Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan was in quite the good mood today after practice despite the prospect of trying to keep the New England Patriots’ top-ranked offense under wraps.

Ryan, who talks to the media once a week, began his session by answering team spokesman Kevin Byrne’s question of whether he was limping. “No, I’m pimpin’,” Ryan said without hesitation.

When asked if he relished the challenge of trying to contain a Patriots offense that averages more than 40 points a game, Ryan replied, “Not really,” before launching into a longer, more serious answer.

Ryan was then asked about having a defense that may be its healthiest (sans defensive end Trevor Pryce) since the season opener. “I know last night that Green Bay, they had to do without one of their corners and a pass rusher. Try doing it for nine weeks, and maybe I’ll feel a little sorrier for you.”

Finally, Ryan talked about tight end Benjamin Watson, who tends to get lost in the shuffle that is Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth. “They’ve got another weapon there, don’t they? Yeah, but I think he only runs a 4.5, though. So we’re not as worried about him as we are the other ones.”

Posted by Edward Lee at 3:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

How the Ravens have fared on Monday night and against the New England Patriots:

--QB Kyle Boller has a quarterback rating of 97.2 in four Monday Night Football games. He has completed 57.6 percent of his throws for four touchdowns and one interceptions.

--WR Derrick Mason has the third-most receptions (76) on Monday Night Football among active receivers. In three games against New England, Mason has averaged five catches for 64.3 yards.

--TE Todd Heap has averaged 3.7 catches for 40.2 yards in seven Monday Night Football games. He has scored four touchdowns.

--K Matt Stover is 11-for-14 on field goals in eight games against New England.

--CB Samari Rolle has made five of his 28 career interceptions on Monday Night Football. He has two interceptions as a Raven on Monday Night Football.

Posted by Jack Gibbons at 12:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Center Mike Flynn said he has identified the mastermind behind the production of T-shirts bearing the words “The Mike Flynn Farewell Tour.”

The long-sleeved black T-shirts list every game and date this season, and the “MF” initials look eerily like the “VH” symbol for Van Halen, which – perhaps not coincidentally – is one of Flynn’s favorite bands. A shirt was hung in each player’s locker about two weeks ago.

“I know who did it, and that person knows that he did a bad deed,” said Flynn, who declined to name the culprit. “It was funny. The guys are funny. It was good for a joke and everything. Usually, when you dish it out, you’ve got to expect some punishment back. I accept my punishment. They got me, and the guy who I know did it, I give him a hard time, too. So I guess what goes around, comes around.”

Few players would discuss the shirts, much less venture a guess on the creative mind behind the project. Defensive tackle Justin Bannan said, “I think I know who made them, but I can’t tell you.”

Added fullback Justin Green: “I don’t know, but it’s a good-looking shirt. I’ll always take a free shirt.”

Posted by Edward Lee at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

A transcript of Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller with the local media:

On the Patriots’ defense: “They’re a really good defense. They have a lot of name guys. I think they have some great corners. Obviously, the names speak for themselves. They got ‘AD’ [Adalius Thomas] now and he’s just a heck of an athlete. [I] was with him for four years, so I’m very familiar with him. But they’re a great defense.”

On if it helps knowing what Thomas likes to do on the field: “A little bit. I kind of miss his voice in the locker room, so I’m sure he’ll be talking out on the field. But he’s a great player, just a guy you’ve always got to be accountable for where he’s at. He can be on one side and next thing you know, he’s all the way on the other.”

On if he feels like he needs to go into the game with a shootout mentality: “Well, you can look at it that way. But the main thing is when we have the ball, we have to put together some really nice drives. The longer that we have the ball, we keep their offense off the field. So we’ve got to really just do a great job of just executing and converting on third down and keeping ourselves out of long third downs so that we can continue to put together some long drives.”

On if he feels like the Ravens need to play a perfect game: “Yeah, I mean, you’ve got to give them a lot of credit. They’ve played very, very well. The main thing is, we’re going to have to make some plays also. We’re going to have some opportunities, and we've got to have some guys make some great plays, have the ball bounce our way a couple times. That’s the main thing. We’ve got to go out there and just execute and, like I said, establish some really good drives. Get those six-, seven-minute drives and 10, 12 plays and ultimately put points up.”

On what he took from the Eagles game: “They had a lot of big plays. They brought some pressure against the Eagles and AJ [Feeley] did a good job of staying in there and giving his receivers a chance to make plays, and they did that. They were pretty aggressive, but like the tape showed, when they had the chances to make plays, they did that. That’s why it was a close game.”

On if he can ever remember playing a game as a 20-point underdog: “No, I can’t. As a player, you don’t really think about that. You just think about the task at hand: that’s playing a great football team. It’s an opportunity, it’s a challenge, and anytime you get a chance to step out on the football field, hopefully you can take advantage of that.”

On what makes Tom Brady as good as he is: “He’s just very fluid, very smooth. He really understands the offense and where he wants to go with the ball. He stands in there, can go through his reads. But he has that confidence. He’s been in big games and he’s played in a lot of games where he just has it down. He knows it inside-out, and I just continue to watch how smooth he plays.”

On if the Ravens view this as their Super Bowl: “Sure. Every Sunday [is] with where we’re at in our season right now. We have a great opportunity to go out there and play the best team in the NFL. So if you can’t get fired up for that and get ready for that, I don’t know what’s going to get you going. We have a great opportunity to go out there and play the Patriots, and hopefully come away with a win. Just go out there and compete and have fun.”

On playing on Monday night: “I love playing at night, for one, and then obviously, it’s always cool to play on Monday Night Football. I look forward to that, and just being out there with my guys.”

On if he can sense a mood change in the team this week: “Sure. I think, especially after last week and prior weeks, we’re just excited to get back out there. We want to get this thing going in the right direction. The Patriots happen to be the team that we play next. We know the type of team that we can be, and we’ve got to just go out there and continue to execute and just get that confidence going and get this thing going in the right direction, because we know that we can do that. So, I look forward to Monday night.”

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 9:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis did not answer questions about the Patriots game, saying he is too distraught over the passing of Redskins safety Sean Taylor. Although Lewis and Taylor never played together, both attended the University of Miami.

In his only comments to the media, Lewis said: "I understand the magnitude of this game with the Patriots coming in. But the bottom line is I was more than a friend to Sean Taylor. I was someone he definitely looked up to. It’s unfortunate that situations happen like this. But when they do happen, some things pull you away from everything else that everybody wants you to worry about. This right here is life and it doesn’t change. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. For me, as a man, there is a lot that I’m going through right now, that I have to ask God for my strength and my faith to keep pushing on through life and keep encouraging young men to do the right things here and there.

"To think of anything else really outside of trying find a way to really deal with my personal feelings would be very selfish of me to even try to comment on anything without trying to create something that I would be making up. As a man, I would ask for your guys' sympathy just to understand that it’s a very challenging time. Not just for me but for the University of Miami family. You don’t lose a 24-year-old kid with that much promise in life. It makes you take a step back. For me, it made me take a huge, huge step back to ask God: ‘What is it that you want me to do and stop being selfish about?’ If anything, the game is going to take care of itself. I’m just going to get through this week and hopefully help a lot of my teammates get through this week as well as a lot of Hurricane family and we’re just going to go from there."

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 3:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Maybe the Ravens should put some extra security around safety Ed Reed on Monday night.

On Wednesday, Patriots coach Bill Belichick couldn’t stop raving about Reed.

“Ed Reed is an awesome football player,” Belichick said. “To me, he’s one of the best football players in the league. He’s really, really good, as good as anybody I’ve ever seen.”

Asked about Belichick’s affection for Reed, New England quarterback Tom Brady joked that the coach was going to adopt Ed Reed.

“It’s going to be Ed Belichick,” Brady said.

On Thursday, a reporter asked Belichick about Brady’s comment and how he might even kidnap Reed onto the Patriots plane after the game.

“I think Tom’s stretching it a little bit there,” Belichick said. “We can’t do that. We can’t do that.”

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 3:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Bill Belichick will take his New England Patriots to M&T Bank Stadium Monday night to play the Ravens. His only previous trip there was for last spring's NCAA lacrosse Final Four.

"It was awesome being there last year, watching Hopkins win the national championship,'' Belichick said during his teleconference with reporters in Owings Mills. "That was a great experience. It's a lot different than the old Memorial Stadium.''

Belichick spent many nights there, too, growing up in Annapolis while his late father, Steve, coached at Navy.

"I don't need to tell you that Memorial Stadium will always hold a special place for me because that's where I did start,'' Belichick said, speaking of his coaching career that began with the Colts. "Even as a kid, going up to watch the Orioles and Colts play, when I was young. You kind of get weaned onto those two sports and that sticks with you for a lifetime."

And this trip?

"It will be good to come back, but on the other hand, it's really a business trip, and we're coming down there for one reason, and that's to try to play our best against the Ravens,'' Belichick said. "That will be a handful. We know that.''

Posted by Don Markus at 1:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Here is where the Ravens stack up in the NFL’s weekly rankings compiled by the league.

