EA SPORTS AND ESPN’S SPORTSNATION KICK OFF MADDEN NFL 13 COVER ATHLETE FAN VOTE

This Year’s Campaign Expands to 64 Players – With Play-In Round Featuring Two Athletes

From Each NFL Team Represented in Head-to-Head Matchups

March 7, 2012 – EA SPORTS™ and ESPN announced today the return of the award-winning Madden NFL Cover Vote campaign, where fans can cast their vote for the next athlete to grace the cover of one of the highest-selling videogame franchises in North America. Last year, nearly 13 million votes were cast through ESPNSportsNation.com and ESPN mobile in both companies’ most successful cross-platform activation. Tenth-seeded Cleveland Browns running back, Peyton Hillis, trucked through the six week competition all the way to the ultimate end zone – the Madden NFL 12 cover.

This year’s competition will incorporate more athletes and more chances to vote as the field has been expanded to 64 NFL players, putting even more control in the hands of the fans. Beginning today through March 21, fans can visit the SportsNation Facebook page to choose among the 64 candidates in a play-in round (each matchup features two players from the same NFL team) to advance to the official 32-player, seeded tournament.  The winners of the play-in round will be unveiled with the official seeded, 32-player bracket on March 21 on ESPN’s “Madden Cover Vote Special” from 5-6p.m. EST.  To ensure their favorite player advances to the next round, fans are encouraged to vote daily and tweet their picks using #MyMaddenCoverVote on Twitter.  Every Wednesday between March 21 and April 25, fans can tune into SportsNation on ESPN2at 5p.m. EST to check out the latest Madden NFL 13 Cover Vote standings.

In addition to the SportsNation Facebook page, fans will be able to vote in the play-in round via the open Web through widgets embedded on blogs, websites and more.  Each widget features an individual match-up for each of the 32 total teams in the league.  For the cover vote from March 21-April 25, all voting must be cast at ESPN.com/MaddenVote.

The star-studded list of candidates participating in the play-in round features past Super Bowl winners, perennial Pro Bowlers and some of the most popular players in the NFL including Drew Brees, Arian Foster and Rob Gronkowski. The full list of matchups featured in the play-in round are:

The Madden NFL 13 cover vote marks the third-consecutive year that EA SPORTS has asked fans to help shape the face of the Madden NFL franchise through a cover athlete voting campaign.  It also marks the second year of its collaboration with ESPN’s SportsNation.

Madden NFL 13 is developed in Orlando, Florida by EA Tiburon.  For more information about Madden NFL 13, please visit: http://www.ea.com/madden-nfl. To download assets pertaining to the Madden NFL 13 please visit http://maddennfl13.newslinevine.com.

All player participation has been facilitated by National Football League Players Incorporated, the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association.

EA SPORTS™ is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, global videogame competitions and breakthrough digital experiences. EA SPORTS delivers experiences that ignite the emotions of sport through industry-leading sports simulation videogames, including Madden NFL football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA basketball, NCAA® Football, Fight Night boxing, EA SPORTS MMA and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® golf, and EA SPORTS Active.

For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit www.easports.com to connect, share and compete.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company’s game franchises are offered as both packaged goods products and online services delivered through Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 100 million registered players and operates in 75 countries.

In fiscal 2011, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.6 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster franchises such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer, Need for Speed™, Battlefield™, and Mass Effect™. More information about EA is available at http://info.ea.com.

EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS Active, The Sims and Need for Speed are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. Mass Effect is a trademark of EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd.  Battlefield is a trademark of EA Digital Illusions CE AB.  John Madden, NFL, FIFA, NHL, NBA, NCAA, Tiger Woods, and PGA TOUR are trademarks of their respective owners and used with permission.  Twitter is a registered trademark of Twitter, Inc.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Officially Licensed Product of National Football League Players Incorporated.

About SportsNation

SportsNation is a live sports television show born from the Internet, fueled by fan interaction and focused on fun.  The show, which has the youngest and most male audience on the ESPN network, features discussions of the day’s hottest sports topics but also smaller stories that generate buzz on the Web but are overlooked by other shows.  Feeding off the theory that if two heads are better than one, 200,000 heads are better than two, SportsNation engages hundreds of thousands of sports fans across the country via ESPN.com’s SportsNation page (http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/).

About ESPN Games and EA

ESPN’s long-standing relationship with EA produces deep brand integrations into console gaming titles such as EA SPORTS NCAA Football 12 and Fight Night Champion.  Additionally, the relationship in 2011 produced the biggest ESPN poll vote ever for the Madden NFL 12 cover vote, logging nearly 13 million votes, the most ESPN votes ever for a joint collaboration.  The Emmy award-winning EA Virtual Playbook also most recently extended to boxing and golf in 2011.

