Well, so much for all of the talk about injury returns. Heap is still not a definite to play, McAlister looks like he’ll be out, and Rolle is questionable too. When it comes to stopping Big Ben, the Ravens were in trouble without Mac, they’re practically doomed without Samari. However, Trevor Pryce IS back, and that might be the most important thing for this team. More than that, I still think the injury returns are more important for the team’s swagger than they actually are on the field. I firmly believe that the defensive front would have a stronger swagger knowing that Mac was behind them. Ugh. This is what happens when you sell out to a “veteran” philosophy. “Veteran” is synonymous with “oft-injured.” This team did not have enough balance, and has not addressed their age issue well enough over the last few off-seasons. Let’s see what everyone has to say.
RAVENS:
The Official Site gets the team to answer some questions
The Official Site’s Mike Coyne looks at fantasy impact of Ravens
The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says the Ravens are amped for Pittsburgh
Because you wanted to know, The Official Site tells us who the Ravens thought the Yankees should have hired as manager
Steelers’ Official Site’s Bob Labriola offers intriguing match-ups for Ravens-Steelers
If you’re making the trip Monday, here’s some vital info from the Steelers’ Official Site
Thought this team was healthy? The Sun’s Don Markus says Heap, Rolle, AND McAlister could all be out Monday
The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says practice ended with a familiar routine
The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Brian Billick empathizes with Andy Reid
The Sun’s Jamison Hensley looks at Bruce Arians’ offensive philosophy
The Sun’s Mike Klingaman catches up with former Raven Harry Swayne
Sports Illustrated names Ed Reed one of the NFL’s best players under pressure
The Sun’s Bill Ordine looks at cool under pressure Reed
The Sun’s Bill Ordine thinks the Ravens will at least cover
The Sun’s Edward Lee says Mac is hopeful to play
The Sun offers wallpaper for Bart Scott and “the hit”
The Sun’s Mike Preston offers match-ups to watch for Ravens-Steelers
The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Billick is good after the Bye
Everyone at the Sun is picking the Steelers……except Peter Schmuck and Steve Davis
The Sun tracks down various power rankings
The Sun’s Edward Lee sits down with a returning Adam Terry
The Sun’s Jamison Hensley breaks down a treacherous final stretch for the Ravens
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac looks at “Steve McNair: Steeler Killer”
Aaron Wilson says Corners could be an issue vs. Steelers
Press Box’s Joe Platania reminds us that James Harrison was once a Raven
Pro Football 24×7’s Craig Chasis says Ravens offense keeps on (hardly) keeping on
Pro Football 24×7’s Dev Panchwagh offers Ravens-Steelers ‘battle plans’
Pro Football 24×7’s Rick Johnson says Ravens rank 11th in terms of value amongst NFL teams
Sports Ticker says Heap expected to play, McAlister uncertain
B-More Birds Nest’s “Nest Minder” says take the points; heck, take the Ravens outright
The AP says there is concern that Mac could be out
Fanhouse’s Ryan Wilson looks at Terps’ tough schedule
Fanhouse’s JJ Cooper breaks down Steelers’ blocking
The Sun’s Don Markus looks at Trevor Pryce’s return
The Sun relays the NFL injury report
TERRAPINS FOOTBALL:
Carolina’s Official Site’s Lauren Brownlow gives you everything you need to know for Carolina-Maryland
Carolina’s Official Site’s Rick Brewer re-lives Maryland-Carolina from 1930
Carolina’s Official Site’s Lee Pace remembers Maryland-Carolina from 2005
The Sun’s Heather Dinich says Chris Cosh has team’s support
The Sun’s Matt Bracken recaps the week in recruiting
The Sun’s Heather Dinich picks Carolina to win
Winston-Salem Journal’s Bill Cole says Heels looking to bounce back again from a big loss
Durham Herald Sun’s Nolan Hayes says Heels need to win out for bowl eligibility
Sports Network previews Maryland-Carolina
Carroll County Times’ John McNamara says Maryland and Carolina are almost equally desperate
The AP says Terps still have a shot at bowl eligibility going into Carolina game
Washington Post’s Marc Carig says Friedgen and Cosh don’t feel the heat
Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Terps are ‘tackling’ their issue
Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens is picking the Terps
Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Ralph Friedgen wants to stick with Turner…..unless he stinks
Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens tells us what Maryland’s injury report might look like
Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Cory Jackson will play with a cast
The AP says Turner is the man
Turtle Sports Report’s Seth Hoffman says defense is facing questions (must subscribe)
Inside Carolina’s Greg Barnes looks at Carolina and Maryland ‘head to head’
The Daily Tar Heel says Heels need to ‘lay it on the line’
Terrapin Times’ Mark Clem says Jeremy Navarre is ‘blue collar’ (must subscribe)
Carolina Blue’s Eddy Landreth, Adam Powell, & John Gwaltney SERIOUSLY break down Maryland vs. Carolina (must subscribe)
Carolina Blue’s Eddy Landreth says E.J. Wilson has settled at DE (must subscribe)
The Sun’s Heather Dinich breaks down Maryland-Carolina
NAVY FOOTBALL:
The Official Site offers the vitals for Navy-Notre Dame
The Sun offers a slideshow of Navy-Notre Dame history (Is that really fair to do to the Mids?)