Total offense
This week: 24th (294.6 yards per game)
Last week: 23rd (303.1)

Rushing offense
This week: 19th (98.5 yards per game)
Last week: 18th (102.8)

Passing offense
This week: 21st (196.1 yards per game)
Last week: 21st (200.3)

First downs
This week: 20th (17.9 per game)
Last week: 22nd (17.8)

Third down offense
This week: 25th (59 of 161, 36.7 percent)
Last week: 25th (54 of 149, 36.2 percent)

Red zone offense
This week: 30th (11 of 30, 36.7 percent)
Last week: 32nd (9 of 28, 32.1 percent)

Points scored
This week: Tied for 25th (16.5 per game)
Last week: 26th (16.8)

Total defense
This week: 4th (291.4 yards per game)
Last week: 6th (287.3)

Rushing defense
This week: 3rd (77.9 yards per game)
Last week: 2nd (78.0)

Passing defense
This week: 15th (213.5 yards per game)
Last week: 13th (209.3)

First downs
This week: 2nd (15.0 per game)
Last week: 2nd (14.7)

Third down defense
This week: 6th (57 of 159, 35.8 percent)
Last week: Tied for 5th (50 of 144, 34.7 percent)

Red zone defense
This week: 1st (12 of 35, 34.3 percent)
Last week: 2nd (11 of 33, 33.3 percent)

Points allowed
This week: Tied for 15th (22.1 per game)
Last week: 14th (21.1)

Turnover differential
This week: 32nd (-11 on 17 takeaways and 28 giveaways)
Last week: Tied for 29th (-9 on 17 takeaways and 26 giveaways)

Posted by Edward Lee at 1:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

What does the coach of a 4-7 team on a franchise-record five-game losing streak say to put a positive spin going into arguably the toughest game of the season Monday night against the unbeaten New England Patriots?

If you're Brian Billick, there's talking up Jonathan Ogden and not talking down anybody.

On whether Ogden is going to bounce back or continue to struggle, as appeared to be the case in trying to contain Shawne Merriman and other members of the San Diego Chargers Sunday:

"I think J.O. is playing well. Obviously it's taken a while to get into that rhythm, given that he's missed half the season. He's still one of the best tackles in the league, in my opinion. Where he's at physically ... you'd have to talk to J.O. about that. But he looks like he's playing pretty well to me. That was a stiff challenge the other day.''

On dealing with the disappointment:

"It's not a loss of confidence as much as it is a degree of frustration, and actually not even with the players. The instincts of every good coach that I've been around is, 'What can I do differently? They really do. They feel as though 'it's my fault,' the coach saying that. I feel the same way -- offense, defense, special teams, whatever. It's constantly, 'What did I not do this week that I could have done to prevent whatever happened, in terms of focus and practice and meetings, meetings with the coaches and bringing that extra degree of preparation?'''

That's about as close as Billick will come to taking the blame.

There was one piece of news to come out of today's news conference. Billick said that linebacker Jarret Johnson has a fractured thumb, and his status for Monday night's game against the Patriots is up in the air. Johnson got a lot of attention before the season as the only new starter on defense, and with Adalius Thomas coming to town with the Patriots, he would receive a lot more of the spotlight if he were healthy.

"If anybody can play with that kind of pain, it would be Jarret,'' Billick said. "Not too many guys are tougher. But obviously we have to see how the week progresses and see exactly what they can do with it.''

Thomas is talking with the Baltimore media on Wednesday.

Posted by Don Markus at 6:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Until Sunday night's 31-28 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, the New England Patriots seemed to reside on a different planet than the rest of the NFL, and they were -- and still are -- light years removed from the Ravens. But Patriots coach Bill Belichick addressed some issues regarding the Ravens at his news conference today in Foxboro, Mass. Here are a couple of snippets from what Belichick said.

On whether he expects teams such as the Ravens to play the Patriots with similar schemes as the ones used by the Eagles:

"I don’t know, you’d have to talk to those teams. I don’t know what they’re going to do. All I know is what we’re going to try to do, and that’s prepare for Baltimore, study them, get to know them. It’s a team we haven’t played in awhile. Learn their personnel, learn their schemes and be ready to play down there Monday night. What they’re going to do, you’d have to talk to them.

On Belichick's apparent nonchalance about winning the division already:

"We’re happy to win. I said that last night. That’s one of our goals. We won it, and we’re happy that we won it. You’d certainly rather win it than not win it, you know? But right now that’s done. It’s over with, so we’re going to go play Baltimore. That’s the next step. That’s what we do next, so we’ll get ready for that and we’ll go do it."

On how he will look at the Ravens' 4-7 record and their five-game losing streak:

"Records don’t mean anything. Records don’t mean anything. The only thing that matters on Monday night is how well they play and how well we play. That’ll determine who wins that game. Not who won last week’s game or the week before or what anybody’s records were. You want to go back to the Miami game from ’04? We’re 12-1, they’re 2-11. The records don’t mean anything. The only thing that matters is how you play. And coach."

Posted by Don Markus at 4:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Looks like the youth movement is under way along the Ravens' offensive line. The team replaced 25-year-old Adam Terry at right tackle with 22-year-old Marshal Yanda at the start of today’s contest against the San Diego Chargers.

On Thursday, the team reported that Terry -- who had started four games each at left and right tackle this season -- had an ankle injury and listed him as probable for today’s game. Privately, however, there were grumblings that Yanda, a third-round pick in April’s NFL draft, had proven himself as a more capable right tackle than Terry.

I guess the only thing left to ponder is when Chris Chester will replace Mike Flynn at center and if the team will pull the trigger and replace cornerstone Jonathan Ogden with Terry at left tackle. Ogden, by the way, was beaten by Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, who sacked and stripped quarterback Kyle Boller in the first half.

Other notes:

• Boller’s fixation with wide receiver Derrick Mason was bordering on ridiculous as eight of the quarterback’s first 10 passes were directed at Mason, the team’s leading receiver. But Boller’s last pass was pretty as he lofted a 23-yarder to Mason, who nestled himself into a pocket between the cornerback and safety along the right sideline at the Chargers' 1-yard line. Running back Willis McGahee scored his team-leading seventh touchdown a play later.

• It’s difficult to determine who was at fault on Antonio Gates’ 35-yard touchdown catch, but linebackers Jarret Johnson and Bart Scott appeared to be having an animated talk after the score. One of them probably was expecting the other to shadow Gates.

• I thought Ravens fans were fickle, but Chargers fans take the cake. After running back LaDainian Tomlinson took a handoff for a gain of zero yards, boos rained down from every area of Qualcomm Stadium. While that might sound innocuous, it was only the second play of the Chargers' possession. Unofficially, the fans have booed the offense seven times.

• The offense has been unable to capitalize on a couple of gift calls by the officials. Quentin Jammer’s supposed pass interference was a mystery since Jammer didn’t appear to touch wide receiver Devard Darling and Boller’s pass was uncatchable. Antonio Cromartie’s illegal contact of Mason had a little more merit, but there have been more egregious calls that have gone unwhistled. Both penalties, however, led to Sam Koch punts.

Posted by Edward Lee at 5:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

It's hard to tell the Ravens and San Diego Chargers apart these days. Except for the fact that the 4-6 Ravens have eliminated themselves from realistic playoff contention and the 5-5 Chargers are fortunate to be playing in a terrible division, they are basically having the same nightmare season.

Compare what was said from both camps this week, and you get the idea that misery loves company. Here's a snippet of what was said, and what they really were thinking.

Norv Turner on the Ravens-Chargers matchup: “You’ve got two teams that have a lot of very good football players, who’ve had great success at different times. When you get teams like that together, it gets very, very competitive and very physical. I expect it to be a very hard-fought game.”

What he was thinking: "I'm glad I'm not the only coach with an underachieving team."

Brian Billick on whether former commissioner Pete Rozelle's vision of parity is evident with the way some teams on top -- the Chargers and Ravens being high up on the list -- have faltered: "You see it every year. It's kind of what makes our league exciting and different from year to year. It's more fun when you're on the flip side of it. In the old days, you were good for a long time. When you were bad, you were bad for a long time. It took a lot to dig your way out.''

What he was thinking: "I heard Home Depot had a sale on shovels.''

Turner on the Ravens’ run defense: “The Ravens are obviously one of the best run defenses in the league that you’re going to see. Statistically, that’s proven out. It’s a combination. A lot of teams, when you play them, they play the run well because they’ve got everyone loaded up in there. That’s not the case with Baltimore. They’re able to play the run with their front seven and still play coverage. That makes it that much more challenging.”

What he was thinking: "If I don't give the ball 40 times to LaDainian Tomlinson and wear those suckers out, fire me now.''

Kyle Boller on being able to get his second straight week of practice as the starting quarterback: "It's awesome to get the reps with the guys and the receivers, talking with your offensive line. So each week I think it becomes a little bit easier to kind of get back in that role.''

What he was thinking: "I'm running out of excuses for being so erratic.''

Philip Rivers on the Ravens being a dangerous team: “There’s no question. You almost have to blind yourself to the record in this league each week. We found that out. The team’s record doesn’t tell their capabilities, or how good they can be, or how good they are. This team was 4-2 a couple of weeks ago, and battling the North division right there at the top. They’ve gone on a little skid. Well, we were expected to be a lot more and we’re right here. Again, they’ve got the same players as – what’d they go last year, 13-3? We’ve got the same players that went 14-2, but for some reason, neither of us are getting the win and loss record we had hoped for. That’s why I said, you’re going to have two teams that are a little upset on Sunday, and really hungry for a win. It should be a heck of a game.”

What he was thinking: "They were 4-2?"

Posted by Don Markus at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Transcript of Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle with the Baltimore media (Rolle revealed Wednesday that the illness he has been struggling with this season is epilepsy):

On how he feels coming back to play: “I’m feeling very good, more so emotionally. I just want to thank everybody that knew I had epilepsy but didn’t come out and say anything about it and respecting me and my family. I appreciate that a great deal. The hardest part was going to games and [seeing] the fans. I heard all kinds of rumors about what I have. It’s just been hard on my wife and my family, and I’m just happy to be back playing.”