###

PLAY-IN ROUND VOTING THRU FACEBOOK & OPEN WEB

Thanks for your interest in SportsNation’s Madden NFL 13 Cover Vote.

EA Sports and ESPN’s SportsNation have chosen two players from each NFL team to be included in a social play-in round for the Madden NFL 13 cover.

Starting March 7^th on SportsNation’s Facebook page and on voting matchups called ‘sapplets’ or ‘widgets’ embedded across open web (info below), fans will be able to vote on matchups from each NFL team to send one representative into the final bracket of 32 players at ESPN.com/MaddenVote on March 21^st.

If you choose to embed one of the 32 individual voting ‘sapplets’, you can use the next page that includes all 32 embed codes for all 32 NFL teams. They post to your site much like a YouTube clip and can increase time spent on your site as well as traffic by generating debate about matchups.

The social Play-in vote launches on Wednesday, March 7^th and closes two week later on Wednesday, March 21^st. The Facebook tab and voting ‘sapplets’ will be live during those two weeks.

CHEAT SHEET:

WAY TO EMBED:

• Go to page 2. Find your team.
• Copy the embed code.
• Paste the embed code onto your website where you would embed a YouTube clip.
• The voting platform is ready and interactive on your page!
• Please Note: do NOT embed on Tumblr and do NOT change the height & width

NEW YORK – With Super Bowl XLVI around the corner and the spotlight on the field, the NFL is recognizing excellence off the field by announcing today the two finalists for the League’s inaugural Salute to Service Award presented by USAA.

USAA, a leading provider of insurance and other services to members of the U.S. military and their families, is the NFL’s first Official Military Appreciation Sponsor.

Tennessee Titans owner K.S. “Bud” Adams Jr. and Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh were selected for their exceptional efforts to honor and support members of the military community. The first Salute to Service Award will be presented to one of the finalists at the inaugural NFL Honors event that will air on NBC Saturday, February 4 at 9 PM ET. In addition, a $25,000 contribution will be made by USAA in the winner’s honor to the aid societies representing all five military branches.

“We should never take for granted the tremendous sacrifices made daily by our nation’s military,” said Steve Speakes, executive vice president of USAA’s external affairs and a retired Army lieutenant general. “Together with the NFL, we are launching the Salute to Service Award as a way to recognize those in the NFL community who appreciate and honor that sacrifice, enrich the lives of military members and encourage others to do the same.”

An ardent backer of the military in his 52 years as owner, Bud Adams’ enthusiasm for the military began with his service in the U.S. Navy from 1942-46.  His commitment to supporting the military followed him and the franchise to Tennessee where he focused his efforts on recognizing the service men and women of nearby Fort Campbell, home to the Army’s 101st Airborne Division, as well as the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers) and the 5th Special Forces Group (Green Berets).

Since 1999, more than 11,000 Fort Campbell soldiers have been guests of Adams at Titans home games, and it’s very common for Adams to host military members in his suite and award game balls as a tribute to their service. Adams’ support at Fort Campbell includes directing the team to make several visits during the year where Titans players, cheerleaders, and staff can participate in autograph sessions at the PX, greet patients at the Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, provide programs to the on-base middle school and visit with the on-base high school football team.

Similarly, John Harbaugh’s dedication includes frequent base visits, and he relishes interaction with the military community. His passion for supporting the troops was felt immediately by the Ravens’ organization after being named head coach in 2008. Harbaugh was the main driver in the team’s decision to institute a Military Appreciation Day, an annual event which was established during his first training camp with the team. Since then, an estimated 2,000 service members have enjoyed preferred seating and opportunities to meet with players and coaches during Ravens’ camp.

Away from the field, Harbaugh often recruits Ravens players and coaches to join him during base visits, and even took members of his team to the Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado, Calif., last December in the middle of the Ravens’ playoff run. He has also spent significant time and funds putting together care packages for soldiers overseas, and caches of school supplies for military families.

In December, 22 NFL clubs nominated for this award coaches, active and retired players, and team executives and personnel who best demonstrated support for the military community. The submissions were evaluated by a panel of judges based on the positive effect of the individual’s efforts on the military community, the type of service conducted, the thoroughness of the program and level of commitment.

