles tenure

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says Kranitz happy with Uehara’s performance

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says Uehara worked in new changeup during outing

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says Nationals’ Shairon Martis dominated Birds

Examiner Tony Wisniewski says Kell finished Hall of Fame career with Orioles

RAVENS:

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says 52 in Owings Mills for offseason conditioning work

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says L.J. Smith feels ‘renewed’ by joining Ravens

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Gooden has ‘big shoes to fill’ in replacing Scott

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Gaither gets performance bonus of $300,000

ESPN.com’s James Walker says Ravens have reason to be concerned about Pace

ESPN.com’s James Walker says Steelers’ Tomlin thinks Ravens favorite in AFC North

TERRAPINS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL:

The AP says Coleman, Toliver winners in final Comcast Center game to advance to Sweet 16

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of win over Utah

The Official Site says Coleman, Toliver Wade Award nominees

Washington Post’s Camille Powell says 10,000+ see Terps advance in NCAA Tournament

The Sun’s Rick Maese says Vanderbilt next for Terps after win over Utes

Diamondback’s Aaron Kraut says Tournament run now heads to Raleigh

Diamondback’s Greg Schimmel disappointed crowd at Comcast Center wasn’t bigger last night

Washington Post’s Mike Wise says Coleman, Toliver finish career with 65-3 record at home in College Park

Washington Post’s Dan Steinberg says women’s locker room very different than men’s at Comcast Center

Washington Times’ Mike Fratto says Terps head to RBC Center next to face Commodores

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Terps best with Strickland on floor vs. Utes

DC Examiner’s Craig Stouffer says Coleman scored 18 points, grabbed 18 boards in win

ESPN.com’s Mechelle Voepel says Terps only ACC team left in Sweet 16

Turtle Sports Report’s Seth Hoffman says Utes never got closer than 14 in 2nd half

TERRAPINS FOOTBALL:

The Sun’s Jeff Barker says Franklin has $1 million guarantee to succeed Friedgen

The Sun’s Jeff Barker says Kenny Tate decides to stay at safety

Diamondback’s Eric Detweiler says QB Turner leads group of 14 seniors in final Spring session

Diamondback’s Eric Detweiler says Terps trying to replace 31 seniors, DHB

Washington Post’s Eric Prisbell says Jamarr Robinson trying to nail down backup QB job this Spring

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Moten only veteran at LB this Spring

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says LB Jeff Clement won’t return for Fall

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Dion Armstrong, Bruce Campbell studying this Spring, not practicing

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says with Tate back; Terps have plenty of depth at safety

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Meggett, Tate, Perez amongst players switching numbers

Terrapin Times’ Keith Cavanaugh says Kerr practices for first time as Terp Tuesday (must subscribe)

TERRAPINS BASKETBALL:

The Sun’s Jeff Barker says Gary gets $300,000 from school for making appearances

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Neal performed in ACC season despite being ‘overmatched’

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Terps need to get more ‘consistency’ from Bowie

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Terps were best with Hayes on floor this season

Turtle Sports Report’s Brian Kapur catches up with big man prospect Will Regan (must subscribe)

TOWSON LACROSSE:

The Official Site says Rob Wheeler makes 14 stops as Tigers get past Bucknell

UMBC LACROSSE:

Inside Lacrosse’s Terry Foy thinks Wimer midseason All-American

LOYOLA LACROSSE:

The Official Site previews’ Hounds-Syracuse showdown Saturday

SALISBURY LACROSSE:

The Official Site says Gulls squeak by York to remain undefeated

COPPIN BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Fang Mitchell to enter Gloucester County (NJ) Hall of Fame

NAVY FOOTBALL:

Annapolis Capital’s Bill Wagner says plebe Brady DeMell listed as starter at center

Go Mids’ Adam Nettina says Midshipmen QB’s behind Dobbs have no experience

SOCCER:

Ravens Official Site says Chelsea-AC Milan tickets range from $35-$125

The Sun’s Childs Walker says M&T Bank Stadium friendly to be broadcast by ESPN

BALTIMORE MARINERS:

The Official Site’s John Wolfe previews trip to face Stampede is Harrisburg this weekend

HORSE RACING:

Examiner Steve DeClue hopes state renews Pimlico, keeps Preakness in town

SOME QUICK THOUGHTS:

-Was REALLY impressed by Sean Smith this morning with Drew. I don’t know that the Ravens should still be targeting a CB in the 1st Round, but Smith has the size and clearly has personality. That was good stuff.