On why he decided to disclose his diagnosis of epilepsy now: “Because it’s under control now, that’s the main thing. Now I’m not scared. It happened right before the Arizona game – the first two seizures. I didn’t know if I could play, if I’d be all right or anything. And, then I got on the medicine and I played [against] St. Louis and Buffalo and I felt fine. But, emotionally, I practiced for Pittsburgh and that Friday morning I had another seizure. I [thought], ‘Man, what’s the problem.’ [Now] the medicine, everything is taken care of. You don’t realize how much you miss your teammates and Rex [Ryan] and D.T. [Dennis Thurman] and those guys – just missing it. This is what I love to do.”

On whether it crossed his mind he would never play football again: “Yes, it did. The first [seizure] was the scariest one because half my tongue was off and I drove to work and didn’t know I’d had a seizure. It was very scary. But, the organization has been very helpful. Coach Billick has done a great job never disclosing anything. Bill [Tessendorf] has sent me to the best doctors. I’m thankful that I was here.”

On what he has learned about epilepsy: “That you can help. There are a lot of people out there I plan on helping. And, you can do what you do. I thought at first I would never be able to play [again]. In my locker today, I walked in and [read] that [Pittsburgh’s] Alan Faneca has had epilepsy since he was 15. He’s probably the best guard in football. So, I feel very good. Knowing what I know now and with the way last year was for me, I’m not ending my career like that. That’s what I’m most proud of.”

On his excitement to get back on the field: “Very excited. The season hasn’t gone how we wanted it and most people are asking, ‘Why are you coming back, you’re 4-6?’ But, these are my teammates and I love playing and it’s time to come back. I can play, I can continue to play and I will do so as long as I’m healthy.”

On what the support of the Ravens’ organization and his teammates has meant to him this season: “[It’s meant] that you’re more than a football player to the organization. You’re an individual and you’re a person, first and foremost. They did everything they could. They told me I didn’t even have to come back and play if I didn’t want to, and I really appreciated that. It’s just time to turn things around.”

On what he would like his role to be in promoting epilepsy awareness: “Anything is possible. The people from my foundation right now are finding people we can contact just to get something going and let those people know it doesn’t stop you. It sucks not being able to drive right now, but besides that everything’s good.”

On describing the physical symptoms of a seizure: “You don’t remember the seizure. All I remember is with the few I’ve had my tongue has been cut and I had terrible headaches after. People said I had memory loss. The problem was I couldn’t play because the medicine was the wrong medicine [for me]. Once I got that out of my system, everything’s good. I know I can play because I played [against] St. Louis and Buffalo on the medicine, so I’m ready to go.”

On whether his energy level is still 100 percent: “I think so. We’ll see Sunday.”

On whether he remembers experiencing smaller seizures in the past before this year: “I was having minor ones and didn’t even know it at the time. [For] about two, two and a half, years, I was having minor seizures and didn’t know it. So, I’m glad that the Ravens took care of it as soon as they found it and I’m still here.”

On how difficult it was for him to keep his illness private with all the speculation in the media: “That was [hard]. I really appreciate you all that knew [and were] not disclosing it. That meant a lot to me and my family.”

On the challenge of finding the proper medication that would leave him seizure-free and also allow him to play: “It was very hard. For two weeks, the first time, I couldn’t do anything because they didn’t know about the medicine. I was scared before the St. Louis game because I didn’t know the [side] effects; I didn’t know how I’d do or anything. Emotionally, I was more hurt before the Pittsburgh game because I’d done everything to get back and thought I was there and then I had another seizure and [the doctors told me] you’re not playing until we get it figured out. Now, I’m just happy to be normal again and to be a part of the team like everyone else.”

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 9:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

--QB Kyle Boller has played San Diego just once, which came during his 2003 rookie season. He completed 12 of 21 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown.

--WR Derrick Mason has averaged 5.6 receptions for 49.6 yards in three games against San Diego. He has scored one touchdown against the Chargers.

--TE Todd Heap has averaged 4.5 catches for 55 yards in two games against the Chargers. He has scored a touchdown in each of those games.

--K Matt Stover has averaged 1.5 field goals in eight meetings with the Chargers. He is perfect on all 12 field goals against San Diego.

--LB Ray Lewis has averaged 16 tackles in five games against the Chargers. He also has knocked down three passes against San Diego.

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 9:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Here is where the Ravens stack up in the NFL’s weekly rankings compiled by the league.

Total offense
This week: 23rd (303.1 yards per game)
Last week: 23rd (295.9)

Rushing offense
This week: 18th (102.8 yards per game)
Last week: 19th (100.0)

Passing offense
This week: 21st (200.3 yards per game)
Last week: 21st (195.9)

First downs
This week: 22nd (17.8 per game)
Last week: 23rd (17.2)

Third down offense
This week: 25th (54 of 149, 36.2 percent)
Last week: 24th (52 of 137, 38.0 percent)

Red zone offense
This week: 32nd (9 of 28, 32.1 percent)
Last week: 31st (8 of 25, 32.0 percent)

Points scored
This week: 26th (16.8 per game)
Last week: 28th (15.3)

Total defense
This week: 6th (287.3 yards per game)
Last week: 5th (277.0)

Rushing defense
This week: 2nd (78.0 yards per game)
Last week: 2nd (73.7)

Passing defense
This week: 13th (209.3 yards per game)
Last week: 12th (203.3)

First downs
This week: 2nd (14.7 per game)
Last week: 2nd (13.9)

Third down defense
This week: Tied for 5th (50 of 144, 34.7 percent)
Last week: 5th (45 of 129, 34.9 percent)

Red zone defense
This week: 2nd (11 of 33, 33.3 percent)
Last week: 2nd (9 of 27, 33.3 percent)

Points allowed
This week: 14th (21.1 per game)
Last week: 11th (19.8)

Turnover differential
This week: Tied for 29th (-9 on 17 take-aways and 26 give-aways)
Last week: Tied for 24th (-7 on 15 take-aways and 22 give-aways)

Posted by Edward Lee at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Perhaps the most telling moment of the Ray Lewis Show tonight occurred when a caller asked the eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker to comment on coach Brian Billick’s decision to call two passing plays when the offense needed just one yard to get a first down on its final drive of the game -- which also would have taken more time off the clock.

Before Lewis could speak, co-host Anita Marks threw out a block that Jonathan Ogden might have been proud of.

“I’m going to have Ray Lewis plead the Fifth here because we don’t need his comments all over SportsCenter, all over NFL Live, all over the NFL Network,” Marks interceded. “We’ve been here, we’ve been down this path again. Déjà vu. Got the free T-shirt. We don’t need it again. Second-and-one, third-and-one, you’d hope by now that Brian would at least run the ball once. He didn’t. I’ll say it. I don’t think they’ll put my comments on SportsCenter and the NFL Network.”

Earlier, Lewis protested the way officials reversed their initial ruling on Cleveland Browns kicker Phil Dawson’s game-tying field goal at the end of regulation.

“I know officials make mistakes – don’t get me wrong – but I’ve never seen a mistake made and then the final score of the game … it said final score. That means it’s final. So if a mistake was made, that’s like going back and trying to re-correct every other play that was ever made. You made a mistake, and I just think it was bad to have it like that. The game is over, and everybody has run off the field and then you come back and on a play that was not reviewable. I don’t know if a lot of people know that, but a field goal is not reviewable. So for them to come back and change that, wow.”

Later, Lewis expressed his pride with the team’s character.

“When you’re in that game the way you’re in that game and with all of the things that went down, I think the greatest thing you come out of there with is a pat on your young guys’ backs, especially [quarterback] Kyle [Boller] and especially [wide receiver Devard] Darling, and saying, ‘You know what? The next man stepped up no matter what. No matter our record, we went out there and we played yesterday.’ I’m proud of my team. I’m not proud of what happened in the outcome.”

Posted by Edward Lee at 10:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)
        

Selected quotes from Ravens coach Brian Billick's Monday news conference.

On injuries:

"The biggest concern right now is Trevor Pryce. They are doing all the imaging right now to find out. It’s a pectoral muscle, (either) strained (or) torn. We’ll find out. The prognosis right now isn’t very good. Outside of that we’re in pretty decent shape."

On the field goal by Cleveland’s Phil Dawson at the end of regulation that was initially ruled no good:

“I think it’s prudent the processes we go through in the NFL are in effect. We’ll lodge the normal concerns we have, not only with the way the end of game was administered, but a couple of calls leading up to that and let the appropriate people handle it. For us, it’s a matter of moving on. [It was] very disappointing, surely as unique a circumstance that I have ever been a part of. There’s nothing I can add in terms of what they did, what did they see, what actually happened, what should have been done. I’ll let the officials communicate that as I’m sure they will.”

On whether any realistic chance of the playoffs have disappeared for the 4-6 Ravens:

“It’s gotten away only in a sense that we’re certainly not where we want to be. You hold on to whatever competitive perspective you choose, individually and collectively, you’ve got to take the mentality that we’ll run the table with six wins. You have to do that. Unrealistic? Sure, like any team, but you have to take that attitude. Then you find out after San Diego where we are after that.’’

On the offense in the second half:

“We have to look at the things we did in the second half, whether by circumstances or by how we chose to attack it. We did some awfully good things. Some subtle things we did in the second half that we did in the first half, which are encouraging. And that’s what we’re going to have to look at. The things that Kyle (Boller) did well, and we have to enhance on that. Willis (McGahee) ran very, very well. Certain styles of things Willis continues to do very, very well and we’ve got to tap into."