The panel of judges, consisting of representatives from the U.S. military, the NFL and USAA, includes:

*         Roger Staubach, Naval Academy graduate, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback and Super Bowl MVP

*         Chad Hennings, Air Force Academy graduate, three-time Super Bowl champion

*         Rocky Bleier, U.S. Army veteran, four-time Super Bowl champion

*         Jim Mora, Sr., Marine Corps veteran, former NFL head coach

*         General Stephen Speakes, U.S. Army veteran, USAA executive vice president

*         Eric Grubman, Naval Academy graduate, executive vice president-NFL Ventures and Business Operations

“Bud and John’s efforts demonstrate how members of the NFL family can inspire us both on and off the field,” said Roger Staubach. “Their service to the military community is a reminder that we can never do enough to show our appreciation for all the men and women in uniform who defend and protect us.”

All Salute to Service nominees are listed below:

KS Bud Adams Jr. Tennessee Titans Founder, Owner, Chairman of the Board

Jared Allen Minnesota Vikings Defensive End

Jason Baker Carolina Panthers Punter

Tom Coughlin New York Giants Head Coach

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Kris Dielman San Diego Chargers Left Guard

Mark Dominik Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager

Anthony Fasano Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver

Mike Flood Seattle Seahawks Vice President, Community Relations & Special Projects

Drayton Florence Buffalo Bills Defensive Back

John Harbaugh Baltimore Ravens Head Coach

Robert Wood Johnson IV New York Jets Chairman & CEO

Gary Kubiak Houston Texans Head Coach

Lonie Paxton Denver Broncos Long Snapper

Troy Polamalu Pittsburgh Steelers Strong Safety

Marco Rivera Green Bay Packers Guard (Retired)

Joe Thomas Cleveland Browns Offensive Lineman

Charles Tillman Chicago Bears Cornerback

Chad Walker Detroit Lions Community Affairs Coordinator

Washington Redskins Cheerleaders

Roddy White Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver

Kurt Wisenbaugh Jacksonville Jaguars Manager, Events and Game Operations

New York, NY, January 25, 2012– The New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees (No. 1), Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers (No. 2) and New England Patriots’ Tom Brady (No. 3) top the Bloomberg Businessweek/Horrow Sports Ventures 2012 Power 100 ranking of the most powerful professional athletes in the U.S. To determine who the 100 most powerful athletes are on- and off-the-field going into 2012, Bloomberg Businessweek teamed up with Rick Horrow, host of Bloomberg TV “Sportfolio,” and CEO of Horrow Sports Ventures; CSE, a leading integrated marketing agency that created the Power 100 list for the third consecutive year using proprietary methodology; and the Nielsen/E-Poll N-Score.

As the business of sports continues to grow, endorsement contracts increasingly impact players, teams, and the industry. These contracts take into consideration many of the same factors as the Power 100 ranking – performance, name awareness, appeal, influence, trustworthiness and overall popularity, among other things. Social media, for example, played a role in boosting the rankings of such athletes as LeBron James (No. 4) and Shaquille O’Neal (No.7).  The Power 100 rankings are based 50 percent on these on “off-field” measurements, and 50 percent on “on-field” performance using a variety of industry statistics.

The most notable drops this year include injury-plagued Peyton Manning dropping from No. 1 to No. 51 and golfer Phil Mickelson dropping from No. 4 to No. 18. Due to the individual dominance of its top athletes, tennis commands ten percent of the spots on this year’s list, with the top female athlete on the list being American tennis stalwart Serena Williams (No. 25).

In addition, this year’s Power 100 rankings also emphasize the importance of team sports, with the NFL dominating the list with 26 players ranked in the top 100. The National Basketball Association came in second with the most athletes on the Power 100, with 20, followed by MLB baseball (16), tennis (10), golf (8), NASCAR (6), Olympics (4), soccer (4), hockey (3), boxing/MMA (2), and action sports (1).

“This is the third year of the Power 100, and it continues to be a cutting-edge tool to measure the power and value of athletes,” says Horrow, who will devote an entire “Sportfolio” episode to the special report on January 25.  “CSE’s consistent methodology provides the industry’s only analytics to provide integrated on field and off field attributes.”