Talk to you tomorrow.

-G

It was a long week in Tampa, capped off by an extremely entertaining fourth quarter in Super Bowl XLIII, so it’s time to put a lid on the week that was.

I thought the final quarter of the Super Bowl was the best we have ever seen, even topping the Giants’ victory over the Patriots a year ago. Now, the other 45 minutes were good, not great, so I can’t give SB43 the “best-ever” status some media have already bestowed.

*****
Speaking of bestowed, maybe the talk of Kurt Warner’s eventually induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame will slow down a little. Warner belongs in the Hall of Very Good, not the HOF. A voter for the Hall said Sunday night that he thought that Warner deserved to be in with three trips to the Super Bowl with two different teams, his two MVP seasons and a Super Bowl MVP trophy. But, his seasons as a backup, and struggles in some years as a starter can’t be ignored. He is a Hall of Fame person by all accounts, but there is a reason why players have to wait five years – it gives the voters a chance to reassess the candidate’s entire body of work against his peers. Has it been a good career for Warner? Yes, but not yet bust-worthy in Canton in my opinion.

*****
As for the HOF, there are a few voters I spoke with who endorse Art Modell’s candidacy for induction. Modell made the 25-man semifinalist group, but did not make it to the final 15 modern-era candidates. The problem for anyone in Modell’s group, called “contributors” – think owners, GMs and coaches – is that once you make it to the final 15, you have to survive two cut-down votes, first to 10, and finally to five. It’s hard for voters to give an owner a spot in his personal top 10 or top five over a player on the ballot.

So, how did Buffalo owner Ralph Wilson, Jr. get in this time around? He is certainly deserving, based on what he meant to the upstart AFL. He quietly kept other teams afloat during the fight with the NFL over players, and was a key part in the merger between the “Foolish Club,” as the AFL owners called themselves, and the established NFL, which was gaining momentum from the 1958 NFL title game and catching up to baseball in popularity. Many of the newer panelists had to brush up on their history to see that Wilson was a fit in Canton. Plus with the 50th anniversary of the AFL’s founding being celebrated this year, and his continued active ownership of the club in a small market, there was a groundswell of support that built in Wilson’s favor.

Wilson’s induction gives Modell’s supporters hope for the same kind of re-evaluation of his overall contributions to the league in terms of television’s impact on the game. But his road is tougher with the amount of deserving first-timers coming on the ballot in the next few years, combined with those who came close recently. And the result might be a continued shutout.

As one voter put it, we are entering the “fantasy football” era on player stats and contributions, and that will change how players are evaluated. Other panelists who are on the fence see two sides: Modell’s league-first ideals and personal example that helped the NFL grow at a crucial time and his controversial move of the Browns to Baltimore. Had he stayed in Cleveland, he would have been a sure-fire selection, but the move left some voters, even outside of Cleveland, conflicted on his overall legacy and HOF worthiness.

*****
One piece of news from the HOF voting that was of interest if you are a Baltimore fan, was that Paul Tagliabue was eliminated in the first cutdown from 15 to 10. He was again a hot topic, as voters spent one hour discussing his candidacy. Supporters point to the fact that labor peace was a constant through his tenure, he got several new stadiums built, and television contract money went through the roof, ensuring the long-term health of the league. But the perception that he didn’t always help the media as much as his predecessor Pete Rozelle, the current labor issues looming over the game because of the last CBA agreement he helped negotiate, and that the on-field product seemed to rank a distant second behind league profits are the negatives. He may well also be a victim of the same problem that dogs Modell’s candidacy – a wealth of deserving players up for election over the next several years.

*****
No matter what you may think of the Steelers, you have to admire head coach Mike Tomlin. He is a dynamic personality, and when he spoke during Super Bowl week, some media joked that they were ready to go through walls for him. Everyone connected with the club has the highest regard for how he relates to his players, while not compromising on his principles for success. As a result, he and his clubs will be worthy rivals to the Ravens for a long time to come.