On whether the Ravens were emotionally ready to play overtime after thinking they had won in regulation:

“They had to be. When you’ve lost, supposedly, and now you’re given a chance to say, ‘You got a shot’ That’s a wholly different mindset than (when) you’ve won -- ‘Oh no, no, no, we’ve got to do it again.’ Now that can’t be an excuse. They’ve got to be able to go back on the field and perform as well. They deserve the credit they get for winning the game. There’s a huge difference between the mindset. In all the years I’ve done this, we’ve talked in training camp (about) preparing your team for the inevitable things that happen: the loss of a key player, the rash of injuries, the change at the quarterback position, the losing streak, the winning streak, all those things you cover in training camp. I was remiss in covering what we do when we’ve won a game, go in the locker room and are told to come back out and play again. That’s not one scenario I’ve covered. I don’t know if I had them adequately prepared for that.’’

On not running the clock down past 26 seconds before allowing Matt Stover to kick the go-ahead field goal:

“We were on the 30 on a cold damp night, we have a lot of faith in Matt Stover. We were trying to get the yardage and we had a little out route that kind of got away from us. Had we completed that, the idea was by the nature of the route, if caught, would have bought us another five, six, seven yards and gotten out of bounds and allowed us another call if we chose to. Didn’t turn out that way and fortunately Matt came in and hit it. You’ve got to hope that you can cover kicks well enough and make that a longer field that it doesn’t allow a team to come back. Obviously we didn’t get that done.’’

Posted by Don Markus at 4:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Late in the game, the Ravens faced a third-and-one at the Browns' 29, I believe, with 34 seconds remaining. Of course, Kyle Boller threw that ugly incomplete pass in the left flat. If the Ravens had run the ball, they might have gotten the first down. If not, then they let the clock run down and send Matt Stover out to kick the game-winning field goal.

Cleveland had timeouts remaining, and they could have used one, but you want to force the Browns to use one. It's all part of the strategy. Instead, Cleveland got the ball back with 26 seconds left in regulation and the Browns went down to tie the game in regulation, and then win it in overtime.

There have been three games the Ravens could have won this season but lost because of poor clock management or play-calling. The other two were the games against Cincinnati (Sept. 10) and Buffalo.

Posted by Mike Preston at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
        

A post-game transcript of the interview with referee Pete Morelli concerning the controversial ending of Sunday’s 33-30 overtime loss to the Cleveland Browns.

On the initial field goal being ruled no good:

“It was a ruling by one of the officials, not by me. One of the officials signaled incomplete, no good."

On the discussion among the officials:

“The other official informed me that the ball hit the back of the extension of the goal post, which is the backside of it, which is an object beyond the goal post. And, in discussion with the three of us, we have to figure out what the ruling was, whether the ball hit the bar beyond the extension or not.”

On whether he received help from the replay booth:

“No, no help from replay. I did not go under the hood or use replay at all.”

On how the discussion between the three officials -- the two underneath the goal post and the referee -- transpired:

“Basically, you have to trust one of the decisions of what actually happened on the play. One was very emphatic that the ball hit the extension and came back across which in Rule 11, Section 5C [says] ‘the entire ball must pass through the goal in case of wind or other forces cause it to return through the goal. It must have struck the ground or some object.’ And that object was that extension on the back. We determined that was what it struck. Therefore, it made the field goal good.”

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (20)
        

While the officials claimed they did not go to the instant replay booth to review Phil Dawson's 51-yard game-tying field goal, I bet there was someone from upstairs in the league booth telling the head official he blew the call, and get it right. It would have been embarrassing for the league to make the wrong call, so I bet there were a lot of instructions coming through the official's headset.

Anyway, and most of all, they got the call right even though it was disappointing to the Ravens and their fans.

The Ravens have lost four games in a row, but middle linebacker Ray Lewis might be playing his best football in recent years. Lewis had 16 tackles against the Browns, and he was all over the field, running sideline to sideline. Lewis left the locker room without making any comments last night, but his body language spoke volumes.

And so did his play on the field.

In three straight games, the Ravens have failed to pick up blitzes or pressure up the middle. The Browns got to quarterback Kyle Boller at times with only five rushers, so the Ravens shouldn't have been outmanned. I don't know if it's the quarterback's fault for lack of recognition, or the center making the blocking assignments. But until the Ravens stop it, it's going to keep happening week after week.

It's sad when you have to say this because it tells you how bad this season has become, but at least the loss to the Browns was exciting and interesting, unlike the previous two weeks.

Posted by Mike Preston at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

The Ravens lead the league in one category, but this is not the kind of leadership you want.

The Ravens coughed up their league-leading 16th and 17th fumbles of the season in the first quarter of today’s game against the Cleveland Browns. First, returner Cory Ross was stripped of the football on a punt return, and then quarterback Kyle Boller dropped the ball while attempting a pass.

Add a Boller interception and the Ravens have turned the ball over 25 times this season. That’s just two fewer than the Houston Texans, who lead the league with 27 turnovers.

Other notes:

* Ray Lewis’ third career interception return for a touchdown may have been his easiest. Lewis didn’t even have to move as Browns quarterback Derek Anderson’s pass was way behind wide receiver Joe Jurevicius on a crossing route.

* The offense hasn’t exactly lit up the scoreboard with Boller at quarterback instead of Steve McNair. The offense didn’t record its first first down until there was 1 minute, 8 seconds left on the clock in the second quarter. Boller’s first completion was a pass in the left flat to running back Musa Smith early in the second quarter that resulted in a gain of zero yards. The offense had only compiled seven yards before registering its first first down.

* Ross is returning punts because there is still some concern about rookie Yamon Figurs’ sprained right knee. Figurs has returned two kickoffs for a total of 55 yards, while Ross has returned two punts for seven yards.

* There’s no good explanation for defensive tackle Haloti Ngata punching Browns left tackle Joe Thomas in the helmet during Lewis’ fumble recovery. But it did appear that Thomas, who was battling Lewis for the loose ball, had at least one arm wrapped around Ngata’s left ankle, and Ngata reacted. Nevertheless, he reacted poorly, and his 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty cost the Ravens better field position.

* Referee Pete Morelli, after reviewing a Ravens challenge of a Browns completion and first down, said the play could not be reviewed because “the system has malfunctioned.” That seems to be status quo when we’re talking about this game.

Posted by Edward Lee at 2:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Linebacker Terrell Suggs, aka T-Sizzle, has been known to say some inflammatory words during his give-and-take with the media over the years. As a second-year player in 2004, he once said the Ravens were "the Steelers' Kryptonite" because of their recent success against Pittsburgh, but it served as motivation for the Steelers to beat the Ravens.

But Suggs has learned to bite his tongue these days.

Asked about the inequity between the NFL’s fifth-ranked defense and the league’s No. 23 offense, Suggs said, “I can’t answer that one, you have to be careful about how you speak. You’re going to have to come back to me at a later date, so I can think of the right words for you. Next.”

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 8:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

RB Willis McGahee has gained 209 yards and two touchdowns in two meetings with Cleveland. Earlier this season, he had 104 yards on 14 carries at Cleveland.

WR Derrick Mason has averaged 4.4 receptions for 70.1 yards in 11 games against Cleveland. He has scored three touchdowns and has produced two 100-yard receiving games against the Browns.

TE Todd Heap has averaged four catches for 43.2 yards in 11 games against the Browns. His three touchdowns are tied for his highest against any team.

K Matt Stover has averaged 2.3 field goals in 17 meetings with the Browns. He has converted on 40 of 45 field goals (88.9 percent) against Cleveland.

LB Ray Lewis has averaged 13 tackles in 14 games against the Browns. He also has six sacks, three interceptions and one forced fumble.

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 8:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The transcript between Baltimore reporters and Browns quarterback Derek Anderson, a one-time sixth-round pick of the Ravens:

On if he wonders how his career would have changed had he remained with the Ravens:

“Not really. Possibly last year it would have probably been a little while until I got a chance to play, or who knows what would have happened. But I don’t really dwell on it or think about it.”

On whether his performance this season surprised him:

“No, not really. I’m just happy the way the guys responded after all the things we went through in the beginning of the season and just kind of came in and played and rallied around me and had confidence in me. It’s a good feeling.”

On if he remembers a particular play or game when he felt things came together for him:

“Obviously, Week 2 with Cincinnati, that was the first game that I started after they traded Charlie [Frye], we went out and had a good game and got a lot of confidence from that game.”

On how well he feels the Browns’ system suits his playing style:

“It [suits] certain throws or certain plays, but I played in a similar system in college with [Oregon State] Coach [Mike] Riley. Obviously, [it was] not exactly the same. ‘Chud’ [Browns offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski] has different ideas and different ways of doing things, but a similar system and similar things.”

On his memories of his time in Baltimore:

“I had a great time. I still stay in touch with Kyle [Boller], Adam Terry and a bunch of those guys. Actually, I ran into Coach [Rick] Neuheisel and Kyle out in Oregon this offseason.”

On who is the better golfer, he or Kyle Boller:

“I haven’t really played with him for a little while, but I’m going to go ahead and say I’ll beat him next time we play [golf].”

On his reaction to being picked up by the Browns after being waived by Baltimore:

“Actually, I hadn’t anticipated the possibility of leaving. I wasn’t too fired up about it at first. I had some friends [in Baltimore] and didn’t know what was going to happen. But, I just got on a plane and came here, and I’ve really enjoyed it since I got here.”

