Ravens Insider

Mason says Ravens need to correct penalties and score early

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:31:49 -0500

The Ravens lead the league in penalty yards (633) and are tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for third in penalties (67). Wide receiver Derrick Mason said penalties have disrupted the offense's rhythm. "We can't continue to say, 'They’re correctable, they’re correctable,’ and not correct them," he said. "That’s like saying when a child grows up, as he’s growing up and he’s always getting in trouble and you figure, ‘I’ll straighten him out, I’ll straighten him out.’ Well, when he gets 15 to 16 [years old], you can’t straighten it out because he’s set in his ways. We’ve got to get this stuff corrected and make sure – and it is especially critical in our first drive – that we score some points." Ed Lee

Heap listed as questionable

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:16:55 -0500

Ravens tight end Todd Heap did not participate in Friday's practice after all, and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts with a rib injury. Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (ankle) had limited participation, but insisted after the practice that he would play against the Colts. Already listed as out are linebacker Terrell Suggs and special teamer Matt Lawrence, both with knee injuries. Center Matt Birk (neck), quarterback Joe Flacco (knee), and linebackers Tavares Gooden (concussion) and Jarret Johnson (shoulders) practiced today and are probable. The Colts' lengthy injury list lists five players as out and six as questionable. Among those who will miss the game are defensive backs Kelvin Hayden (knee) and Aaron Francisco (ankle) and wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez (knee). Among the questionables are defensive end Dwight Freeney (hip), safety Antoine Bethea (foot) and wide-out Pierre Garcon (ankle). Freeney and Garcon both had full participation in Friday's practice, however.

Edwards will appeal fine

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:34:16 -0500

Ravens defensive tackle Dwan Edwards said today he will appeal the $5,000 fine he got from the NFL for hitting the Browns' Joshua Cribbs on the last play of Monday night's game. Cribbs caught a pass and lateraled the ball to a teammate. As he turned up field, he was unaware that he was in Edwards' path. Edwards ran through him and went after the ballcarrier. Cribbs had to be carried off the field on a cart and was taken to a Cleveland hospital, but has recovered since then. Edwards said there was no intent to hurt Cribbs. "I feel bad," Edwards said. "I definitely didn't want to hurt anybody. But if he wouldn't have been hurt, I don't think there would have been a fine. I'm glad he's all right."

Heap says he's a game-time decision

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:38:12 -0500

Tight end Todd Heap said he will know Sunday whether he will be able to play against the Indianapolis Colts. Heap was hurt in the first half of Monday's 16-0 win at Cleveland. He played in the second half but left the field with a couple of minutes remaining while holding his left side. "It’s going to be sore. That’s the biggest thing," Heap said. "I’ve been battling all week. So, we’ll see how it goes on Sunday." Heap said he had an x-ray and nothing is broken. 'It’s getting better day to day," he said. "Hopefully, it keeps getting better and we’ll go from there."

O's Markakis takes 21 kid patients to Ravens practice

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:19:19 -0500

Nick Markakis' Right Side Foundation took 21 pediatric patients from Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital to Owings Mills today for a day at the Ravens' practice facility. It is the third event the Orioles' outfielder has sponsored under his Fund for 21 program. Previously, Markakis and his wife Christina have taken underprivileged or sick kids from Maryland-based organizations to the ESPN Zone and the aquarium in June, and to Oriole Park in September. The children watched part of the Ravens' Friday practice, got a tour of the facility and had lunch. - Ken Murray

Heap back on practice field

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:11:55 -0500

After missing two straight practices, tight end Todd Heap (chest) returned for today's practice and caught passes in the early portion of the workout the media was allowed to see. All injured players were on the field, in fact, except for Terrell Suggs (knee) and Matt Lawrence (knee), both of whom have been scratched from Sunday's game against the Colts.