*****
Also, seeing Ben Roethlisberger play from field level, I can see why opposing defenses hate to face him. A term used by a former NFL personnel executive about a drafted player a few years ago fits here: Roethlisberger is a “big human.” His ability to keep plays alive, and not be brought down in the backfield was the biggest reason the Steelers beat the Cardinals.

*****
With all of the talk about the overtime rules in NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s press conference last Friday, there may have been an audible sigh of relief from league officials that Super Bowl XLIII did not go to OT. It’s the only thing that has never happened in the 43 editions of the Super Bowl, and could you imagine an overtime that lasted over one quarter as the Colts-Raiders 1977 divisional playoff did? What’s more amazing is that it would have happened 50 years after the first sudden-death title game in the NFL’s history, the “Greatest Game Ever Played,” another game that was not the best-played contest overall until the final quarter.

*****
Speaking of Goodell, an interesting sight on Saturday night at the NFL headquarters hotel was the commissioner standing by the lobby bar enjoying an adult beverage while listening to fans who had wandered in to get a drink. I can’t imagine Bud Selig, David Stern or Gary Bettman doing the same thing before their respective championship series. Goodell also made the rounds at the traditional postgame dinner held for game staff and media in the early hours of Monday morning. It is part of what has made Goodell such an effective commissioner so far; his ability to walk with kings of industry and the owners who pay his salary, his ease in listening to fans’ concerns and his stewardship of the game on the field.

*****
For the record, since I didn’t have a chance to write a blog prior to the game because of my duties for the league during the week, I predicted on Nestor’s Friday show from Radio Row that Arizona would win 34-28. So with that stellar pick, I was 6-5 in picking the NFL playoffs in 2008.

*****
Last item: Keep your eye on the NFL Players’ Association negotiations with the league on a new CBA. There is a lot of talk about who will represent the NFLPA at the table, and the rhetoric about the game’s finances grew louder on both sides during Super Bowl week. The owners thought they gave too much to the players in the previous agreement, and the death of union executive director Gene Upshaw sent the NFLPA into an unexpected power vacuum. No predictions here, but if you are interested in the business of football or sports, this will be a great case study.

A couple of notes from last night’s Maryland loss that I didn’t squeeze into my live blog….

One-I remember Gary discussing after the Morgan game that the team wouldn’t talk about the loss anymore. I can’t help but wonder if the Terps should have spent EVERY practice discussing that very loss; breaking down what they SHOULD have done in a late situation with a big lead; how to avoid getting “happy” as Gary likes to say. Maybe the Terps should have been thinking about that collapse in EVERY practice; just to know how to never let something like that happen again.

Two-For those that are firing up the “Fire Gary” bandwagon (Hi Ken Zalis!); don’t get too excited. Gary cannot be fired until he accepts that it might be time for him to go. Gary is MUCH too valuable to the university as a fundraiser for them to just blindly cast him aside. If someone like Anthony Grant were to be hired as head coach; he would need the help of a Gary Williams to raise money. This is not as simple as the Ravens situation last season; as the Head Basketball Coach at Maryland is responsible for funding an entire athletic department; not just winning on the court.

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

Best of Wednesday’s WNST Blogs:

Drew Forrester says media passes on Orioles due to Ravens

Thyrl Nelson looks at Ravens channeling Ali

Rex Snider says Ravens, Redskins worlds apart

Glenn Clark says Terps will remember loss on Selection Sunday

Drew Forrester says Tigers just didn’t have answer for Maynor

Chris Bonetti (all-around good guy) says Hounds survive scare from NJIT in 2nd half

Ed Frankovic says Caps get 2 goals from Ovechkin in win over Pens

RAVENS:

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Ravens ‘still have juice’ despite no rest

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Gaither’s role ‘critical’ to Flacco’s development

The Official Site details big Purple Friday activities

The Official Site says Harbaugh thinks Ravens ‘believe in’ Flacco

The Official Site says Steelers coach Tomlin knows ‘ball security big part of staying alive’ in playoffs

Steelers Official Site’s Teresa Varley says Steelers putting first two wins over Ravens ‘in past’