The Sun’s Sandra McKee says Navy’s offense is ready to go
Early in voting, Sun readers appear to be picking Navy
The Sun’s Bill Ordine looks at a Navy rally video
South Bend Tribune’s Jason Kelly remembers one Navy’s best shots to end the streak in recent years-1999
Annapolis Capital’s Bill Wagner looks at Paul Bridgers’ diverse family
Washington Post’s Christian Swezey says Mids have a ‘chance’ against Irish
Washington Times’ Mike Fratto says Charlie Weis is throwing out the history book
The AP says Navy is thinking upset against the Irish
Irish Eyes’ Steve Wiltfong offers his keys for Navy-Notre Dame (must subscribe)
Irish Eyes’ “Longtimedomer” offers a Navy-Notre Dame scouting report
Irish Illustrated’s Tim Prister previews Navy-Notre Dame (must subscribe)
Irish Illustrated’s Pete Sampson talks to the Capital’s Bill Wagner about Navy-Notre Dame (must subscribe)
Fanhouse’s Tom Fornelli is shocked to see the Irish favored to win
The Sun’s Sandra McKee says Navy must win with defense
The Sun’s Sandra McKee breaks down Navy-Notre Dame
The Examiner’s Ron Snyder looks at Navy ‘leader’ Irv Spencer
The Examiner’s Ron Snyder says Notre Dame has bigger issues than prolonging the streak
ORIOLES:
The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says O’s are likely to trade more, sign less
The Official Site’s Lisa Winston profiles Jake Arrieta in the Arizona Fall League
The AP’s Steven Wine says the Marlins hired former O’s pitching coach Mark Wiley
Washington Post’s Edward Cody looks at Cal’s trip to Asia
Camden Chat’s Scott Christ wonders how good Nolan Reimold might be
Camden Chat’s Scott Christ’s photo of the day is an “Ed-die!” classic
Fanhouse’s “Denton” looks at Free Agent Benson
Fanhouse’s Josh Alper wonders if the Birds are really trying to deal Bedard
The Sun’s Mike Klingaman remembers when The O’s and Ravens shared the limelight
The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says O’s need to ‘clean house’
PREP FOOTBALL:
The AP recaps High School scores from around the state
HORSE RACING:
The Sun’s Bradley Olson says slots bill is no guarantee
Washington Post’s John Scheinman looks at rally for slots in Maryland
MCDANIEL FOOTBALL:
Carroll County Times’ Josh Land previews McDaniel-Gettysburg
TERRAPINS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL:
Terrapin Times’ Dan Painter looks at new target from Georgia (must subscribe)
TOWSON FOOTBALL:
The Sun previews Towson-Colgate and the rest of state action
SOME QUICK THOUGHTS:
-I’m a bit more pleased by what Ralph said when Andrew Zuckerman asked him if Jordan might never play again. Ralph obviously wants Chris Turner to be the guy, and will only go to Jordan if Chris is ineffective. Chris can be comfortable in knowing that he is THE MAN, and that he has every opportunity to get the job done.
-As far as the idea of coaches not “feeling the heat”, I don’t buy it. Ralph and Chris Cosh know what people are saying-not because they read message boards-but because they know they haven’t been getting the job done. However, as coaches, it is almost impossible for you to change your philosophy overnight. You can tell that Ralph wants to change something if he were to come out and throw a flea flicker on the first play from scrimmage; but that’s not going to happen. Ralph will again try to grind this one out, and the defense will be forced to bend but not break late in the game to preserve a win. Sound familiar? Ralph knows his team’s abilities, and he isn’t willing to take risks at this point. I’ll say the Terps DON’T break this time, and hold on for a 21-17 win.
-If there was EVER a chance for Navy to beat Notre Dame, it is obviously today. However, despite Navy’s incredible option offense and Notre Dame’s completely inept defense; Navy still can’t stop ANYONE. Their loss to Delaware explained it all, and Navy will fall again, 41-37.
-Ah, Spencer Fordin gives us the whole “O’s will improve with fiscal responsibility” line. Translation-you’ll look at the Opening Day roster next year and say “How the hell did THAT guy get on this team?” We’ll say something along the lines of “Well, if they get pitching, and enough guys get clutch hits, you never know.” We’ll stop watching the games by May, and we’ll stop checking scores in the morning by June. The O’s won’t make ANY moves to make this team significantly better, and they’re trying to set us up for that already on November 3. But yet, I’ll still drink at least a sip or two from the Orange Kool-Aid.
-Warning to Orioles fans who continue to be apathetic. The Sonics plan to move Seattle. The Sonics don’t have the history the Orioles have, but teams STILL relocate. And the Sonics are trying to move to OKLAHOMA of all places. You don’t have to buy into the crap this organization is selling, but you HAVE to be active. Free The Birds is certainly an option! Teams can disappear, don’t ever forget that.
Talk to you tomorrow!
-G
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