Who are the top players in Baltimore football history?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:20:41 -0500

No game is bigger for a Baltimore NFL fan than Colts vs. Ravens. With Sunday's game at M&T Bank Stadium, and the Colts holding a six-game winning streak in the series, we thought we'd look at the best players to grace Baltimore uniforms, either Colts or Ravens. Since the Ravens are still waiting for their first player who predominantly wore purple and black throughout his career to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame, it was much easier to come up with Colts. Begin the debate. We're sure we left somebody out. 1. John Unitas: The greatest quarterback to play the game. Father of the two-minute drill led the Colts to two NFL championships and defeated the New York Giants in 1958 for the title in what has been dubbed "The Greatest Game Ever Played." 2. Ray Lewis: The master of mayhem for 14 years in the middle of the Ravens' defense. A tackling machine in his prime, with the ability to change games by himself. Revered around the league and willing mentor to all who seek his advice. 3. Gino Marchetti: Captain of the two-time world champions, he was one of the most feared pass rushers in NFL history. Lightning quick, No. 89 was named the best defensive end of the NFL's first half-century. 4. Lenny Moore: Had unparalleled success as both flanker and running back, making All-NFL at both positions. "Spats" scored a touchdown in 18 straight games, an NFL record that stood for 40 years. 5. Raymond Berry: Unitas' favorite target, he set an NFL record for career receptions. One of football's all-time clutch receivers, he ran perfect routes and caught 12 passes in the 1958 title game. 6. Jim Parker: His crushing blocks launched Moore's runs and saved Unitas' skin. He made All-Pro eight straight times - four at guard and four at tackle - and started 139 consecutive games. 6. (tie) Jonathan Ogden: First draft pick of the Ravens' era, cornerstone of the offensive line as an 11-time Pro Bowl left tackle. Among the greatest players of all time at his position.

Can Ravens exploit Colts' banged-up secondary?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

The Ravens will be without Terrell Suggs, but the Colts’ defense has been hit harder by injuries. Indianapolis could be starting three backups in the secondary, including rookie cornerbacks Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey. But offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said the younger Colts are “playing as well, if not better” than the injured starters. “They’re a Cover 2 team, and so, in a lot of ways, there are ways to protect young corners, and they do an outstanding job of that,” Cameron said. “They’re not just putting those guys out there in Cover 1, man-to-man coverage, single coverage all day. That’s not happening. If that were the case, then you’d say, ‘OK, go out and throw it to the two young corners all day.’ But they’re not doing that. They’re smart. You’ve got to attack this defense from all 11 guys. It’s an outstanding defense, obviously one of the better defenses in the league.”

Thursday's injury report

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:16:56 -0500

As reported earlier, tight end Todd Heap did not practice for the second consecutive day due to a chest injury suffered during Monday night's 16-0 shutout of the Cleveland Browns. Linebacker Terrell Suggs, who has already been ruled out because of a sprained ligament in his right knee, did not practice. Running back Matt Lawrence (knee) was on crutches earlier today and has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the unbeaten Indianapolis Colts. Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (sprained right ankle) was limited for the second straight day. Center Matt Birk, who did not practice Wednesday due to a neck injury, fully participated today. Joining him were linebackers Jarret Johnson (left shoulder) and Tavares Gooden (concussion) and quarterback Joe Flacco (knee). Three Colts starters -- defensive end Dwight Freeney (hip), cornerback Kelvin Hayden (knee) and free safety Antoine Bethea (foot) -- did not practice for the second consecutive day. Kicker Adam Vinatieri (right knee) and wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez (knee) also did not participate for the second straight day. Wide receiver Pierre Garcon (ankle) was upgraded to full participation after not practicing Wednesday.

Mattison: team "aware" of Browns' fourth timeout

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:39:17 -0500

The fact that the Cleveland Browns were allowed to call a fourth timeout in the second half of the Ravens' 16-0 shutout on Monday night was not lost on the Ravens. The mistake was first reported by Pro Football Talk. "We were aware of that," defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said. "[Linebackers coach] Vic [Fangio] was upstairs and he was adamant about the fact that that was the fourth timeout." Mattison also took a question about the fine assessed to defensive tackle Dwan Edwards. According to ESPN, Edwards was fined $5,000 for leveling wide receiver Joshua Cribbs at the end of the Monday night's game. "The hit [by] Dwan, like I said, I don’t comment on the officiating," Mattison said. "But I want every one of our defensive players – when they’re going to the football and if someone is in their way – they’re going to go after them. They’re going to do it within the letter of the law and the rules and play physical football. That’s what Dwan has done in the last three, four weeks."