On how much help the success of WR Braylon Edwards this season has helped his maturation as quarterback:

“It’s been great. Like I said, once I got in there they were making plays for me, and they said, ‘Hey, we’ve got you, we’re going to go after balls.’ And they know I’m going to give them chances to make plays. The whole process has been good.”

On whether he thinks about his future given the Browns first-round pick, Brady Quinn, and his status as an unrestricted free agent: “Not really. Obviously, those things kind of take care of themselves when the season’s over.”

On approaching this week after the difficult loss to the Steelers last Sunday:

“I just come in and do the things we’ve been doing. We had some positives in the first half last week and did a lot of good things. We just didn’t finish the game. Obviously, the guys were down a little bit, just the disappointment of it, but I thought guys came in today and practiced hard and had a pretty good one.”

On the confidence level of the Brown’s offense: “I think when ‘Chud’ first got here, the guys put effort and work into understanding it and going out there and executing it. [He is] our third or fourth offensive coordinator here in three years or whatever the heck. Obviously, to have him here and the success we’ve had with his offense, I think guys are pretty excited about it.”

On how close he feels the Browns are to reaching their offensive potential:

“Obviously, we’ve shown what we can do at times, but I think [we just need to] keep working at it. I don’t think we have anything to get our heads down about, but just to keep plugging away and keep learning from our mistakes and growing within our system.”

On the feelings of the team given the chance the Browns could be a playoff contender:

“We’re focused on Baltimore right now, and that’s our mindset.”

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 8:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Samari Rolle returned to Ravens practice today for the first time in nearly two weeks, but it’s highly unlikely that the cornerback will be cleared to play Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

Rolle, who has not practiced since Nov. 1 because of a recurrence of an undisclosed illness that sidelined him for three games earlier this season, stretched and participated in drills with the rest of the secondary, but the team did not upgrade his “out” status.

“Anytime you get Samari back, it’s a good thing,” coach Brian Billick said. “He’s feeling better, and he’s gone through evaluations. We’re hopeful for next week [against the San Diego Chargers].”

The opening-night secondary of Rolle, cornerback Chris McAlister, free safety Ed Reed and strong safety Dawan Landry has not started since Sept. 16 against the New York Jets.

Posted by Edward Lee at 3:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The question among local reporters these days is: "Where's Ray?"

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis has been curiously absent for the second straight week when players talk to the local media. After Sunday's 21-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Lewis fielded just one question, saying, "Bottom line, this team has to play better." He then left.

There's no question that Lewis will be remembered as an influential leader and one of the best middle linebackers in the game. But Lewis has a tendency to avoid talking to the media when the Ravens lose. It was the same way back in 2005 when the Ravens went 6-10. Lewis hates to lose and takes it personally. I understand that and even respect that. But there's an entire fan base that wants to know what Ray Lewis thinks about the team.

Plus, if Lewis can spend two hours talking on his weekly radio show, why can't he give the local media three minutes of his time? Other players -- Willis McGahee, Derrick Mason, Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott -- answer questions every week, no matter if the Ravens are on a winning streak or a losing one.

But if you went up to Ray Lewis' locker on Wednesday and Thursday, no one was around. Where's Ray?

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 2:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
        

It's always interesting to hear what a coach tells the media that covers his team and what he says to the media in the city of the team he's about to face.

Brian Billick has been asked some of the same questions this week as the Ravens get ready to play the Cleveland Browns Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.

Asked by the Cleveland media if he's surprised by the success of former Ravens draft choice and castoff Derek Anderson, now the Browns quarterback, Billick said, "No, not at all, we coveted Derek. We thought he had a real future.When we tried to get Derek to develop, we were in a roster situation where injuries prompted other concerns. We thought Derek was a great prospect going forward. Cleveland did a great job picking him out.''

His response to the same question from the Baltimore media?

"Like I've said, he's playing the way we thought he would play,'' Billick said. "We liked him very much. It was just one of those things that you have to make those moves. We would have loved to have had him on the developmental squad for awhile. He may eventually have been back up on the active roster like he started out, but it just didn't turn out that way.''

Asked by the reporters in Cleveland whether he will stick with Kyle Boller for the rest of the season, Billick said, "We'll have to see how it progresses. With Steve (McNair), it looks like a two- or three-week process.''

His response in Baltimore?

"Sure, sure, that's a very good possibility, and it has to do with Steve's strength as well and how we're doing as a team,'' Billick said. "But yeah, yeah, there's always that possibility.''

Posted by Don Markus at 1:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel spoke with the Baltimore media today. Here's some of what he had to say:

On Browns starting quarterback -- and Ravens castoff -- Derek Anderson: "I really didn't know. Phil (Savage, Browns GM and former Ravens scouting director) had some exposure to him and knew what kind of arm he had, what kind of size he had. We kind of looked at him as the classic pro drop-back quarterback.''

On the future of Brady Quinn, the team's No. 1 pick: "The future is the game on Sunday. I really haven't time to think about what's going to happen after the season is over. We still have a long way to go here, and this season. I'm worried about this game and to see what I can do to get this team over last week (a 31-28 loss in Pittsburgh).''

On the biggest difference this year than the previous three seasons: "The guys have a little more confidence. We have better football players. There's been some continuity to the program. All those things have helped us improve. Sometimes in this business, improvement is not a straight line. Even though the last couple of years we've been losing, we've been making progress in philosophy and attitude and getting the kind of guys that will give us a chance to win. The process is ongoing and hopefully we'll keep improving.''

On what has happened to the Ravens: "This is the NFL. Anything can happen on any Sunday. It looks to me just like when I was losing, if you turn the ball over, it's hard to overcome. If you have to lose your good guys, it's hard to overcome. That seems to be the problem the Ravens are having.''

On whether he is surprised that the Browns are the favorites going into Sunday's game: "When you look at my record for the last two years, yeah I'd say it is.''

On how it feels to be the favorite: "It feels like I need to win a game, that's how it feels like. Whether I'm the favorite or the underdog, I still need to win the game. The last two years we haven't even been considered as a possibility of anything. Now we've won some games and people are talking about us like we can play. Maybe we can coach, we haven't changed things. We've gotten better players and we're playing better.''

Posted by Don Markus at 2:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Here is where the Ravens stack up in the NFL’s weekly rankings compiled by the league.

Total offense
This week: 23rd (295.9 yards per game)
Last week: 23rd (298.9)

Rushing offense
This week: 19th (100.0 yards per game)
Last week: 19th (104.2)

Passing offense
This week: 21st (195.9 yards per game)
Last week: 24th (194.6)

First downs
This week: 23rd (17.2 per game)
Last week: 24th (17.4)

Third-down offense
This week: 24th (52 of 137, 38.0 percent)
Last week: 22nd (49 of 127, 38.6 percent)

Red-zone offense
This week: Tied for 32nd (7 of 23, 30.4 percent)
Last week: 31st (7 of 23, 30.4 percent)

Points scored
This week: 28th (15.3 per game)
Last week: 26th (16.4)

Total defense
This week: 5th (277.0 yards per game)
Last week: 3rd (270.9)

Rushing defense
This week: 2nd (73.7 yards per game)
Last week: 3rd (74.1)

Passing defense
This week: 12th (203.3 yards per game)
Last week: 10th (196.8)

First downs
This week: 2nd (13.9 per game)
Last week: Tied for 1st (13.5)

Third-down defense
This week: 5th (45 of 129, 34.9 percent)
Last week: 3rd (38 of 111, 34.2 percent)

Red-zone defense
This week: 2nd (9 of 27, 33.3 percent)
Last week: 11th (9 of 20, 45.0 percent)

Points allowed
This week: 11th (19.8 per game)
Last week: 13th (19.6)

Turnover differential
This week: Tied for 24th (-7 on 15 take-aways and 22 give-aways)
Last week: Tied for 21st (-1 on 15 take-aways and 16 give-aways)

Posted by Edward Lee at 1:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Here's a snippet of what Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis had to say on his weekly radio show last night.

On what the Ravens are going through right now

“I think we’re just going through what you call a test of what the process is. … What is the test? As a leader, having been through so much of it, now learning what the process really is. Our defense didn’t become great in one season. The 2000 defense became great over multiples of seasons, of ’96, ’97, ’98, ’99.

"If you look at our team now, it’s happening in the same fashion. The last two weeks were difficult, we have a lot of young guys we’re trying to plug in here, plug in there. You’re playing with 21-year-old, 22-year-old corners, you’re trying to get them to understand the magnitude of how huge it is.

"But their eyes are big, everybody’s having fun and then you see they know exactly where our weakness was. That’s football. You’re trying to teach these young kids something through this. You’re trying to say, ‘Does the way you approach work change? Does the way you approach life change? Suppose someone else goes and wins the Super Bowl. Are you bitter, or do you plan to get better?

"My message to my guys is, ‘Whoever is going to win the Super Bowl, let them win it.’ The positives and the tests that we’re going through right now, we have to understand what we’re going through and why we’re going through it. Whatever we’re going through right now, we have to go through together. The easiest thing to do in life is walk around when everything is great. …

"For me the excitement is to see these babies play a man’s game and they’re responding.”

On the motivation for fans to keep coming to games

"The motivation is just the opportunity in life. When I came to Baltimore, in 1996, we won four games that year. We were 4-12. I could have easily said, ‘Why I am in Baltimore?’ The next year we came back 6-9-1, the following year we were 6-10.

"When you talk about watching your team, you’re going because the picture is much greater, whether you’re a Landry or a Prude, your journey is just beginning. You never stop. That’s what greatness is. Greatness is accepting the opportunity.

"If you ride with us one week (as a fan) make sure you ride with us the next week."