Steelers Official Site’s Teresa Varley says Steelers, Ravens ‘have plenty of respect for each other’

The Sun’s Bill Ordine says H. Ward most ‘hated’ Steeler

The Sun’s David Steele says Suggs, Scott, 52 may have already seen field together for last time as teammates

The Sun’s Rick Maese says Ali, Harbaugh’s speech inspired Ravens to “What’s Our Name” cry

The Sun’s Kevin Cowherd says lack of tourist destinations another reason to hate Pittsburgh

The Sun’s Edward Lee says J. McClain, E. Jones, M. Douglas will all fill in for Suggs Sunday

4 of 7 Sun writers pick Ravens

The Sun’s Mike Preston doesn’t see offense ‘opening up’ unless they’re playing from behind

The AP says Pittsburgh mayor Ravenstahl becomes “Steelerstahl”

The Sun’s Edward Lee and Jamison Hensley say F. Walker prepared for retaliation from Steelers due to alleged spitting incident

The Sun’s Bill Ordine says Polamalu ‘expects’ to be ready Sunday

The Sun’s Matt Bracken cleans up even more after me

The Sun says forecasters expect balmy temperatures in 20’s for Pittsburgh Sunday

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says Ravenstahl’s name change ‘ceremonial’

The Sun’s Mike Preston says Suggs’ ‘discomfort’ evident

The Examiner’s Tony Giro says Ravens fans have plenty of reasons to hate Pittsburgh

The Examiner’s Dave Carey says Ravens getting money action

The Examiner’s Andrew Cannarsa says some fans choosing not to make trip to Heinz Field

The Examiner’s Ron Snyder says if Suggs out; Harbaugh thinks defense ‘group effort’

Aaron Wilson says Sunday’s showdown features top LB’s

Aaron Wilson says Suggs didn’t practice, in ‘obvious pain’

Aaron Wilson says Walker not planning on talking to Berger about ‘slobber moment’ before game

Frederick News-Post’s Stan Goldberg says Ravens found ‘gem’ in Leonhard

Washington Post’s Les Carpenter says Brigance has been ‘source of strength’ for Ravens

Washington Post’s Dan Steinberg says Suggs still laughing about Skins matchup

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ed Bouchette says Steelers remember home losses in AFC Championship games

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ron Cook says Sunday ‘bittersweet homecoming’ for Flacco

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Kim Leonard says AFC Championship Game worth $20 million to Steel City

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s John Harris says Big Ben playing at ‘higher level’

Valley News Dispatch’s Bill Beckner Jr. says Ravens ‘respect’ Roethlisberger

Beaver County Times’ Mike Bires says Polamalu knows Ravens won’t be ‘soft’

Beaver County Times’ Mike Bires says Harbaugh still stands by Walker

Beaver County Times’ Mike Bires says Pittsburgh ‘lucky’ to have Steelers

ESPN.com’s John Clayton says L. McClain, 52, Reed All-Pro

ESPN.com’s James Walker says ‘fine line’ between hate, respect when it comes to H. Ward

ESPN.com’s James Walker says Tomlin building ‘legacy’ with Steelers

ESPN.com Scouts Inc.’s Keith Kidd says both Flacco, Big Ben ‘tall, smart, athletic, mobile, strong’

ESPN.com’s James Walker wonders who Browns fans rooting for

Fox Sports’ Alex Marvez says O-Line has become ‘strength’ for Steelers

Fox Sports’ Peter Schrager says Ravens-Eagles would be best Super Bowl matchup

SI’s Lee Jenkins says controversial Holmes TD reason Steelers hosting AFC Championship

Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer picks Steelers

Sporting News’ Albert Breer says plenty of questions pending in offseason for Ravens

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco says Ravens’ corners ‘beatable’

CBS Sports’ Mike Freeman says Big Ben ‘tough’

TERRAPINS BASKETBALL:

The AP says Bowie scores 23, but Terps blow late lead and lose to Miami

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of loss

Miami Official Site says Calvert Hall’s McClinton scores 18, sinks dagger to beat Terps

The Sun’s Don Markus says Terps blow 17 point lead with 12:30 to play in loss

The Examiner’s Steve DeClue says Terps blew ‘prime opportunity’ to get ACC road win over good team