Top 20:

1-Drew Brees-Football

2-Aaron Rodgers-Football

3-Tom Brady-Football

4-LeBron James-Basketball

5-Rafael Nadal- Tennis

6-Roger Federer-Tennis

7-Shaquille O’Neal-Basketball

8-Shaun White-Action Sports

9-Novak Djokovic-Tennis

10-Calvin Johnson-Football

11-Luke Donald-Golf

12-Tiger Woods-Golf

13-Kobe Bryant-Basketball

14-Dwight Howard-Basketball

15-Eli Manning-Football

16-Dwyane Wade-Basketball

17-Kevin Durant-Basketball

18-Phil Mickelson-Golf

19-Lee Westwood-Golf

20-Troy Polamalu-Football

All NFL players on list:

I’m simply calling this my “Top 10 Most Memorable.” Not my “Top Ten Most Memorable Games” or my “Top Ten Most Memorable Moments”, just my “Top 10 Most Memorable” in the history of the Baltimore Ravens/Pittsburgh Steelers Rivalry…

10. Jamal2K (December 28, 2003-Ravens 13, Steelers 10 OT)

The game didn’t really end up meaning anything for either team, as the Ravens clinched the division earlier in the day with a Cincinnati Bengals loss. That said, the atmosphere remained electric for the Sunday Night Football matchup as Brian Billick stuck with his starters. RB Jamal Lewis fell short of breaking Eric Dickerson’s single season rushing record (live shots of Dickerson from ESPN during the broadcast actually added to the excitement), but he DID surpass the 2,000 yard mark and the Ravens claimed victory of their AFC North foe.

9. Ravens won’t defend (January 20, 2002 Steelers 27, Ravens 10)

Despite an up and down 2001 season, there was still a feeling that once the Baltimore Ravens reached the playoffs, they’d somehow figure out a way to defend their Super Bowl XXXV crown. Kordell Stewart and Amos Zereoue did little against the Ravens defense, but three Elvis Grbac picks ensured the Ravens’ title hopes would be dashed at Heinz Field.

8. Flacco’s coming out party (September 29, 2008 Steelers 23, Ravens 20 OT)

After a surprising quick start to the 2008 season with first year head coach John Harbaugh and rookie quarterback Joe Flacco, the Ravens entered their Monday Night Football showdown in the Steel City undefeated. They took a quick lead in the game, but some mistakes allowed the Steelers back into the game. The game would ultimately be won by the Steelers in overtime, but Ravens fans who made the trip felt good about the hopes for the coach and QB moving forward in the series.

ANNAPOLIS, Md.-Navy head football coach Ken Niumatalolo released the names of the 2011 Navy football recruits on Thursday evening as 52 prospects representing 16 states went through induction ceremonies and began plebe summer.

“We are very excited about the group we have coming in this year,” said Niumatalolo. “If they work hard and do the things they are supposed to do in Bancroft Hall, in the classroom, in the weight room and on the practice field they have a chance to be a part of something special.”

The state of Florida produced the most prospects with eight, while six incoming recruits hail from Texas.  Georgia, Tennessee and California produced five prospects each.

Navy football season tickets are currently on sale at the Ricketts Hall Box Office, by calling 1-800-US4-NAVY or by logging on to the web at www.navysports.com. Navy opens the 2011 campaign on Sept. 3 against Delaware.  The Mids will play five games at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium this fall, including an Oct. 1 date with Air Force, and will play host to Army at FedExField in Landover, Md.