On whether Steve McNair should be benched in favor of Kyle Boller

"I don’t know, I don’t know. Those are questions for Brian and all of them to figure out.

"For me, the bottom is, as the leader of my defense, we have things we have to get right. We can’t look at somebody else and say, ‘You need to be playing this guy.’

"There are things we have to get better [on defense]. The ball doesn’t have to go over our head. We don’t have to miss tackles. As a team, there’s a lot to get better. Offense wasn’t on the field when Pittsburgh was throwing the ball over our heads last Monday. This is a journey. Anybody can jump off the train."

On why the Ravens haven't found an emotional leader on offense

“I don’t know. Whether they’re vocal leaders like I am or quiet leaders as well, that’s the way the cards have been dealt. The guys who we have are great leaders and great talents, but they’re totally different types. When you look for it from other guys, you just want to make sure it’s not false. You don’t want someone to go outside of their shell when it’s not real.’’

On the reaction from one of his kids after the game

“My oldest daughter could see there was something wrong with me. She said, ‘Daddy what’s wrong?’ I’m like, ‘You know, we didn’t win the game.’ And she said, ‘Daddy you always told me all you can do is do your best.’

"What she inspired in me was that the next morning I probably worked out the hardest I worked out all year."

The show in its entirety can be heard by going to espn1300.com

Posted by Don Markus at 12:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

To the surprise of many, coach Brian Billick did not drop the bombshell that he was making a switch at quarterback.

Despite Steve McNair's season-long slump and the starter's own comments after Sunday's 21-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals that he would not object to a benching, Billick did not make such a move. The coach deferred any judgment on whether he would go with McNair or backup Kyle Boller against the Cleveland Browns Sunday until he had a chance to review -- with the team's medical staff -- McNair's left shoulder, which apparently became sore and an injury concern this morning.

"I'll have to wait and see," Billick said in response to whether McNair or Boller would start against the Browns. "We've got some more work to do before I can definitively tell you what direction we're going in."

Other notes:

* Billick said he does not intend to relinquish his play-calling duties just yet. But he did offer this caveat: "I'll make that change in a New York second if I think there's a better way to do what we're doing."

* Wide receiver Demetrius Williams suffered a high ankle sprain early in the third quarter of yesterday's loss. That kind of injury usually takes several weeks to heal. If that's the case, expect to see a lot more of Devard Darling in the offense's three-receiver set. Cornerback Chris McAlister, who has missed the last three games with a strained right knee, seems to be progressing, according to Billick. "We'll see what this week brings," he said.

* The topic of Derek Anderson, a former Raven draft pick who has thrown 20 touchdown passes for Cleveland this season, was posed again, and Billick put on a two-step shuffle that would have made Gregory Hines proud. "Derek's a fine young man, and we'll look forward to playing him this Sunday," Billick said.

Quote of the news conference: "The way those guys fought through it leads me to believe in the character of this team." -- Billick in response to whether he has any concerns about the team's morale.

Posted by Edward Lee at 3:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (27)
        

Ravens coach Brian Billick isn't the only coach taking some heat after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Romeo Crennel, whose Browns took the Steelers down to the wire in Pittsburgh yesterday, had some explaining to do when his team lost two crucial timeouts on one sequence late in the fourth quarter of what turned out to be a 31-28 loss.

It happened after Steelers tight end Heath Miller caught the game-winning touchdown pass with 3:13 remaining. One of the Browns on the field called timeout and then Crennel tossed the little red flag to have officials look at the replay of Miller's catch.

The Browns lost the challenge on a catch that most thought looked pretty clean, and eventually the game.

"I'm not exactly sure what happened, but a timeout was called on the field," Crennel said, "and then I followed it up with the challenge. And so it ended up costing us two timeouts, and that's what happened. What else can I tell you? So put it on me."

The Browns, 5-4, should recover quickly.

They come to Baltimore Sunday.

Posted by Don Markus at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Ravens coach Brian Billick said Steve McNair was still his starter after the loss to the Bengals, but he has to reconsider.

McNair was a shell of his former self in the locker room, a beaten warrior who had lost his confidence. He implied that his turnovers had cost the Ravens their last two games, and basically said he would support the team's decision to start Kyle Boller.

I'm no Boller fan, but when a starting quarterback makes those kinds of statements, I'm inclined to give the backup his chance.

As far as the big picture, neither one of these quarterbacks is the answer, and I'm not sure the Ravens will find one at the position until they change their offensive system.

Posted by Mike Preston at 9:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (44)
        

As if things couldn’t get any worse for the Ravens' secondary, the unit lost cornerback Corey Ivy late in the first quarter due to a concussion he suffered when his helmet hit Bengals guard Bobbie Williams’ left knee during a fumble recovery.

So with the secondary already playing without Chris McAlister (strained knee), Samari Rolle (illness) and David Pittman (concussion), Derrick Martin and Ronnie Prude were the corners with Willie Gaston – a rookie who had been on the practice squad until today – entering the contest as the fifth defensive back in the nickel package.

Hence, the reason why Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer has completed 11 of 17 passes for 184 yards.

Other notes:

* You knew it would happen, but it was somewhat surprising to hear the chants for backup Kyle Boller begin midway through the second quarter. Then again, starter Steve McNair (196.2 passing yards per game, two touchdowns and six interceptions in last seven starts) hasn’t done anything to convince the Ravens faithful otherwise. It’ll be interesting to see if coach Brian Billick heard the chants.

* I don’t think you can blame McNair or tight end Todd Heap on the botched pass in the end zone that practically ended the first half. McNair alley-ooped it to Heap, who – at 6 feet, 5 inches – is five inches taller than Bengals safety Dexter Jackson and got his hands on the ball. It was simply a nice play by Jackson to tip the ball and keep it alive until rookie cornerback Leon Hall hauled in the interception in the end zone.

* Willis McGahee has been gashing the Bengals' rush defense to the tune of 54 yards on 12 carries (a 4.5-yard average). He should touch the ball a lot more in the second half, but don’t be surprised if the offense throws more because of the six-point deficit at halftime.

* There’s only one explanation for Billick electing to go for it on fourth down-and-8 from Cincinnati’s 32-yard line late in the first quarter. Matt Stover must’ve told Billick that attempting a 49- or 50-yard field goal was not a sure thing, and that likely convinced him to go for the first down. Why McNair took a shot with Demetrius Williams in the end zone rather than going for the first down is another question.

* Second-year man Chris Chester was in at right guard instead of rookie Ben Grubbs, and Devard Darling was the third receiver instead of Demetrius Williams midway through the second quarter. It's unclear whether that’s an indication of the coaching staff’s displeasure with Grubbs and Williams or if the staff wanted to give the Bengals a different look.

* Kenny Watson appears to be more of a threat in the backfield for Cincinnati than Rudi Johnson. Watson, who has gained 13 yards on four rushes, is shiftier and cuts back better than Johnson, who has been limited to zero yards on six carries.

Posted by Edward Lee at 5:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

This is a transcript of receiver Derrick Mason's session with local reporters:

On what is on his mind approaching Cincinnati: "Getting back on that field and playing football, putting that last game behind us and getting back on the field as soon as possible. Just enjoy the game, have fun with it, and prepare for the next game. What's done is done. You can't dwell on it.”

On QB Steve McNair struggling: "I mean, it's not just Steve. You can't put it all on one person. Everything goes hand in hand with this offense. Obviously, everything is going to be pointed at him because he's the quarterback. When we're doing great, the quarterback is praised. When we're doing badly, the quarterback is kind of the scapegoat. You can't make him the scapegoat. It's everybody. It's 10 other guys along with Steve. We all need to pick it up. We need to make sure we're doing what we need to do as an offense.”

On alleviating the problem with turnovers: "You need to know where everybody is on the field, the guys that are carrying the ball. You’ve got to be more careful with the ball. Turnovers are going to happen because the game is so fast. If you limit your turnovers, you'll come out on top. Let's minimize those turnovers. As we saw Monday, it's hard for you to win, and it showed against Pittsburgh.”

On the team getting on a roll: "I'm still smiling. It's about what we can do. I still see the glass as half full, not half empty. We still have a long season to go. A lot of people have already written us off. Pittsburgh has written us off, judging from what was said. We've still got the second half of the season to go. We can still finish this thing up at 12-4. We have to think that way. We can't let the outside circumstances determine what we do in this locker room. So, we're going to continue to go out there. We'll continue to have a smile on our face. We'll work through this."

On Sunday’s game being pivotal: "Every game is pivotal from here on out. The Pittsburgh game was pivotal. Obviously, the No. 1 thing is turnovers. We can't turn the ball over. It's going to take attention to detail from all 22 starters. We have to pay attention to detail and not put ourselves in compromising positions like we did in Pittsburgh.”

On any “finger-pointing” in the locker room: “No, I'm not going to worry about that. I've been in this position so many times. This team went to a Super Bowl and there was controversy about the quarterback then. So, we are very mentally strong. We're going to let upper management and the coaches deal with that and we're going to play football. Wherever the chips land, that's where they land."

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 1:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

If there's one person who can understand the public criticism directed at quarterback Steve McNair, it's Kyle Boller.

During his three years as a starter, Boller was the target of fans' anger because of his inconsistent play. Throughout it all, Boller always handled himself in a professional manner, no matter how difficult the situation.

"Personally, the way I deal with it -- and how I still deal with it -- is just to keep working hard and just keep believing," Boller said. "Those 53 guys in that locker room are the most important guys. You know it's not just one person. It's the offense as a whole. We're all in it together. My main thing is to keep working and I'm sure his is the same."