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Gary thought Terps lost ‘defensive aggressiveness’ in loss to Hurricanes

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Bowie thought Terps failed to ‘drop’ defensively in 2nd half

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda thought Milbourne offered good ‘post’ play in loss

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says loss to Miami could ‘linger’ for Terps

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Terps best with Milbourne on floor; worst with Neal on floor

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says loss probably not as bad as Clemson last season

Miami Herald’s Manny Navarro says Canes mount biggest comeback ever under Haith

TERRAPINS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s trip to Clemson

Washington Post’s Camille Powell says Strickland will miss 2nd straight game tonight

TERRAPINS FOOTBALL:

The Sun’s Matt Bracken recaps season for commit Goree

ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich says Terps addressing recruiting issues at LB, QB

Terrapin Times’ Mark Clem investigates how open Hawkins’ recruitment is (must subscribe)

Terrapin Times’ Mark Clem says Terps still in ‘good position’ with I. Holmes (must subscribe)

TOWSON BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Maynor’s 27 lead Rams past Tigers

The Sun’s Patrick Gutierrez says roughly 1,400 see Tigers fall to VCU at Towson Center

TOWSON FOOTBALL:

The AP says former Tiger Meggett charged with sexual assault

UMBC BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Greene reaches 600 career assists, but Retrievers fall to New Hampshire

The Sun says Tyrece Gibbs scores 22 to help Wildcats beat UMBC

LOYOLA BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Barney goes for 40 as Hounds defeat NJIT

The AP says Highlanders have now lost 50 in a row after falling to Loyola

NAVY BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says A. Teague drains late 3 to knock off Lehigh

The AP says Kina had 18 in win for Mids

NAVY FOOTBALL:

Annapolis Capital’s Bill Wagner breaks down 4 recent commits

Go Mids’ David Ausiello tells fictional story of Nate Bullard

MT. ST. MARY’S BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s contest with Long Island

The Official Site says Cajou Athlete of the Week at Mount

The Official Site says Eers to wear throwback jerseys

MORGAN BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews Bears’ trip to Florida A&M Saturday

ORIOLES:

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says MacPhail thinks Uehara signing as important ‘symbolically’ as it is baseball-wise

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says Birds likely done adding arms

The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec says Uehara signing has ‘name of the Orioles’ recognized in Japan

The Sun’s Dan Connolly says Japan will ‘finally’ know O’s for something besides Ripken

The Sun’s Dean Jones Jr. says Birds release 14 minor leaguers

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says MacPhail seems ‘reluctant’ to add veteran piece like Dunn

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says MacPhail confirms Zaun deal all but done

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says half of media in attendance yesterday Japanese

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says Uehara expects ‘less’ media attention in Baltimore than Japan

The Examiner’s Jay Trucker says Gibbons getting $7 million from Birds this season to play for Marlins

Carroll County Times’ Josh Land says Birds hope Uehara’s ‘production deserves buzz’

Carroll County Times’ Josh Land says O’s still have 3 spots to fill on 40 man roster

Washington Post’s Dave Sheinin says Birds beat Nationals in race for Japanese signing

COLLEGE LACROSSE:

Inside Lacrosse’s Christian Swezey says M&T Bank Stadium recommended to host 2010 Final Four

HOPKINS LACROSSE:

Inside Lacrosse’s Terry Foy thinks Pietramala will be Coach of the Year

Inside Lacrosse’s Geoff Shannon says Jameson Pickel commits to Jays

SOME QUICK THOUGHTS:

-Congratulations to SunTrust Athlete of the Morning Shelby Polk; who scored 19 points last night for Catonsville as they knocked off Kenwood 61-30. She was enjoying two extra hours of sleep this morning because-I guess it was cold outside-and she woke up to check in with us. Thanks to Coach Mike from Catonsville for the nomination and getting her on the air.

-Welcome Koji Uehara. Hope you can pitch.

Talk to you tomorrow.