NAVY FOOTBALL CLASS OF 2015
Name                          Position            Hgt.            Wgt.            Hometown/High School
Kody Akers                QB                   5-10            190            Delaware, Ohio/Rutherford Hayes
Colin Amerau             PK                    6-2            185            Alexandria, Va./Mount Vernon
Adrian Barnaby                        DL                    6-1            275            Deltona, Fla./Trinity Christian Academy
DJ Beard                        DB                        6-0            180            McDonough, Ga./Ola
Pablo Beltran              P/K                   6-2            200            Humble, Texas/Atascocita
Jimmy Britton                        DB                        6-2            210            Togers, Ark./Heritage
Greg Bryant Jr.                        QB                   6-2            185            Fayetteville, N.C./Jack Britt
Allen Caldwell                        DL                        6-3            250            Crestview, Fla./Crestview
Joe Cardona                        LS                    6-3            200            El Cajon, Calif./Granite Hills
Ruben Carson              SB                    5-8            170            Hoover, Ala./Hoover
Noah Copeland                        FB                    5-10            205            San Antonio, Texas/Brandeis
Kyle Cregge              OL                    6-2            279            Alpharetta, Ga./Milton
Aaron Davis                DL                    6-0            265            Manvel, Texas/Dawson
Jordan Drake                        OLB                        6-4            210            Douglasville, Ga./Chapel Hill
Brendan Dudeck             QB                   6-0            188            Hamilton Square, N.J./The Hun School
Chris Ferguson                        DB                   6-2            195            Angier, N.C./West Johnson
Tanner Fleming                        OL                    6-2            260            Deltona, Fla./Deltona
Parrish Gaines                        DB                        6-2            185            Smyrna, Tenn./Smyrna
Daniel Godkin              DL                    6-4            230            Las Vegas, Nev./Palo Verde
Bradyn Heap                 OL                    6-3            265            South Jordan, Utah/Bingham
John Hendrick                        QB                        6-1            185            Tampa, Fla./Sickles
Sam Holguin                        WR                        6-3            195            Pacific Palisades, Calif./Saint Monica
Dale Howard             DL                    6-0            275            Baxley, Ga./Appling County
George Jamison             DB                   6-0            190            Memphis, Tenn./Evangelical Christian
Chris Johnson                        OLB                        6-1            205            Cape Coral, Fla./Cape Coral
Eric Johnson             SB                    5-10            185            Fayetteville, N.C./Jack Britt
James King                 WR                  6-2            195            Orinda, Calif./Miramonte
Anthony Lewis                OLB                 6-0            210            Salt Lake City, Utah/Cottonwood
Carrington Lewis             OLB                 6-3            197            Helena, Ala./Pelham
Marcus Lewis                SB                    5-8            170            Cape Coral, Fla./North Fort Myers
Austin Marshall                        OL                    6-3            300            Rossville, Tenn./Evangelical Christian
Isaiah McElrath                        DL                    6-2            280            Milton, Fla./Pace
Brice Musgrove                        DL                    5-11            275            Cedar Hill, Texas/Cedar Hill
Chris Nurthen             DL                    6-3            226            Phoenixville, Pa./Great Valley
Nate Otto                        OL                    6-2            265            Houston, Texas/Clear Lake
Togasii Peko                        DB                        6-0            177            Henderson, Nev./Bishop Gorman
Maika Polamalu                        FB                        6-0            200            Pottstown, Pa./Pottsgrove
AJ Pouncy              DB                   6-1            190            Humble, Texas/Atascocita
Paul Quessenberry            DL                    6-2            230            Carlsbad, Calif./LaCosta Canyon
Lonnie Richardson            DB                   5-11            195            Wallingford, Pa./Strath Haven
Vinny Rider                DL                    6-4            260            Athens, Ohio/Athens
Dan Ring                        DL                        6-2            270            Lighthouse Point, Fla./Cardinal Gibbons
Shakir Robinson                        DB                        5-10            190            Brunswick, Ga./Brunswick
Quinton Singleton            FB                    6-0            190            Manning, S.C./Scotts Branch
Will Strauss              OL                    6-5            245            Brentwood, Calif./Heritage
Josh Tate                        DB                   5-11            180            Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood
David Thurston                        LB                    6-1            225            Broomfield, Colo./Arvada West
Obinna Uzoma                        OLB                        6-3            215            Wake Forest, N.C./Knightdale
Kody West                 QB                   6-2            195            Murfreesboro, Tenn./Riverdale
Geoffrey Whiteside            SB                    5-10            177            Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Hartley
Ryan Williams                        SB                    5-8            170            Helena, Ala./Pelham
Jake Zuzek               OL                    6-0            290            Brookhaven, Pa./West Philadelphia Catholic

If you listen to my show or follow me on Facebook, there is a pretty good chance you’ve heard me crack a joke about Steelers fans and their affection for the friendly confines of Walmart.  My reasoning is simple; on the rare occasions I visit a Walmart, I always spot a Roethlisberger or Polamalu-jersied fan.

It is what it is, I suppose …..

Well, earlier this evening I was tasked with traveling to the Walmart, located in Arbutus, to pickup a new cellphone for my daughter.  She just NEEDED the new Blackberry and Wally World was selling it for 97 cents, on a limited basis.  The same phone is $99 at the local AT&T store.

For those who really know me, I will pretty much go anywhere to save a few bucks, let alone $98.03 …..

So, as I waited at Walmart’s cellphone counter, for nearly two hours, my exhaustion was met with one of the most intriguing sights I’ve seen in recent visits to “America’s Super Store”.  It was an image I’ve never, EVER, seen in my 43 years.

Get ready Steelers fans …. This is undoubtedly the moment you have been waiting for …..

Your eyes are not deceiving your brain …..

Indeed, I encountered a lady with purple hair !!!!  Of course, she sported the matching Ravens jacket to boost the overall appeal.  Let me say she was wearing it proudly, too !!!!

I noticed customers were gawking and some were even breaking out their cellphones for a paparazzi-like photo opportunity.  Can you believe people have such nerve?

Here we stand, nearly three entire weeks beyond the Ravens painful demise, at the hands of Ben Roethlisberger and his Pittsburgh cronies.  Yet, this FAN still shows her colors and defies the upcoming Super Bowl matchup.