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 1:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

A look at how the Ravens have fared individually against the Cincinnati Bengals:

Quarterback Steve McNair has an 10-6 record against the Cincinnati Bengals, throwing 21 touchdowns and six interceptions. In eight home games against the Bengals, he has a passer rating of 104.1.

Wide receiver Derrick Mason has averaged four receptions for 55.7 yards in 16 games against Cincinnati. He has scored seven touchdowns but just two in seven home games against the Bengals.

Tight end Todd Heap has averaged 3.6 catches for 45.9 yards in 12 games against the Bengals. His 12.8-yard-per-catch average is the highest against any team he's faced more than six times in his career.

Kicker Matt Stover has averaged nearly two field goals in 33 meetings with Cincinnati. He has converted on 63 of 71 field goals (88.7 percent) against the Bengals.

Linebacker Ray Lewis has 178 tackles in 18 games against Cincinnati. His five interceptions against the Bengals are the most he's had against any team.

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 1:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

In his weekly session with the media, defensive coordinator Rex Ryan talked about how the defense has to take a share of the blame for Monday night’s 38-7 loss at Pittsburgh. The Ravens tied a team record by giving up five touchdown passes.

Before a question was asked, Ryan gave this opening statement:

“On defense, we got to hold up our end of the bargain. No matter if it’s long field, short field or whatever, we can’t give up scores. We got to play a lot better. I was proud of the way that we finished that game. There is plenty of fight in this group. That’s encouraging.

“That’s what this team is all about. That’s why I think as we move forward into the second half of the season, you’re going to see how the closeness of this football team affects the win-loss total. We expect to make a great run at it, and we’re that kind of team to get it done.”

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 3:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Wide receiver Derrick Mason is tied for first in the NFL with 62 receptions. Mason is on pace for 124 catches, which would be the second-most in NFL history (Marvin Harrison had 143 in 2002).

Running back Willis McGahee has 689 rushing yards and is on track for 1,378 yards, which would be a personal best and rank second in Ravens history.

Safety Ed Reed leads the AFC with five interceptions and is on pace to break his own team record of nine that he set in 2004.

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 1:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Here's what Steve McNair said after Wednesday's practice:

On having a short-term memory: “Of course. You have to. That’s over with. We’re concentrating on Cincinnati. What happened on Monday night, [we] got it out of our system. It was bad, but at the same time, we have to learn from it and move on.”

On the main problem with the offense: “There’s not one main thing. I think it’s all about everybody just getting on the same page. Like I said, everybody’s taking their turns making mistakes, and that’s not the key to an offense. An offense has to be clicking on all cylinders. All 11 players have to be doing the right things at all the right times. And that hasn’t happened yet. So that’s what we’re focusing on this week: Going out there and relaxing, not pressing, and going out and having fun. I don’t think this offense has been having a lot of fun because of that. I think we just have to go out and relax, be patient, and play our type of game. I think we’ve been buying into ‘what the defense gives us.’ And I think we need to just go out and do what we do best, to change anything, and just go out and execute Sunday evening and let it be. We just have to go out there mainly with the mind frame that everybody is against us right now. I think right now, we as a whole, as a team, know we’re all by ourselves. And that’s a good thing, because once your back is against the wall, you have to come out fighting, and that’s what we’re going to do Sunday.”

On the quarterback typically taking most of the blame for a struggling offense: “It’s 11 guys, but the quarterback is always going to take the bulk of the blame. That’s just how the nature of the game is. That’s just how this system works -- and every system in the NFL. If you’re doing good, the quarterback is the best. If you’re doing bad, ‘What’s wrong with the quarterback?’ But that’s typical. I’ve been in this league 13 years. What people say outside this organization doesn’t bother me. What the paper writes doesn’t bother me. What the news people say doesn’t bother me. I know what I’m capable of doing. We haven’t gotten on track yet and it’s the eighth game of the season? Yes, that’s something to write about. That’s something to talk about. But, at the same time, we can’t let that affect what we do during the course of the week to prepare for the next game. We’ve got to move on. We’ve got to continue to keep our focus on what we’re trying to do. Unfortunately, we haven’t done it in eight games, but like I said, there are eight more. We can get things back on track in one game. As long as we get our focus on what we’ve got to do this week, and go out and play well on Sunday, all that will be behind us.”

On feeling like the team needs a fresh start: “Yes. This is a new season for us, offensively, and that’s the way we’re looking at it. We’re looking at it as this is a Game 1, this is an opener, and we’re going to go out there and treat it just like it’s the first and the last game. We want to go out there and just compete, and compete on a high level. Not to knock Cincinnati -- they’ve got a great team -- but we want to keep their offense off the field. And we want to do what this offense is capable of doing, and that’s controlling the ball. That’s what we did last year and that’s what we’re going to try to get back to this week.”

On feeling like the offense has something to prove: “Being in the league 13 years, it’s a great opportunity for us. And it’s an opportunity for us to go out there and prove everybody wrong, especially on the offensive side of the ball. I think we’ve given our defense too many chances to go out there and give up big plays. You can’t [expect] even a great defense, that many times going out on the field, to not give up points. It’s up to us to keep our defense off the football field, and we’ve got the opportunity to go out there and do it this week against a good team, like I said, [with] our back against the wall. But hey, what better day to go out there at home, on Sunday evening, and go out there and fight and play hard?”

On any dissension between the offense and defense: “No, because after every practice, we always say one of two things: We either say, ‘Family!’ or we say, ‘Team!’ This is a team sport and we’re a family. We’re going to stick together no matter what. The thing about it is, the thing that we can pinpoint is turnovers. You can’t turn the ball over and expect to win ball games, especially against a good team.”

On watching film from the first game against Cincinnati: “Well, you have to go back and correct your mistakes. At the same time, you can’t dwell on how many turnovers you had. You have to have that open mind to go out and just try to do better, and we will do better. That’s something we’re working hard with this week. Forget about the six turnovers… Just go out there. If you look at it, [even with] six turnovers, we still had a chance to go out there and win the ball game. At the same time, you can’t do that. You can’t turn the ball over and expect to win.”

On the public criticism bothering him: “No, not at all. When I first came in to the league, [it was] the same thing. Look what kind of career I’ve had. So, I don’t let people tell me -- outside of this organization -- that I’m not capable of playing, [that] I don’t need to be playing. For what? They’ve never played the position of a quarterback. They never go through what I go through mentally or physically. So how are you going to tell me I’m not able to play? I know what my body can do. My teammates know what my body can do, and I know what I can do on the field. So things have happened. It’s been a bad first half of the year. So what? You’ve got another half. So we have to go out and do better.”

On physically being able to do what he has always done: “I have done it and still can do it.”

On needing more big plays offensively: “That’s also a factor. But if you look at what we’ve done offensively, we haven’t had our nucleus, our total nucleus, together. We have to balance things out when people get hurt. We have to depend on more people than we did when everybody was out there. I think that is the most important thing. When you’re trying to get an offense on the same page, you’ve got to have everybody out there every week, and get the chemistry and get all the things down that you need to go into a game on Sunday and have that execution.”

On trying too hard to make something happen: “I think that’s what we’ve been doing. We’ve been pressing. Offensively, we’ve been pressing to make too many big plays, to make too many big things happen instead of letting the game come to us. That’s when you make mistakes and that’s what has been happening. We just have to go out and relax, go out and have fun, and get that swagger back. I think if you go out and have fun and go out and do the things you know you can do individually, everything collectively will come together.”

On pressing individually against the Steelers: “I didn’t press, but I think, at the same time, the mistakes that happened, things that [I did] that I normally wouldn’t do, you could say [I] pressed a little bit. But, at the same time, I was probably more upbeat and anxious to get out there because I haven’t played in two weeks than more of pressing.”

On being affected by his time off: “I think I was just ready to go out there and play. I wouldn’t say the layoff was a key, because I’ve done this before and played well. At the same time, I think it was just me being ready to play, and it was Monday night, and maybe I was over-anxious to get out there and play.”

On why the fans should not panic: “I think it’s a long season. I don’t think it’s time to panic at this point in time. We’ve got eight games left. We’re 4-4, we’re .500. We could be worse than that. Some teams are worse than that. But [at] 4-4, I think we’ve still got a great chance. We just have to take it one game at a time, continue to go out there and play hard. We haven’t gotten the breaks we had last year. I think the second half, we just have to get some breaks, and fight through the things we’ve done bad through the first eight games and go with it. I think the fans have to understand that this is a tough game. Any given Sunday, you can be beat, regardless of how good you are or how bad you are. We just have to continue to go out there and stay focused and continue to play.”

Posted by Don Markus at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Matt Stover, who has been hampered by a right thigh injury that has affected his practice time, was the victim of a practical joke.

Six strips of white tape blocked the kicker's locker, and written on the strips was the following message:

"Beware ... Stoveritis outbreak ... Symptoms ... Loss of cash flow ... Soreness with few reps ... Extremely contagious"

Asked who was the criminal mastermind behind the prank, punter Sam Koch grinned and replied, "I can't say. Otherwise, Matt would know who did it."

Posted by Edward Lee at 6:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The Ravens practiced indoors today in Owings Mills.

That might not be earth-shattering news, but it certainly doesn't help the perception that Brian Billick takes his player's coach image to an extreme. After all, the Ravens training camp in Westminster has been called "Camp Cupcake."

Typically, the Ravens will go inside when the weather is bad and they don't want to take the chance of anyone getting hurt.

The reason today? After giving his players and his coaches a couple more hours to recover from Monday night's 38-7 trouncing in Pittsburgh, Billick was concerned about running out of daylight, and the outdoor fields at the team's complex don't have lights.