-G

Miami 77, Maryland 69

The Terps just don’t win in South Florida. It’s a terrible venue, terrible fans, and the team has a hard time getting amped for the game. Playing at 9pm will hopefully help; but I don’t imagine it will. Making matters worse; the Canes do a nice job of working inside and then knocking down outside shots. The Terps used to play a brand of basketball that was like that.

VCU 84, Towson 70

The Tigers will spring up and win some games in CAA play this season; but they won’t beat the Rams. Erik Maynor will go for 27.

UMBC 64, New Hampshire 61

I’m not totally confident about this one; but the Retrievers got a big win over Maine over the weekend; and will need more scoring from Darryl Proctor to keep winning.

Loyola 81, NJIT 61

If this game is close, the Hounds have problems.

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

Best of Tuesday’s WNST Blogs:

Bob Haynie says Roethlisberger could be ‘difference’ for Steelers

Nestor Aparicio searching for ’01 Tampa memories

Casey Willett offers video shot by Ayanbadejo from Ravens’ return Saturday

Drew Forrester says Orioles ‘foolish’ to limit Spring Training access

Keith Melchior couldn’t stomach seeing Big Ben, Steelers win Super Bowl

Ed Frankovic says Caps lose 3rd straight game

RAVENS:

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Ravens ‘welcome the challenge’ of third game vs. Steelers

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Suggs had MRI on shoulder Monday

Steelers Official Site’s Bob Labriola says Tomlin thinks ‘familiarity doesn’t breed comfort’

Steelers Official Site’s Teresa Varley says Polamalu has strained calf, won’t miss AFC Championship Game

Steelers Official Site’s Teresa Varley says Tomlin doesn’t view Flacco as rookie

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says home teams 9-4 in 3rd game against single opponent

The Sun’s Bill Ordine says Tomlin knows Ravens can ‘manage situations, strike big’

The Sun’s Matt Bracken cleans up more after me

The Sun’s Stephen Kiehl says fans ‘braving’ trip to Heinz Field

The Sun’s Kevin Cowherd says ‘tortured dialect’ another reason to hate Pittsburgh

The Sun’s Mike Preston and Jamison Hensley say Suggs ‘uncertain’ of status for Sunday

The Sun’s Mike Preston says Suggs has ‘confidence’ in replacement E. Jones

The Examiner’s Ron Snyder says 52 looks at Rex Ryan as ‘father’

The Examiner’s Ron Snyder says Ravens hope winning turnover battle will help win AFC title

The Examiner’s Phil Macek says injuries ‘not excuses’

The Examiner’s Steve DeClue says Titans fans ‘whiny’

Aaron Wilson says Ravens have been ‘gluttons for punishment’ during long stretch with no bye

Aaron Wilson says Ravens grateful for ‘Little Jimmy Leonhard’

The AP says Ravens preparing to play for 18th consecutive weekend

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gene Collier doesn’t think any Raven, Steeler will rush for 100 yards

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ed Bouchette says Tomlin’s ‘aggressiveness’ shows in team

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Scott Brown says Steelers trying to reverse bad title game history at home in recent years

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Chris Togneri says Steelers fans trying to avoid selling tickets to Ravens fans

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Scott Brown says Polamalu will be ‘limited’ in practice this week

Beaver County Times’ Mike Bires says Steelers 2-0 in history when facing team they’ve already beat twice

ESPN.com’s John Clayton says division rivalry makes Steelers ‘more focused’

ESPN.com Page 2’s Gregg Easterbrook thinks Ravens’ run will end Sunday; but season was ‘tremendous’

ESPN.com’s Tim Graham says Ravens’ offense ‘straightforward, efficient’

ESPN.com’s James Walker says both Ravens, Steelers wanted matchup

Fox Sports’ Mark Kriegel says Ray Lewis might be proving he’s best defensive player ever

SI’s Peter King says Harbaugh spent Sunday night ‘doing math homework’ with his daughter

Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer says Mason has been ‘security blanket’ for Flacco

CBS Sports’ Clark Judge says in last 8 road games; Flacco has 10 TD passes, 2 INT’s, and 7 victories

Yahoo! Sports’ Michael Silver says Flacco keeping job for ‘decade or more’ believable

TERRAPINS BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s trip to Miami

The Official Site offers complete Maryland-Miami release (pdf)