Where else can you find such tradition and loyalty? 

So, what do you think my next step was?  You’ll have to “click” to the next page to find out …..

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens (13-4) returned to practice Wednesday at 1 Winning Drive, continuing preparations for Saturday’s AFC divisional playoff showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) at Heinz Field.

Unlike the other AFC divisional showdown this weekend, (New England Patriots-New York Jets), the buildup to the AFC North rematch had included little in the way of bulletin board material.

LB Terrell Suggs changed that Wednesday when he stepped to the podium.

(Photo property of WNST.net…Apologies for offensive imagery)

Suggs wore a “Hey Pittsburgh!” shirt during his media availability session Wednesday. The shirt was showing a purple bird giving the middle finger.

“(This) ain’t no message” said the Pro Bowl pass rusher. “Like I always say, I put on for my city. They rep their city and I’m repping mine.”

Suggs said the Pittsburgh-Baltimore rivalry holds a special place in his heart.

“To me, it’s definitely the best rivalry in sports. When it comes to football, it’s the most physical game of the year. It’s going to be a physical gang fight, just like the first two games were.”

According to Suggs, this wasn’t the first time the middle finger has been involved in the series.

“When we go down there, they always hit us with the ‘Number Ones’. I don’t know how they act here because I’ve been in the locker room by the time all the fans get here. I’m pretty sure we’ve been hitting them with the ‘Number Ones’.”

When asked if he was worried the shirt could give the Steelers some extra motivation, Suggs was confident in his answer.

“Do I seem worried? This game is going to be what it is regardless. It’s a physical dogfight. I’m not expecting (anything) different. This is the shirt I wore this morning, this is just the shirt I chose.”

Future Hall of Fame LB Ray Lewis was much more guarded when asked if he ‘liked’ the Steelers.

“I like pizza” said Lewis. “I like a lot of things, there’s a lot of things I don’t like. Are the Steelers in the ‘like’ or ‘don’t like’ category? Well since I’m a Baltimore person, I’m going to say ‘don’t like’.”

Lewis’ message when he saw Suggs’ shirt?

“You’re going to start a war.”

RAVENS SIGN HARDY: The Ravens have signed WR James Hardy to a reserve/future contract, per a FoxSports.com report.

Hardy was a 2nd round (41st overall) pick by the Buffalo Bills out of Indiana in the 2008 NFL Draft. He was cut by the Bills before the start of the 2010 season.

In his brief NFL career, Hardy has just 10 catches for 96 yards and two touchdowns. He was a first team All-Big Ten performer in his junior (and final) season with the Hoosiers.

As a reserve/future signing, Hardy does not go on the team’s 53 man roster and is not eligible to participate in the postseason. Instead, he will have the opportunity to make the team out of Training Camp this summer (should he remain on the roster through OTA’s).

Ravens Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron is also an Indiana alum.

PRACTICE REPORT: All Ravens who missed the Wild Card playoff win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium were on the practice field Wednesday.

LB Tavares Gooden (shoulder) and S Tom Zbikowski (back) were full participants. WR/KR David Reed (wrist) was not even listed on the injury report.

C Matt Birk (knee) did not participate in practice, neither did WR Donte’ Stallworth (illess). CB Chris Carr (thigh) was a limited participant with what is believed to be a pulled hamstring.

Suggs (knee) and S Ed Reed (ribs) were not listed on the injury report.

Multiple Ravens players again switched jersey numbers for Wednesday’s session. Among them was Suggs, who wore the #4 of punter Sam Koch.

For the Steelers, S Troy Polamalu (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday. CB Bryant McFadden (abdomen) and DE Aaron Smith (triceps) were limited participants.

NOTES: Hear from Lewis, Suggs, QB Joe Flacco, TE Todd Heap, RB Ray Rice, WR Anquan Boldin and DE Cory Redding now in the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault here at WNST.net……Director of Player Personnel Eric DeCosta & LB Dannell Ellerbe joined Drew Forrester Wednesday on “The Morning Reaction” on AM1570 WNST, both chats are also available in the Audio Vault……Jeff Triplette will officiate Sunday’s game, his crew will include members of Ed Hochuli’s regular crew……The Ravens will hold their final open practice of the week Thursday, Head Coach John Harbaugh is scheduled to meet with reporters

-G

HOUSTON, TX — The Baltimore Ravens (9-4) were effective or better in nearly every aspect of their 34-28 overtime win over the Houston Texans (5-8) Monday night at Reliant Stadium.

The offense put points up early, scoring an unlikely 21 points in the first half.