While this all might be a metaphor for the Ravens' fading season, I want to report that there was plenty of light when practice ended before 5 p.m.

Note to the Ravens: The U-14 soccer team I coach was still practicing in the dark around 5:30 today, but it had a championship game to get ready for Saturday.

And last I looked, the game Sunday against the Bengals was going to be played outdoors.

Posted by Don Markus at 5:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer probably would have stayed on the line longer, but what do you ask a guy when his team is 2-6 and his season is basically shot?

Such was the case for Palmer today for his teleconference with Ravens beat reporters in Owings Mills.

Four questions and out.

The Budweiser Hot Seat it wasn't.

About the most interesting thing Palmer said came when asked about playing the Ravens after their Monday Night debacle in Pittsburgh.

"You know they're going to come out hungry,'' Palmer said. "They're going to come out fired up, feel like they've got something to prove. When you get embarrassed on national television, it's easy to go into that next week fired up to play, excited to play and prove to people who you are. Definitely, they're as good as it gets in this league, and they're going to be trying to prove it this week after last week's loss.''

Based on the last part of that statement, you wonder whether Palmer was watching the Ravens-Steelers or "Two and a Half Men."

Posted by Don Markus at 3:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Here is where the Ravens stack up in the NFL’s weekly rankings compiled by the league.

Total offense
This week: 23rd (298.9 yards per game)
Last week: 15th (326.7)

Rushing offense
This week: 19th (104.2 yards per game)
Last week: 16th (110.0)

Passing offense
This week: 24th (194.6 yards per game)
Last week: 16th (216.7)

First downs
This week: 24th (17.4 per game)
Last week: Tied for 12th (19.1)

Third-down offense
This week: 22nd (49 of 127, 38.6 percent)
Last week: 16th (46 of 112, 41.1 percent)

Red-zone offense
This week: 31st (7 of 23, 30.4 percent)
Last week: 30th (7 of 23, 30.4 percent)

Points scored
This week: 26th (16.4 per game)
Last week: 25th (17.7)

Total defense
This week: 3rd (270.9 yards per game)
Last week: 2nd (268.0)

Rushing defense
This week: 3rd (74.1 yards per game)
Last week: 2nd (71.9)

Passing defense
This week: 10th (196.8 yards per game)
Last week: 9th (196.1)

First downs
This week: Tied for 1st (13.5 per game)
Last week: 1st (13.4)

Third-down defense
This week: 3rd (38 of 111, 34.2 percent)
Last week: 2nd (31 of 94, 33.0 percent)

Red-zone defense
This week: 11th (9 of 20, 45.0 percent)
Last week: 3rd (6 of 16, 37.5 percent)

Points allowed
This week: 13th (19.6 per game)
Last week: 10th (17.0)

Turnover differential
This week: Tied for 21st (-2 on 14 take-aways and 16 give-aways)
Last week: Tied for 13th (+2 on 14 take-aways and 12 give-aways)

Posted by Edward Lee at 1:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The show of support from the Ravens players and coaches for cornerbacks Corey Ivy, Derrick Martin and David Pittman was a nice gesture (the team stood on the numbers on their side of the field while Ivy, Martin and Pittman went to midfield for the coin toss), but it wasn’t enough to help those guys in the first half of tonight’s game against the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers.

Martin got beat on Ben Roethlisberger touchdown strikes to Nate Washington and Santonio Holmes. Holmes hauled in a touchdown catch between Pittman and free safety Ed Reed, and Corey Ivy was flagged for pass interference. Not the kind of showing Ravens fans had hoped from an embattled secondary forced to play without Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle.

And things could get worse if Reed, who was injured in the waning seconds of the half, doesn't return for the second half.

Other notes:

*Steelers linebacker James Harrison, who was invited to Ravens training camp before the start of the 2004 season, has had a huge hand in the first-half demolition of the Ravens. His sack, strip and fumble recovery of quarterback Steve McNair on the Ravens’ first series led to Roethlisberger’s first touchdown pass to tight end Heath Miller. Harrison then popped Reed on a punt return, causing a fumble and contributing to Holmes’ touchdown reception. In the second quarter, Harrison sacked and stripped McNair again, driving the Ravens back until they were forced to punt from their own 2-yard line. Harrison then stepped in between a pass from McNair to wide receiver Demetrius Williams and returned the interception 20 yards. Finally, Harrison and linebacker Clark Haggans combined for another sack.

*Defensive tackle Dwan Edwards, not defensive end Trevor Pryce, started alongside Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata, earning his fifth start in the last six games. Pryce, who has not played since fracturing his left wrist in Week 2, may still be working off the rust, which may explain how Roethlisberger was able to slip out of Pryce’s sack attempt before finding tight end Heath Miller for a 17-yard touchdown strike in the first quarter.

*There may be a hidden meaning behind Reed standing in as a punt returner for rookie Yamon Figurs. Perhaps the coaches are worried that Figurs, who has been charged with three fumbles, might lose another one in the rain.

Posted by Edward Lee at 10:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)
        

Tonight's captains for the Ravens were cornerbacks Corey Ivy, Derrick Martin and David Pittman. Ivy and Martin are starting in place of Chris McAlister (strained knee) and Samari Rolle (illness).

As a show of support for Ivy, Martin and Pittman, the Ravens' players and coaches walked out behind the captains and stood on the numbers on the field during the coin toss.

Posted by Edward Lee at 8:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Fans could see the return of the opening-day starting offensive tackles when the Ravens visit Heinz Field for Monday night's AFC North showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

During tonight's portion of practice open to the media, Jonathan Ogden and Adam Terry lined up with center Mike Flynn and guards Jason Brown and Ben Grubbs as the first-string offensive line.

Ogden hasn't started since the season opener when he sprained his left foot and re-aggravated a hyperextended big toe on that foot, but the 10-time Pro Bowler has not been listed on the team's injury report all week. Terry hasn't played since spraining his left ankle against the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 7.

Prior to last week's bye, Ogden and Terry had served on the scout team and impersonated opponents’ offensive linemen.

“It was encouraging to look up and see the prep line as our starters for the last four weeks,” coach Brian Billick said tongue-in-cheek earlier this week. “And they were prepping for the defense. So that was a pretty good feeling.”

Posted by Edward Lee at 6:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

At the end of today's practice, the Ravens defensive players lined up in a circle and ran a series of "up-down" drills in which players drop face first to the ground and get up immediately to do it again.

Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said it had to do with jumping offside.

"Nobody wants to do them even when you're a kid, but it still works," Ryan said.

Is there any reason that would make Ryan do them? "Nah, I certainly hope not."

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 2:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Ravens coach Brian Billick empathized with the difficulties surrounding Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid, a friend of Billick’s.

On Thursday, a judge who sentenced Reid's sons to jail likened the coach's home to “a drug emporium” and questioned whether his adult sons should live there, given their drug problems.

“The hard part is for it to be displayed in a public manner,” Billick said. “I understand that’s the choice we make when we get into this profession. Some of the observations that are made … it’s unfortunate and it’s regrettable. Our heart goes out to Tammy [Reid’s wife] and Andy, they are very good friends of mine. I can understand the difficulties that they are dealing with right now.”

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 2:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians laid out the game plan after Thursday's practice.

"We're going to run the football, make no bones about it," Arians told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Asked if that meant the Steelers will attempt to run the football against the Ravens, Arians said, "No, we're going to run the football."

The Ravens dominated Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker last season. In two meetings against the Ravens, he ran for a combined 53 yards on 23 carries.

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

In a Thursday conference call with Pittsburgh reporters, the subject of Ray Lewis criticizing coach Brian Billick's play-calling came up.

"You don't like to hear those things," Billick said. "By the same token, we as coaches have to stand up there and basically criticize our players at meetings, day-in and day-out. And players have criticisms as well.

"You'd like for it not to be outside of the family, outside of the structure. You certainly understand when it happens, and the last thing you're going to do is respond to it, because then that just exacerbates the situation. Ray and I got no problem."

Like he did on his radio show earlier this week, Lewis downplayed his previous comments.

"It doesn't matter what I said 10 days ago, my coach knows I respect him to the utmost," Lewis said. "My team knows that I would never do anything to hurt my team. ... There are things that people do with their husbands and wives that they don't like. ... Bottom line is whatever decisions you make, you make them and move on and don't let anyone make you keep dwelling on it.

"I'm trying to find the best way to win, however it comes by. I've always been that person, and I think I will never change. But for a lot of people to try to create controversy between me and my coach and between me and my team, that would never happen."

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 8:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Ravens recently had tryouts with tight end Zach Hilton and center Pat Ross but did not sign either one.

Hilton was released by the San Francisco 49ers in their final cutdown in September. Ross was a former member of the New England Patriots' practice squad.

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 8:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

I'm interested to see if there is going to be any difference Monday night with the Ravens offense.

This will be the first time since the season opener that all of the offensive starters will be on the field at the same time. Quarterback Steve McNair injured his groin in the first quarter in Cincinnati and offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden left in the second quarter after aggravating his toe injury. On Monday, the Ravens expect McNair, Ogden, tight end Todd Heap (hamstring) and offensive tackle Adam Terry (ankle) to all return to the starting lineup.

The Ravens talked all offseason about being more dynamic on offense. Now, with all their parts in place, they can really prove themselves against the NFL's top-ranked defense. The Ravens enter this game with the 16th-ranked running attack and the 16th-ranked passing attack. That's not exactly the balanced offense that everyone envisioned.

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 6:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)