John Harbaugh's weekly news conference
As well as Le'Ron McClain and Ray Rice played against the Cincinnati Bengals in the Ravens' 17-10 victory yesterday, Willis McGahee may reclaim his role as the featured tailback in the offense.
Coach Harbaugh said McGahee, who suited up but did not play yesterday, will take a more active role in practice this week with an eye on taking the field against the Houston Texans on Sunday.
"He needs to be ready to go, and I'm confident he'll be ready to go this week," Harbaugh said of McGahee. "... If he can do the job, he'll be out there."
Harbaugh also said that free safety Ed Reed will continue to be listed as day-to-day despite his performance in yesterday's victory. "I think nothing's changed in that sense," Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh expressed hope that defensive tackle Kelly Gregg (arthroscopic knee surgery) and linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo (leg contusion) would be able to play in Houston. Cornerback Corey Ivy called his right ankle sprain "minor" and said he anticipates playing against the Texans.
Other notes:
• Harbaugh was pleased with the offensive line's display, which included zero sacks and 229 rushing yards. "They were physical for four quarters, and they can be more physical," he said.
Harbaugh also noted that recently-signed offensive tackle Willie Anderson, who was deactivated for yesterday's contest, would play, but he declined to say whether Anderson would rotate with either left tackle Jared Gaither or right tackle Adam Terry. "We have a plan, and we're hopeful it's a good plan."
• Hurricane Ike is in the Caribbean and is projected to make it way to the Gulf Coast -- with some saying that the storm could hit Houston prior to Sunday's game. Harbaugh didn't seem fazed by that possibility. "The game's inside [Reliant Stadium, which has a retractable roof], right?" he asked. "We'll be alright. We'll play."
• Following yesterday's win, Harbaugh did not award a game ball to a specific player or unit. Instead, he said the game ball "goes to the entire team." So equipment manager Ed Carroll has ordered 94 footballs painted to commemorate the victory for the 53 active-roster players, nine for the practice-squad players, eight for the injured-reserve players, 23 for the coaching staff and one for team owner Steve Bisciotti.
Comments
94 footballs was a good move! Some players never get one (practice-squad players, IR). With a good look at how Pitt played yesterday, the team can be 2 - 0. I had never seen 2 tackels on the same side before, maybe Anderson will join them on some plays. I'm so clueless to what Cam might call, i feel like a bungal defensive player!!!
Posted by: Bryant | September 8, 2008 6:44 PM
Here it comes: Big Back Set (McClain/Neal) with Terry playing TE and Gaither and Anderson playing tackles. Think either a goal line set or a power run set, but either way thats 1800 lbs of linemen to get through.
Posted by: Leroy Jenkins | September 8, 2008 8:47 PM
Betcha Boller fumbles his...so order an extra one.
Posted by: hungry blue mule | September 8, 2008 9:08 PM
A real nice gesture....way to stress the importance of the team
Billick would have given the game ball to himself...in fact he did after his first career win
Posted by: Cereal Blogger | September 8, 2008 10:44 PM
Such a treat to be at the Ravens game Sunday
and hear the crowd spontaneously break into the refrain" Let's Go Flacco."
It's like my fondest wish to 10 years from now, have every Steeler fan hate hearing that chant so much that it makes them sick and depressed.
When Flacco dove into the end zone after that 38-yd. run...the stadium exploded.
It was as if we gave "birth"...right there...to the new era.
As if all the QB's we DIDN'T have...all at once...were gone and done.
The defense is a beast and the AFC is wide open.
But the schedule is very imposing.
Dare I say it..."Ravens got a...a...shot!"
But the Steelers look serious.
NFL 2008!
Let the games begin.
Tim Rutherford
PhotogsLounge.net
Posted by: Tim Rutherford | September 8, 2008 11:02 PM
If they were taking orders, I would have liked one too :)
Posted by: Ed Dorsch | September 9, 2008 7:30 AM
just like last year, isaw our secondary reievers come off the line, running at half speed.If needed they are then NOT OPEN. Why was this not addressed in the off season, or in preseason camp???
Posted by: len seaford, del. | September 9, 2008 9:11 AM
Because the Ravens only have 2 TE's, Adam Terry was playing the 3rd TE on the left side. Mike Kracalik Took Terry's RT position. It will be rather interesting where Willie Anderson will play. He is normally a RT and I dont know what experience he has as a LT.
Posted by: Dave | September 9, 2008 9:13 AM
94 footballs sound like a plan. I think we will surprise people this year. I am glad the coaching staff has found a way to use all of our players
Posted by: emjay | September 9, 2008 11:59 AM
Checking out the responses to the various articles on the Ravens - it sure is nice to see the cautious optimism.
If the team experiences some downs to go with the ups so far, the hard-nosed Ravens style seems to be back.
I for one will be a bit more forgiving as the season progresses.
Posted by: Peej | September 9, 2008 12:43 PM
Do you know whether the white jerseys/black pants is the new look at home? I'd like that combo on the road, but don't want the Purple Jerseys to be phased out. Have you heard anything about this?
Posted by: chuck | September 10, 2008 12:04 PM