Miami Official Site previews Hurricanes-Terps tonight

Miami Official Site offers complete Miami-Maryland release (pdf)

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck expects Vasquez to be on better behavior moving forward

The Sun’s Don Markus says Vasquez expects to be ‘target’ of fans at BankUnited Center

The Sun’s Don Markus says Terps ‘could benefit’ from less than capacity crowd in Miami

The Examiner’s Sean Welsh says scoring from Hayes ‘critical’ for Terps to be successful

Carroll County Times’ Josh Land says Gary doesn’t expect Vasquez to unleash another outburst

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Terps final D1 team to play first true road game

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says L. Hurdle, J. McClinton will get more minutes with E. Rios out for Canes

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Terps feel now might be ‘right time’ to hit road

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Gary wishes fans would appreciate more of the positives of Vasquez’s game

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Canes will go as far as McClinton can take them

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens thinks Comcast Center third best venue in ACC

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Terps’ struggles in south Florida ‘puzzling’

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Gary thinks international style reason some don’t like Vasquez

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Miami beat writer Navarro thinks ‘Canes play ‘encouraging’ of late

Miami Herald’s Manny Navarro says A. Thomas expected to be contributor tonight

Terrapin Times’ Dan Painter says Terps interested in JuCo guard (must subscribe)

Terrapin Times’ Mark Clem says Hayes remains ‘steady’ for Terps (must subscribe)

Terrapin Times’ Dan Painter says prospect Cooney ‘fast-emerging’ (must subscribe)

Terp Center’s Seth Hoffman says Vasquez ‘feeds off’ road crowds

TERRAPINS FOOTBALL:

The Sun’s Matt Bracken recaps season for commit Fulper

Washington Post’s Josh Barr says Locksley already ‘working magic’ for New Mexico

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Terps received ‘solid play’ from tight ends in ‘08

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Humanitarian Bowl ratings up 200 percent

ESPN.com’s Ivan Maisel says Scott’s 2nd half amongst Bowl highlights

ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich has Terps 5th in final power rankings

ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich also thinks Scott amongst highlights of Bowl season

TOWSON BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews Towson-VCU

The Official Site offers complete Towson-VCU release (pdf)

The Examiner’s Dave Carey says Kennedy happy for practice time before tilt with Rams

UMBC BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s trip to New Hampshire

The Official Site offers complete Retrievers-Wildcats release (pdf)

LOYOLA BASKETBALL:

The Official Site offers complete Loyola-NJIT release (pdf)

NAVY BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s trip to Lehigh

Annapolis Capital’s Bill Wagner says Lange thinks Mids have ‘oneness’

NAVY FOOTBALL:

Go Mids’ Shedrick Moorer introduces commit Matt Smith (must subscribe)

ORIOLES:

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says Uehara joins Guthrie as only sure things in rotation

The Official Site’s Doug Miller says Ray, Orioles avoid arbitration

The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec says Birds to introduce Uehara today

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says Sherrill ‘experiencing no significant discomfort’ during regular throwing sessions

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says O’s still interested in Wigginton; don’t want to give him multi-year deal

Carroll County Times’ Josh Land says Uehara’s deal officially two years; reportedly $10 million

The AP says Ray gets 1 year, $850,000 deal

SOME QUICK THOUGHTS:

-Congratulations to SunTrust Athlete of the Morning Don Hill; who scored 37 points last night to lift the Bel Air Bobcats to a 62-52 win over C. Milton Wright last night in the “Battle of Bel Air.” Thanks to “Carl J” and Joe from Aberdeen for the nomination.

Recapping “Who Knows Drew” from this morning…..
-Drew would rather the Orioles sign Barry Bonds than the Ravens sign Pac-Man Jones
-Drew thinks Len Bias is a greater player in Maryland basketball history than Juan Dixon or Len Elmore
-Drew would rather attend a Yankees-Red Sox ALCS Game 7 than a Flyers-Red Wings Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 OR a Duke-North Carolina Final Four Game
-Drew would NOT bet $300 that two teams from the state of Maryland will make the NCAA Tournament
-If he was starting an expansion NBA team in Baltimore, Drew would choose Byron Scott to be the coach

Talk to you tomorrow.

-G