The defense was effective despite giving up two 21-point leads, as they rebounded and Josh Wilson returned a Matt Schaub interception for 12 yards for to seal the deal.

The special teams unit got not only more good football from kicker Billy Cundiff (three more touchbacks) and punter Sam Koch (five of seven punts left the Texans inside their own 20 yard line-including a crucial 58 yard bomb in overtime), but they finally broke through with a 103 yard touchdown from kick returner David Reed.

It was the type of game the Ravens needed after a heartbreaking 13-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium in Week 13.

Really…it was. Of course, we all know it doesn’t exactly feel that way.

The Ravens may have controlled play for the first 31:15 of their win over the only AFC South opponent they’ll face this season; but the Texans’ ability to get back into the game and force overtime will leave an uncomfortable feeling throughout Charm City, including the building at 1 Winning Drive in Owings Mills.

After breaking the game open with Reed’s kickoff return to open the 2nd half, the Ravens failed not only to score another point; but tallied just five first downs the rest of the way. In the same time frame, the Texans managed to rack up 401 yards of total offense and 22 points.

It was a crucial victory for a team trying to lock up at least an AFC Wild Card berth, with the AFC North still very much in the balance.

The win does move the Ravens ahead of the Jets for the fifth-seed in the AFC Playoffs.

The type of crucial victory that will be discussed as if it were one of the more devastating losses in the history of the franchise.

The type of victory that leaves a fanbase asking themselves 14 weeks into a season “is this team really any good?”

The answer of course remains the same. We just simply don’t know.

The reality is that fans are probably-at best-concerned.

“Concerned is probably a good word word” said Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh following the win. “Do we have things that we’re worried about? Do we have things we have to work on? Absolutely.”

It’s hard to find a balance between what wasn’t far from being the most painful collapse in franchise history and a victory that guarantees a third straight winning season and leaves the Ravens two games ahead in the race for the playoffs with only three games to play.

The Ravens are clearly a very good team, even if took a heroic TD return from CB Josh Wilson on an overtime interception throw from Matt Schaub to escape the Lone Star State with a victory. Teams don’t get to 9-4 without being very good.

But for a very good team, they have a number of problems. The pass protection was practically brutal, allowing five Texans sacks (and eight TFL’s altogether). OT Michael Oher admitted after the game “I’m hurting my team. I gotta get it done.”

The pass rush was also practically non-existent in the second half, although Harbaugh admitted post-game the team purposely didn’t go after Schaub out of respect for the Texans’ offensive play-makers.

Of the Texans’ 401 yards after halftime, 242 came via the air. After getting sacks from LB Terrell Suggs and DE Cory Redding in the first half, the Ravens failed to put Schaub in the turf again.

And the play-calling? Once again suspect.

Not only will defensive coordinator Greg Mattison be criticized for choosing to not rush Schaub late, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will face fire for his decision to again throw the ball with the lead in a 3rd and short situation late in the game. (This time there was 2:58 left and the Ravens were on the Texans’ 44. The play resulted in a Flacco incompletion, which in fairness wasn’t quite as bad as the Troy Polamalu sack and strip the week before.)

When I asked RB Ray Rice what he had hoped the call was going to be, he made his feelings known.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT1-sZU1kGE[/youtube]

“I wanted to run it. I’m just being honest with you. I’ve never been a guy to question anything, but on 3rd and 1-I want the ball.”

Not exactly dissent, but not ringing support either.

Despite all of the concerns, the Ravens are still in very good position to reach the playoffs. But it isn’t exactly an easy road. After returning home from Houston, the Ravens will have a short week to prepare for a visit from the defending Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints Sunday. The Saints just happen to find themselves in the thick of their own playoff race in the NFC South.

Anyone feeling comfortable about Sunday’s game?

There’s one Raven in particular who either isn’t as concerned as the rest of the city of Baltimore…or is at least doing a great job of hiding it.

“Keep giving me W’s” said future Hall of Fame LB Ray Lewis. “You can’t ask for (anything) else.”

There was a collective sigh of relief in the Ravens locker room following their Monday Night Football escape. And if they keep posting wins, it won’t matter if they give up 22 point leads in the second half of every game.

But after the team finishes exhaling, they’ll have to get back to work. They have a long way to go to prove they’re a championship caliber football team.

-G

Hear from Harbaugh, Lewis, Suggs, Flacco, Rice, Wilson, Oher and WR Derrick Mason following the Ravens win in the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault here at WNST.net!

BALTIMORE — Following the Baltimore Ravens’ (8-4) loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3) Sunday night at M&T Bank Stadium, I bumped into veteran FoxSports.com NFL writer Alex Marvez on our way to the losing and winning locker rooms respectively.