Stover clarification

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:29:20 -0500

In Thursday's article on Matt Stover, I wrote that he previously worked out for the Cleveland Browns because there was a published report about it. Stover has since texted me to say that the Browns called him but he didn't try out for them because he didn't want to be a quick fix.

Suggs: 'No doubt in my mind that I should be back'

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:24:35 -0500

Speaking for the first time since getting hurt, linebacker-defensive end Terrell Suggs said his sprained right knee isn’t a season-ending injury. “There is no doubt in my mind that I should be back this year,” Suggs said. “That’s the plan. That’s where I’m at with it.” Suggs was injured in Monday’s 16-0 win at Cleveland when Browns quarterback Brady Quinn hit Suggs’ knee on an interception return. The three-time Pro Bowl player said he hasn’t seen the hit, but players have told him that it was a dirty hit. “That’s exactly what it felt like,” he said. “But I haven’t seen it so I can’t really say one way or another. I’m more upset that I’m going to miss this game. I’ve got to get back for that rivalry.” Suggs seemed disappointed that Quinn only received a $10,000 fine from the NFL. “If I wouldn’t have gotten the same fine, then it’s definitely not fair,” Suggs said. “But he’s a quarterback and I’m a linebacker. That’s just the world we live in. If they were to say that it was the other way around, then you can say it’s fair.” Suggs is one of the liveliest players in the locker room, joking with teammates and flashing a big smile. But there was a different tone with him Thursday. “I’m really crushed that I’m going to miss my first game,” he said. “That [stinks]. I was trying to beat Ozzie [Newsome, who never missed a game]. It really sucks I get to miss this game where we get the opportunity to do something great.” Suggs said he hasn’t been ruled out for the Ravens’ Nov. 29 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. “That’s the game you definitely don’t want to miss,” Suggs said. “Hopefully, I can miraculously heal and try to get back to play.” The Ravens needed their top pass rusher in the next three weeks when they play quarterbacks like Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers. “This couldn’t come at a worse time,” Suggs said. “I’m very disappointed. I got to make sure I’m a professional and do everything in my power to get back so I can help my team go on this run. I want to be a part of this.”

Terrell Suggs' first comments since injury

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:58:26 -0500

Terrell Suggs spoke to me today for the first time since the hit he took from Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn in Monday night's game. "I’m going to try to get back for the black-and-gold game. You know we live for that game." I asked him if he thought Quinn's hit was a cheap shot. "I haven’t seen the film. A lot of the guys [Ravens] say it wasn’t a clean hit. I heard he got fined $10,000. If it was me and I hit a quarterback like that would I have gotten fined only $10,000?"

Chat wrap: Ravens Q&A with Jamison Hensley

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:32:38 -0500

Baltimore Sun Ravens beat reporter Jamison Hensley talked about the team's upcoming matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, the impact of Terrell Suggs' injury and more during a live chat today. Click below to read the full transcript. Live Ravens chat with Jamison Hensley

Off Topic: Get Married Like a Raven

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:32:01 -0500

This isn't a newsy post, and it has nothing to do with the Colts game or the state of the team. But that's ok. Just ignore it if it's not your thing. But I wanted to post this video -- which has been bouncing around the net today, but I saw it first on Kissing Suzy Kolber, my favorite NFL humor blog -- just as a nice reminder of how much the Ravens matter to some people. They mattered so much to this couple they entered their wedding reception wearing a Ray Lewis (groom) and Joe Flacco (bride) jersey, and then the groom did a pretty spot on Ray-Ray dance. I wouldn't do this at my wedding, but I'm glad there are people out there who care this much that they would do it at theirs.

Baltimore Ravens Wedding from Casey Carter on Vimeo.