Marvez has seen plenty of rivalry games during his time covering the league, but stopped for a second and shook his head almost in disbelief.

I said back to him “of all of the losses to Pittsburgh…for some reason…this one feels like the worst.”

He nodded in agreement. I then added “this couldn’t happen.”

There’s still a part of me that believes that.

I understand the hangover feeling that will play out throughout Charm City this week. In fact, “hangover” might not be a good enough word to describe it. “Coma” might be a better choice. I understand that I might as well forget about the word “rational” for 72 hours or so. I understand that this city will not recover from this one quickly.

This one really COULDN’T have happened. Not like that.

This really does feel worse than any of the losses to Pittsburgh before.

It’s hard to compare to the 2009 AFC Championship Game because the stakes were much higher at Heinz Field that day. But even with the reality of a trip to the Super Bowl being only a late scoring drive away, that one didn’t feel quite so crushing.

Much like the Ravens’ earlier loss at Heinz Field that season (on Monday Night Football), there was a feeling of “we were probably just fortunate to be here.” The Ravens had a rookie head coach in John Harbaugh and a rookie starting quarterback in Joe Flacco, and it appeared as though the heartbreak would be lessened by the likelihood of multiple return trips to that level in the future.

More so, the Championship Game was a game that the Steelers thoroughly dominated. The Ravens hung around thanks to a couple of pass interference calls in the endzone, but it never felt like they truly deserved to win that day.

The 2008 loss at M&T Bank Stadium felt similar to the disaster Sunday night, as it was a game that the Ravens controlled throughout, but couldn’t put away. The loss hurt because it ended amidst the controversy of a Santonio Holmes TD catch

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens (8-3) held their final open practice of the week at 1 Winning Drive Friday before their AFC North showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) on Sunday Night Football at M&T Bank Stadium.

FB Le’Ron McClain (ankle) returned to the practice field Friday for the first time since injuring his ankle in the Ravens’ Week 12 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McClain’s had been considered a longshot to see the field Sunday night, but was listed as questionable Friday after returning to the practice field.

“I’m in for Sunday” said the two time Pro Bowl selection. “I’m gonna be ready Sunday-it just depends on the coaches, if they want to use me Sunday or not.”

If McClain is not active Sunday night, reserve FB Jason McKie would be expected to take his place. Head Coach John Harbaugh offered no more information about McClain, saying simply “I have no idea.”

OT Michael Oher (knee) did not participate in practice Friday and was also listed as questionable for Sunday night. If for some reason Oher isn’t able to go, OT Oniel Cousins would be expected to start for him. S Dawan Landry (head) practiced all week but was also listed as questionable for Sunday night.

WR Derrick Mason (illness) was not on the field during the open session Friday, but was also a late arrival. Mason said the illness that kept him out of Thursday’s practice was “just a cold.” Mason was listed as probable for Sunday night along with G Chris Chester (infection) and TE Ed Dickson (thigh).

All other Ravens were on the practice field Friday and are believed to be available for Sunday’s game.

PITTSBURGH INJURIES: Eight Steelers were listed on the team’s final injury report Friday.

QB Ben Roethlisberger (foot) was listed as questionable, but the news wasn’t quite as good for two other players.

DE Aaron Smith (triceps) and TE Matt Spaeth (concussion) were both listed as doubtful for Sunday night.

OT Flozell Adams (back), DE Nick Eason (knee), DE Brett Keisel (calf), CB Bryant McFadden (hamstring) and S Troy Polamalu (ankle) were all listed as probable for Sunday night’s game.

NOTES: Hear from Harbaugh, L. McClain, Mason and WR TJ Houshmandzadeh now in the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault here at WNST.net……Westwood One Play by Play Voice Dave Sims and Pittsburgh Steelers Play by Play Voice Bill Hillgrove joined “The Morning Reaction” with Drew Forrester Friday on AM1570 WNST, both conversations are available in the Audio Vault as well……DT Arthur Jones is scheduled to join Rex Snider & Nestor Aparicio at 4:45pm on “The Friday Football Frenzy” on AM1570 WNST……Weather.com/The Weather Channel predicts temperatures in the mid-30′s around gametime Sunday night in Charm City. The predict clouds and winds upwards of 20mph as well……NBC’s Cris Collinsworth and Andrea Kramer attended practice at 1 Winning Drive Friday in advance of Sunday night’s broadcast……The Ravens will hold a walkthrough Saturday before Sunday’s game, Saturday’s walkthrough will not be open to the media

-G